Final Report Presentation

Introduction

Over the years, there has been a need to increase the number of campus cafeterias in large universities as the student population grows. This growth of student population as a result of the expansion of university facilities to accommodate more students has affected the normal distribution of resources, especially in the dining halls as there result in long ques for food which can change the student timetable. According to Tseng “A study of 15 postsecondary institutions concluded that the full campus dining environment provides limited support for healthful eating and obesity prevention” (Tseng et al. 1) These findings have led me to set a survey in the business of campus cafeteria which can serve for more extended hours and is easily accessible. The study was conducted in the form of a questionnaire asking about the idea of opening a campus cafeteria near the library from the early hours of the morning until late. Several students answered and the data collected were tabulated and discussed.

The history of campus cafeteria goes back to decades ago when universities only served the purpose of education while feeding the students was not part of their agenda. The student cafeterias were set up in basements where they served a large population on a low budget. These foods were not as healthy as they led to weight gain in the first semester of the freshmen. Later in the 1990s fast-food companies emerged and sought business opportunities in the campuses by setting up food joints where the students can order various meals at an affordable price. These fast food companies did not consider the health of the students and the school, and this led to a discussion concerning providing students with healthy organic meals since food is as essential to learning and healthy eating has benefits explicitly to the learner.

Objectives

             The objective of the research is to find out the needs of the student in nutrition concerns and the best way they can get meal services at all times and considering the cost and the quality of food. The research was conducted at a State University in America where the intended company wants to set up a cafeteria for students. Another objective was to learn the student meal patterns in the university regarding the time of day where there are a large number of the student population taking meals, the type of meals eaten at a particular time and the cost of the meals. The issue of extending the time of services was also of concern as some students study until late at night especially during exam periods while others such as athletes wake up early for training and need a place they can take breakfast during that period.

Another objective of concern for the research is to know what the university catering management says about the business proposal and what type of licenses one requires to set up a cafeteria in the university. The amount of space the university can provide and the number of workers in the cafeteria will also be considered.

The survey researched the issue of advertising special offer meals on the campus website and in social media platforms to interact with students on what they like and improving the services. This advertising strategy will also add more customers to the cafeteria and promote a healthy diet for the students.

The final objective of the survey is to find out what amount the workers will earn according to the hours they work and the kind of shifts each worker will have and the duties they will be performing. The number of workers will also be considered as the cafeteria will be opened until late.

Result

The result of the survey was collected and tabulated for interpretation. The following tables show the results of the findings from survey monkey. The study was classified as a percentage.

 

Quiz   Yes No
1 Should there be a campus cafeteria along the library av? 91 9
2 Do you prefer a campus outlet over an off-campus eat out? 46 54
3 Do you live in campus hostel? 50 50
4 Do you prefer healthy food over fast food? 93 7
5 Do you study or work out late? 74 26
6 Have you ever been in a long queue in the campus dining halls 83 17
7 Do you contend with the school catering service? 43 67
8 Are you a vegetarian? 21 79
9 Do you have allergies? 3 97
10 Would you prefer an in campus meal over taking out? 47 53

 

 

 

The following table shows the suggestion students gave concerning fast food to eat outs on the campus.

Suggestions Percentage
WIFI 66
Hot Water 58
Take outs 98
Variety of beverages 75
Open 24hrs 99
Open on weekends 93
Vegan diet 5

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discussion

The study showed that most students prefer a cafeteria that opens for 24 hours and it should be near the library since this is where most students spend their time and it was more secure at night. The cafeteria will have free coffee at dinner if one orders food and there will be coffee through ought during the winter season.

There should be consideration of various student diets as some students are vegetarians while others are allergic to certain foods. The students also requested the meals to be made from organic products fresh from the market and the food servings should be surplus to their fill. Students should be allowed to serve to take away to their hostels with environment-friendly containers since it is the policy of the university to keep the university clean.

The cafeteria will be set up to accommodate five hundred students at a single sitting. The set up will require a big space and a more significant number of employees. Each employee will hold specific duties and will receive an allowance after two weeks considering the amount of time they have worked.

The survey results showed that a preferable advertising media is social media platforms such as the student website and the university Facebook and Twitter page. There will be special treats during significant events such as the independent day on July fourth to increase the popularity of the cafeteria to the students. The university noticeboards will advertise the cafeteria to reach a large audience.

Conclusion

The result from the survey concluded that the idea of setting up a cafeteria is ideal and will help a lot of students who study until late and those who wake up early. According to Tseng et al. “A study of 15 postsecondary institutions concluded that “the full campus dining environment provides limited support for healthful eating and obesity prevention” (Tseng et al. 1) This will encourage the proposed company to sell healthy foods and minimize the sales of fast foods in the company. The campus cafeteria will offer different foods and beverages which are healthy and pocket-friendly to the students.

The cafeteria has proposed to increase the availability of seasonal variable products by setting up a storage facility that can store food products for more extended hours. The supply will stabilize food availability in all seasons will promote healthy products and also encourage students to consider eating healthy nutritional meals.

Recommendation

According to the survey, recommendations were made to increase maximum profits and offer quality services. Some of these recommendations were enhancing the work environment of the employees to give excellent service. Additionally, the cafeteria should provide facilities such as Wi-Fi and hot water for students. The services will promote the cafeterias mission to serve the student and make them feel comfortable supporting a conducive environment for learning. The cafeteria should have a stable supply of commodities without fail.

Reference

Tseng, M., DeGreef, K., Fishler, M., Gipson, R., Koyano, K., & Neill, D. B. (2016). Peer Reviewed: Assessment of a University Campus Food Environment, California, 2015. Preventing chronic disease, 13.

Leischner, K. (2016). The Healthfulness of Entrées and Students’ Purchases in the Campus Dining Environment.