Effective cultural diversity training programmes for hotels
- Nkitseng, Thabiso Carrington
- Authors: Nkitseng, Thabiso Carrington
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Hotels , Cultural pluralism
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/414237 , uj:34929
- Description: Abstract: Cultural diversity management is a term that has become of great importance in the South African labour force since policies such as Black Economic Empowerment were implemented. These policies have brought about forced cultural integration in the workplace that has resulted in conflict due to the lack of skilled leadership within companies in the discipline of diversity management. With South Africa having 11 official languages and various ethnic groups, cultural interactions have become an obstacle for both managers and employees with regards to efficient communication, subtle forms of discrimination and stereotyping experienced due to the lack of cultural intelligence and sensitivity. An organization’s ability to overcome cultural diversity-related issues depends on how they embrace diversity as well as the policies and initiatives enforced. The main objective of the study was to determine the need for effective cultural diversity training programmes within South African hotels. A quantitative research approach was employed with a self-administered questionnaire distributed to both hotel management staff and the entry-level employees. Qualitative data collection method was also utilized in the form of open ended questions which gave further clarity into the responses of the participants regarding the barriers associated with cultural diversity. Results of the study showed that South African hotels have a culturally diverse workforce, with numerous cultures present in the working environment. When investigating the barriers to diversity, it was noted that communication was not a factor but that racial and ethnic discrimination existed within the sampled hotels. The organizational stance of the hotels was that hotels generally endorsed a culturally diverse workforce, albeit not having adequate training in place to deal with cultural diversity-related challenges. The findings of the research highlight the need for topic-specific training programmes that are tailored to address the cultural diversity-related issues identified in the study. The efficiency of mandatory diversity-related policies is brought into question, where re-evaluation of the effectiveness of the policies in rectifying diversity-related challenges is needed. , M.A.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Nkitseng, Thabiso Carrington
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Hotels , Cultural pluralism
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/414237 , uj:34929
- Description: Abstract: Cultural diversity management is a term that has become of great importance in the South African labour force since policies such as Black Economic Empowerment were implemented. These policies have brought about forced cultural integration in the workplace that has resulted in conflict due to the lack of skilled leadership within companies in the discipline of diversity management. With South Africa having 11 official languages and various ethnic groups, cultural interactions have become an obstacle for both managers and employees with regards to efficient communication, subtle forms of discrimination and stereotyping experienced due to the lack of cultural intelligence and sensitivity. An organization’s ability to overcome cultural diversity-related issues depends on how they embrace diversity as well as the policies and initiatives enforced. The main objective of the study was to determine the need for effective cultural diversity training programmes within South African hotels. A quantitative research approach was employed with a self-administered questionnaire distributed to both hotel management staff and the entry-level employees. Qualitative data collection method was also utilized in the form of open ended questions which gave further clarity into the responses of the participants regarding the barriers associated with cultural diversity. Results of the study showed that South African hotels have a culturally diverse workforce, with numerous cultures present in the working environment. When investigating the barriers to diversity, it was noted that communication was not a factor but that racial and ethnic discrimination existed within the sampled hotels. The organizational stance of the hotels was that hotels generally endorsed a culturally diverse workforce, albeit not having adequate training in place to deal with cultural diversity-related challenges. The findings of the research highlight the need for topic-specific training programmes that are tailored to address the cultural diversity-related issues identified in the study. The efficiency of mandatory diversity-related policies is brought into question, where re-evaluation of the effectiveness of the policies in rectifying diversity-related challenges is needed. , M.A.
