The perceptions of graduates and students on quality of hospitality management program and future development : the case of Hong Kong

Abstract

This study explores graduates' and students' perceptions of the importance of quality of different modules in a Diploma in Hospitality Management (DHM) program in relation to their future development. A structured questionnaire was developed to examine the relationship of the quality of taught modules (courses) and future development. Data collection was conducted at a local university in Hong Kong, through a survey from graduates of the first intake and students of the second intake. Empirical findings indicated that the respondents generally viewed the program positively, but significant differences on various modules were found between those i) who had and had not completed an internship, ii) who preferred to work in the industry and to pursue further studies, and iii) graduates and students. This paper would be of interest to hospitality educators to better understand the quality of their curricula.