The integration of the hospitality curriculum in the work-integrated learning placement to enhance knowledge and employability

Abstract

A key focus of the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), as a higher education institution, is to produce employable graduates. Research has shown (McNamara & Ruinard, 2016; McAllister & Nagarajan, 2015) that the integration of the curriculum into a Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) placement is an important aspect in improving the employability of graduates. The purpose of this paper is to discuss whether the required learning outcomes of the CPUT Hospitality Management curriculum are incorporated into the WIL placement in preparation for future employment of hospitality graduates. This study used a quantitative research approach. Data was collected via online surveys and all responses were anonymous. The study population consisted of 159 hospitality students registered at CPUT in 2017, and 49 hospitality establishments that accepted these students for WIL placements in the same year. Data was analysed using SPSS version 24 and presented with tables and graphs. The findings revealed that 51 % of students identified the link between the learning outcomes of the curriculum and actual work completed during the WIL placement, and that 61 % implemented these learning outcomes. This meant more than 40% of students could not identify the learning outcomes. There is a need for a revised method of integrating the learning outcomes into the WIL placement by improving the WIL preparation classes, and including these learning outcomes in the WIL assessment forms. Although there are students who are able to identify the learning outcomes during their WIL placement, the number is insufficient to meet the expectations of the institution.