MBA in International Hotel Management

This course equips students with the operational expertise needed to manage hotel departments effectively. It revisits service processes, design, and gaps, while examining hotel and restaurant operations, including front desk, housekeeping, food and beverage, and sales and marketing. Students will conduct service process observations and audits. 

The module also explores how cultural, environmental, political, and economic factors influence consumer behavior and hospitality operations. By the end of the course, students will be prepared to make informed managerial decisions and lead hospitality operations in dynamic environments. 

Students are introduced to financial analysis through both familiar and new concepts, enabling them to assess a company’s performance and value. The focus is on making informed decisions about investments and financial planning, using theoretical models and resource optimization techniques. The module also covers the financial system, sources of finance, investment opportunities, and treasury management, particularly working capital. 

A key component of this module is the development of skills in computing financial ratios for decision-making and evaluating organizational risk. Students will learn to apply these tools in real-world scenarios, enhancing their ability to analyze financial health and make strategic recommendations. This prepares them for roles involving financial planning, investment analysis, and corporate finance management. 

This module enhances students’ understanding of taxation and its implications for businesses, particularly in human resources and operations. It covers fiscal obligations of hotels, budgeting with social contributions, and differentiating between bottom-line and fiscal results. Students will learn to access reliable fiscal information and understand its application in real-world situations. 

The course prepares students to manage tax-related tasks and understand the impact of taxation on business decisions. By the end, they will be able to navigate fiscal challenges and support financial planning in hospitality settings, ensuring compliance and optimizing tax strategies. 

This course introduces students to economic and commercial laws relevant to business organizations, including torts, negligence, product liability, and consumer protection laws. It explores the legal rights and obligations of merchants and hotel operators, employment laws, and regulations governing online business and e-commerce. Students will also study matrimonial legal systems, business contracts, and asset management in the context of selling a business. 

The module prepares students to critically analyze business cases from a legal perspective and provide actionable recommendations. While not making them legal experts, it equips them with the foundational knowledge to navigate complex legal issues in business environments. By the end of the course, students will be able to identify legal risks and contribute to legally sound business decisions. 

This course transforms students into high-level managers capable of analyzing corporate strategies and economic environments using diagnostic tools like PESTEL, Porter’s Five Forces, and SWOT analysis. It focuses on strategic decision-making in the context of globalization, AI, ethical considerations, revenue management, cost control, and service quality. Students will explore various corporate strategies, including specialization, diversification, vertical integration, and internationalization. 

The module also involves evaluating business models for independent and chain hotels, and simulating high-level managerial roles to develop effective strategies. A major deliverable is the creation of a business model canvas integrating innovation, hospitality trends, and technology. By the end, students will be prepared to lead in complex, global hospitality environments and drive strategic growth. 

This module provides a global understanding of HR management, preparing students for roles in international hotel chains. It explores the impact of company culture and societal environment on HR strategies and delves into strategic HR decision-making, skills development, performance evaluation, and the dynamics of multicultural teams. Students will also examine workplace stress and evolving HR roles in promoting employee well-being. 

The course emphasizes ethical workplace practices, social dialogue, and communication strategies that foster inclusivity and ethical behavior. Students will compare multicultural and homogenous team dynamics and learn best practices for managing diversity. Upon completion, students will be equipped to implement HR initiatives that enhance organizational performance and employee satisfaction in diverse hospitality settings. 

Building on prior marketing knowledge, this module teaches students to develop comprehensive marketing strategies, incorporating social media and revenue management principles. It emphasizes Strategic Marketing Management and how marketing concepts apply to evolving business environments, including competitive, economic, and sociocultural factors. Students will apply segmentation, targeting, differentiation, and positioning techniques to real-world scenarios. 

Additionally, the course covers product development, life cycle management, pricing strategies, and value communication through advertising and public relations. Students will learn to create effective marketing campaigns and manage brand positioning. By the end of the module, students will be able to craft and implement strategic marketing plans that align with business goals and market trends.

This course examines the evolving challenges in the tourism and hospitality sectors, including the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, the Internet, social media, sharing economy, terrorism, climate change, and economic crises. Students will explore how these factors influence tourism, hospitality economies, and air transportation. 

They will also study the role of world heritage sites in tourism and analyze the broader economic and environmental implications. By the end of the module, students will have a comprehensive understanding of the forces shaping the tourism and hospitality industries and be prepared to address emerging challenges in these sectors. 

This course equips students with skills in corporate social responsibility (CSR) for the hospitality industry. They will analyze consumer and stakeholder expectations, evaluate CSR’s impact on competitiveness, and apply international certifications to integrate CSR into hotel management. 

Students will also create strategic communication plans to promote CSR initiatives. By the end of the module, they will be prepared to drive sustainable practices and enhance organizational performance through responsible business strategies. 

This course explores the transformative role of artificial intelligence in hospitality and tourism. Students will learn to implement AI tools for personalized customer experiences, dynamic pricing, and targeted marketing, enhancing service delivery and operational efficiency. 

Ethical considerations, including data confidentiality and employment impacts, are also addressed. By the end of the module, students will be prepared to lead in a technology-driven industry, leveraging AI to improve customer satisfaction and business performance. 

Students will apply their knowledge of computer software to the hospitality sector by creating websites and managing information systems. The course introduces the concept of Management Information Systems (MIS) and explores how technological trends in IT and communication impact marketing, branding, and operations in the hospitality industry. 

