GLICO - LIPAO-RESEARCH-1-3 Finall

Surigao del Norte State University
COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY
Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management
Surigao City
Tourism Competencies and Employability Skills of SNSU BSTM Alumni:
Basis for Curriculum Enhancement
A Research Proposal
Presented to
The Faculty of the
Surigao City
In Partial Fulfillment
Of the requirements for the course
TPC 10 – RESEARCH IN TOURISM
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN TOURISM MANAGEMENT
GLICO, EDJIE E.
LIPAO, HURRY JON L.
i
Surigao City
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION
Objectives of the Study
Hypotheses of the Study
Theoretical Framework
Conceptual Framework
Operational Definition of Variables
Significance of the Study
Scope and Limitations
ii
Surigao City
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study
The tourism industry is a diverse and expansive sector that offers numerous
avenues for engagement and career development. However, a prevailing issue is
the limited exposure that graduating Tourism Management students at Surigao Del
Norte State University undergo during their On-The-Job-Training , resulting in a
significant skill gap within the field. This gap arises due to a lack of practical
experience and industry-specific knowledge acquired during their academic
journey.
During on-the-job training (OJT) of tourism students, it is possible to encounter a
skill gap due to a single field. The tourism and hospitality industry is growing at a
fast pace, and industry recruiters are looking for graduates with skills beyond a
university degree. While most graduates are adequately prepared in relation to job
knowledge, many lack the required job skills. Furthermore, there is a huge gap in
the perceptions and expectations of the interns towards the internship (Karishma
Sharma et al. 2021, Mahesh Kumar Bairwa (2021).
SNSU’S Tourism Management curriculum offer single OJT for the time
being which the students only choose 1 sector to work with during their OJT, either
in airline, cruiseline or hotel industry. So far, there are no study to support this
prevailing problem in the Tourism Management program at SNSU, however in this
1
Surigao City
curriculum in mind the Researchers has been optimistic to properly conduct a
study on how a single field of OJT at SNSU Main Campus affecting the tourism
students future careers.
According to Raquel Ferreras et al. (2019), to address this issue, it is
important to analyze the competencies that are developed in internships to provide
useful information for universities, students, and tourism companies.
This would ensure that the end results are graduates who have a well-rounded set
of skills and are better equipped to meet the demands of the industry. In addition,
training institutes should develop structured internship and training programs.
The School of Tourism and Hospitality Management recognizes the importance of
improving employability skills for tourism and hospitality undergraduates, hence
the development of the undergraduate THM and HM programs which incorporate
internship courses.
Student input may lead to curriculum improvement and a reduction of
mismatched skills provided to the hospitality sector, one of the major problems
experienced (Raquel Ferreras et al. 2019, Karishma Sharma et al. 2021).
With the reliable information stated above, the researchers have been fully
analyze that a comprehensive and well-rounded OJT program should be
implemented. This program should rotate interns through various sectors within the
tourism industry, including airlines, hotels, and cruise lines.
2
Surigao City
This study suggests that by providing interns with exposure to diverse work
environments, they will acquire a broader skill set and a deeper understanding of
the industry as a whole. Additionally, mentorship and cross-training opportunities
can further enhance their proficiency in different areas, ensuring that they graduate
with a more versatile and adaptable skill set.
This study aims to contribute to the understanding of why limited exposure
of the field during academic year of the tourism student at SNSU Main would
greatly affect their career path in the tourism industry. Hence, enables the tourism
students to participate in changing the current inadequate OJT curriculum to a
well-rounded program.
3
Surigao City
OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
This study profoundly work on the following objectives pertaining the
determination of skill gap due to OJT program of Tourism Management at SNSU
Main Campus;
1. Identify the demographic profile;
 Age
 Sex
 employment status and;
 specialization within the tourism industry.
2. Determine the competencies developed during internships;
3. Determine the skills required in the graduates current job that they are not
exposed to during OJT
4. Provide recommendations for curriculum Enhancement i.e. OJT program
4
Surigao City
THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
In this study, Ali Hyasat’s experiential learning theory(ELT) from 2022
proved that a mix method of training will ensure the ability of students to gain
enough experience that will improve their opportunities to join the tourism market.
Hyasat’s (2022) experiential learning theory can be used as a base for tourism and
hospitality courses and internship programs. This theory emphasizes the
importance of learning through experience and reflection, which can help bridge
the skills gap.
Due to the success of ELT method to enrich the experience of the tourism
and hospitality students’, the study recommended that the tourism and hospitality
colleges are recommended to arrange mixed programs to improve the
students’ experience and supervise both methods directly to ensure the
experience gained by the students.
On the other hand, Nature-based experiential learning of Kun Zhang et al.
2021 is another framework that can help prepare responsible tourism practitioners.
This approach employs experiential learning to enhance students’ awareness of
and capacity for responsible tourism.
The researchers implied hat to bridge the skill gap in the tourism industry is
