TCHS1-GC 1015/TCTM1-GC 3650 Data Analytics for Hospitality and Travel Fall 2023

SYLLABUS

Professor: Christopher Gaffney

E-mail: [email protected]

Phone: (212) 998-7256

Office hours: By appointment

Office Location: 7 E. 12th Street, 721F

Course Location/Time: 7 East 12th, Room 327, Tuesdays, 4:55pm - 7:25pm

Description

This course presents the building blocks for research and data analysis in the hospitality, tourism, travel, and events industries.  We will examine the importance of problem-based research methods, the social impact of research, the overall structure for constructing robust research questions, gathering and analyzing data, and drawing conclusions supported by a coherent  evidence  and  synthetic  analysis.  In  this  course,  we  will  learn  how to  organize bibliographic data, map ideas, de/construct arguments, gather qualitative, quantitative, and mixed data, analyze scholarly and industry research; explore techniques and methods of analysis; learn data visualization techniques, and work with mixed media presentations. The building blocks of research and analysis result in an original piece of research that brings together the skills, software, and research tools that we develop in the course.

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites for the course.

Learning Outcomes

By  the  end  of  the   semester,  students  should  be  able  to:  understand  the  theoretical frameworks for conducting research, identify methodological approaches for a given topic, structure a research proposal, understand current issues in ethical research, write critical responses to scientific research based on independent investigations, display proficiency in qualitative,  quantitative,  and  mixed  methodologies,  write  a   research  question,  gather, organize,  visualize,  and  integrate  data,  use  multi-media  platforms  to  present  research findings.

Communication Methods

Generally, I will respond to emails within 24 hours of receiving them. If I plan to be away  from my computer for more than a couple of days, I will let you know in advance. Should you encounter any issues with the course materials, please contact me as soon as     possible via email.

Please be sure to frequently check the “Announcements” module within NYU Brightspace. This will be the main method I communicate with the class other than email. This is the

best way to post time-sensitive information critical to your success within the course. Information that I might send out would be:

●   Due dates for assignments and projects

●   Changes to your syllabus

●   Corrections/clarifications of materials

●   Interesting articles and datasets

Please be sure to contact me directly via email should you have questions regarding announcements.

Structure | Method | Modality

This course will be facilitated though NYU Brightspace. To access your course materials, log intoNYU Homewith your NetID and Password. Then, select NYU Brightspace.

Weekly Themes

Each week of the course we buildupon the previous weeks and the assignments are

intended to build in complexity as we progress. I will typically have an introductory lecture

that explores the issues we are dealing with and then we will move into exercises or discussion groups for the second part of the session.

Assignments

This course is designed to give broader theoretical perspectives into data and research

while providing you with resources, skill development, and practical tools for doing all

kinds of things with data. The assignments, as with the lecture sequence, are cumulative.  Assignments are due at the time and date indicated in Brightspace.  Late assignments will not be accepted without either the prior approval of the instructor or with evidence of an emergency.

If you know you are going to be late with an assignment, or are having difficulties, contact me as soon as possible.

All assignments must be uploaded under the “Assignments” tool in NYU Brightspace unless otherwise indicated (for instance, Zotero, Flourish, and StoryMaps will be outside of NYU     platforms, but you will have to upload a hyperlink or screenshot). Each assignment

includes a detailed description. Be sure to pay close attention to deadlines —there will be  no make-up assignments, or late work accepted without approval. If you will be unable to meet a deadline, please email me as soon as possible.

Each assignment builds upon previous assignments, creating a research toolkit that will be

deployed in your final project. While it might not always be self-evident how the assignments are linked together, they are all equally important elements of a whole. For instance, we begin with  bibliographic skill development, which will help you to organize and store your resources     for the case study, developing relationships between texts and themes. We then move to

idea mapping, allowing us to identify and describe relationships between ideas.

The course is designed to build skills and knowledge incrementally, resulting in a piece of

original research displayed on the Global Tourism Risk Index Case Study website. There is a lot  of work in this course for everyone involved. I typically give feedback on assignments within 24- 36 hours of submission – I do this so you can know what you are doing right/wrong and so you

can immediately improve for the next assignment.

