Institute of Hospitality Education Membership Scheme (EMS) Blog

We have a passion for hospitality...do you?

2012-02-10T11:55:00.011Z

It's that time again! Passion for Hospitality (P4H) will be held at Hotelympia, London, this year...and you are invited!

In case you haven't heard of P4H, it is an Institute of Hospitality initiative that bridges the gap between the hospitality industry and academia. How? P4H provides a debate platform for students to tackle key industry issues whilst giving the industry the opportunity to view students showcasing their communication and debating skills - skills that are desireable in most industries but essential in hospitality.

In 2012, P4H has eight impressive hospitality teams participating in the debates: Oxford Brookes University, University of Brighton, University of Derby, University of Plymouth, University of Surrey, Westminster Kingsway College, and defending champions University of West London (formerly Thames Valley University). The final happens on Tuesday 28 February at Hotelympia, Excel, London.

If you are a student, come and support your favourite team. If you work in industry, come and view the budding talent that will be seeking employment soon. Perhaps a little job recruiting is in order! Everyone who has a passion for hospitality will find the P4H event informative and exciting.

Students can obtain FREE Hotelympia tickets at: http://events.springboarduk.net/hotelympia-2012/

National Careers Week 2012 (UK) 5-9 March

2012-02-03T14:44:00.023Z

If you would like to receive free career information in the lead up to National Careers Week 2012, then sign up on the website at http://www.nationalcareersweek.com. The website offers additional support such as:

Useful links to free careers resources
National Careers Week: What's It All About?
Interview Technique films

Make sure you don't miss a thing in the lead up to National Careers Week by following them on Twitter @CareersWeek.

Further information to support hospitality, leisure and tourism careers and career development are located on the Institute of Hospitality's website under the Career Management tab and in the e-Resources Collection.

UK academics: give your input on Olympic/Paralympic teaching

2012-01-27T09:11:00.021Z

Three minutes is all it takes to complete the HE Academy's important Olympic Studies Benchmark Survey. As a UK academic involved in the teaching of hospitality, leisure, sport or tourism (HLST), your participation is greatly appreciated because it will contribute to the work of the Higher Education Academy (HEA).

The Baroness Grey-Thompson DBE

The HEA supports UK teaching practitioners involved in HLST by initiating, gathering and disseminating examples of good practice in learning, teaching and assessment. The HEA helps academics, lecturers and tutors stay in touch with what matters in HLST learning and teaching through initiatives like this survey.

The results of the benchmarking survey will be made available in 2012 and will provide analysis of the depth and breadth of Olympic and Paralympic academic course work offered by UK institutions.

Please share the survey with your colleagues and peers who are teachingHLST. It can be completed by clicking: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/9G282QR

The deadline is 6 February 2012. The Institute of Hospitality and the HEA thank you for participating!

Everything you ever wanted to know about the Olympics...

2012-01-20T10:05:00.046Z

Whether you are an academic who is well versed in Olympic history or a student looking for an introduction to the Olympic Games, have a look at a new title, The Olympics: The Basics. Authors Professor Andy Miah and Dr. Beatriz Garcia have written an accessible, contemporary introduction to the Olympic movement and Games. The content explains the philosophical, social, cultural and political impact of the Olympics. The controversy and the legacy of the Olympic Games is also examined and the "values of Olympism as the Olympic movement’s most valuable intellectual property" is discussed.

The book is accompanied by a creative and vibrant website which explains the book's contents and gives links that let you dip into FREE chapter excerpts ... a superb way to "try before you buy".

We agree that this is an engaging and informative book (and website!) that makes essential reading for anyone - student, academic or practitioner - interested in Olympic studies.

Where is your Career Headed?

2012-01-13T10:58:00.000Z

It's a new year and perhaps you have been reflecting on how you would like your career in hospitality to develop? Do you know, for example, which of the fourteen or so sectors within the industry appeals to you most? What role do you see yourself in and at what level?

The UKSP offers a wealth of information and resources on career paths, employers and training and qualifications for progression in the Hospitality, Leisure, Travel and Tourism (HLTT) industry.

The UKSP website has some innovative features like an interactive career map, podcasts about hospitality careers, a personality test that matches site visitors with the ideal HLTT job, and a skills assessment tool. There are also plenty of links to job seeking and training resources.

Whether you are at university, attending a Further Education programme, or unemployed and considering a career move into the hospitality industry, the information and activities on the UKSP site can help you determine which sector of the hospitality industry is right for you.

Institute of Hospitality members also have FREE access to a broad selection of quality ebooks covering hospitality, leisure and tourism careers, CV writing, training, interviewing and much more. Members can contact the librarians at the Institute (library@instituteofhospitality.org) for more details or login on the Institute's website to gain access to the resources.

For the Aspiring Under-18s Food Writers...

