1 Employability & pertinence of WBL for International Hospitality Management students a comparative study of the respective experiences of students from India and the UK Bernie Quinn (Programme Leader IHM, QMU Edinburgh) Bryan Cruden (Co-ordinator for Direct Entry Students QMU Edinburgh) Rupa Datta (Programme Leader, Kolkata)

2 Research has evolved over 3 years Collaboration between IIHM & QMU BA International Hospitality Management Edinburgh: Quinn & Cruden started exit interviews Bridging & teaching in-country (Kolkata) Closer working partnerships with colleagues Qualitative research starts in Edinburgh Mix of taped audio and visual one-to-one or focus groups Student learning experiences.

3 Evolution led to… Quinn & Cruden in contact with many graduates Realisation that almost 100% international students went straight into hospitality industry Figures for UK students less (70-80%) Considered again mapping differences of levels one and two of both sets of students Considered the relative hunger of both sets of students to proceed into industry

4 Levels 1 & 2 Edinburgh Practical classes 6 hours per week for 10 weeks in first year and then again in second year Placement between levels 2 and 3 of 16 weeks; must be related to degree History & evolution of f&B Managing f&b theory Generic management & marketing, HR concepts Part-time work in industry

5 Levels 1 & 2 Soft skills Edinburgh Handling guest relations Basics of different types of communication Group discussions Personal development Guest lectures Video shows Presentation skills –poster –oral –power point All of this leads to….

6 an experience…………

7 Levels 1 & 2 in Kolkata (in Realia) Realia is a recurrent theme throughout involves; f & b practical sessions almost daily 22 weeks industrial training Realia restaurant operation celebrity teachers commonly used Food fests, theme parties (supervised by senior students) Cocktails, mixology, fine dining, inventory control and menu planning Use of common tools in industry: Fidelio etc.

8 Levels 1 & 2 Kolkatta Soft skills Handling guest relations Basics of different types of communication Group discussions Etiquette Personal development Mock interviews Guest lectures Video shows Spoken English classes Presentation skills –poster –oral –power point All of this leads to….

9 Intensity of Experience

10 Work Experience Kolkatta V Edinburgh 22 weeks industrial placement in India, Dubai, Singapore Tends to be 5* hotel environment Students are expected to work intensive placements that will stretch them physically, mentally and to showcase skills already learned Expected to reflect upon the experience 16 weeks industrial placement usually in Scotland, Europe, or USA Can be any pertinent placement that aims to enhance or build new skills required by industry Students expected to complete the placement and reflect upon the process Opportunities for p/t work in industry

11 Employers & Employability>> Indian Graduate Both in UK and Asia Indian graduates are generally accepted as; Well educated Conscientious Hard working Having a wide range of hard & soft skills **Keen to progress Enthusiastic about hospitality industry **May take some time before they are considered ready for management positions in UK

12 Employers & Employability >> UK Graduate UK graduates generally accepted as; Well educated Keen to progress Will possess certain limited hard skills Individuals may have an awareness of soft skills Have high expectations (unrealistic at times) of their worth (personal & financial) Have high early expectations of industry ** May have difficulties in accepting a starting position within industry unless management appears in title!

13 Students; asked how level 3 had prepared them better for industry…. Events management, facilities, marketing and small business biggest ever opportunity to get a global education and a global degree which would benefit you, in your future life Im really doing well in my job, in my career, everything. Everything has changed. I have changed my life Research Data Analysis>> waste of time I dont know where that will be used in the future, or Research, thats the real link, just research and research

14 Catalyst Life-changing? Transferable skills Action management Reflection / CPD

15 Progress? Indian students could be better prepared for future management (culturally may be difficult) Indian students, due to intensive practical skills/training, perhaps tend to focus on utilising these skills when entering industry (comfort zone?) Indian graduates more likely to take on post grad studies sooner UK graduates have sometimes unrealistic expectations and a laissez-faire attitude the N/gen (now generation)

16 prospects… Students can learn much from each other; closer working and socialising within the learning environment will benefit both groups of students If these social circles are more diverse leading to inclusivity then these precepts should follow into industry………. Closer relationships between academia and industry to acknowledge and develop N/geners in a way that satisfies all stakeholders Wbl then is also wbl for life UK students need more developed range of hard and soft skills / Indian students need contextualised management training

17 Meet Manish