to pamper students and employees with hands-on experience and practical
knowledge in relation to the Experiential Learning Theory.
5
Surigao City
Furthermore, Real and live case study model theory suggests that
immersing hospitality students in real-life case studies can lessen the perceptional
gap between educators and industry. This approach can help students understand
the practical applications of the theories they learn in the classroom and develop
the skills needed to succeed in the industry (Kingshuk Mukherjee, 2016).
CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
The conceptual framework is based on the variables that the researches
have been analyze in the theoretical framework and to the objectives of the study.
Competencies
Harnessed During
OJT
Recommendations for
Demographic Profile Curriculum
Enhancement
Employability Skills
Figure 1.
Conceptual Paradigm of relationships among Variables of the study
6
Surigao City
Figure 1 shows the variables of the study as why the skill gap is prevailing within
the Tourism Industry. Tourism Competencies among Tourism students and Alumni
was potentially affecting their employability skills because of the current OJT
program in SNSU and that there has been a gap in the industry through which a
proper evaluation and improvement in the curriculum should offer.
In fact, tourism and hospitality students’ complained of the low
efficiency of internship programs to qualify them to enter the tourism markets
and meet the qualification required to improve their employability(Bilsland et
al., 2020; Kwame & Kwaku, 2021; Simicevic & Stetic, 2017). These
difficulties facing the productivity of the internship programs require finding new
approaches to training in tourism hospitality. Jack (2011) has shown that one of
the problems associated with the internship programs is finding the proper
organization for the internship program and the time needed to accomplish a
comprehensive internship program. Researchers also have recognized this
need and have presented a challenge to public colleges and universities to
develop a plan of response to workforce needs in the tourism & hospitality industry
(Hyasat et al.,). Higher education institutions, therefore, will be in a position
to make a significant impact in producing a highly skilled workforce if they are
aware of these workforce trends and adjust curriculum and instruction accordingly.
In contrast to the current OJT program of Tourism Management at SNSU
main which offered single OJT Program in a single field of internship, these studies
has a significant information to contribute to properly improve the OJT Program in
7
Surigao City
SNSU. Hence, the objective of this study is to promote enhancement to the OJT
program in Tourism Management course at SNSU main campus
OPERATIONAL DEFINITION OF VARIABLES
On-The-Job-Training (OJT): On-the-Job Training refers to the process of learning
and acquiring job-related skills and knowledge while working in a real-world job
environment.
Skill Gap: A skill gap refers to the disparity between the skills and
knowledge that individuals possess and the skills and knowledge that are required
by employers or the industry. In this case, it relates to the difference between the
skills possessed by graduating Tourism Management students and the skills
demanded by the tourism industry.
Curriculum: Curriculum refers to the set of courses, subjects, and
educational content offered by an educational institution or program. It outlines the
structure and content of the academic program.
Employability Skills: Employability skills are the skills, qualities, and
attributes that make individuals attractive to employers. These can include not only
job-specific skills but also soft skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-
solving.
ELT: Experiential Learning Theory
Curriculum Enhancement: refers to the process of improving and
enriching educational programs to better meet the needs of students.
8
Surigao City
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
The researchers believes that this study will be helpful to the following
groups of people:
BSTM Students & Alumni: Improved Employability, Graduates gain a
broader skill set, making them more competitive in the job market.
Surigao Del Norte State University (SNSU): SNSU can be recognized for
its commitment to producing highly skilled graduates.
BSTM Program: keeping it relevant to industry trends, giving graduates a
competitive edge, fostering a global perspective, aligning with the industry,
providing experiential learning, ensuring adaptability, engaging students, and
promoting lifelong learning.
Increased Student Enrollment: A better program can attract more
students.
Tourism & Hospitality Industry: Access to Well-Prepared Graduates, The
industry benefits from a more skilled and adaptable workforce. It will also reduce
skill gap, Improved alignment between graduates’ skills and industry needs.
Researchers and Academics: The study adds to the body of research on
the topic. And researchers gain recognition for their work.
Tourism Companies and Organizations: Companies can hire graduates
with a well-rounded skill set. It can also
9
Surigao City
Improve Service Quality: Better-trained employees can enhance the
quality of services provided.
Scope And Limitations
This study is focusing on the improvement of the OJT program of Tourism
Management at SNSU main campus in order to contribute in bridging the skill gap
prevailing in Tourism Industry.
By identifying the roles of the current curriculum of Tourism Management in
SNSU the researchers will be able to include what would be the best option to
address the issue pertaining the gap in the industry’s imployability. This study will
also include the possible ways on improving the OJT program and its practices for
the reason of giving the students ample knowledge and skill set required in their
future careers and proving how can a limited exposure of students in their training
in tourism industry have a insignificant impact towards their career path.
The potential respondents of this study shall be the graduate tourism
students at SNSU Main campus since they first handedly experience actual
