We Prepare Students for Successful Careers in the Tourism and Hospitality Industry, says Head of UITHM

In a conversation with Shiksha.com, Professor Manish Sharma, Head of the University Institute of Tourism and Hospitality Management (UITHM) at Chandigarh University says UITHM offers a variety of experiential learning opportunities which includes internships, Industrial visits, exchange programs, and work-study opportunities, allowing students to gain hands-on experience in Tourism and Hospitality Management. 

Professor Manish Sharma is currently the Head of the University Institute of Tourism and Hospitality Management (UITHM) at Chandigarh University. With over 25 years of experience in the industry and academia, he has honed his expertise in overseeing operations, implementing strategic initiatives, and fostering positive work.

Q1. Can you discuss the philosophy and mission of the Hotel Management department at Chandigarh University and how it prepares students for successful careers in the hospitality industry?

The philosophy of hotel management departments is rooted in the belief that hospitality is not just a business but a way of life. Hospitality is about making guests feel welcome, comfortable, and valued. We at the University Institute of Tourism and Hospitality Management (UITHM) prepare students for successful careers in the Tourism and Hospitality industry; the Hotel Management department at Chandigarh University likely offers a variety of experiential learning opportunities which includes internships, Industrial visits, exchange programs, and work-study opportunities, allowing students to gain hands-on experience in the field. In addition, the department also provides access to industry professionals, guest speakers, and networking events, providing students with valuable industry connections. We teach our students to be professionals in their fields of study and encourage perpetual learning by equipping them to be socially responsible citizens, ethical citizens, and holistically people of integrity.

We at the UITHM follow the below-mentioned Missions –

1. To provide state-of-the-art infrastructure for quality delivery of academics and assistance for research in Tourism and Hospitality.
2. To acquaint students and faculty with global educational and industrial scenarios through strategic relationships with leading universities and industries.
3. To encourage budding potential entrepreneurs and motivate others by facilitating an environment and culture of innovation in Tourism and Hospitality.
4. To extend support to the students by providing them with a platform for choosing career opportunities in Tourism and Hospitality industry through campus placements and allied programs.

Q2. How does the Hotel Management program at Chandigarh University differ from other hospitality programs in India, and what advantages does it offer students?

UITHM program has taken shape since the inception of Chandigarh University. The curriculum is created considering the New education policy to meet the global challenges giving students the knowledge and abilities required to thrive in the hospitality sector. The UITHM programs at Chandigarh University also have advanced amenities, including a Centre of Excellence for Culinary and House Keeping, a front office lab, a restaurant, a mock bar, fully stocked training kitchens, a bakery and confectionary labs. We also have a Travel desk and the Airline Lab, fostering the best of professional learning. The curriculum is intended to introduce learners to real-world situations and business procedures. Equipped with internationally trained faculty, the University Institute of Tourism and Hospitality Management (UITHM) distinctively blends education's theoretical and practical essentials with real-life experience.

To achieve academic excellence, specialisations/minors are offered in programs. The programmes provide education through a thoughtful blend of theoretical, practical, and hybrid components. Besides the Value-Added Courses in emerging and relevant fields, we enable learners to certify in Massive Open Online Courses, or MOOCs, on LinkedIn, Coursera, SWAYAM, and other platforms from the first year onwards to improve competence and career enhancement courses. We have licenced software to train students in hotel operations and travel booking. At UITHM, we follow some of these practices which make us stand out from others:–

• Minor Degree Program - The curriculum has a Minor degree along with a Major degree of 36 credits in various verticals like Heath and Nutrition, Restaurants and Catering, Travel businesses and so on.
• Industry-Oriented Education: Chandigarh University's Hotel Management programme was developed with the hospitality sector to ensure students are taught the skills and information necessary to be productive in their careers. The curriculum is continually revised to reflect recent business trends and procedures.
• International Orientation: Through exchange programmes, internships, and company visits, the programme exposes students to various cultures. Students benefit from this experience by developing a global perspective and a deeper understanding of the hospitality sector.
• Global Faculty Standards: The Chandigarh University Hospitality, Tourism and Airlines program's faculty comprises seasoned professionals exposed to the sector. They contribute their knowledge and practical experience to the classroom, giving students insightful information about the field. We also have excellent international faculty guiding our students from various parts of the world, namely, the Philippines, Georgia, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Australia, South Africa, Italy, France & so on.
• Modern Infrastructure: The programme features modern infrastructure, which includes labs that are fully stocked, a training kitchen, a cafeteria, a property management system lab, a mock aircraft lab, Tourism Lab and a bakery. With the help of this infrastructure, students can gain practical experience and polish their abilities in a realistic environment.
• Technology Enabled Learning ( TEL): One domain that makes us unique is the usage of online learning platforms and state-of-the-art software that give students a technical advantage and a mindset of lifelong learning. Software like Opera, IDS, Amadeus, and Galileo and platforms like LinkedIn Learning and Coursera, NPTEL, Metacrafters etc
• Placements: Chandigarh University has a robust placement workplace that aids students in obtaining internships and employment opportunities in prestigious hospitality organisations in India and worldwide. The programme has a strong placement record, and graduates have landed work at prestigious hotel brands like Marriott, Hyatt, Hilton and airlines like Qatar. Indigo, Vistara etc.
• Multi culture and Diverse Environment: The UITHM Department exposes students of all ethnicities and multicultural backgrounds to diverse principles and perspectives, creating an environment promoting creative and critical learning approaches.

