Building a new curriculum for hospitality management programmes with collegial seminars

Abstract

The aim of this study has been to identify crucial and relevant aspects that could be included in the curriculum of hospitality management programmes. The need for a new curriculum is currently up for debate, with specific requests emerging from the hospitality industry; an industry which is currently faced with big challenges with regards to recruiting, engaging and retaining talent. Results for the study indicate that the merging of practical aspects with more general literacy aspects could raise the level of employability among students and meet the needs of the industry. Leading practitioners have participated in seminars (focus groups) in order to identify the most important cornerstones for the new curriculum for Swedish hospitality management education. The results from the study can be used to set the agenda for the Swedish HEIs and as a template in the development of new and adapted curricula in higher hospitality management education.