Analysis of the hospitality training curriculum at university level. a case study of Makerere University business school and Nkumba University

Abstract

This work entitled: "Analysis of the hospitality training curriculum at university level. A case study of Makerere University Business School and Nkumba University"; is an outcome of an investigative study undertaken with the purpose of assessing how the university hospitality curriculum addresses the industry skills demands. The study was conducted over a period of four months from April 2010 to July 201 0 in two universities and two hotels. A total of 41 respondents, comprizing of 26 students, eight trainers and seven hotel managers participated in the study. A qualitative approach to the problem under investigation was adopted using a descriptive research design. The main methods of data collection included interviews, documentary analysis, focus group discussions and participant observation. The study established that although the documented aims and objectives of the university hospitality curriculum reflected the areas of competence identified as desirable by the employers, in practice there was a mismatch. While hotel managers advocated for graduates with practical skills, universities produced graduates with more of wider knowledge and managerial skills than the hospitality craft skills needed by the employers. In the study findings, contrary to industry expectations, theoretical straight lecture methods took 65% of study time and only 35% study time was allocated to practicals. The industrial attachment period of three months was also found to be too short to provide the learners with meaningful industrial experience. These existing practices were contrary to the arguments put forward by vocational educationists that curriculum should reflect occupation needs. Vocational educationists emphasize pedagogical strategies that address the head, heart and body so as to equip the learner with the necessary knowledge, attitude and skills needed in the world of work. The dominance of straight theoretical lectures as a mode of instruction at universities