Assessment of tourism and hospitality management competencies: a student perspective

Ongoing research into the needs of tourism and hospitality industries with respect to competencies required of graduates is crucial to ensure curricula are relevant and up to date. Additionally, as student internships are common components of tertiary education in tourism and hospitality management, studies investigating the role internship plays in developing tourism students’ management competencies are essential. This paper reports on a longitudinal study that explores management competencies of Australian tourism and hospitality students in a 3 year Bachelor of Business in Tourism program. This investigation assessed students’ perceptions of their level of management competence, developed during the first, second and third years of their degree program. A self-assessment instrument that measures perceived competence in 24 generic management competencies and 8 management roles within the Competing Values Framework (CVF) (Quinn et al, 1996) was used. The key findings of this investigation imply that tertiary education in tourism and hospitality studies has proved effective in contributing towards the development of management competencies in this cohort of students, particularly in the mentor role. This study also highlights the importance of offering a curriculum in tourism and hospitality management that incorporates a blend of learning experiences that will develop students’ level of management competence, thereby preparing them for future management roles.