REQUEST FOR FACULTY RESEARCH SUPPORT
THROUGH THE OFFICE OF TOURISM ANALYSIS

GUIDELINES

The Office of Tourism Analysis of the Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management is charged with implementing a series of research and monitoring programs and disseminating such information to decision-makers and stakeholders in the Lowcountry’s hospitality and tourism industry. This effort is consistent with the mission of the School of Business and Economics in better serving the economic interests and vitality of the region by engaging faculty and students in applied research in the community and region where their expertise can be of value. Its intent is to also enhance the university experience for students and faculty through the unique learning relationships inherent in executing these projects; A vision consistent with in the College of Charleston’s Fourth Century initiative. Aligning faculty research priorities to pressing community issues will not only serves our local community and makes friends for the College, the subsequent publication of this research in academic journals also expands the reputation of the College as a community of scholars.

The study of hospitality and tourism is explored as a business sector as well as a social and economic phenomenon. As an interdisciplinary field, it draws from and is impacted by such diverse fields as the geography, arts, public policy, planning, technology, management and marketing. To support and further develop these linkages, it is anticipated that two (2) sponsored research awards will be provided to College of Charleston faculty members that support the aforementioned principles of the Office of Tourism Analysis. Research support provided will not exceed $2,000 for each project. These funds are derived from the revenues derived from the Department’s continuing education programs and fixed contracts with the industry.
Herein provides the guidelines in which research proposals should be submitted and will subsequently be evaluated.

APPLICATION FOLLOWING THE
FACULTY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE GUIDELINES

The project summary should be written in terms clear to evaluators who are not specialists in the discipline. The evaluation committee will be made up of the Chair of the Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management and two representatives from the local industry/ community in which to proposed project impacts or has relevance. The form used to evaluate proposals is attached.

Proposal narrative--Describe the research project under the following categories [a-j]. Applicants should provide detailed narratives, but the narrative should not exceed four single-spaced pages.

a) Project title; researcher names, rank and department affiliation. Attach each researcher’s full vitae as an appendix to the proposal.
b) Include a description of the research objectives, methods, and significance of the project from an applied standpoint. It should be understandable to academic colleagues who are not experts in the field.
c) Include a description of the theory/concepts that the project is based upon that makes it of significance from an academic standpoint.
d) Include a description of the expected results and/or impact.
e) Indicate the willingness of the researchers to communicate the results and practical consequence in a final research report (and if called upon a presentation) to community and industry leaders.
f) Discuss the academic journal publications that will likely be produced from the research including the names of targeted journals.
g) Include a timetable for the project.
h) Include a statement as to what support is needed from the Office of Tourism Analysis to complete the project.
i) State current support for this project, listing both College and external sources of support, with amounts awarded. If there is current support, please explain why it does not cover the expenses for which you now seek assistance.
j) Provide an itemized budget clearly stating and justifying the necessity and cost of each item. Budgets may include items in such categories as salary, personnel (e.g., secretarial or student assistance), travel, equipment, supplies, and duplicating.
k) Proposals are accepted twice annually. They are December 1 and March 1 of each year.
l) Address your proposal Faculty Research Support to Office of Tourism Analysis, 315 Beatty Center.

Click here to see Proposal Review Sheet.