Global Professional Higher Education Learning Outcome Frameworks: A Cross-Case Qualitative Study with Tourism Management Education as an Exemplary Case

Twelve universities from five different higher education systems in China, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and Singapore were selected as research objects for a cross-case qualitative study on the framework of undergraduate learning outcomes in tourism management. Although it belongs to a specific field, this study also faces two major problems in modern professional higher education worldwide: the ongoing tension between broad liberal arts education and specialized vocational training, and the competition between local cultural relevance and global standardization. Tourism management provides a typical case for observing the above conflicts because it is both an exceptionally open sector in terms of international integration and, at the same time, one of the most deeply rooted cultural spaces. Based on an all-around analysis of the programme profile, curriculum documents and official learning outcome statements, its core consistencies and differences with the talent cultivation objectives and curriculum systems at all levels were identified. Therefore, the shallow differences in curriculum design stem from deep-seated educational philosophies passed down through history, such as the goals of higher education and the role of universities in society. By treating tourism management as a representative case, this inquiry can expand the theoretical scope of the philosophical foundation for professional higher education and provide practical references for cross-disciplinary internationalisation and reform of curricula.