Identification of Industry Needs for Baccalaureate Hospitality Graduates: A Delphi Study

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to identify the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) expected of students graduating from baccalaureate institutions conferring four-year degrees in hospitality management. This study provided a confidential online forum, using Delphi methodology, to identify needed KSAs. Findings of this study suggest the top five KSAs students graduating from baccalaureate programs in hospitality management need for success in the industry are: good communication skills (oral), delivery of exceptional and consistent customer service, a commitment to high performance, people skills, and the ability to multi-task.