2012-01-07T10:54:00.003Z

... a contest! Entries from aspiring young food writers are now being invited for WriteIt! the annual competition organised by the Guild of Food Writers.

Open to students aged 18 and under, the Guild of Food Writers’ WriteIt! competition invites entrants to write a non-fiction feature of around 750-words on any food-related subject. It could be as simple as a descriptive piece based on a person or place that inspired your interest in food; a restaurant review; a report on a visit to a food fair, farmers' market or food shop. Alternatively it could be a campaigning article on any aspect of food that interests, excites or frustrates you.

The judges are looking for impressive writing skills as well as a real passion, understanding and knowledge of the chosen subject. Entries must be emailed to jonathan@gfw.co.uk by Friday 11 May 2012.

The winner will be announced in early June and receive a library of the books shortlisted for the 2012 Guild of Food Writers’ Awards as well as a visit to the test kitchen of delicious. magazine. In addition, the winning writer's article will be featured in either in delicious. magazine or on the Guild's website.

What better way to kick-start a budding career or to impress on an application form or CV? For more information go to www.gfw.co.uk/writeit or contact: Jonathan Woods, The Guild of Food Writers: telephone: 020 8659 0422; email: jonathan@gfw.co.uk.

Seasons Greetings from the Institute of Hospitality

2011-12-23T14:51:00.000Z

The Institute wishes you a very happy Christmas and New Year. The Institute's office, including the Enquiry Service, is closed from 24 December 2011 to the 3 January 2012.

A classic English Christmas cake with tea

If you need resources for academic work, check the previous posts on this blog, which link to top notch resources for hospitality, leisure and tourism research.

In addition, Institute members, including EMS students, have free 24 hour access to the Institute's e-books and e-journals. Locate the materials at the Institute's home page (www.instituteofhospitality.org) under 'Information Services'.

See you in the New Year!

Hospitality Case Studies Galore!

2011-12-16T15:44:00.001Z

If you are new to the case study method of learning or teaching and would like to see examples of hospitality case studies, then have a look at the work of hospitality students at Cornell University's School of Hotel Administration.

The students and university have kindly shared their case studies with the public, although there are clear restrictions on the re-use of the materials. The hospitality coverage is varied - from hotels to spas - and the following are just a few examples of the case studies available:

A Marketing Partner...Or a Threat? - S. Lo
Hotel Spas as Independent Profit Centers - A. Foster and A. Wohlberg
Accor SA - A Case Study - B. Gomez, K. Marshall, B. Patel, P. Patel, H. Schiller, and A. Tam
Continental Airlines - A Case Study - S. Duchenne, C. A. Fisher, C. Leas, Y. Krishna, M. Rugema, and Y. Yang
Coyote Loco - Evaluating Opportunities for Revenue Management - S. E. Kimes, J. Wirtz, and C. Lovelock
Understanding Menu Psychology: An Empirical Investigation of Menu Design and Consumer Response - S. Daniels
Fairmont Hotels and Resorts - A Case Study - C. A. Fisher and C. F. Leas
Four Seasons - A Case Study - J. A. Fantaci, S. Halici, M. Stathokostopoulos, V. Trapenard, P. Ullberg, and E. Willars
Hilton Case Study - S. Wu, P. von Bodman, and R. Saab

Find the students' case studies at the Cornell website by clicking HERE.

Westminster Kingsway College Hospitality Management students are Winners!

2011-12-13T11:44:00.000Z

A group of Foundation Degree Hospitality Management students won the award for the best sustainability pitch at the recent Institute of Hospitality 6th Annual London Colloquium. The degree level students were taking part in the competition against a team from the University of Brighton as part of a full day conference organised by the London Branch of the Institute of Hospitality on the theme of sustainability.

Westminster Kingsway College students Jack Simpson, Oliver Brand and Joseph Quilter presented their one minute video which showcased their ideas about sustainability in the Hospitality Industry and followed this with a short presentation. The pitches were judged by Fellows of the Institute of Hospitality London branch and students were presented with their award by London Branch Chairman Eamonn Cole.

To find out what the student winners had to say about participating CLICK HERE.

Eamonn Cole with the winners!

The Institute of Hospitality 6th Annual London Colloquium on the theme of sustainability saw speakers from across the Hospitality Industry including: Ciaran Fahy, Managing Director, The Cavendish Hotel; Philippe Rossiter, Chief Executive, Institute of Hospitality; Geoff Booth, Assistant Principal Westminster Kingsway College; Nick Mead, Director, Eden Caterers; Ed Franklin, Membership & Marketing Manager, Sustainable Restaurant Association; Tahel Bar El, Corporate Fundraiser, FareShare; John Firrell, Director, Considerate Hoteliers Association; Katie Haycock, Project Manager WRAP.

All in all, a hugely successful event and opportunity for students to showcase their knowledge, creativity and communication skills - which are so essential to the industry. The next BIG not-to-be-missed event is the Passion 4 Hospitality (P4H) Event at Hotelympia in February 2012. Find out more by clicking HERE.

