Compliance, Quality Assurance, and Innovation Practices in Hospitality Management Programs: A Multiple-Case Study of HEIs in Panay Island

Abstract

The increasing demand for globally competitive hospitality education has compelled higher education institutions (HEIs) to strengthen compliance systems, quality assurance mechanisms, and innovative academic practices. This study explored the compliance practices, quality assurance systems, innovation initiatives, challenges, and sustaining strategies among Hospitality Management programs in selected HEIs in Panay Island, Philippines. Using a qualitative multiple-case study design, data were gathered through in-depth interviews, document analysis, and field observations involving administrators, quality assurance officers, faculty members, and program coordinators from selected institutions. Thematic analysis and cross-case synthesis were employed to identify emerging themes and institutional variations.
Findings revealed that compliance and quality assurance practices were institutionalized through structured governance systems, periodic curriculum review, faculty capability development, strategic industry partnerships, and digitalized documentation systems. Institutions also demonstrated innovation through technology integration, experiential learning, simulation-based instruction, and industry-responsive curriculum enhancement. Despite these advances, HEIs continue to experience challenges related to documentation workload, infrastructure upgrading, resource limitations, and faculty workload. The study further revealed that collaborative leadership, stakeholder engagement, and a culture of continuous improvement significantly contribute to sustaining compliance and achieving higher accreditation outcomes.
The study contributes to hospitality education management literature by providing a contextualized understanding of institutional practices within Philippine HEIs. The findings may serve as a framework for strengthening compliance systems, sustaining quality assurance initiatives, and promoting innovation in hospitality education.