THE APPLICATION OF CDIO MODEL IN THE UNDERGRADUATE CURRICULUM OF TOURISM MANAGEMENT: A QUALITATIVE STUDY

Yu  Xu; Yarnaphat Shaengchart; Songkrit Trerutpicharn; Supasak Boondee; Sutthiporn Chinnapha; Atipon Satranarakun

Authors

Yu Xu Pathumthani University
Yarnaphat Shaengchart Pathumthani University
Songkrit Trerutpicharn Pathumthani University
Supasak Boondee Pathumthani University
Sutthiporn Chinnapha Pathumthani University
Atipon Satranarakun Pathumthani University

Keywords:

Application of the CDIO, Tourism Management, Digital Competencies, Experiential Learning

Abstract

This research article examined the application of the Conceive – Design – Implement – Operate (CDIO) model in the Undergraduate Tourism Management Curriculum, focusing on its effectiveness in bridging theoretical learning with practical, industry-relevant skills, conducted by the qualitative research, using semi-structured interviews with fifteen key informants, including faculty members and undergraduate students, alongside documentary analysis of curriculum outlines and institutional policies. Content analysis identified four core themes: curriculum integration of CDIO principles, development of digital and AI-driven competencies, enhancement of experiential learning, and challenges in implementation.

The findings revealed that the CDIO model provided a structured learning pathway that enables students to conceptualize, design, and apply innovative tourism solutions, particularly in areas such as AI-enhanced customer service, smart tourism systems, and data-driven destination management. Experiential components including internships, case studies, and simulations were shown to significantly strengthen students’ teamwork, adaptability, and critical thinking skills. Despite these benefits, challenges emerged, such as limited technological resources, time constraints, and variations in faculty adoption, underscoring the need for institutional support and investment. This study contributed to the body of knowledge by extending CDIO’s applicability beyond engineering education into service-oriented disciplines, demonstrating its relevance in cultivating digitally fluent, industry-ready tourism graduates. The findings provided insights for curriculum developers, educators, and policymakers, highlighting CDIO as a promising framework for aligning tourism education with the demands of the digital economy.

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