Students will also learn how MIS and IT solutions can address business challenges and develop the ability to critique and evaluate IT issues in hospitality. By the end of the module, they will be equipped to leverage technology for operational efficiency and strategic decision-making in the hospitality industry. 

The Mandarin module prepares students to promote a company and sell its products and services in a foreign language. It focuses on developing essential marketing and communication skills in Mandarin, enabling students to operate effectively in international hospitality and tourism environments. Students learn key vocabulary, how to organize and lead meetings, and engage in strategic discussions on hospitality topics.

By practicing real-world business scenarios, students build confidence and fluency in using Mandarin professionally. The course also fosters cultural awareness, helping students interact successfully with Mandarin-speaking clients and partners. Upon completion, students are equipped with the language and strategic communication skills needed for leadership roles in global hospitality businesses.

This module builds on students’ prior knowledge of auditing and managerial controls, offering a deeper understanding of operational audits and their practical applications in business. It emphasizes principles and methods used in operational auditing, expense accounting in hotels, and the application of absorption costing in hospitality management. Students will explore cost control and management strategies, including managing labor, materials, and fixed expenses, and will be exposed to real-world scenarios involving cost and expense accounting. 

The course also delves into restaurant pricing, menu planning, and the anatomy of sales, equipping students with strategic cost management skills. By the end of the module, students will be well-prepared for roles such as management auditors or profit center managers, with a strong grasp of how to apply these concepts in the hospitality industry. 

This module introduces students to corporate finance, focusing on strategic decision-making and simulating the role of a financial manager. Through case studies, students will explore financial concepts such as fund providers, financial management objectives, risk management, bond valuation, and capital budgeting for asset replacement. 

By applying knowledge from previous studies, students will gain the skills needed to manage financial resources effectively. By the end of the module, they will be prepared for roles involving financial planning, investment analysis, and strategic financial decision-making in business environments. 

This course teaches students to approach marketing and communication from a strategic and analytical perspective. They will learn to assess marketing situations, apply the marketing mix, and develop strategies for segmentation, targeting, positioning, branding, and product innovation. 

Pricing strategy, distribution channels, and communication tools are also covered, along with customer service management. By the end of the module, students will be able to craft and implement strategic marketing plans that align with business goals and market trends. 

Building on prior HR knowledge, this course prepares students to act as HR managers in hotel settings. It covers company culture, strategic HR decision-making, skills development, performance evaluation, multicultural teams, workplace stress, ethics, profit-sharing strategies, continuous training, and crisis management. 

Students will apply these concepts through case studies and practical scenarios. By the end of the module, they will be equipped to lead HR departments, implement effective HR strategies, and contribute to organizational success in the hospitality industry. 

This module prepares students to manage hotel real estate projects, including renovations and new openings. It covers building management concepts, stakeholder roles, compliance, maintenance systems, safety protocols, and financial management principles. 

Students will also explore technology and innovation in hotel management. By the end of the course, they will be equipped to oversee hotel infrastructure projects, ensuring efficiency, safety, and sustainability.

This course prepares students for strategic planning and entrepreneurial innovation within organizations. They will learn to define corporate strategy, create business plans using the business model canvas, and differentiate between intrapreneurship and traditional entrepreneurship. 

The module also covers market analysis, feasibility studies, and persuasive project presentations. By the end of the course, students will be equipped to lead strategic initiatives and drive innovation within established organizations.

This module provides students with foundational French language skills, enabling them to engage in basic conversations and communicate effectively in hospitality settings. They will learn to articulate about themselves, their daily activities, and interact in fundamental hospitality scenarios in French. 

The course emphasizes practical language use in professional contexts, helping students build confidence and proficiency. By the end of the module, students will be able to use French in everyday and hospitality-related situations, enhancing their cross-cultural communication abilities. 

This simulation-based course immerses students in real-world business challenges, enhancing their management, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. Students will apply business tools and methodologies to develop innovative strategies and business models in collaboration with partner hotels. 

The module emphasizes critical thinking and strategic decision-making, preparing students for leadership roles in the hospitality industry. By the end of the course, students will have practical experience in strategic planning and business model development. 

This six-month internship provides students with hands-on experience to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings. Students will demonstrate their skills, identify knowledge gaps, seek feedback, and improve performance. They will also develop customer service, problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills. 

The internship emphasizes professional and ethical standards, health and safety protocols, and basic sales and marketing skills. By the end of the attachment, students will be confident and ready for full-time employment in their chosen field. 

This module guides students in conducting in-depth research for their final dissertation. Under the supervision of a Vatel professor and an external professional, students will refine their research questions, methodology, and academic writing skills. 

They will also learn to structure their dissertation effectively and communicate their findings persuasively. By the end of the module, students will be prepared to present and defend their research in front of a jury, demonstrating their ability to contribute to academic and industry knowledge.

The oral defense module prepares students to present their dissertation findings effectively, similar to pitching a business idea to senior managers or investors. Students must communicate their research clearly and concisely, demonstrating critical analysis, strategic thinking, and ethical awareness. 

The presentation is evaluated based on clarity, structure, and the ability to defend findings using theoretical frameworks. By the end of the module, students will be confident in presenting complex business ideas and defending their research in professional settings.