'Tasty' Statistics on Eating Out in the UK...

2011-12-09T14:24:00.001Z

Find data on UK Consumers' dining out habits

A fantastic new report examines the eating out habits of British consumers in BDRC Continental's new publication, Taste of the Nation. Despite dire news about some pub and restaurant closures, the new report confirms that the "average UK adult 'goes out' 198 times a year, a number which is expected to rise to 201 in the next 6 months".

BDRC Continental intends to produce the Taste of the Nation survey on a regular basis and hopes to predict UK consumers' "going out behaviour" and how it may change.

The data contained in Taste of the Nation is suitable for both businesses, students and industry researchers. BDRC Continental has partnered with the Tourism, Hospitality and Leisure Team at Deloitte to create this quality report and to explore trends that may shape this sector's growth.

International Travel To and From the UK

2011-12-02T12:37:00.002Z

Tourism researchers and students will want to take advantage of the UK's Office for National Statistics (ONS) website which publishes some terrific monthly data on ingoing and outgoing tourist numbers for the UK.

ONS offers FREE travel statistics

If you find statistics a bit overwhelming, a wonderful analysis of the current tourism situation is released in the form of a monthly statistical bulletin. The bulletin highlights key statistics, number of visits abroad by UK residents, number in incoming visitors to the UK and accompanying links to .xls spreadsheets of the data. Contact details are given so if you need input or help with the data, the ONS has staff to help.

Find it all at the ONS website.

UK Occupancy Survey for Serviced Accommodation

2011-11-25T12:01:00.003Z

If you are conducting research on the UK's hotel or "accommodation" industry and need some FREE statistics on occupancy rates for the various types of accommodation, VisitEngland has just the data you need.

According to VisitEngland, the England Occupancy Survey (EOS) measures, on a monthly basis, levels of bedroom and bedspace occupancy rates across the serviced accommodation sector – from large hotels to small BandBs and guest houses.

In the UK, the National Tourist Boards of England, Northern Ireland and Scotland and Visit Wales each undertake their region's own serviced accommodation occupancy survey. The results of the surveys are then combined to deliver the UK Occupancy Survey (UKOS).

Find information on occupancy rates by accommodation type, rates of tariffs and much more. You won't be disappointed!

Go For It: New Olympic Research Resource

2011-11-18T16:42:00.001Z

Looking for Olympic data, resources and research? There's a new resource in town! Global publisher Routledge has created a website focusing on Olympic and Paralympic scholarly research.

World record holder Oscar Pistorius in Beijing

Routledge Online Studies on the Olympic and Paralympic Games (ROSO) is a learning resource aimed at academics, students, researchers and anyone interested in the Games. The website offers a mix of free and fee-based resources, but it is items such as Olympic case studies and interviews with athletes and experts that make the site well worth a visit.

The Managing Editor of the ROSO website is Brunel University's Dr Vassil Girginov. To facilitate search, Dr Girginov has assigned themes including: media, education, gender, politics, history, governance, management, law, business, ethics, legacies, the environment, athletic performance, security and disability sport.

Reading lists, funding opportunities and current research round off a great new resource for Olympic coverage. If that isn't enough to motivate you, then at least register for their monthly prize draw! Have a look at ROSO today.

Great Global Tourism Data

2011-11-11T13:14:00.008Z

Searching for quality data on travel and tourism? Have we got a site for you! The World Travel & Tourism Council's website offers a great research function called the "Economic Data Research Tool". This easy-to-use tool offers four simple parameters within which to search. Choose the country or region, time period, type of data and currency or per cent growth.

From Argentina to Zimbabwe, some of the travel and tourism categories you can search include:

Travel & Tourism Total Contribution to GDP generated by direct Travel & Tourism industries plus the indirect and induced contributions, including the contribution of capital investment spending.
Travel & Tourism Total Contribution to Employment The number of jobs generated directly in the Travel & Tourism industry plus the indirect and induced contributions.
Internal Travel & Tourism Consumption Total revenue generated within a country by industries that deal directly with tourists including visitor exports, domestic spending and government individual spending.
Leisure Travel & Tourism Spending Spending on leisure travel within a country by residents and international visitors.
Business Travel & Tourism Spending Spending on business travel within a country by residents and international visitors.

So give the site a try; you will be impressed!

Third Time Lucky? You Could Be if You Enter the Coubertin Olympic Student Essay Competition

2011-11-04T13:50:00.004Z

Now in its third year, the Coubertin Olympic Student Essay Competition asks teams of two or more students to research and write about the application of the Olympic ideals to the world of business, including the business of sport itself. Ideals such as fairness, integrity and openness can help businesses balance commercial success with their social responsibilities.