employability in the industry.
10
Surigao City
CHAPTER 2
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
Skill Gap In Tourism Industry
The hospitality sector is experiencing annual growth in the range of 20 to 25
percent, yet the scarcity of qualified personnel is a prominent issue at every tier
within the industry.
In fact according to Rajan Bahadur (2022), A deficiency in well-trained personnel
could result in decreased customer satisfaction, ultimately damaging the
reputations of hotels and restaurants associated with this problem. As the skills
gap widens and customer demands continue to rise, there is a heightened need for
increased productivity. However, when there is an insufficient number of proficient
workers to complete tasks within the required time frame, current employees are
compelled to work longer hours. This can rapidly lead to frustrated staff and
strained budgets, ultimately impacting profits negatively. Furthermore, another
source of concern arises due to the ripple effect resulting from the absence of
adequately trained employees in the workforce. When one team member
underperforms, it can demotivate other team members, causing a decline in overall
performance. This further affects the quality of service and, over time, the
organization begins to lose its top talent. As this cycle continues, service quality
and team cohesion deteriorate at an accelerated pace, making it even more
11
Surigao City
challenging to attract and retain the right talent. The papers together highlight a
skills gap in the tourism industry.
In 2019, Mei stressed the importance of attracting the right candidates to tourism
education and providing relevant training to prepare students for the industry.
In 2023, Hernandez proposed a vocational training model for the tourism sector,
emphasizing the need for skills in cognitive, procedural, and attitudinal domains.
In 2020, Francis discussed the need for improved skill development in
undergraduate students of tourism and hospitality courses to bridge the gap
between education and industry requirements
Tourism Education Versus Industry Needs
Tourism colleges and universities train skilled professionals for the job market
based on demand. To ensure students meet industry needs and realize their
potential, it's essential that teaching plans and courses align with societal
requirements. By understanding the needs of the tourism sector in terms of
knowledge, skills, and culture, colleges can reform their curriculum and teaching
methods according to their strengths. Therefore, with a focus on serving society
and students, colleges should analyze market demands, create effective training
and teaching plans that match industry requirements, and offer specialized
courses that align with the needs of the tourism field.
12
Surigao City
To develop top-notch talent and establish a talent development system, we need
to
shift our focus from testing basic knowledge to assessing practical skills in the
education evaluation system. This evaluation system, which sets the standard for
teaching, has a significant role in guiding how we teach. When nurturing high-
quality, creative individuals, it's crucial to use active thinking, practical knowledge,
and innovation as the core criteria for evaluating teaching quality. An evaluation
system that emphasizes practical skills will encourage teachers to change their
approach to education and guide students to embrace a learning method that
enhances their abilities. This system also calls for assessing students based on
their understanding of the subject and their capacity to solve real-world problems,
reducing memorization-based questions and including those that require critical
thinking, analysis, discussion, independent opinions, and practical skills. (He
Jianbo et al. 2019).
According to Bao Chunyu (2019), tourism companies, mid-level managers also
train new employees. This means managers need both strong knowledge and
practical skills. Many colleges focus on theory, neglecting hands-on training. This
leads to good grades but low practical skills in graduates, making them less
competitive in the job market
The practical teaching system should be a top priority because knowledge gained
through practice is the most dependable. Tourism management education should
13
Surigao City
emphasize the institution's educational philosophy and focus on educational quality
and student development. Practical teaching should encourage students to read,
gain real-world experience, and apply what they learn in the classroom. Therefore,
colleges and universities should regularly review and adjust their teaching methods
based on their teaching experiences. Practical skills should be integrated into the
entire university curriculum, effectively enhancing students' abilities while building
on their professional knowledge.
Tourism Competencies and Employability Skills
Internship participants noted a lack of comprehensive practical skill development in
their tasks. Stakeholders in the tourism and hospitality management (THM) sector
expressed a demand for training focused on enhancing students' employability
skills, emphasizing increased collaboration between academia and industry
partners. The significance of cultivating practice-based skills through extended
internships was underscored as a means to produce highly skilled human
resources for the tourism sector.(Beaula Moyo et al. 2022)
Following Fajar Kusnadi Kusumah Putra (2020) study, Internships are essential for
new graduates. It's crucial to pay more attention to internship programs and
thoroughly examine how effective they are in helping students achieve their
learning and career goals, ultimately improving their chances of getting hired.
14
Surigao City
To enhance employability, students need to prioritize and excel in their skills and
competencies to meet industry demands.In the field of tourism and hospitality
education, the focus should not solely be on technical skills. It's equally important
to strengthen overall competency development, inspire students to learn
professional management skills, and boost their self-confidence. Educators can
