What is the Hotel Industry’s View Regarding Academia’s Preparation of Students as Future Problem Solvers?

Considering the major changes that the hospitality industry faces in terms of disruption, big data and manpower issues, the authors intend to investigate the industry leaders’ and academics’ views about these challenges, and their expectations about universities’ preparation of future manpower to meet the challenges.

This is a preliminary study that was conducted by faculty from Singapore Institute of Singapore (SIT). SIT is an autonomous, public university in Singapore; and the only one that offers full-fledged hospitality degree programme in this country whose tourist numbers exceed its population.

The survey method consisted of a questionnaire that was distributed via email and online modes. The sample unit comprised senior management personnel from the industry as well as senior faculty members of educational institutions, from different parts of the world. The findings add to the existing knowledge base about this research topic. The outcomes also serve as a reference for practitioners and universities as they collaborate further to prepare graduates as future problem solvers.