The winning 2011 team were Brenda Atuona, University of Kent and Luke Harris, Canterbury Christ Church University who wrote about the effects of corruption in sports on the Olympic Ideals and Sponsorship programmes.

The awards are organised jointly by the International Pierre de Coubertin Committee (CIPC) and the Institute of Business Ethics (IBE) with the patronage of HRH The Princess Royal and have been recognised by the Inspire programme of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG).

Seb Coe, Chair of the London 2012 said: “This is one way students in the UK can get involved with the London 2012 Games and our vision for using the power of the Olympic and Paralympic Movements to inspire change.”

The 2012 essay submissions must be in by the 30 March 2012. Winners will be announced at an Awards Ceremony on 25 June with the winning team receiving a cash prize of £2,000 and the runners up getting a prize of £1,000! The essays will also be published by the CIPC and IBE.

For information on how to enter, visit: www.coubertin-awards.org.uk

Get Your Head (and Hands!) Around HACCP

2011-10-27T14:50:00.001+01:00

If you are looking for food safety resources and, in particular, an in-depth review of HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point), look no further. Here are some great items to help you out:

Oxford Brookes University's RADAR holds free documents on many hospitality-related subjects including food safety

The Food Standards Agency, better known as the FSA, has free information, resources and the Safer Food, Better Business forms to make HACCP and food hygiene procedures easy to understand and apply.

In addition, the Institute offers a number of ebooks on catering hygiene and HACCP in its Online Catalogue. Have a look! The ebooks are an excellent addition to any bibliography or piece of academic research.

Whether you use the materials for work purposes or to assist in your studies, these reliable, quality resources for food hygiene won't let you down.

How to Use LinkedIn for a Job Search

2011-10-20T15:57:00.000+01:00

Will you be conducting a job search soon? Start laying the foundation now by using a new guide that explains how to use one of the most popular tools for conducting a job search: social media site LinkedIn. Created specifically for job search and networking purposes, LinkedIn has taken off since its introduction in the USA in 2003 and now has more than "120 million registered users, spanning more than 196 countries and territories worldwide" (Wikipedia).

The guide from Target can help both graduates and people who have already been in the job market learn how best to use LinkedIn - without making any career-derailing social media gaffes! Learn who you should have in your LinkedIn network and why your chum with the funky name - and a tendency to post after-party photos - isn't invited. Join LinkedIn groups of like-minded people (perhaps the Institute's London Branch?), create and post a CV and keep informed about job vacancies and networking opportunities.

To supplement your search, the Institute has loads of e-books on hospitality, leisure and tourism careers, as well as titles on CV writing, developing networking skills and how to make a great impression in job interviews. Have a look at the Online Catalogue.

New to Uni? Here's How to Make the Most of It!

2011-10-10T16:01:00.001+01:00

Many thanks to Target Jobs for putting together a list of the key things students can do to get the most out of the college or university experience.

Target's top tips can help you focus on getting a head start on your career while other first years are still wondering where the laundry room is, or how to use the library! Post the Target tips on your bulletin board as a reminder and stay focused. Remember, a degree can help you get a fulfilling job after uni. Mix the degree with work experience and you become even more marketable.

So keep your 'eyes on the prize' and consider Target Jobs' helpful suggestions about how to get the most from your first year at university.

Women in Hospitality Roles: read the report

2011-09-26T11:27:00.002+01:00

According to People 1st, the UK sector skills council for hospitality, leisure and tourism, whilst nearly 60% of the workforce in hospitality is female, women only make up 6% of director level positions.

To obtain more in depth information regarding the status of women in the hospitality industry, try a November 2010 report from UK organisation Women 1st. The report examines why women make up such a large part of the hospitality industry but fail to obtain the same benefits and opportunities as their male counterparts. The report is called "The case for change: Women working in hospitality, leisure, travel and tourism".

A perfect topic for a thesis, doctorate or research paper, this report raises important questions about the role of women in hospitality and asks whether changes can be made to improve opportunities for women.

For FREE access to the report's executive summary can be found at The Case for Change.

People1st's State of the Nation 2011: the latest industry news on labour, training and employment

2011-09-19T10:50:00.004+01:00

It's that time of year again...People1st have just issued their latest State of the Nation 2011 report - and great news! - the entire report can be obtained for FREE this year.

State of the Nation provides current data and analysis of labour and employment data and issues affecting the hospitality industry. Find labour, training and recruitment information; an analysis of issues affecting the industry such as transient workers; and learn how the industry is preparing for the forthcoming Olympics and Paralympics in London in 2012.

Perfect for students, researchers, academics and tutors, get your FREE copy at the People1st website.

Hospitality Academics and Career Services Staff: Job Opportunities for Hospitality Students at London 2012!