- Full Text:
Food safety and hygiene practices in Gauteng schools
- Authors: Nyawo, Thandeka
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Gauteng (South Africa). Department of Education , Food industry and trade - Safety measures , Food - Safety measures - Government policy - South Africa , Schools - South Africa - Gauteng , Food - Safety regulations
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/422120 , uj:36009
- Description: Abstract: Introduction: The National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) goals are to supply nutritious supplementary meals to schoolchildren in order to ameliorate the education outcome by elevating learning ability, school attendance, and punctuality. Food handlers have a responsibility to practice food safety and hygiene during food preparation and serving. However, in South Africa there are an increasing number of food poisoning reports, especially in schools under the NSNP, which has resulted in calls for better food safety and hygiene practices. Aim: The overall aim of this study was to explore the knowledge levels, and food safety and hygiene practices of NSNP food handlers in the Gauteng Province of South Africa... , M.Com. (Tourism and Hospitality Management)
- Full Text:
- Authors: Nyawo, Thandeka
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Gauteng (South Africa). Department of Education , Food industry and trade - Safety measures , Food - Safety measures - Government policy - South Africa , Schools - South Africa - Gauteng , Food - Safety regulations
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/422120 , uj:36009
- Description: Abstract: Introduction: The National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) goals are to supply nutritious supplementary meals to schoolchildren in order to ameliorate the education outcome by elevating learning ability, school attendance, and punctuality. Food handlers have a responsibility to practice food safety and hygiene during food preparation and serving. However, in South Africa there are an increasing number of food poisoning reports, especially in schools under the NSNP, which has resulted in calls for better food safety and hygiene practices. Aim: The overall aim of this study was to explore the knowledge levels, and food safety and hygiene practices of NSNP food handlers in the Gauteng Province of South Africa... , M.Com. (Tourism and Hospitality Management)
- Full Text:
The use of social media big data within South African hotels and lodges
- Authors: Gutfreund, Sebastian
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Management - Data processing , Hospitality industry - Customer services , Online social networks , Data mining , Big data
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/421222 , uj:35895
- Description: Abstract: Big data is a revolutionary and disruptive technology that is used to identify behavioural patterns and track customer preferences. It has several advantages for the hospitality industry, where customer loyalty is integral for brand performance. However, big data is greatly underutilised. Therefore, a study was conducted to look at the use of social media big data within South African hotels and lodges The aim of this study was to focus on the general understanding of big data and the link it shares with social media. There was a further focus on the analytical tools that hotels and lodges make use of, as well as the benefits and challenges which social media big data elucidates for these sectors. This information provides an overall image of how South African hotels and lodges are wielding this technology, giving a future viewpoint on the progression and improvements that need to be undertaken. A comparison concerning the key similarities and differences between the lodge and hotel sector was also provided. This gave an overall picture on how South African hotels and lodges are using this technology, thus giving a future outlook on the progression and improvements that need to be taken into consideration. In order to fully grasp and appreciate big data, a literature review was provided in order to understand the relationship big data has with social media, and the impact it has within the hospitality industry, playing closer attention to hotels and lodges. The methodological approach of the study focused on the qualitative research method, where ten participants in total were interviewed - five being marketing managers in hotels and five marketing managers in lodges. The key findings of the study revealed that the South African hospitality industry is presently only at the genesis when it comes to the use of social media big data. This was revealed through the marketing manager’s generic understanding of the phenomenon. Furthermore, the data predominantly illustrated that only basic analytical tools were used, which indicates that there is a shortage of internal specialists who are capable of handling more advanced tools to further their findings. However, the benefits established were primarily related to the identification of behavioural patterns and preferences of both future and current customers, as well as the marketability of certain promotions that are placed on various platforms. In summary, the data is essentially used to enhance the guests experience through targeting their likes and dislikes. The primary challenges within both sectors of the industry emphasised areas such as education and training, the lack of advanced technology, and the security and privacy concerns pertaining to guest data. .. , M.Com. (Tourism and Hospitality Management)
