Opportunities galore in hospitality management

Posted on June 28, 2008

Opportunities galore in hospitality management

We explore more options for further study after Plus Two and turn to course choices that do not hinge on the student’s optional subject combinations.

We had earlier discussed in these columns the possibilities for further studies for those who have done the higher secondary programmes with either the mathematics-physics–chemistry or the biology-physics–chemistry combination of optional subjects. Let us now focus on the common avenues of higher education available for candidates who have finished the higher secondary course, irrespective of their optional subjects. There are various programmes that admit cand idates who have passed the Plus Two examination, without considering whether they have come through the science, humanities, commerce or vocational stream. What we aim to provide are indications of the diverse possibilities, and not a comprehensive discussion on each one of these avenues.

Hotel management

Since the focus of hotel management is primarily on catering to the needs of guests the term ‘hospitality industry’ has become popular. The industry is growing rapidly, thanks to the unprecedented advances in tourism and international business, and consequent travel. Those who have the right temperament and aptitude to meet the personal requirements of guests, and the strength of technical training in the diverse aspects of hotel management have fine professional prospects in India and abroad.

It may be noted that India’s share of the global tourism industry is less than one per cent. This reveals the great potential for development of tourism in India. Both business and leisure travel by domestic and foreign tourists demands hotels managed by competent professionals.

Not only hotels but motels, restaurants, rest houses, guest houses, hostels, hospitals, industrial canteens, ships and airlines offer jobs to those trained in the art and science of hotel management. Fine communication skills, pleasing behaviour, politeness, ability to remain composed even under tension, willingness to work anytime during the day or the night and expertise in the different aspects of the industry are necessary for success.

The main areas where skills have to be developed include food production; food and beverages service; accommodation operation; front office; bakery and confectionery; preservation; hotel accountancy; business communication; hotel engineering; computer operation; and sales and marketing. The course will also cover topics such as hotel laws; general principles of management, including human resources and marketing; nutrition; health and hygiene; hotel machinery; and French language.

Institutes

The National Council for Hotel Management and Catering Technology, Noida (web site: www. nchmct.org) holds an entrance test for admission to the 3-year B.Sc. Hospitality and Hotel Administration programme, offered jointly by the Council and the Indira Gandhi National Open University. Selection to more than 30 institutes of Hotel Management and Catering Technology in different parts of the country, from Thiruvananthapuram to Srinagar, is made based on the ranks in this entrance test.

The 3-hour test comprises 200 objective questions drawn from the areas of numerical ability and scientific aptitude; reasoning and logical deduction; general knowledge and current affairs; English language; and aptitude for service sector. One should prepare specially for the test, using the previous question papers in order to get an idea on the nature and standard of possible questions.

The programme equips students with all the required skills, knowledge and attitude to discharge efficiently the supervisory responsibilities in the hospitality sector. It also involves in-depth laboratory work that enables students to acquire the knowledge and skills in the operational areas of food production; food and beverage service; front office operation; and house keeping. Further, it provides managerial inputs in hotel accountancy; food safety and quality; human resource management; facility planning; financial management; strategic management; tourism marketing; and tourism management.

There are other institutions offering degree and diploma programmes in this discipline, some of which are indicated below. The duration may be three or four years.

•Welcomgroup Graduate School of Hotel Administration, Manipal – 576 119 (Four-year Bachelor degree)

•Oberoi Centre for Learning and Development, Sham Nath Marg, New Delhi – 110 054 (Three- year programme with stipend and other facilities)

•Indian Institute of Hotel Management, Rouza Bagh, Aurangabad – 431 001

•Srinivas College of Hotel Management, GHS Road, Mangalaore – 575 001

•Oriental School of Hotel Management, Valley View, Lakkidi, Wayanad – 673 576

•Saptagiri College of Hotel Management, Kavoor, Mangalore – 575 015

•Army Institute of Hotel Management and Catering Technology, Bangalore -560 077 (for children of army personnel)

•SRM Institute of Hotel Management, 2-Veeraswamy Street, West Mambalam, Chennai – 600 033

•Munnar Catering College, Sooryanelli, Munnar-685 618

•Merit Swiss Asian School of Hotel Management, Ooty

•Dr. D.Y. Patil Institute of Hotel Management, Nerul, Navi Mumbai-400 706

•IHTTI School of Management, Neuchatel, Switzerland

•Les Roches International School of Hotel Management, Switzerland

(The list is only indicative)

One advantage of jobs in quality hotels is that food, accommodation and uniforms will be provided by the employer, free of cost.

Guidanceplus archives: http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/nic/0051

B.S. WARRIER for THE HINDU