Why do we teach what we teach? Perspectives from Asia’s hospitality and tourism program directors |
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| Authors: | Hera Oktadiana Kaye Chon |
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| Institution: | 1. College of Business, Law and Governance, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia;2. Hotel Management/Hospitality &3. Tourism, Bina Nusantara University, Jakarta, Indonesia;4. School of Hotel &5. Tourism Management, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong |
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| Abstract: | This study investigates the forces shaping curriculum design of hospitality and tourism undergraduate programs in Southeast and East Asia. The topic has received little attention in the past. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 hospitality and tourism program directors from 8 regions in Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines) and East Asia (China, Hong Kong, Macao, South Korea). The results indicated that the industry as one major stakeholder has strong influences on curriculum in multiple ways. This can be seen in the way industry commentary shapes the objectives of the programs, graduate competencies, and the subject material favoring employability for the hospitality and tourism industry. Accreditation was viewed as more essential in designing a curriculum for the higher institutions in the Southeast Asia compared to East Asia. The availability and expertise of staff were viewed as the least important forces in shaping the curriculum. |
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| Keywords: | Curriculum design hospitality and tourism international contrast program directors Asia |
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