Mr. Vijay is the Head of the Department of Culinary College of Hotel Management and Catering Technology. He holds a B.A. degree and an M.A. degree in English Literature. Thereafter, he earned a postgraduate diploma in Tourism and Hotelering, a master’s in Tourism Management, a bachelor’s in Hotel Management and a master’s in Hotel Management. Mr. Vijay has been serving as HOD of the Hotel Management department at CCHM since 2019. With 16 years of experience under his belt, Mr. Vijay has also worked at the Kukreja Institute of Hotel Management and Catering Technology, Dass College of Hotel Management, Ram Institute of Hotel Management and Catering Technology, and Doon Hotel Management and Tourism Institute.

Culinary College of Hotel Management and Catering Technology

What is the latest program that you are offering in your institute/dept. which will help students outperform and stand apart from the crowd?

The latest program we have is named Explore Advanced Customer Relationship Management (CRM), which explores tools like Salesforce. It helps in adapting to the evolving landscape of customer interactions, where we also delve into data analytics for informed decision-making, and grasp the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in customer service. Through this programme, we try to strengthen cybersecurity awareness for safeguarding sensitive information, acquire proficiency in remote communication tools as remote work gains prominence and elevate student profiles with professional development in leadership and agile project management.

What are the factors that make this program the best for the students to opt?

This program stands out as the best choice for students due to its alignment with current industry needs, offering practical applications through hands-on experiences and real-world projects. With a faculty of experts, flexible learning options, and robust networking opportunities, it provides a holistic approach to education. The curriculum is cutting-edge, reflecting the latest industry advancements. Supported by a reputable career services department, the program ensures students are well-prepared for employment, enhancing their chances of success. Additionally, its affordability, financial aid options, and accreditation contribute to its appeal, making it a comprehensive and valuable choice for aspiring professionals.

What are the best practices in the course you’re offering?

Best practices in a course involve setting clear learning objectives, presenting engaging and relevant content, and incorporating interactive elements for varied learning styles. We provide assessments and timely, constructive feedback to enhance understanding. It is key for us to integrate technology for virtual experiences and collaborate on platforms. Our teachers relate theoretical concepts to real-world applications, fostering practical skills and cultivating an inclusive environment, considering diverse backgrounds and abilities. The college ensures accessible resources for independent learning, regularly gathers student feedback for continuous improvement, and staying updated on industry trends to offer the latest insights. These practices collectively create an effective, engaging, and student-centered learning experience.

What are some valuable insights of the program that you are offering at your institute/dept.?

We prioritise industry relevance with a curriculum designed to meet current demands. Our distinguished faculty, composed of experienced professionals, ensures a high-calibre learning experience. Practical application is emphasised through hands-on experiences and real-world projects. Networking opportunities and strong ties to industry professionals and alumni enhance students' career prospects. Robust career support services, including resume workshops and job placement assistance, are integral to our program. We integrate cutting-edge technologies, fostering innovation. By embracing diversity, we create an inclusive learning environment. Continuous improvement is paramount, with regular assessments and updates to stay aligned with industry dynamics and provide students with the latest insights.

How does the program ensure that students are being prepared for the future?

Our program ensures students are future-ready through a dynamic curriculum aligned with emerging industry trends. Practical application, including hands-on projects and internships, hones skills applicable to evolving job requirements. Technology integration prepares students for advancements in their fields. Critical thinking and soft skill development foster adaptability. Industry partnerships and advisory boards provide insights into current and future needs. Robust career services offer guidance on emerging career paths. Encouraging a culture of continuous learning, the program instils the importance of staying updated. A global perspective enhances understanding of international trends. Together, these strategies equip students for success in the dynamic landscape of their chosen professions.

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How did you train yourself/faculty to deliver this program to the students?

Our faculty undergo extensive training, including orientation on program objectives and regular reviews of the evolving curriculum and industry trends. Pedagogical training emphasises effective teaching methods and technology integration. Workshops on practical applications and soft skills development equip faculty to deliver hands-on experiences. Assessment and feedback techniques are honed for comprehensive student evaluation. Ongoing professional development opportunities, inclusive education training, and encouragement to attend conferences foster a culture of continuous improvement. This multifaceted approach ensures faculty are well-prepared to deliver an engaging, relevant, and high-quality educational experience, aligning with program objectives and meeting the needs of diverse learners.

How do you tend to build an industry connect with this program?

To forge a robust industry connection, our program implements multifaceted strategies. Advisory boards comprised of industry professionals offer strategic guidance, ensuring program relevance. Regular guest lectures and workshops by industry experts enrich students' perspectives and cultivate networking opportunities. Collaborative internships and placements with industry partners facilitate direct exposure to professional environments. An ever-evolving, industry-relevant curriculum aligns student skills with current demands. Faculty engagement in professional development activities, conferences, and research fosters ongoing connections. Networking events, job fairs, and alumni engagement create a dynamic platform for interaction. Research collaborations and institutional memberships further solidify the program's industry integration, establishing a symbiotic relationship between academia and the professional sphere.

What were the challenges that you faced while inculcating this program in your curriculum?

In implementing our program, challenges included designing a curriculum that harmonised theory and practice while staying industry-relevant. Allocating sufficient resources, including faculty and technology, posed logistical hurdles. Faculty required extensive training to deliver the new program adeptly. Integrating it seamlessly with existing courses demanded careful planning. Gaining stakeholder support, particularly from faculty, students, and administrators, was vital. Establishing and sustaining industry partnerships required persistent effort. Crafting fair and effective assessment methods presented complexity. Budget constraints influenced the availability of essential resources. Recruiting a diverse and qualified student cohort was an ongoing challenge. Encouraging adaptability to change among faculty and students proved crucial for successful implementation.

What are the types of projects that the students are working on through this program?

In our front office/customer service program, students engage in diverse projects. They enhance customer experiences through communication protocols and feedback systems, implement and customise CRM systems, and execute digital marketing campaigns. Projects focus on service quality improvement, multichannel communication optimisation, and simulated problem resolution. Students analyse customer data for insights, integrate emerging technologies like chatbots, and develop cross-cultural communication initiatives. Emergency response planning projects prepare them for unforeseen challenges. These hands-on experiences instill practical skills, fostering a comprehensive understanding of customer service processes and promoting adaptability in real-world scenarios.

What are the benefits and career options after pursuing this course?

Graduates of a front office or customer service-focused program gain versatile skills with diverse career prospects. The benefits include transferable skills applicable across industries, global opportunities, and a foundation for career advancement. Potential roles include Customer Service Representative, Front Desk Coordinator, Client Success Manager, and Sales Support Specialist. Opportunities extend to positions like Customer Experience Specialist, Call Center Supervisor, and E-commerce Customer Service Specialist. These careers involve client relationship management, problem-solving, and optimising overall customer experiences. The program's emphasis on communication and relationship-building prepares graduates for dynamic and fulfilling roles in customer-centric professions with widespread applicability.