A Spotlight On... Contemporary Trends

Localization has long been challenged by globalization. People on opposite sides of the world can connect around the issues and interests they care about most. Businesses can draw clients and revenue from across the globe. 
Increased globalization has given way to new opportunities, choices, and industries, but it’s also revealed our interconnectedness and our need for all industries to work together to find solutions to problems affecting our world today.

In the Contemporary Trends module of our Bachelor of Arts in International Hospitality and Events Management program taught by Dr. David Milson, students grow in their understanding of emerging global trends through studying today’s most relevant research on issues such as our broken food cycle, a growing (and aging) global population, and the evolution of education to engage a new workforce. 

Here’s a sneak peek at what students gain from this module:

 

1. Learn to think on a global level

Students in this module learn to think on a larger scale in order to consider the interconnectivity of today’s globalized world. This helps students understand how they can add value to and have an impact on the world’s most pressing issues.

 

2. Develop a deeper understanding of global issues 

This module explores the fluid nature of the service sector and challenges students to think differently about the traditional rules of business as they relate to today’s major trends. 

Students are challenged to consider issues as they relate to the hospitality industry, including: food chain issues and the rise of obesity, sustainable energy, decreasing fertility rates, LGBTQ+ rights and gender equality. Students must think creatively about educational solutions in a globalized world and propose alternatives to the emerging problem of choice overload in an increasingly online culture. 

 

3. Become equipped to make informed decisions and uncover new solutions  

With greater awareness of today’s issues, students become better equipped to make informed decisions regarding how these problems can be addressed within the hospitality industry. 

For example, when studying the topic of choice overload, students study Professor Sheena Iyengar’s 2010 book “The Art of Choosing” in which she suggests several ways to reduce choice complexity. Understanding these techniques helps students to make better choices themselves as well as give customers a better choosing experience.  "This is a course that will give you a chance to explore the unknown part of our world. From the energy we use on this planet to our broken education system, everyone will take away something new from this class," shares Annie, Chung Chau Leung, bachelor’s student.

Learn more about our Bachelor of Arts program

Learn by doing, with this bachelor's program that prepares you to excel in an international career in hospitality management and beyond. The curriculum features applied practical and academic learning, with two professional internships and the opportunity to refine your skills in a specialization of your choice that will make you stand out in the job market.