Course Overview
Foodservice can be described as all those businesses, companies and institutions responsible for any food or meal prepared outside our homes. It encompasses hotels, hospital cafeterias, school, restaurants and catering operations among many other establishments. Hospitality management is defined as the study of hospitality industry. The hospitality industry is a multidisciplinary field which encompasses event planning, lodging, transportation, theme parks and other fields within the tourism industry. Professionals in this field may be referred to as food service managers, hospitality managers among many other titles. The work of food service managers entails the overall management of daily operations of hotels, restaurants and other associated establishments where food and related products are served.
The Bachelor of Science in Food Service and Hospitality Management is a four year course that has been designed and aimed at producing an all round and well trained manpower in all aspects of food service and hospitality management and research in culinary science, food technology and hospitality industry among other important areas in these fields. The students will be equipped with the necessary technical, communication as well as organizational skills required to manage hotels, restaurants and other associated establishments to enhance customer dining experience and the business profitability. Upon successful completion of the course, graduates will be competent to pursue leading roles within food service and hospitality industry as well as starting their own businesses in this industry.
Entry Qualifications
For self sponsored students, at least a mean grade of C+ in KCSE. For Government sponsored students, the minimum cut point which is announced annually applies. The students should in addition have good performance in the following cluster subjects; Subject 1 BIO, Subject 2 CHE, Subject 3 MAT A or PHY or GEO, Subject 4 ENG/KIS or 3rd GROUP II or a GROUP III or any GROUP IV or any GROUP V.
Becoming a food service manager
If you love the kitchen and all aspects of restaurant and foodservice operations and want to start a career that can enable you manage various foods and beverages operations within the hospitality profession, then pursuing this course might be a good choice for you. In addition, you should be prepared to develop skills that can enable you succeed in this field.
Food service managers must have good business skills especially those who run their own restaurants; they must be able to understand all aspects of the restaurant businesses. They also need to have good Customer-service skills in order to be courteous and attentive when dealing with patrons. In any food service business, satisfying customers’ dining needs is critical for success and ensuring customer loyalty. Food service managers must be able to multitask and be able to deal with many different types of activities such as suppliers, workers, and customers and ensure everything is running smoothly. Food service managers must portray excellent leadership skills to ensure a productive work environment.
Food service managers must be well organized and be able to keep track of many different schedules, budgets, and people within the business. These professionals must have good physical stamina as those working in small establishments or those who run their own business, often work long hours and sometimes spend entire evenings on their feet helping to serve customers. This work requires proper problem solving skills to enable food service managers resolve personnel issues and customer-related problems in an ethical way. Food service managers should have good communication and listening skills and be able to give clear orders to staff and be able to explain information to employees and customers.
Work environment.
Food service managers work within school cafeterias, restaurants, hotels and other joints where food is cooked or served.
Career opportunities
Graduates of this course can find employment in areas such as; hotels, restaurants, hospitals cafeterias, school cafeterias, outside catering and other establishments where food is prepared and served. Graduates can also opt to start their own food business.
You may explore these courses
Bachelor of Science in Hospitality & Tourism Management
Bachelor of Tourism Management
Bachelor of Science in Food Operations Management
Bachelor of Technology in Institutional Catering and Accommodation
Bachelor of Travel and Tours Operations Management
Bachelor of Catering & Hotel Management
Bachelor of Technology in Hotel and Restaurant Management