contribute significantly by providing guidance, sharing advice on teaching
management theory, and upgrading teaching methods to make school education
more effective.
Proposed improvements to the curriculum, developed with input from various
stakeholders, aim to strengthen collaboration between academia and industry.
This involves initiatives such as internships, apprenticeships, hands-on training,
opportunities for graduate employment, and recommendations for promoting
industry-related certification programs globally in hospitality education.
15
Surigao City
Chapter 3
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
This chapter presents a description of the research design selection and
description of respondents, research instruments, data collection procedure and
statistical treatments used.
RESEARCH DESIGN
To gather data about the BSTM Alumni an online questionnaire can be an effective
method for gathering qualitative insights from BSTM alumni in order to contribute
in enhancing the current tourism curriculum in SNSU. By combining structured and
open-ended questions, an online questionnaire can efficiently collect both
quantitative and qualitative data, providing a comprehensive understanding of
alumni perspectives on the tourism curriculum.
Choosing an online questionnaire for qualitative research proves advantageous
due to its accessibility, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. The digital format
ensures broad participation, reaching a diverse and geographically dispersed
audience of BSTM alumni. Simultaneous engagement allows swift data collection,
reducing time constraints for busy respondents.
16
Surigao City
SAMPLING DESIGN
For this study, the researchers will choose a group of subjects (sample) from a
wider group (population). The researchers will be using a Yamane’s formula to
calculate the number of samples in this study to determine the population
sample. The total population (N) of BSTM Alumni of SNSU from batch 2021-
202022 is 65 and the error margin is 0.05. The researchers will prepare 10%
buffer respondents in case any of the select respondents do not participate or
withdraw in answering the survey questionnaire, The Yamane’s formula for
calculating the sample in this study is shown below:
Therefore, the sample size of the study is 56. These selected respondents will be
the one to answer the survey questionnaires.
RESPONDENTS OF THE STUDY
17
Surigao City
In surveying BSTM alumni respondents to enhance the tourism curriculum, a
stratified random sampling design would be beneficial. Stratification involves
dividing the alumni population into subgroups based on relevant characteristics
such as graduation year or current industry involvement. This ensures
representation from various segments of the alumni community. Within each
stratum, random sampling can then be applied to select participants. This
approach allows for a more targeted and diverse sample, capturing a range of
experiences and perspectives among BSTM alumni, ultimately enriching the
insights gathered for curriculum enhancement.
Consequently, all individuals participating in the questionnaire will be treated as
reflections of the overall study populations. Respondents were made aware of
the confidentiality measures. The Stratified Random Sampling approach involves
dividing the population into smaller subgroups referred to as strata.
BSTM Alumni from Batch 2021 Population Percentage Sample size
to Batch 2022 Size
Employed 65 100% 56
Unemployed
Total N=65 100% n=56
Table1.
Stratified Random Sampling: Population size Distribution per BSTM Alumni
employment status (sample size)
18
Surigao City
RESEARCH INSTRUMENT
The survey questionnaire, developed by researchers, serves as a specific method
to collect results using the Likert Scale. This means respondents choose one
option from a predetermined set, enabling researchers to compare responses and,
consequently, statistically evaluate survey results. The scale ranges from 1
(strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree).
The survey questionnaire was anchored to Raquel Ferreras et al. (2019) study
which talks about the importance of analyzing the competencies that are
developed in internships as well as the curriculum improvement and a reduction of
mismatched skills provided in the Tourism and Hospitality industry. Additional
inputs was considered by the researchers as to further analyze the possible
challenges amidst the emplyability among BSTM Alumni. The questionnaire
consist of item which tackles the understanding on why competencies and
employability skills important to the BSTM students and Alumni.
19
Surigao City
RESEARCH LOCALE
The location for this research will be the SNSU campus, with specific emphasis on
the academic departments associated with the tourism curriculum. Additionally,
interactions with BSTM alumni will take place both on-campus and through alumni
association networks.
Figure 2.
Actual Photo of SNSU located in Surigao City
20
Surigao City
DATA GATHERING PROCEDURE
This study examines a questionnaire created by the researcher, intending to
collect participant information through administered questions. Before starting the
study, the researchers will ask the Dean of the College of Technology for
permission. Once approved, the researchers will hand the approval letters with the
study respondents and personally administer the questionnaire. The researchers
will also personally collect the data afterward.
The respondents will be all BSTM Alumni of SNSU as the respondents. Stratified
random sampling is to be used in determining the sample.
For this study, the researchers will collect data from 56 selected BSTM Alumni out
of a total population of 65, determined by Yamane's Formula. Once we gather the
data, we'll organize it, code it correctly, and apply the statistical methods needed
for the study.
21
Surigao City
STATISTICAL ANALYSIS
The data will be analysed and interpreted with the following statistical tools:
Yamane’s Formula. This tool is used to calculate the sample size (n) given
the population size (N) and a margin of error (e). It is a random sampling technique
formula to estimate sampling size.
It will be computed as n = N / (1+Ne2)

