Decoding Success: The Role of E-Learning Readiness in Linking Technological Skills and Employability in Hospitality Management Graduates

Technological advancement alongside global epidemics stimulated the widescale implementation of e-learning. However, it is reported that e-learning is in the experimental phase and still requires fundamental improvements, particularly in disciplines that go beyond theoretical knowledge. The current study examines the nexus between e-learning readiness, psychological motivation, technological skills, and employability skills among hospitality management undergraduates. It also explores the moderating effects of student engagement on the linkages among these variables. To that end, this study adopted a quantitative approach and used a self-administered questionnaire survey to collect primary data. The sample included a total of 428 participants who were recruited from undergraduates of hospitality management programs in Egyptian universities using the convenience sampling technique. Data analysis included performing PLS-SEM using Smart PLS 3.0 software. The results confirm the positive effects of psychological motivation and technological skills on both e-learning readiness and the employability skills of hospitality management undergraduates. The study also underscores the mediated role of e-learning readiness in the linkages between study predictors and outcomes. Additionally, the findings highlight the moderating effect of student engagement in supporting e-learning readiness and eventually employability skills. This study adds to the hospitality management body of knowledge and provides valuable insights for education institutions and policymakers to optimize e-learning experiences.