2011-09-12T14:33:00.000+01:00

London 2012 is currently seeking employees to work in their Catering, Cleaning & Waste sector, which is responsible for successfully delivering the catering, cleaning and waste services across more than 60 venues and to 10 consumer groups. Recruitment is starting now and offers of employment will be made this autumn for roles that begin in 2012.

Currently being sought are a number of Assistant Venue Managers, who will assist in the contract management of the catering, cleaning and waste contractors at each venue to ensure delivery of the ultimate Games time customer experience.

This is the chance for students to be part of the greatest show on Earth with a job that is a once in a lifetime opportunity! In the current economic climate, these jobs will fill fast. More importantly, employment at London 2012 would make a great addition to any CV's 'Employment History' section.

Interested parties (academics, tutors and career advisors) are invited to an afternoon event on Thursday 14^th September from 12 noon to 2pm, at the LOCOG headquarters - 1 Churchill Place, Canary Wharf, London. Meet with representatives of the Catering, Cleaning & Waste who are specifically looking to take on graduates who are, or have, studied for Hospitality/ Catering qualifications. After the meeting, you will be able to advise your graduates and interns of the exceptional opportunities on offer from London 2012.

To book your place, please reply as soon as possible to Nikki Parker at London 2012 at: Nikki.Parker@london2012.com.

Student Opportunity: Become a London 2012 Volunteer for Opening/Closing Ceremonies

2011-08-26T13:53:00.002+01:00

10,000 volunteer roles as dancers, percussionists and general all-round performers need to be filled for the London 2012 Olympic Games Opening and Closing Ceremonies and students are being sought!

Eligible students will be aged 18 years or older on 1 March 201 and previous performance experience is not required. Ceremonies Volunteer Performers need only bring lots of enthusiasm, personality, energy and a willingness to perform in front of a stadium audience and to millions of people around the world. So if you have additional skills beyond hospitality and can make a substantial commitment to be a Ceremonies Volunteer Performer, then apply now!

Performers will be asked to participate in:

• Up to two auditions that will take place evenings and weekends in November and early December 2011
• Up to two or three rehearsal sessions each week of up to four hours per session from March 2012, and a number of all day rehearsals in east London in the three weeks leading up to each Ceremony.

Some travel costs may be covered if they are within certain zones in the Transport for London transportation network, otherwise performers will be responsible for covering the cost of their own transportation outside the travel zones.

If you would like a chance to take part in the greatest show on earth, register your interest by completing the London 2012 ceremonies casting online application form.

The deadline for receipt of applications is Wednesday 31 August 2011.

Report on Hospitality, Leisure, Sport and Tourism Higher Education in the UK, 2011

2011-08-19T17:47:00.016+01:00

Administrators and academics will appreciate a new report providing an overview of HLST students and higher education in the UK. Dr Andrea Walmsley was commissioned by the HEA to analyse UK academic trends in the HLST subjects between 2007-10. The eye-opening report examines trends in student numbers across the HLST subjects. Dr Walmsley's paper incorporates data from "two key sources: UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) and HESA (the Higher Education Statistics) which provide data on applications and accepts and student enrolment. The analysis compares subjects and uses variables such as age, gender, ethnicity and mode of study in his analysis of trends between 2007 and 2010".

So, if you are curious about UK higher education academic programmes, the numbers of HLST students, the most popular programmes and more, have a look at the FREE report today!

OER 2012 Legacies for Learning Project: New Resources!

2011-08-12T13:11:00.003+01:00

Are you conducting research on the Olympics? If so, don't miss this fantastic new resource: the 2012 Legacies for Learning Project offers resources within its collection of Open Educational Resources (OER) on the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The Project's content is growing and comprises a number of papers and chapters, research articles on the Olympics and Paralympics, and even articles contributed by The Institute of Hospitality from its own quarterly journal, Hospitality, the magazine for hospitality management professionals.

The resources released by the Legacies for Learning Project are now available via RADAR, Oxford Brookes University's institutional repository, and the case studies/discussion starters are also available from the Learning Legacies Website. The project will also be releasing more research papers as well as 23 original reports/documents related to the planning of the 2012 Games and provided by LOCOG.

For more information on the project and the resources please contact John Buswell (HLST Assistant Director and Project Director) via jbuswell@brookes.ac.uk

Enhancing Graduate Impact in Business and Management, Hospitality, Leisure, Sport, TourismHLST

2011-08-04T12:31:00.017+01:00

If you are an academic or tutor teaching hospitality, leisure, sport or tourism, there is a new title you will want to review as the academic year begins. Called 'Enhancing Graduate Impact in Business and Management, Hospitality, Leisure, Sport, Tourism' (2011) the title features case studies and research from HLST showing how to improve HLST students' success in the industry.

Topics range from mentoring and internships to volunteering and ethical thinking, and each topic lends itself to the application of 'good practice' in the hospitality workplace.The case studies highlight how many new graduates have had - or can have - a positive and significant impact in the industry.