The Chandigarh University Hotel Management programme provides students with a comprehensive education that integrates academic learning with real-world expertise and equips them for lucrative futures in the hospitality sector.

Q3.  Can you discuss any recent developments or changes within the Hotel Management program at Chandigarh University that you are particularly excited about and how these changes will benefit students?

Programmes at Chandigarh University are renowned for being cutting-edge and applicable to the business community, and the hotel management programme is not an exemption. Recently, UITHM has been ranked 1^st among all the Private universities of India and 101-150 in QS University ranking 2023 & ranked 6^th among the Top Hotel Management private colleges of India by Outlook-Icare Ranking 2022. Due to these recent accomplishments, students are proud to be connected with a world-class learning institution. We are exceedingly excited about these milestones contributing to our student's learning and success. Additionally, we are preparing for the university's collaboration with international institutions for study abroad programmes and partnerships with major hotels, airlines, and travel companies, which will provide students with access to the most current business practices and trends.

Q 4.  How does Chandigarh University ensure its Hotel Management curriculum is up-to-date with industry trends and best practices, and what role do industry partnerships play in this process?

Chandigarh University takes several countermeasures to keep the Hotel Management curriculum updated with the most recent business trends and best practices. The institution accomplishes this in part thanks to its relationships with businesses in the industry.

The institution has collaborated with top hotels, resorts, and other hospitality organisations to keep up with industry trends and practices. Through these collaborations, the institution can create and improve its curriculum while also gaining insight into the demands of the business now and in the future.

Some of the features we want to highlight here are –

• Business conferences and workshops: Our faculty and learners are encouraged to regularly attend important industry events and meetings to keep up with the newest trends and technological breakthroughs. These events provide opportunities for professionals to network, attend seminars and workshops, and engage in panel discussions on developing technology and design practices.
• Continuous training and learning: Our faculty members regularly participate in continuing education, faculty development, and training programmes. Apart from attending various FDPs, faculties are also exposed to work in industrial setups to keep their skills and knowledge updated per the latest trends.  They also have access to numerous online platforms, such as Coursera and LinkedIn, where they are constantly expanding their knowledge of new design technology and trends.
• Industry newsletters and blogs: The University's knowledge resource hub has several offline and online resources focusing on hospitality & tourism. Students are urged to use these sources to take a creative standpoint to apply in the work area.
• Industry partnership: Chandigarh University has collaborated with industry professionals and organisations. These collaborations enable us to keep up with emerging technology and design practices while providing opportunities to work on actual assignments and acquire practical experience.

Q5.Can you discuss any research initiatives that are currently underway within the Hotel Management program at Chandigarh University and how these initiatives benefit both students and the wider hospitality community?

The Hotel Management programme at Chandigarh University is dedicated to enhancing our understanding in performing research that advances our knowledge and enables the hospitality sector to grow. Our established centre of research in Culinary and Allied Hospitality Research has several ongoing research projects under its umbrella. A few of them are:

• Sustainable Tourism Practices - The programme on sustainable tourism practices is conducting research and how they affect the hotel sector. This study aims to develop strategies for enhancing the economic viability of resorts and hotels while reducing their environmental impact.
• Market Research - The faculty and students actively participate in the projects like market research, GAP analysis between consumer expectation and satisfaction, emerging trends etc. Such projects aim to identify opportunities and challenges and develop critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills. The programme also includes academic research collaboration with global MoU universities to share knowledge.
• Technology Advancements - The programme examines how blockchain, artificial intelligence, and other cutting-edge technologies affect the Hospitality Industry. This study will determine how these technologies can boost operational effectiveness and improve visitor experiences.
• Project PURE Project for upgradation of roadside eateries – Taking Guest satisfaction, sanitation, hygiene, food presentation, grooming& hygiene of staff. This program for skilling the workforce in local food outlets/eateries is developed in semi-urban and rural areas. This project aims to uplift the economic & social status of the local community development through responsible activities. Ethnic Cuisine Documentation.
• Project DHARA: Daily Healthy Ahaar in Rural Area (DHARA): The hospitality management programme has initiated several projects like, collaborative research with industry partners on plant-based food and millet food consumption pattern etc. This project focuses on providing healthy, nutritional and hygienic food in rural areas.

