Scholar submission "Enterprise Learning": an interactive teaching and learning model that combines classroom theory, case study analysis, and industry environment reality for students of hotel operations

Abstract

The above model has been applied initially to the Hotel Operations class in the School of Hospitality and Service Management. Students spend time in the classroom learning the theory and procedure of running a 300 room full-service hotel. In preparation for their first visit to the RIT Inn they follow the Harvard Business Review format for analyzing case studies. On four separate occasions class is held at the RIT Inn where students interface with the managers and employees. Students join teams and each team engages in analyzing case studies developed by the instructor and Inn Management which mirror situations that the managers have recently been challenged with. Students present their solutions, and the managers tell what their solutions were in reality. The students are able to compare their results with actual results. The interchange of classroom, case study, and workplace is intended to yield greater learning outcomes for students that will enhance their professional management thinking and enrich their academic experience.