Articles include the following:

Developing students into creative managers
Embedding graduate skills
Developing professional value and behaviour in a virtual learning environment
Using student part-time work for structured and credit-rated work-based learning
Any volunteers? - an employability case study
Engaging students, staff and employers in enhancing graduate impact

Whether you are an academic or a hospitality manager who employs new graduates, you will find an article of interest in this FREE title. Learn from the case studies how to turn a promising graduate into an exceptional hospitality employee.

Students: Intute's Hospitality Portal Still Available

2011-07-29T17:41:00.000+01:00

Sad but true, Intute - that fantastic portal guiding catering, hospitality, leisure and tourism students to great resources - will no longer be updated as of July 2011. The good news is the portal will remain up and running for the time being. The bad news: the quality of the content will deteriorate because Intute's staff of university librarians and researchers will no longer be using their expertise and knowledge to add to the contents of the portal.

We say, make hay while the sun shines. In other words, check out and familiarise yourself with the content of Intute now, as you start the new academic year, before the portal's quality is affected. Intute is a great way to obtain a free overview of HLST resources.

While you are on the Intute website, try out the Virtual Training Suite which offers free tutorials on Internet research skills to help with your university course.

Looking for an Additional Catalogue with Hospitality Resources?

2011-07-25T16:47:00.001+01:00

The Institute's Information Services provides a 'one stop shop' for Institute members to access free materials - such as ebooks and ejournals - covering hospitality, leisure, tourism, business and careers. Members like the focused, specialist collection held by the Institute because it removes a lot of the superfluous materials that are unrelated to the hospitality industry.

If, however, you would like a broader search of materials and don't have access to a special or university library, then try the following option. The Bielefeld University Library offers the BASE service which may be "one of the world's most voluminous search engines especially for academic open access web resources".

The Bielefeld University resources can supplement your research, but be warned, like many web or publisher sites, some items must be purchased if you wish to obtain full text!

The catalogue can be located at: Bielefeld University Library.

Data on UK Contract Catering Industry

2011-07-18T14:59:00.000+01:00

Food and Service Management Survey 2010

Contract catering makes up a huge part of the hospitality industry and covers many sectors such as the prison service, care homes, education, defense, local authorities and many more.

The British Hospitality Association (BHA) publishes an annual document called the Food and Service Management Survey and has shared some essential statistical data with Caterer & Hotelkeeper regarding contract catering in the UK.

To locate the free data, click HERE or alternatively, to purchase the entire survey for just £50, contact Philippa at the BHA: philippa.brady@bha.org.uk

Institute of Hospitality Cymru is HERE!

2011-07-14T14:56:00.000+01:00

Following consultation with Institute of Hospitality members throughout Wales, the Institute of Hospitality Cymru has been established, drawing committee membership from across the country. Currently chaired by Dana Evans MIH, the new committee will help focus the Institute's response to political and business initiatives affecting the Welsh hospitality, leisure and tourism industry. The Institute is now better placed to contribute to the development of tourism and hospitality-related policies within Wales/Cymru.

The Institute of Hospitality Cymru will also organise events and activities for networking, professional development, awards and business seminars.

Peter Lederer FIH, president of the Institute of Hospitality, alongside key Institute of Hospitality members in Wales/Cymru have supported this planned transformation, seeing it as a vital step in being able to address and influence the professional development needs of the industry locally.

All levels of Institute members including EMS members can get involved in ‘shaping’ the new structure of the Cymru branch and assist on the new committee by contacting Ms. Dana Evans MIH, acting chairman of the Institute of Hospitality Cymru, on 01792 872330 or email cymru@instituteofhospitality.org

Looking for Hospitality Research Links? Here's a chap who can help...

2011-06-30T13:37:00.000+01:00

David Dillard, an information professional at Temple University in Philadelphia, USA, has created portals for both Hospitality and Tourism and loads of links to Temple's resources, but also to many external free resources. Perfect for a browse, you never know where David's links will lead you, but it is usually to good quality hospitality and tourism information, support or materials. So give this site a look over.

Personal favourites are the various bibliographies containing lists of resources available at Temple, or through the Institute, or at your own college or university. David has done some of the work for us in gathering handy bibliographies and data. Cheers, David!

Searching for Answers to Your Hospitality Career Questions? Get FREE 1-2-1 Advice: 24 June 1-4pm

2011-06-23T12:33:00.002+01:00

" What sorts of opportunities are available for graduates in the hospitality sector? Find out more from a panel of industry insiders in a live Q&A on Friday 24 June."

The Guardian and the Institute of Hospitality invite hospitality students and professionals to participate in a FREE online, live Hospitality careers Q&A session on Friday 24 June from 1-4pm at the Guardian's career website. The Q&A session will be accessible from http://careers.guardian.co.uk/careers-blog/hospitality.

Industry experts will answer your questions live, online and FREE!