Where:
n = no. of samples
N = total population
e = error margin / margin of error
Simple Percentage. The demographic profile variables of the respondents will
be analysed using the simple percentage with the following formula:
P = F/N X 100
Where:
P = Percentage
F = Frequency for each category
N = Total number of respondents
100= constant multiplier
22
Surigao City
Weighted Mean. This Statistical tool will be used to compute for the weight of the
responses in the questionnaire assigned by the respondents during the actual data
gathering procedure. The formula for the weighted mean is as follows:
WM= ΣFW/N
Where:
WM= Weighted mean
Σ= Summation symbol
F= Frequency for each option
W= Assigned weight
N= total number of frequencies
23
Surigao City
24
Surigao City
REFERENCES
Raquel Ferreras et al. (2019) Competences in higher education tourism internships
https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/ET-04-2019-0074/full/html
Ali Hyasat's (February 2022)The Experiential Learning Theory as Base for Tourism
and Hospitality Courses and Internship Programs
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/
358662552_The_Experiential_Learning_Theory_as_Base_for_Tourism_and_Hosp
itality_Courses_and_Internship_Programs
Sharma et al. (2021) Teacher self-efficacy and inclusive education practices:
Rethinking teachers' engagement with inclusive practices
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0742051X22001767
Kun Zhang, Hongyu Wang, Jingyue Wang, Chunlin Li, Jinyi Zhang,
25
Surigao City
Nature-based experiential learning as a framework for preparing responsible
tourism practitioners,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhlste.2020.100297.
(https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1473837620302331)
(Kingshuk Mukherjee, 2016)Experiential learning through a real and live case
study model
https://digitalcommons.csbsju.edu/forum_lectures/159/
Bilsland et al., (2020) Virtual internships and work-integrated learning in
hospitality and tourism in a post-COVID-19 world
https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1271544.pdf
Kwame & Kwaku, (2021) Internship Satisfaction of Tourism and Hospitality
Management Students
353308798_Internship_Satisfaction_of_Tourism_and_Hospitality_Management_St
udents
26
Surigao City
Rajan Bahadur (Aug 4, 2022) How skill shortages can be a threat to growth in the
hospitality sector
https://hospitality.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/speaking-heads/how-skill-
shortages-can-be-a-threat-to-growth-in-the-hospitality-sector/93339100
Xiang Ying Mei, 2019. "Gaps in tourism education and workforce needs: attracting
and educating the right people," Current Issues in Tourism, Taylor & Francis
Journals, vol. 22(12), pages 1400-1404, July.
https://ideas.repec.org/a/taf/rcitxx/v22y2019i12p1400-1404.html
Silvia Marieta Aldaz Hernandez (May 2023) Job skills in the tourism sector: a
model of vocational training
371230290_Job_skills_in_the_tourism_sector_a_model_of_vocational_training
He Jianbo et. al (2019) On Demands of Tourism Market and Talents ...
27
Surigao City
336728411_On_Demands_of_Tourism_Market_and_Talents_Cultivation_in_Highe
r_Tourism_Education
Bao Chunyu (2019) Current Situation and Countermeasure of Undergraduate
Education of Tourism Management Major in Colleges and Universities
https://webofproceedings.org/proceedings_series/ESSP/IETRC%202019/
IETRC19143.pdf
Beaula Moyo, Hale Özgit ( May 2022) Tourism graduate students’ employability
skills: Results and implications of a Zimbabwean study
https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Tourism-graduate-students%E2%80%99-
employability-skills%3A-of-Moyo-%C3%96zgit/
f8eb1440077a22d996a3d6c9472207ad901a6a7a
Fajar Kusnadi Kusumah Putra (2020) Preferred Competencies for Tourism and
Hospitality Graduates: Evidence from Longitudinal Tracer Studies
https://publisher.uthm.edu.my/ojs/index.php/JTET/article/view/11757/5575
28
Surigao City
TOURISM COMPETENCIES AND EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS OF SURIGAO DEL
NORTE STATE UNIVERSITY BSTM ALUMNI : BASIS FOR CURRICULUM
ENHANCEMENT
Good day!
We humbly ask for your cooperation to answer our survey questionnaire as
we are working on our Data Gathering. There are no right or wrong answers. The
information gathered will serve as our basis and will be held confidential and shall
be used for this research study purposes only. Thank you very much and God
bless!
PART I. DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE

Direction: Please fill up and check this section with required information.
Name (Optional): ______________________________________
Age: ___ Gender: Male Female
Employment Status: Unemployed Employed
29
Surigao City
Specialized Industry: Hotel Cruiseline Airline

Other Industry:
PART II. COMPETENCIES DEVELOPED DURING INTERNSHIPS

Direction: Please rate each item as to the extent level of Strongly agree to
strongly disagree of the statement below. Put a check (✓) in the box.
5 – Strongly Agree
4 – Agree
3 – Neither Agree nor Disagree
2 – Disagree
1- Strongly Disagree
2.1
ITEM STATEMENT 1 2 3 4 5
1. The tourism competencies I gained during my BSTM
program have been instrumental in my professional
success.
2. The employability skills emphasized in my BSTM
program adequately prepared me for the challenges
of the tourism industry.
3. The practical experiences (internships, projects)
provided in my BSTM program significantly
enhanced my employability.
4. Additional competencies or skills should be
incorporated into the BSTM curriculum to better
prepare students for the tourism industry.
5. Legal and ethical issues related to tourism were
sufficiently addressed in my BSTM program.
2.2
1. The communication skills developed in my BSTM
program are well-suited for effective interaction in
the tourism industry.
2. The technological skills emphasized in my BSTM
education are relevant and applicable in my current
tourism-related role.
30
Surigao City
3. The inclusion of real-world scenarios in my BSTM

coursework enhanced the practical relevance of my
education.
4. Teamwork and collaboration skills learned in my
BSTM program are essential for success in the
tourism field.
5. The practical experiences, such as internships,
provided by my BSTM program were directly aligned
with the demands of the job market.
2.3
1. My BSTM program adequately prepared me for the
competitive job market in the tourism sector.
2. The employability skills emphasized in my BSTM
program gave me a competitive edge in job
interviews and recruitment processes.
3. The exposure to diverse sectors within the tourism
industry during my BSTM program broadened my
job prospects.
4. The professional development opportunities offered
by my BSTM program, such as workshops and
seminars, enhanced my employability.
5. Overall, my BSTM program significantly boosted my
confidence and readiness for a successful career in
the tourism industry.
PART III. SKILLS REQUIRED IN THE CURRENT JOB THAT ARE NOT
EXPOSED TO DURING OJT
Direction: Answer this if Employed
2.4
31
Surigao City
1. My BSTM education adequately prepared me with
customer service skills required for my current role.
2. I feel well-versed in utilizing modern reservation and

