The hospitality industry is highly competitive. Organizations and their staff must be motivated continually to do their best and improve their performance. Simulation eLearning and scenario based training will ensure that staff are highly competent.
Consumers expect excellent service. Service delivery is dependent on the competence of people working in the establishment. Thus, continuous staff training is essential for economic survival in this competitive environment. It is business critical.
“Lack of training or poor training brings out high employee turnover and the delivery of substandard products and services.” 1
Ongoing industry training is a challenge when employees are busy with the daily operations. They must be working to keep the establishment running smoothly. Staff can’t be “out of service” while attending training sessions for too long!
So for training to benefit the establishment, you need:
Organizations are increasingly using new technologies which allow faster and more convenient training methods as a solution. Methods such as simulation and scenario-based eLearning are making training more powerful, enjoyable and cost-effective.
Internships and placements traditionally focus on the development of vocational and operational skills. “In contrast, simulations provide an opportunity for students to practice and develop strategic analysis, decision making, and problem-solving skills.” 2
Simulation based training is an experiential learning tool that bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical skills required to develop competence.
An overview of abundant research3 in the following areas shows that online simulations are an effective tool for developing many of the capabilities required in the hospitality industry workplace:
In a simulated model of reality, participants can make difficult decisions without the risk of failure that could harm the business. This allows them to learn from their mistakes.
Simulations of comprehensive management can help learners integrate a wide range of knowledge, skills and experience.
Why does simulation based training work?
According to Kolb’s experiential learning model5, experiential learning goes through a cycle that consists of four steps:
Above: Kolb's experiential learning model.
It’s a powerful attribute of simulation based training that makes learning more engaging and fun and makes learners active participants in the learning process, rather than passive. Research confirms that simulations also encourage enthusiasm, motivation and productive teamwork and increase the variety in learning activities. 7
It achieves desired outcomes faster and more time- and cost-effectively than other learning methods.
Overall, simulation based training develops intellectual skills that empower trainees with tools for processing information, problem solving, and making decisions effectively. It builds staff competence, which is essential in a service industry.
Simulations are expected eLearning tools in today’s workforce education. They can be hosted in online cloud-based environments. This has improved student access to training, on any device with Internet connectivity.
The increasing costs and opportunity costs of training, the increased pressure to stay competitive in a service industry and advances in technology all highlight the benefits of using online simulation training.
Research shows that “barriers to using simulations include preparation time, lack of information about simulations, funding and administrative issues.” 8
SimuLearn helps you overcome most of these barriers. Our innovative content authoring and planning tools enable instructional designers to create customized simulations and scenario-based eLearning in much less time and with less cost than traditional tools.
Simulation eLearning reduces training risk, promotes competence and optimizes training time and costs. Our goal is to help you to build competence.