The Institute of Hospitality, the British Hospitality Association (BHA), the Universities of Surrey and Bournemouth - and more - will be available to provide one-to-one insights and expertise on matters relating to a career in hospitality, leisure and tourism.

Don't miss this exceptional opportunity to receive FREE high quality advice on your careers questions!

You are Invited! University of West London & Institute of Hospitality Event

2011-06-21T13:17:00.001+01:00

As a hospitality employer, employee or aspiring student you want to ensure you have all the hospitality skills required to contribute to - and succeed in - a hospitality workplace. The Institute of Hospitality and the University of West London (formerly Thames Valley University) can help you attain and develop hospitality management skills for yourself or for staff through a relevant, flexible and affordable education and training programme.

Starting in September 2011, the Institute of Hospitality is working with the University of West London (UWL) to deliver all three levels of Institute of Hospitality Management Qualifications:

Diploma in Hospitality and Tourism Operations (Level 2);
Diploma in Hospitality &Tourism Management (Level 3); and
Diploma in Advanced Hospitality & Tourism Management (Level 4).

So, if you are either an employer or a potential student and would like to learn more about how the qualifications can provide industry skills and hospitality career development then plan to attend the UWL's free launch event for employers and students on Tuesday, 12 July 2011, from 6-7pm at UWL's main Ealing campus in West London. If you would like further information regarding this event, contact: awardingbody@instituteofhospitality.org or view a PDF describing the Qualifications.

To find out more about the Institute's Qualifications at the UWL, contact Tessa Meager at the Institute of Hospitality by email at: tessa.meager@instituteofhospitality.org or ring Tessa at: 020 8661 4929.

See you in September!

Hospitality Grads & Grads-2-B: Looking for the job that will move your career up?

2011-06-21T10:51:00.000+01:00

Try out this helpful online resource from TargetJobs UK which covers job seeking and careers in hospitality, leisure and tourism. Find links to jobs, careers advice and much more including:

"How to impress at hospitality, leisure and tourism graduate job interviews
Do I need special qualifications for a graduate job in hospitality, leisure or tourism?
Graduate tips: becoming a manager in a hospitality, leisure or tourism role
Graduate views: What's life in this sector really like? Read the personal views of graduates working in hospitality, leisure and tourism.
Areas of work: From adventure tourism and hotels to health and fitness: read about the main areas of work in hospitality, leisure and tourism."

And don't forget the Institute of Hospitality's resources including a free-to-members management guide, Institute of Hospitality’s Guide to Career and Job Seeking Resources, and Institute ebooks on CV writing and career planning. As THE professional body for hospitality managers and aspiring managers, the Institute can help guide you build a career as a hospitality manager!

For a quick look at a typical hospitality CV, view this nicely done version from hospitality recruitment firm BarrettClark.

Questions About Hospitality? Visit the Hospitality Oracle: Hospitality Answers

2011-06-03T10:29:00.001+01:00

If you have a question you would like answered about the hospitality industry, try the newest blog from Ioannis Pantelidis, a Senior Lecturer in Hospitality and Culinary Arts at the University of Brighton with an extensive background in hospitality, leisure and tourism.

Ioannis will do his best to answer hospitality questions - even the more unusual ones - But we suspect he won't be answering thesis questions - that's up to students!

Visit 'Hospitality Answers' at: http://hospitalityanswers.blogspot.com

Passion 4 Hospitality - Super Article from University of Brighton

2011-06-01T09:39:00.001+01:00

For an overview of the recent, very successful student event, Passion 4 Hospitality, view the following page from the University of Brighton. News - School of Service Management, University of Brighton

Are You Carrying a Torch?

2011-05-27T10:36:00.002+01:00

Olympic torchbearer, Eton, 1948.

Have you ever carried a torch...an Olympic torch, that is? If not, London 2012 is seeking up to 8,000 'inspirational' torchbearers to carry the Olympic flame around the UK and into London. The nomination process for torchbearers has just opened and closes on 29 June 2011. See: http://www.london2012.com/games/olympic-torch-relay/carrying-the-olympic-flame/

Remember, the London 2012 Olympic experience isn't just about world class athletes...it's about the people supporting the Games, too!

Resources for Free or Low Cost Peer-reviewed Articles

2011-05-19T11:04:00.000+01:00

The Institute of Hospitality's eJournals Collection is available for free to all Institute members and offers a variety of academic (ie peer-reviewed), trade and business ejournals to members. EMS students can print, email, listen to audio versions and even have the text of articles translated using the Institute's collection. To access the collection, go to the Institute's home page at www.instituteofhospitality.org and click on the Information Services tab to locate the link to the eJournals Collection.

The following are additional options for free or low cost access to academic articles. Google Scholar leads researchers to articles - some free and some fee - on the chosen topic, keywords or title.

DeepDyve is a new option that allow users to rent an article for a limited period of time, or simply view the first page of text for free to determine whether the article is suitable for your research.