- Full Text:
- Authors: Gutfreund, Sebastian
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Management - Data processing , Hospitality industry - Customer services , Online social networks , Data mining , Big data
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/421222 , uj:35895
- Description: Abstract: Big data is a revolutionary and disruptive technology that is used to identify behavioural patterns and track customer preferences. It has several advantages for the hospitality industry, where customer loyalty is integral for brand performance. However, big data is greatly underutilised. Therefore, a study was conducted to look at the use of social media big data within South African hotels and lodges The aim of this study was to focus on the general understanding of big data and the link it shares with social media. There was a further focus on the analytical tools that hotels and lodges make use of, as well as the benefits and challenges which social media big data elucidates for these sectors. This information provides an overall image of how South African hotels and lodges are wielding this technology, giving a future viewpoint on the progression and improvements that need to be undertaken. A comparison concerning the key similarities and differences between the lodge and hotel sector was also provided. This gave an overall picture on how South African hotels and lodges are using this technology, thus giving a future outlook on the progression and improvements that need to be taken into consideration. In order to fully grasp and appreciate big data, a literature review was provided in order to understand the relationship big data has with social media, and the impact it has within the hospitality industry, playing closer attention to hotels and lodges. The methodological approach of the study focused on the qualitative research method, where ten participants in total were interviewed - five being marketing managers in hotels and five marketing managers in lodges. The key findings of the study revealed that the South African hospitality industry is presently only at the genesis when it comes to the use of social media big data. This was revealed through the marketing manager’s generic understanding of the phenomenon. Furthermore, the data predominantly illustrated that only basic analytical tools were used, which indicates that there is a shortage of internal specialists who are capable of handling more advanced tools to further their findings. However, the benefits established were primarily related to the identification of behavioural patterns and preferences of both future and current customers, as well as the marketability of certain promotions that are placed on various platforms. In summary, the data is essentially used to enhance the guests experience through targeting their likes and dislikes. The primary challenges within both sectors of the industry emphasised areas such as education and training, the lack of advanced technology, and the security and privacy concerns pertaining to guest data. .. , M.Com. (Tourism and Hospitality Management)
- Full Text:
Specialty coffee consumption amongst consumers in Gauteng
- Authors: Urwin, Roland S.
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Coffee drinking - South Africa - Gauteng , Coffee industry - South Africa - Gauteng , Coffee brewing - South Africa - Gauteng
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/402891 , uj:33736
- Description: Abstract : The coffee industry has been associated with the economic and cultural history of many countries. Since the 20th century the culture of coffee has grown globally with the emergence of the specialty coffee industry in the international hospitality markets. Specialty coffee is now a high quality product of the industry as more attention is given to brewing methods by knowledgeable baristas which has changed consumer behaviour towards artisanal beverages. The specialty coffee trend has also increased in South Africa. This study, therefore, investigates the development and influence of consumer profile and interest in the product in Gauteng, South Africa. A convergent parallel mixed method is used with survey design elements: firstly, quantitative data is gathered using questionnaires for speciality coffee consumers in Gauteng and analysed with descriptive and inferential statistics. Secondly, qualitative data is collected through transcribed interviews with specialty coffee industry experts and analysed using an inductive content analysis. This study finds that the knowledge and positive perceptions of specialty coffee relates to more informed consumers who understand and appreciate the product. In this age of globalisation, travel experiences have added to consumer knowledge and increased demand in the local industry for quality specialty coffee and customer experience. While this has driven improvements to the local product; a gap in knowledge still exists between consumer demand and industry offering. A recommendation of this study is for the specialty coffee industry to emphasise their product development and educating consumers alongside a better consumer specialty coffee experience particularly as consumers in Gauteng are experiencing the African wave of coffee by blending local expectations with global practices. , M.Com. (Tourism and Hospitality Management)
- Full Text:
- Authors: Urwin, Roland S.
