A content analysis of postsecondary curricula for training in the Canadian hospitality and tourism industry

The problem centered on the need to upgrade and standardize curriculum content in hospitality education.; The study focused on a determination of the degree of Competence and Importance within certain knowledge/skill areas as perceived by Seniors, Faculty, Graduates, and Management in the disciplines of Hotel/Motel and Restaurant Management; Food Preparation Service and Management; Recreology and Recreation Management; and Tourism Marketing and Management.; The purpose of the study was to compare the effectiveness of selected training and development skills between male and female seniors and graduates as well as between faculty instructors and industry management supervisors according to four stated null hypotheses.; This study should be important to educators involved in the teaching of tourism-related subjects as they endeavour to improve existing core curricula by the addition of important skills related to chosen professions.; Survey research methodology was used to systematically identify, analyze, and describe the perceived competencies and importance in 24 knowledge skill areas, from a sample of senior and graduate students within the four sectors, using a quantitatively-designed questionnaire based upon a format developed by the American Society of Training and Development (ASTD).; Correlated mean scores obtained from the survey were used, by descriptive analysis, to identify the range of perceptions and by inferential analysis to determine any significant differences related to the stated skills. Subsequent research rejected the four hypotheses which had stated that there was little or no difference in the perceptions of twenty-four stated skills among the four chosen industry segments.; The data gathered identified a lack of training in certain skills and led to the conclusion that post-secondary education for the hospitality and tourism industry in Canada needs to develop curricula which would standardize and upgrade effectiveness, particularly in the area of total quality management.; Seventeen areas were recommended for future study.