Feedback typically happens through Track Changes in MS Word. If you are not familiar with

Track Changes, there are numerous tutorials available. I correct for grammar, syntax, and content – this is a high level of feedback that many people are not used to. As there are frequently many   corrections, the feedback can sometimes feel harsh – it is never intended as such. None of us

were born doing research, writing texts, and communicating with strangers virtually. I always give the benefit of the doubt and hope to receive it in return.

The keys to success in this course:

•   Get excited about learning new skills and putting them to work

•   Stay up to date with readings

•   Keep a steady rhythm of assignments

•   Keep the big picture in mind – if you are bogged down, perhaps spend a little less time on a particular assignment and get points where they are most available. (i.e. A 5-point

assignment might not be worth the extra hour of effort, but a 20-point assignment certainly is).

•   Communicate with me – the more I know, the more I can help

All written assignments should adhere to the following format:

•   Typed in a university compatible software (I prefer Microsoft Word)

•    .docx or.doc document type

•    12-point font, 1-inch margins throughout, 1.5 space

•    Spell and grammar check (excessive mistakes will cause you to lose points)

•   Date, assignment title and student name in the header of the document

•   The title of the file needs to have the student´s name (ex. “Gaffney Key Terms”).

All assignments should be uploaded on NYU Brightspace. When there is no document to submit, please acknowledge that you have completed the assignment (“Dr. Gaffney, I have completed Zotero 1 and my work is visible in the group folder.”)

Modules

The course will be broken into three modules, with overlap and continuity. Each module will be accompanied by video lectures and assignments.

Introduction to research methods and systems thinking

In The Ghost Map we will examine the dynamics at play during a cholera outbreak in London, UK 1854. This book is an excellent point to begin understanding problem-based approaches to research and provides a common ground for students to engage the key issues that define the hospitality and tourism industries. The Ghost Map offers insight into multi-stakeholder engagement, qualitative and quantitative methodologies, issues of class and urbanization, infrastructure development, and the importance of public policy in the modern metropolis. In this module, we will develop critical reading skills, master the bibliographic software Zotero, develop concept mapping skills, and learn how to develop research questions based on the identification of key terms and dynamics.

Applying systems thinking to the industry

Our second section will use a recent publication, The Last Resort, to understand the dynamics of the hospitality, travel, and tourism industries through systems analysis. We will be reading the book with future case studies in mind, while also looking into the ways that we can ask good questions that reveal solid methodologies that in turn help us find relevant data that we can use to deepen our understanding of the questions.

Developing a data-based worldview, through literacy and practice

A data-based worldview is one in which our opinions and actions are informed by data. Of course, data are not always accurate or reliable, so we will be learning how to collect, analyze, organize,  interpret,  and  visualize  data.  The  two  texts  for this  section  of  the  course  are Becoming a Data Head and Calling Bullshit. Each of these books will build data literacy skills and will allow us to explore the basic themes of data analysis as we pursue data-driven research projects.

GRADING POLICY/ASSESSMENT STRATEGY

Grading in this course is based upon the completion of assignments, each with a point

value. The grade will be calculated as a percentage of the assignment point total. Since all graded assignments are related directly to course objectives, failure to complete any

assignment will reduce the overall course grade.  Grammar, punctuation, and spelling will be considered in grading.  Please carefully proof-read your written assignments before

submitting them. I will update the online grades each time a grading session has been

complete—typically 1-2 days following the completion of an activity. You will see a visual    indication of new grades posted on your NYU Brightspace homepage under the link to this course.

The grading rubric will follow these criteria for aten-point assignment:

•    10 points – assignment is completed on time, with proper formatting, answers the    questions completely, expresses critical thinking, demonstrates significant depth of engagement and a complete grasp of content

•   9 points - assignment is completed on time, with proper formatting, answers the questions completely, and demonstrates a good level of engagement and understanding

•    8 points - assignment is completed on time, with proper formatting, answers the questions completely, demonstrates a fair level of understanding and depth.

•   7 points - assignment is completed, poor level of grammar and syntax, average level of understanding

•   6 points – assignment is incomplete, poor level of engagement and understanding

•   5 points - assignment is incomplete, little or no engagement with material

On most assignments, I give detailed feedback using  Microsoft Word Track Changes or I insert comments into the window on NYU Brightspace. These comments and suggestions are intended to be read  and  engaged,  using  my  comments  to  improve  your work.  On  some assignments, such as Key Terms, you maybe asked to revise your assignments using Track Changes. In this way, you can respond directly to my comments and suggestions and make improvements.