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Coffee drinking - South Africa - Gauteng , Coffee industry - South Africa - Gauteng , Coffee brewing - South Africa - Gauteng
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/402891 , uj:33736
- Description: Abstract : The coffee industry has been associated with the economic and cultural history of many countries. Since the 20th century the culture of coffee has grown globally with the emergence of the specialty coffee industry in the international hospitality markets. Specialty coffee is now a high quality product of the industry as more attention is given to brewing methods by knowledgeable baristas which has changed consumer behaviour towards artisanal beverages. The specialty coffee trend has also increased in South Africa. This study, therefore, investigates the development and influence of consumer profile and interest in the product in Gauteng, South Africa. A convergent parallel mixed method is used with survey design elements: firstly, quantitative data is gathered using questionnaires for speciality coffee consumers in Gauteng and analysed with descriptive and inferential statistics. Secondly, qualitative data is collected through transcribed interviews with specialty coffee industry experts and analysed using an inductive content analysis. This study finds that the knowledge and positive perceptions of specialty coffee relates to more informed consumers who understand and appreciate the product. In this age of globalisation, travel experiences have added to consumer knowledge and increased demand in the local industry for quality specialty coffee and customer experience. While this has driven improvements to the local product; a gap in knowledge still exists between consumer demand and industry offering. A recommendation of this study is for the specialty coffee industry to emphasise their product development and educating consumers alongside a better consumer specialty coffee experience particularly as consumers in Gauteng are experiencing the African wave of coffee by blending local expectations with global practices. , M.Com. (Tourism and Hospitality Management)
- Full Text:
The food service industry’s contribution towards combating obesity
- Authors: Melani, Akhona
- Date: 2018
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/271643 , uj:28895
- Description: M.A , Abstract: The food service industry in South Africa and worldwide is faced with a two-edged trend. On one hand, the trend reflects a positive and consistent growth of the industry due to increase in out-of-home meal consumption while, on the other hand, the industry is faced with an increasing demand for healthy meal alternatives. At a global level, the food service industry faces challenges due the perceived poor diet quality said to be contributing to the prevalence of non-communicable diseases that are related to diet, particularly overweight and obesity. As individuals continue to experience shortage of time to prepare meals from home, it is expected that they will rely on meals consumed out-of-home, which can affect their health and increase their chances of becoming overweight or obese. These are issues that the study intended to address. The main objective of the study was to explore and determine the measures that the food service industry has put in place to aid in combating obesity. A quantitative approach was adopted, wherein self-administered questionnaires were distributed. The study found that there are indeed some efforts from the food service industry to assist in alleviating the incidences of obesity. The main findings revealed that respondents agreed with the notion that restaurant menus do offer meals that are healthy and contain minimum fat. It was found that there is an association between how the food service industry has adapted to consumer eating habits (demand for healthy meals) and availability of healthy meal options on the menu. This may be viewed as an effort towards alleviating obesity, because of the availability of healthy items on menus. The findings of this research can assist the food service industry to be mindful of the need and demand for healthier meals, and the importance of incorporating such meals in menu offerings. There are also policy implications of relevant policies and laws that can encourage or incentivise the food service industry to ensure that public health concerns (prevalence of obesity) are considered by all restaurants. Finally, the study recommends that more effort be made to serve healthier meal items in restaurants.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Melani, Akhona
- Date: 2018
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/271643 , uj:28895
- Description: M.A , Abstract: The food service industry in South Africa and worldwide is faced with a two-edged trend. On one hand, the trend reflects a positive and consistent growth of the industry due to increase in out-of-home meal consumption while, on the other hand, the industry is faced with an increasing demand for healthy meal alternatives. At a global level, the food service industry faces challenges due the perceived poor diet quality said to be contributing to the prevalence of non-communicable diseases that are related to diet, particularly overweight and obesity. As individuals continue to experience shortage of time to prepare meals from home, it is expected that they will rely on meals consumed out-of-home, which can affect their health and increase their chances of becoming overweight or obese. These are issues that the study intended to address. The main objective of the study was to explore and determine the measures that the food service industry has put in place to aid in combating obesity. A quantitative approach was adopted, wherein self-administered questionnaires were distributed. The study found that there are indeed some efforts from the food service industry to assist in alleviating the incidences of obesity. The main findings revealed that respondents agreed with the notion that restaurant menus do offer meals that are healthy and contain minimum fat. It was found that there is an association between how the food service industry has adapted to consumer eating habits (demand for healthy meals) and availability of healthy meal options on the menu. This may be viewed as an effort towards alleviating obesity, because of the availability of healthy items on menus. The findings of this research can assist the food service industry to be mindful of the need and demand for healthier meals, and the importance of incorporating such meals in menu offerings. There are also policy implications of relevant policies and laws that can encourage or incentivise the food service industry to ensure that public health concerns (prevalence of obesity) are considered by all restaurants. Finally, the study recommends that more effort be made to serve healthier meal items in restaurants.