booking systems crucial for my current job.
3. I received ample training in destination marketing,
enhancing my ability to promote tourism offerings.
4. The program adequately emphasized cultural
sensitivity, benefiting my interactions with diverse
clients.
5. The BSTM education covered sustainable tourism
practices, aligning with the industry's growing focus
on eco-friendly initiatives.
2.5
1. I find a gap in my knowledge regarding emerging
technologies shaping the tourism sector, impacting
my current responsibilities.
2. The BSTM program equipped me with effective
communication skills for dealing with international
tourists.
3. I use social media management skills gained from
my education to enhance the visibility of our tourism
services.
4. The program sufficiently covered skills in managing
customer relationships, contributing to my success in
retaining clients.
5. The curriculum of my BSTM program did not fully
32
Surigao City
address emerging trends and innovations in the

tourism field, creating a skill gap.
33

GLICO - LIPAO-RESEARCH-1-3 Finall

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

GLICO - LIPAO-RESEARCH-1-3 Finall

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Surigao del Norte State University

Tourism Competencies and Employability Skills of SNSU BSTM Alumni:

Basis for Curriculum Enhancement

The Faculty of the

Surigao del Norte State University

Of the requirements for the course

TPC 10 – RESEARCH IN TOURISM

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN TOURISM MANAGEMENT

LIPAO, HURRY JON L.

Objectives of the Study

Hypotheses of the Study

Operational Definition of Variables

Significance of the Study

Scope and Limitations

Background of the Study

avenues for engagement and career development. However, a prevailing issue is

Norte State University undergo during their On-The-Job-Training , resulting in a

experience and industry-specific knowledge acquired during their academic

During on-the-job training (OJT) of tourism students, it is possible to encounter a

Sharma et al. 2021, Mahesh Kumar Bairwa (2021).

prevailing problem in the Tourism Management program at SNSU, however in this

curriculum in mind the Researchers has been optimistic to properly conduct a

students future careers.

According to Raquel Ferreras et al. (2019), to address this issue, it is

important to analyze the competencies that are developed in internships to provide

useful information for universities, students, and tourism companies.

training institutes should develop structured internship and training programs.

The School of Tourism and Hospitality Management recognizes the importance of

improving employability skills for tourism and hospitality undergraduates, hence

the development of the undergraduate THM and HM programs which incorporate

Student input may lead to curriculum improvement and a reduction of

experienced (Raquel Ferreras et al. 2019, Karishma Sharma et al. 2021).

analyze that a comprehensive and well-rounded OJT program should be

tourism industry, including airlines, hotels, and cruise lines.

the industry as a whole. Additionally, mentorship and cross-training opportunities

with a more versatile and adaptable skill set.

This study aims to contribute to the understanding of why limited exposure

students to participate in changing the current inadequate OJT curriculum to a

OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

This study profoundly work on the following objectives pertaining the

determination of skill gap due to OJT program of Tourism Management at SNSU

1. Identify the demographic profile;

 employment status and;

 specialization within the tourism industry.

2. Determine the competencies developed during internships;

exposed to during OJT

4. Provide recommendations for curriculum Enhancement i.e. OJT program

In this study, Ali Hyasat’s experiential learning theory(ELT) from 2022

hospitality courses and internship programs. This theory emphasizes the

the skills gap.

colleges are recommended to arrange mixed programs to improve the

students’ experience and supervise both methods directly to ensure the

experience gained by the students.

On the other hand, Nature-based experiential learning of Kun Zhang et al.

This approach employs experiential learning to enhance students’ awareness of

and capacity for responsible tourism.

to pamper students and employees with hands-on experience and practical

knowledge in relation to the Experiential Learning Theory.

the skills needed to succeed in the industry (Kingshuk Mukherjee, 2016).

The conceptual framework is based on the variables that the researches

Conceptual Paradigm of relationships among Variables of the study

proper evaluation and improvement in the curriculum should offer.

In fact, tourism and hospitality students’ complained of the low