Journal of Tourism & Hospitality
Open Access

Abstract

An Assessment of Beverage Management Programs in U.S. Hospitality Schools

Carol Ann Castello, Jean L Hertzman and Keith H Mandabach*

The purpose of this study was to assess the characteristics and importance of beverage management programs within U.S. hospitality schools based on a content analysis of program websites and the attitudes of educators. The study also aimed to identify possible gaps in programs based on the linkages of offerings, attitudes of educators, and barriers to beverage education. Fifty-two U.S. hospitality schools were evaluated and educators from them were surveyed. The majority of programs offer beverage electives, but not majors or minors. The results showed no significant differences in the mean importance of beverage education characteristics among educators based on job title and years of experience. Faculty members considered incorporating industry standards into the curriculum and professional certifications more important than administrators. Overall, the few differences in attitudes among groups of educators imply that faculty and administrators generally have common goals and acknowledge similar barriers to beverage education.

Published Date: 2020-04-13; Received Date: 2020-03-16