Organisational change and faculty development: The introduction of Problem Based Learning in Hospitality Management at the Central University of Technology, Free State, South Africa

Problem-Based Learning (PBL) is a learner-centred strategy that can be used to achieve the objectives of Outcomes Based Education (OBE). PBL's effectiveness relies on problems based on real-life situations to start the learning process and depends on self-directed learning. Currently, there exists no fixed learner-centred didactic approach within the Hospitality Management program. Faculty therefore identified the need to address this shortcoming by considering PBL as a possible strategy that supports the basic principles of learner-centeredness. However, many questions were raised: Why PBL? Is PBL an appropriate approach for the Hospitality Management Program and whether it is subject-specific? Readiness of staff and learners for the implementation of PBL was also raised as a concern. Defining the characteristics of the curriculum required for the implementation of PBL deserves as much attention and when and how it should be implemented? This paper highlights these issues and documents the planning and consequent implementation of PBL in the Hospitality Management Program. The outcome shows that the implementation of PBL could serve to our benefit, but that available time within the program is a concern. It is envisaged that this project will provide clarity on designing a unique model of PBL for the Hospitality Management program.