Historic Glasgow has invited Strathclyde Business School to work with them on a project for 2011/2012, continuing a successful relationship started last year. In 2010, the Department of Management's HTM (Hospitality and Tourism Management) pathway collaborated with Glasgow City Council's 'Historic Glasgow' project to develop an innovative piece of 1st Year coursework on managing cultural heritage resources.
A brief was supplied by Historic Glasgow containing a list of 'neglected' heritage sites and the task to compile a portfolio of archive and contemporary images, the historical development and current condition of each site, transport/access issues and potential for development as a visitor attraction. These were uploaded to Historic Glasgow's website as information resources for visitors and local communities.
The project was supported by a formal launch at City Chambers, a guest lecture by Historic Glasgow staff and the opportunity for outstanding student groups to formally present their findings to senior council officers.
The relationship between SBS and Historic Glasgow, managed by Dr Derek Bryce, Department of Management, has opened up extended opportunities for HTM students, with placements at Historic Glasgow made available for the 3rd year 'Industry Project' class and two Honours dissertation projects in which heritage tourism products are to be developed for the city. Discussions are already in progress for a 2012/13 project on the Commonwealth Games.
Dr Bryce said, "The relationship is emerging as a consistent theme throughout the subject pathway. These projects offer not only the opportunity for HTM students to apply academic theory to an immediate, local, context but to fulfil a genuine business need for a real 'client' and to see the results of their work being used. These skills are transferable to other areas of their studies and indeed to their careers after graduation".