These research projects have advantages for students and, more significantly, for the hospitality sector. These programmes allow students to hone their research techniques and obtain practical experience in the hospitality sector. This aids their overall professional development and positions them to become industry leaders.

Q6. How does the Hotel Management program at Chandigarh University integrate practical experiences, such as internships or on-site training, into its curriculum, and how has this impacted student learning outcomes?

Chandigarh University's Hotel Management programme emphasises practical experience and offers numerous chances for students to get practical experience through apprenticeships, workshops, fellowships and on-the-job training. The programme has a dedicated training and placement unit that assists students in obtaining internships and employment with top resorts, hotels, and other hospitality-related businesses.

The curriculum is created to include practical knowledge in every facet of learning. For instance, students must complete at least 16 weeks of industrial training; during that period, they will intern in hotels and other hospitality organisations to gain expertise in various hospitality-related fields. With this industrial training, students can obtain practical experience, develop professional abilities, and apply their classroom learning to real-world circumstances.

A compelling way of embedding practicals with academics throughout the session is achieved here through various departmental-level clubs covering all the hospitality sector's central avenues. Every week at least one activity is mandatory per club, and students are encouraged to participate in and become members of as many clubs as per their area of interest.

This practical education system has proved to have a significant impact on the student's learning outcomes, for instance, the in-house Airline lab provides training on skill enhancement in the cabin crew profession, and the Travel agency is set up to give the students with customer handling approach, designing the packages on various tourism destinations and events like Khaana Bazar, Corner Café restaurant, and In-house Bakery where students get hands-on experience in their day-to-day learning. Internships and on-the-job training required as part of the curriculum have been found to increase students' employability and professional competency. They are more capable of meeting the needs of the hospitality sector, more able to adjust to shifting circumstances, and more knowledgeable about its many components.

Additionally, getting quality experience exposes students to industry professionals and offers networking possibilities, both of which can aid in securing future employment prospects. Students' success in the hospitality industry depends on their sense of professional accountability and ethical standards, which they gain through practical experience.

Q7.  How does the Hotel Management program at Chandigarh University support students' professional development, including opportunities for networking, mentorship, and post-graduation job placement?

Chandigarh University's Hotel Management programme aims to give students an in-depth understanding and real-world expertise in the hospitality industry. It also supports their professional growth by offering networking opportunities, mentorship programmes, and post-graduation job placement.

Listed below are some approaches in which the programme improves students' professional development:

1. Chandigarh University has alliances with several hotel and hospitality businesses, which provide internships, employment possibilities, and mentoring programmes to the students. Students benefit from these partnerships by developing their abilities, gaining real-world experience, and creating professional networks.
2. Professors, skilled and experienced hospitality industry experts, lead the programme. They prepare students for the workforce by giving them both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
3. The programme routinely holds workshops and seminars to educate students on the newest developments in hospitality technology and trends. Students can network with professionals in the business at these events.
4. The industrial tours to hotels, resorts, and other hospitality facilities are an integral part of the program to provide students with a first-hand understanding of the sector and its operations—these visits also present chances for solid networking and building professional links.
5. The programme provides students with career counselling and placement assistance. The career development cell assists students in finding suitable employment following graduation by offering counselling, training, and job placement assistance.

Q8.Can you discuss any notable collaborations or partnerships that the Hotel Management program at Chandigarh University has established with other universities or organisations and how these collaborations benefit students and faculty members?

The programme collaborates with several respected foreign universities and organisations, giving students and faculty members a unique chance to experience other cultures and enhance their knowledge bases.

Collaborative education programmes can provide opportunities for student recruitment and boost global prominence. Encourage faculty research collaboration by gaining access to college-industry MOU joint research programmes. These projects allow students and faculty to collaborate directly with industry professionals on cutting-edge hospitality and tourism schemes.

UITHM Department provides Global Exposure via exchange programs in UET Italy, Burapha University Thailand, Arkansas State University USA, Pai Chai University, South Korea & more.