There are also FREE open access journals such as the quality title the Journal of Hospitality, Leisure, Sport and Tourism Education Journal, better known as JoHLSTE. To locate more open access academic journals, try the Directory of Open Access Journals at: http://www.doaj.org.

Are YOU the Best & Smartest - in hospitality? Olympics Jobs are Available...

2011-05-06T11:58:00.003+01:00

Are you interested in working in hospitality for the Olympics? If so, check out the jobs site "Jobs for the Games" run be seasoned recruitment organisation Adecco, the official recruitment services provider of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. As the only London 2012 job site approved by LOCOG, you’ll find the latest jobs, career tools, news and more at: http://www.jobsforthegames.co.uk/

Sebastian Coe, Chairman, LOCOG and a former Olympian, says: "Staging the Olympic and Paralympic Games is the most complex piece of project management that any city will ever undertake. An inseparable part of the project is getting the best and smartest people working directly for the Organising Committee, our suppliers and sponsors. If we don’t get that right, then we won’t have a successful Games. This site is a gateway to the jobs generated by the London 2012 Games and I encourage people to sign up today."

IMI University Students Create "World's First Free Crowdsourced Student Guide" App for iPhone

2011-04-27T11:29:00.007+01:00

International students at EMS member IMI University Centre in Luzern, Switzerland, have gathered data to create the "world's first crowd-sourced student guide" for iPhones.

During the creation of the app, the 80 or so international students collaborated with Luzern Tourism to create a student-focussed free iPhone App all about life in Switzerland. The app addresses everything from cultural stereotypes and the dos & don'ts in Swiss life to where to find the best cheap eats and general information such as maps of the area.

Learn more about the IMI app by visiting the iPhone store at: http://bit.ly/e8byM6 and downloading the free app.

Is your university using and creating apps for hospitality, leisure, tourism or catering? If so, we'd like to know about it!

Email library@instituteofhospitality.org and tell us about it. Your app may be featured on the EMS Blog!

Colleges & Universities: Register NOW for London 2012 Open Weekend on 22-24 July

2011-04-15T09:51:00.004+01:00

London 2012 Weekend features film, art, sport

Podium 2012 is extending an invitation to UK colleges and universities to take part in this year's London 2012 Open Weekend. According to Podium, the Weekend will be showcasing the best of what the UK has to offer in art, dance, film and sport from 22 to 24 July 2011.

Registrations are being accepted from now until Monday 27 June and this year's event will of course be starting the countdown to one year to go to the Games!

To find out more, visit the London 2012 Open Weekend website and if you'd like some ideas about how you could get involved in Open Weekend why not read about last year's Open Weekend by clicking here and here.

Congratulations to Thames Valley University (Univ. of West London) Hospitality Students

2011-04-04T16:22:00.003+01:00

What a coup! Our heartiest congratulations to the student debating team from Thames Valley University - called the University of West London from 6 April 2010 - for winning the Institute of Hospitality's recent Passion 4 Hospitality debating contest.

Philippe Rossiter FIH (from left to right), TVU winners Sanjeev Kashiara, Steven Conlon, Ashraf Said-Saad Akef and Russell Kett FIH

The pilot debating competition took place on 31 March in London. Participants in the debate included teams from Westminster Kingsway College, University of Surrey, University of Derby Buxton, London Metropolitan University, Oxford Brookes University and the University of West London (formerly Thames Valley University).

The Institute extends sincere thanks to Russell Kett FIH, Managing Director of HVS (London) who acted as chair of the judges, the panel of industry experts who acted as judges and event sponsors Ignite Hospitality Consultants and the One and All Foundation. To learn more about the event go to: www.passion4hospitality.com

In the Institute's eyes, every team won on the day as they honed their communication and debating skills and displayed their knowledge of a challenging topic; use of new technologies in the hospitality industry.

It's no Joke: FREE Data on UK Hotel Industry!

2011-04-01T16:54:00.020+01:00

Industry expert and consultant Melvin Gold is, along with hotel chain Travelodge, sharing the content of a super new 2011 report entitled Quantification of serviced accommodation supply in the United Kingdom and consideration of related issues (2nd edition).The report is full of valuable current statistics and data on the hotel industry in the UK.

Melvin Gold Consulting Ltd. has prepared the 2nd edition of the report exploring the current situation of serviced accommodation supply in the United Kingdom for their clients Travelodge. The first report was prepared in 2008 and this revised edition was released in March 2011. Travelodge has kindly agreed to make the research available in the public domain and both editions of the report are available for free on the Melvin Gold Consulting websit.

A further report on the Edinburgh market (2008) is also available from the site in a pdf format, for those students seeking Edinburgh-specific hospitality data.

Many thanks to Melvin Gold, FIH, and Travelodge for sharing these quality reports with the industry!