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BIHM is the premier academic body in the hospitality sector in the Gulf Region. Born out of a need to develop competence and inculcate international hospitality professionalism in sync with the world's unique socio-cultural milieu, it is a definite success in its chosen endeavor.
Baisan Institute of Hospitality Management (BIHM) came into existence on the basis of the findings of a survey conducted on the employers' need for trained candidates for entry-level jobs in the fast expanding local economies of the Gulf Nations.
The survey indicated the following key outcomes:
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The need for hands on education rather than conventional class-room education
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The need for inculcating a sense of personal hygiene, grooming, a positive attitude and commitment towards productive work.
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The need for attracting students for education for employment in the Hospitality Industry
Based on the above findings, an Apprenticeship Approach to education was adopted, whereby a trainee after initial exposure at BIHM would work under a mentor at the establishment who would facilitate the honing of skills of the apprentice to the acceptable standards of the establishment.
This concept became very popular amongst employers, which not only met their needs but also provided opportunities to them to mould the trainees according to their standards.
The employers explicitly expressed a desire to include a course on “Positive Attitude” in the curriculum offerings. Accordingly, a course entitled “Positive Attitude”, “Personal Hygiene” and “Grooming” was developed and is now an integral part of the curricula in all programmes offered at BIHM. The course has been refined over a period of time and is now offered a separate module to all cross-sections of employers.
BIHM now conducts annual surveys amongst the employers and the resultant suggestions are incorporated in the curricula and the delivery mechanism so as to make it Industry responsive, without necessarily compromising on the quality or the core components of the education programmes.
The Certificate Course in Fast Food and Certificate Course in Retail Operations have been designed, developed and delivered on the specific requests of the employers.
The concept of Industry responsive approach to education was further reinforced and formalized through the establishment of Advisory Council and subsequent Sub-committees.
These Sub-committees voice the concern of the employers and provide guidance on the improvements on the curriculum in keeping with the current and future needs of the respective industry segments. They also serve as the watch dog on the Quality Assurance in keeping with Quality Policy as laid down in ISO 9001:2000 Quality Manual.
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