Contributors to hospitality students' knowledge enhancement

The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of a computer-based business simulation on learning enhancement taking account of prior work experience, realism of the simulation and self-efficacy. Prior to and following their participation in a Hotel Operations Tactics and Strategy (HOTS) business simulation course, 207 international students were surveyed on-line, in order to measure the enhancement of their knowledge and ability based on the key skill sets embedded in the simulation. The findings indicate that knowledge and, in turn, ability enhancement acquired through the HOTS experience is greatest when students' self-efficacy is low.