Curriculum Overview
The Hotel Management program at Alakh Prakash Goyal Shimla University Shimla is meticulously designed to provide students with a comprehensive and rigorous education that combines theoretical knowledge with practical application. The curriculum is divided into eight semesters, each building upon the previous one to ensure progressive learning and skill development.
| Semester | Course Code | Course Title | Credit Structure (L-T-P-C) | Pre-requisites |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | HM-101 | Introduction to Hospitality Industry | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 1 | HM-102 | Business Communication | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 1 | HM-103 | Fundamentals of Management | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 1 | HM-104 | Principles of Economics | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 1 | HM-105 | Mathematics for Business Applications | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 1 | HM-106 | Physical Sciences | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 1 | HM-107 | Basic Computer Applications | 2-0-2-3 | - |
| 2 | HM-201 | Hotel Operations | 3-0-0-3 | HM-101 |
| 2 | HM-202 | Food and Beverage Service | 3-0-0-3 | HM-101 |
| 2 | HM-203 | Front Office Management | 3-0-0-3 | HM-101 |
| 2 | HM-204 | Housekeeping | 3-0-0-3 | HM-101 |
| 2 | HM-205 | Event Planning | 3-0-0-3 | HM-101 |
| 2 | HM-206 | Introduction to Hospitality Technology | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 2 | HM-207 | Psychology of Customer Service | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 3 | HM-301 | Revenue Management | 3-0-0-3 | HM-201 |
| 3 | HM-302 | Strategic Marketing in Hospitality | 3-0-0-3 | HM-104 |
| 3 | HM-303 | Hospitality Information Systems | 3-0-0-3 | HM-107 |
| 3 | HM-304 | Sustainability in Tourism | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 3 | HM-305 | Cross-Cultural Communication | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 3 | HM-306 | Hospitality Law and Ethics | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 3 | HM-307 | Financial Accounting for Hospitality | 3-0-0-3 | HM-104 |
| 4 | HM-401 | Leadership and Innovation in Hospitality | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 4 | HM-402 | Advanced Financial Management | 3-0-0-3 | HM-307 |
| 4 | HM-403 | International Hospitality Trends | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 4 | HM-404 | Crisis Management in Hospitality | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 4 | HM-405 | Sustainable Development Practices | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 4 | HM-406 | Hospitality Research Methodology | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 5 | HM-501 | Specialization Elective I | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 5 | HM-502 | Specialization Elective II | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 5 | HM-503 | Specialization Elective III | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 5 | HM-504 | Internship Preparation Workshop | 2-0-2-3 | - |
| 6 | HM-601 | Internship Semester | 0-0-0-12 | - |
| 7 | HM-701 | Capstone Project I | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 7 | HM-702 | Capstone Project II | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 7 | HM-703 | Research Paper Writing | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 8 | HM-801 | Final Thesis | 0-0-0-12 | - |
Detailed Description of Advanced Departmental Electives
Several advanced departmental electives are offered to deepen students' understanding and expertise in specialized areas. These courses are designed to align with current industry trends and prepare students for niche roles within the hospitality sector.
- Culinary Innovation and Entrepreneurship: This course explores the science behind culinary techniques, menu development, and entrepreneurship in the food service industry. Students learn how to innovate within traditional cuisines while considering dietary restrictions, cultural preferences, and sustainability practices. The curriculum includes hands-on cooking workshops, guest lectures from renowned chefs, and a capstone project where students develop their own culinary business plan.
- Digital Marketing for Hospitality: In this course, students gain expertise in digital marketing tools and strategies tailored specifically to the hospitality industry. Topics include social media marketing, search engine optimization (SEO), email campaigns, influencer partnerships, and analytics platforms like Google Analytics and Facebook Insights. Practical assignments involve creating full-scale digital marketing plans for actual hotels or tourism destinations.
- Revenue Analytics and Forecasting: This course focuses on using data analytics to optimize revenue management strategies. Students learn about demand forecasting models, pricing algorithms, yield management systems, and the integration of artificial intelligence in revenue optimization. Real-world case studies from leading hotel chains help students understand how to apply these concepts effectively.
- Sustainable Tourism Development: This course delves into the principles and practices of sustainable tourism development, examining how destinations can balance economic growth with environmental protection and social responsibility. It covers topics such as carbon footprint reduction, eco-friendly infrastructure, community engagement, and green certifications. Students work on a group project analyzing a real destination’s sustainability initiatives.
- Event Management and Planning: Designed for aspiring event coordinators, this course covers the entire lifecycle of event planning—from conceptualization to execution. Students learn about budgeting, vendor selection, logistics coordination, risk management, and post-event evaluation. Practical experience is gained through organizing mock events under faculty supervision.
- Spa Therapy and Wellness Tourism: This elective introduces students to the science and practice of spa therapy, wellness programs, and holistic health practices within the hospitality context. It includes modules on aromatherapy, massage techniques, nutrition for wellness, stress management, and designing personalized wellness retreats. Guest speakers from top wellness centers provide real-world insights.
- Hotel Technology and Automation: With increasing reliance on technology in hospitality, this course explores the latest trends in automation, smart hotel solutions, mobile applications, and IoT integration. Students examine how emerging technologies can enhance guest experiences, improve operational efficiency, and reduce costs. Labs and simulations provide hands-on exposure to cutting-edge tools.
- International Hospitality Law: This course provides an overview of legal frameworks governing international hospitality operations. It covers topics such as contract law, labor regulations, immigration policies, visa requirements, and compliance with international standards like ISO 14001 for environmental management. Case studies from global hotel chains highlight practical applications.
- Cultural Heritage Tourism: Focused on preserving and promoting cultural heritage through tourism, this course examines how historical sites, traditions, and local crafts can be integrated into tourism products. Students learn about heritage conservation techniques, community-based tourism models, and ethical tourism practices. Field trips to heritage sites enhance learning outcomes.
- Crisis Communication in Hospitality: In today’s volatile environment, effective crisis communication is crucial for hospitality businesses. This course teaches students how to manage public relations during emergencies, natural disasters, or security incidents. Through simulations and real-life case studies, students develop skills in messaging strategy, media engagement, and stakeholder management.
Project-Based Learning Approach
The department emphasizes a project-based learning model that encourages students to apply theoretical knowledge in practical scenarios. The curriculum includes mandatory mini-projects and a final-year thesis or capstone project, providing comprehensive exposure to real-world challenges and solutions.
Mini-projects are undertaken in the third and fourth semesters, allowing students to explore topics of personal interest within the broader scope of hotel management. These projects are supervised by faculty members who guide students through research methodologies, data collection, analysis, and presentation skills.
The capstone project, completed during the seventh and eighth semesters, is a significant undertaking that requires students to integrate knowledge from multiple disciplines. Projects may involve developing new service concepts, conducting market research for a specific segment, or proposing strategic initiatives for existing hospitality organizations.
Faculty mentors are assigned based on students' interests and career goals, ensuring personalized guidance throughout the project development process. Students are encouraged to collaborate with industry partners and participate in competitions to enhance their learning experience and gain recognition for their work.
The evaluation criteria for these projects include originality, depth of research, practical applicability, presentation quality, and teamwork skills. Regular progress reviews and feedback sessions ensure that students stay on track and receive timely support when needed.