- Full Text:
The contribution of knowledge forms to career success : the case of hospitality managers
- Authors: Masina, Mxolisi Michael
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Employability - South Africa , Vocational qualifications , Hospitality industry
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/237673 , uj:24355
- Description: M.A. , Abstract: Career success is the goal of any individual in order for them to achieve career growth, future perspectives, recognition, and satisfaction in their working life. Factors that contribute to career success depends on accessing three knowledge forms, and the individual’s ability to use these knowledge forms as a means to facilitate success. These knowledge forms are academic, self and career. The study investigates these knowledge forms, and determines how each contributes to career success for hospitality managers within the hospitality sector. Hospitality managers may be identified as individuals who occupy supervisory or management positions within the hospitality sector (Kavanaugh and Ninemeier, 2007:3-28). The study argues that a full complement of access to, and use of, these knowledge forms are imperative to any career success. The working environment within the hospitality sector is continuously changing in terms of knowledge requirements for success (Albion and Fogarty, 2002:03). These changes require an individual to have a well-constructed level of knowledge in each of the knowledge forms in order to align with the demands of career success within the sector (Tews and Van Hoof, 2011:126). Hospitality managers should know the level of awareness, which is required in each knowledge form that would contribute to success in their career (Tews and Van Hoof, 2011:127). The objective of the study is to determine whether and how each of the knowledge forms contributes to career success in hospitality management. The study used a mixed-method explanatory sequential design, where the quantitative research phase was conducted by purposively distributing a structured questionnaire with close-ended questions to 140 hospitality managers. The sample was divided into 70 hospitality managers who have left the hospitality sector and 70 hospitality managers who still work in the sector. All of the questionnaires (100%) were returned from each group of managers, and it was hence deemed adequate to further design a qualitative research phase. The qualitative research phase used 5% of the participants from the quantitative research phase to conduct semi-structured interviews with open-...
- Full Text:
- Authors: Masina, Mxolisi Michael
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Employability - South Africa , Vocational qualifications , Hospitality industry
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/237673 , uj:24355
- Description: M.A. , Abstract: Career success is the goal of any individual in order for them to achieve career growth, future perspectives, recognition, and satisfaction in their working life. Factors that contribute to career success depends on accessing three knowledge forms, and the individual’s ability to use these knowledge forms as a means to facilitate success. These knowledge forms are academic, self and career. The study investigates these knowledge forms, and determines how each contributes to career success for hospitality managers within the hospitality sector. Hospitality managers may be identified as individuals who occupy supervisory or management positions within the hospitality sector (Kavanaugh and Ninemeier, 2007:3-28). The study argues that a full complement of access to, and use of, these knowledge forms are imperative to any career success. The working environment within the hospitality sector is continuously changing in terms of knowledge requirements for success (Albion and Fogarty, 2002:03). These changes require an individual to have a well-constructed level of knowledge in each of the knowledge forms in order to align with the demands of career success within the sector (Tews and Van Hoof, 2011:126). Hospitality managers should know the level of awareness, which is required in each knowledge form that would contribute to success in their career (Tews and Van Hoof, 2011:127). The objective of the study is to determine whether and how each of the knowledge forms contributes to career success in hospitality management. The study used a mixed-method explanatory sequential design, where the quantitative research phase was conducted by purposively distributing a structured questionnaire with close-ended questions to 140 hospitality managers. The sample was divided into 70 hospitality managers who have left the hospitality sector and 70 hospitality managers who still work in the sector. All of the questionnaires (100%) were returned from each group of managers, and it was hence deemed adequate to further design a qualitative research phase. The qualitative research phase used 5% of the participants from the quantitative research phase to conduct semi-structured interviews with open-...
- Full Text:
- «
- ‹
- 1
- ›
- »