Recent development in the university collaboration is our International transfer program -

• University of North Alabama, USA
• Vancouver Island University, Canada
• Sainte-Marie de Chavagnes Institution Cannes, France
• International Management Institute, Switzerland

The Institute is a member of major Hospitality and Tourism organisations such as The Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI), Hotel and Restaurant Association (H & RA), Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI), and IATA Agents Association of India (IAAI). The access allows students and faculty members to learn about industry trends, amass knowledge, and improve cognitive development. Only one university in India collaborates with the American Hospitality Academy (AHA).

MoU signed with Taj Hotel, Hyatt Hotel, IHG, FWSTS, Zenith Holidays HSI and SAI. These collaborations give students access to industry professionals, internships, and employment opportunities, allowing them to obtain real-world experience and hone crucial skills.

Furthermore, Chandigarh University's Hotel Management programme hosts frequent workshops, seminars, and guest lectures by professionals from local, national, and international organisations. These occasions allow academic staff and students to network with business executives, learn about current market trends, and sharpen their talents.

Q9.  What do you believe are the most pressing issues facing the hospitality industry today, and how does the Hotel Management program at Chandigarh University work to address these issues within its curriculum?

Listed below are some of the most critical issues the hospitality sector is now dealing with:

1. Manpower Challenge: The need for qualified personnel is causing a severe shortage in the hospitality sector, leaving many open positions.
2. Technology disruption: How the hospitality sector operates is changing quickly, and many firms need help to keep up with the most recent developments.
3. Sustainability: The hotel sector is seeing increased demand for sustainable practices. Thus, companies must discover ways to have a more negligible environmental impact.
4. Safety and security: Due to growing worries about safety and security, hospitality firms must protect their clients and staff.
5. Resistance to Adoption/change: most common factor is a lack of understanding which causes the fear of adopting the new environment and or technology, and thus, resistance to change happens.

The extensive curriculum of Chandigarh University's hotel management programme, which includes classes in the following areas, addresses these concerns.

1. Human resource management: This programme helps to overcome the labour shortage by preparing students to lead and manage a diverse workforce.
2. Technology advancements: To help students keep on top of trends, students are educated about the most recent technical developments.
3. Sustainable Practices in Hospitality: The course equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to put sustainability into practice in the hospitality sector.
4. Safety and security: Instruction in safety and security measures is offered to students, guaranteeing they are equipped to handle any unforeseen situation.
5. Universal Human Values (UHV): Contributing to the community by undertaking Institutional Social Responsibilities (ISR) in areas such as women's empowerment, community service, senior citizen care, environmental preservation, etc.
6. Technology Enabled Learning ( TEL): To make professional educational programmes more relatable and engaging, the Learning Management System of Chandigarh University, internet-based educational substance, electronic instruction, e-library, free Wi-Fi on campus, and constant and strict surveillance through e-governance are used.
7. Adaptability Readiness: The hospitality & tourism sector is a volatile industry. We at the UITHM prepare our students with the best in how they can always be ready to adapt to the changes caused by circumstances beyond one's control.

Q10.   What qualities are most important for success in the hospitality industry, and how does the Hotel Management program at Chandigarh University work to cultivate these qualities in its students?

Some attributes are highly regarded and essential for longevity in the hospitality sector. Some of the most crucial traits are excellent communication abilities, strong interpersonal abilities, keen awareness, an eye for detail, versatility, competence in leadership, service-oriented skills, and an infectious enthusiasm for the sector. Excellence in the hospitality sector requires several characteristics, such as:

• Communication skills: In the hospitality sector, communicating well with team members and guests is essential. It is crucial to speak effectively and professionally while paying close attention to the requirements and concerns of guests.
• Customer service: A vital component of the hospitality sector is offering top-notch customer service. This entails being aware of the guests' needs, paying close attention to their demands, and going above and beyond to meet them.
• Attention to detail: Close attention to the little things since they can make a significant difference in the hospitality sector. Everything from hotel cleanliness to food presentation requires attention to detail.
• Collaboration and teamwork: It must be high in the hospitality sector. Success depends on your ability to collaborate with other teams and departments.

• Life-long learning: Because the hospitality sector is constantly changing, it's essential to adjust to new developments in technology, consumer tastes, and market trends.

Customer service skills are heavily stressed throughout the programme because they are the foundation of the hotel sector. Students learn how to treat guests respectfully and professionally in challenging circumstances. Responsible citizen and socially accountable for instilling in students the desire to become more than just a person of values. The desired outcome of Chandigarh University's Hotel Management programme is to give students a holistic education that would establish them for advancement within the hospitality sector. Students graduate with the expertise and abilities needed to excel in their professions through courses, practical knowledge, and improved essential skills.