TRAINING OF PHD STUDENTS IN THE FIELD OF STUDY “SERVICES”: CHALLENGES AND TRENDS

Abstract

The article deals with the issue of efficient training of PhD students in the field of study “Services”, in particular, future researchers in hospitality. Today, the hospitality industry plays a significant role in solving problems of bringing the national economy out of the crisis, contributing to its structural transformation, which is of exceptional importance for our state. The martial law and hostilities have negatively affected the hospitality industry in Ukraine, which resulted in a number of challenges for its successful further development. Key challenges the branch under study is facing at the moment include disruption of supply chains, reduction in the purchasing power of customers, changes in consumer demand, shortage of certain types of products, shortage of personnel, business unprofitability. Thus, ensuring sustainable development belongs to strategic goals of hospitality industry in Ukraine along with maintaining its economic competitiveness through introducing modern technologies. In the rapidly evolving service industry, a PhD degree may be crucial for achieving success in today’s job market. One of the primary benefits of pursuing a PhD in service industry is the opportunity to specialize in a particular research area. This level of specialization allows students to acquire a deep understanding of their chosen field, making them experts in their respective branches. However, the educational-scientific potential of PhD students may be strongly affected by various social, economic, psychological, and political factors. At the same time, providing future researchers with hands-on experience is regarded as a significant aspect of their professional training. Internships or job shadowing programs are efficient ways to achieve this goal in the hospitality industry. In addition, the competency-based approach is a necessary component at training students of educational and research level. Since a PhD in the field of study “Services” goes beyond theoretical knowledge, it is a comprehensive education and training program, which provides young scientists with necessary set of special competencies, including ability to perform in-depth research accompanied by up-to-date technical and communication skills.