Important note: There is never any malicious intent with the comments and edits I return. I do not generally soften editorial changes, which can be interpreted as overt criticism. I spend a lot of time giving feedback and trying to clarify your thinking (and words) - I expect you to receive this feedback in a professional manner, take the comments as suggestions for improvement, and attempt to incorporate the changes into your work.

Writing Expectations

Spelling, grammar and punctuation must be of professional or business standard.

Professional citation standards must be used.  All students must have adequate writing

skills to communicate content in a professional and concise manner. Students must employ non-racist and non-sexist language, and include sufficient references to support their thesis and ideas.

Course Expectations

•  All  assignments  must  be  typewritten  unless  otherwise  indicated.  Spelling,  grammar,  and punctuation must meet professional or business standards.

•  Assignments maybe checked for plagiarism.

• There may be times when assignments are unclear or expectations are not evident. It is the student´s responsibility to ask the professor to clarify questions as they arise and not to wait until a crisis of (mis) understanding develops. This is a professional environment and all concerns with the organization, content, and conducting of the course must first be brought to the attention of the professor.

The major expectation of this course is that you will be engaged with the material and complete the assignments in sequence and within the stipulated deadlines.

Expectations

Learning Environment

You play an important role in creating and sustaining an intellectually rigorous and inclusive classroom culture. Respectful engagement, diverse thinking, and our lived experiences are central to this course,   and enrich our learning community.

Participation

You are integral to the learning experience in this class. Be prepared to actively contribute to class activities, group discussions, and work outside of class.

Assignments and Deadlines

Please submit all assignments to the appropriate section of the course site inNYU Brightspace. If you require assistance, please contact me BEFORE the due date.

Course Technology Use

We will utilize multiple technologies to achieve the course goals. I expect you to use technology in ways that enhance the learning environment for all students.

Feedback and Viewing Grades

I will provide timely meaningful feedback on all your work via our course site inNYU Brightspace. You can access your grades on the course site Gradebook.

Attendance

I expect you to attend all class sessions. Attendance will betaken into consideration when determining your final grade. Refer to theSPS Policies and Procedures pagefor additional information about

attendance.

Textbooks And Course Materials

All readings beyond the four required books will be available on the shared Zotero database for this class. In order to access the readings and to contribution to the course bibliography, you will first need to register for and familiarize yourself with Zotero (assignment one). The required books are widely available and other readings will be assigned and posted on NYU Brightspace.

Required Books:

Johnson, Steven. The Ghost Map. Riverhead Books: New York. 2006.

Stodola, Sarah. The Last Resort. Norton and Co. New York. 2022.

Gutman, A. J., and J. Goldmeier. Becoming a Data Head: how to think, speak, and understand data science, statistics, and machine learning. Indianapolis: John Wiley and Sons. 2021.

(Available on Zotero or asane-book through NYU Libraries).

Bergstrom, Carl and Jevin West. Calling Bullshit. Random House: New York. 2020.

Grading | Assessment

Your grade in this course is based on your performance on multiple activities and assignments. Since all graded assignments are related directly to course objectives and learning outcomes, failure to complete any assignment will result in a lower course grade. Grammar, punctuation, and spelling will be

considered in grading. Please carefully proof-read your written assignments before submitting them for a grade. I will update the grades on the course site each time a grading session has been completed —

typically three (3) days following the completion of an activity.

See the“Grades” section of Academic Policiesfor the complete grading policy, including the letter grade

conversion, and the criteria for a grade of incomplete, taking a course on a pass/fail basis, and withdrawing from a course.

Course Outline

These topics and readings may change as we move through the course but will generally be added to, not subtracted from. All readings will be found on the Zotero platform with the

exception of the three books which you should buy and Data Head, which is available as an e- book via NYU Libraries.

Date                       Topic                                      Reading / Video / Audio                                  Assignment

NOTES:

The syllabus may be modified to better meet the needs of students and to achieve the learning outcomes.

The School of Professional Studies (SPS) and its faculty celebrate and are committed to inclusion,

diversity, belonging, equity, and accessibility (IDBEA), and seek to embody the IDBEA values. The School of Professional Studies (SPS), its faculty,staff, and students are committed to creating a mutually

respectful and safe environment (from theSPS IDBEACommittee).