Rethinking Knowledge and Competences in Hospitality Education

Abstract

Fierce competition in the tourism industry is influencing the nature and scope of managerial work at all levels, not to mention the volatility and sensitivity of the industry. The hospitality business is becoming more sophisticated and complex in today’s robust business environment. Managing in uncertainties requires a new set of competences beyond the traditional management skills and competences. Consequently, the competitive hospitality business environment suggests that managerial demands will be different from the past. Intensified global competition has also increased the pressure on business to respond quicker and develop new and innovative approaches to compete in the business. Hence, today’s entry-level managers need a diversity of talents, skills and competences in order to meet the demands of the industry. In this respect, an effective hospitality management education programme must be able to respond to the demands of the constantly changing environment. To aggravate the situation, the rapid development of new hospitality management programmes, not to mention the increased enrolment figures of existing hospitality schools, has led to an increased concern about programme credibility and effectiveness.