Article Title

Learning in Action: Implementing a Facilitated Learning Programme for Tourism Micro-Firms

Authors

Dr. Felicity Kelliher, Department of Managenegt and Organisation, Waterford Institute of Technology; RIKON Research Group
Dr. Leana Reinl, RIKON Research Group, Waterford Institute of Technology

Abstract

This paper presents findings from research associated with a tourism micro-firm facilitated learning programme, carried out over a four-year period. Considering traditional educational interventions have had limited impact on micro-firm activities; the researchers propose an alternative approach to meeting the learning needs of micro-firms which encompass local and self-developed knowledge and the successful completion of learning cycles. Using a behavioural lens, the researchers’ consider the experiential learning impact of facilitated learning programmes on observed micro-firm owner-managers. Adopting an action learning (AL) approach, the researchers explore the design, development, implementation and impact of this programme and contemplate the observed micro-firms’ focus on and approach to learning in their business setting. Having analysed the micro-firms’ learning-enhanced development strategies, the researchers propose a cohort-specific AL framework based on the findings and highlight the research implications prior to setting out avenues of further research.

Recommended Citation

Kelliher, Dr. Felicity and Reinl, Dr. Leana (2014) "Learning in Action: Implementing a Facilitated Learning Programme for Tourism Micro-Firms," Irish Business Journal: Vol. 9: No. 1, Article 1.
Available at: https://sword.cit.ie/irishbusinessjournal/vol9/iss1/1