Reflecting on changes in operational training in UK hospitality management degree programmes

Purpose - The aim of this conceptual paper is to assess the continued relevance of operations based training within hospitality management higher education programmes. The paper explores the purpose of a hospitality management degree programme and how this might have impacted upon curriculum development and the student learning experience.Design methodology approach - The paper attempts to draw together writing on some of the key issues surrounding operations based training including balancing preparedness for industry with providing a true higher education experience and the growing clamour for a more liberal approach to hospitality education.Findings - The paper identifies and discusses two UK programmes that have made significant changes to their operations provision.Originality value - The paper further explores issues around the debate into the hospitality curriculum adding a valuable dimension concerning operational training.