Improving Perception and Satisfaction on Middle and High School Foodservice: The Role of Student Participation Program in Serving School Meals / 대한지역사회영양학회지

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the extent to which implementation of student participation programs in serving school meals impacts student perception and satisfaction with school foodservice in middle and high school settings. METHODS: Students' perception of management and satisfaction with quality attributes of school foodservice were assessed by questionnaire methods and compared by the program implementation status of student participation in serving school meals. Correlation and multiple regression analyses were performed to identify factors affecting perception and satisfaction. RESULTS: The overall mean score for perception regarding the management of school foodservice was low (3.53 out of 10 points) and middle school students showed a higher mean score than high school students (4.10 vs. 2.94 points). In both middle and high schools, student perception was significantly higher in schools implementing the program. The average score for student satisfaction with the quality of school foodservice was 3.50 out of 5 points. Similarly, we observed a significantly higher satisfaction among middle versus high school students (3.93 vs. 3.04 points) and in schools implementing the program versus those that were not. Overall, student participation in serving school meals resulted in increases in satisfaction with school foodservice of 0.269 and 0.466 points among middle and high school students, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of student participation in serving school meals could be used as a strategy to improve perception and satisfaction of students with their school foodservice. Establishment of guidelines of student serving participation programs encompassing different perspectives from students, dietitians and school faculties are warranted.

Improving Perception and Satisfaction on Middle and High School Foodservice: The Role of Student Participation Program in Serving School Meals / 대한지역사회영양학회지

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the extent to which implementation of student participation programs in serving school meals impacts student perception and satisfaction with school foodservice in middle and high school settings. METHODS: Students' perception of management and satisfaction with quality attributes of school foodservice were assessed by questionnaire methods and compared by the program implementation status of student participation in serving school meals. Correlation and multiple regression analyses were performed to identify factors affecting perception and satisfaction. RESULTS: The overall mean score for perception regarding the management of school foodservice was low (3.53 out of 10 points) and middle school students showed a higher mean score than high school students (4.10 vs. 2.94 points). In both middle and high schools, student perception was significantly higher in schools implementing the program. The average score for student satisfaction with the quality of school foodservice was 3.50 out of 5 points. Similarly, we observed a significantly higher satisfaction among middle versus high school students (3.93 vs. 3.04 points) and in schools implementing the program versus those that were not. Overall, student participation in serving school meals resulted in increases in satisfaction with school foodservice of 0.269 and 0.466 points among middle and high school students, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of student participation in serving school meals could be used as a strategy to improve perception and satisfaction of students with their school foodservice. Establishment of guidelines of student serving participation programs encompassing different perspectives from students, dietitians and school faculties are warranted.

Standardization of Ingredient Classification and Quality Attributes of at School Foodservices

The purpose of this study was to standardize ingredients used by school foodservices. This study analyzed the current notation of ingredients in used by used in school foodservices through the NEIS system employed by school foodservices of elementary schools through high schools in South Korea. Specifically, this study suggests systemized standardization of ingredient classification and quality attributes of at school foodservices by applying a case study analysis. The findings from the case analysis of the Electronic Procurement System operator are as follows. Classifications for ingredients of the NEIS system used by school food services consisted of included food group, food name, detailed food name, and description. Classification was not clearly divided between the classification scheme and the attribute system. Therefore, food group, food name, and product information of each food should be categorized as the classification scheme, whereas the detailed food name (excluding product information) and description should be standardized as the attribute system, which is composed of required attributes, recommended attributes, and other attributes. This study suggests that system standardization should be carried out in the field of school foodservices, as advancements between distributors and school food service providers could affect food ingredient quality. Thus, standardization can influence purchase and distribution in many ways.

Investigation of Microbial Contamination and Working Environment in University Foodservices

The purpose of this study was to identity the probability of cross-contamination from the environment. For this, we examined foodservices at 20 universities/colleges for microbiological analysis of their working facilities and environment as well as their preventive equipment against cross-contamination. Seventy percent of the 20 foodservices were found to maintain one unified working area, which suggests high probability of contamination of food/utensils/equipment in the cooking area by pre-preparation or dish washing. According to the microbiological analysis, the hygiene acceptance ratio of working facilities in the clean zone was 70%, which was higher than the average 45% hygiene acceptance ratio of working facilities in the contamination operating zone. There was a significant difference in the total plate count (P<0.001) and coliform count (P <0.01), which demonstrates that work tables in the clean zone were in a good state compared to those in the contamination operating zone. In the contamination operating zone, refrigerator shelves had a high probability of cross-contamination. Regarding the floor surface and airborne microbes, cooking areas which should be maintained as clean zones had higher cross-contamination probability than those in the contamination operating zone. So corrective actions such as cleaning and sanitizing, keeping dry floors, lowered temperature and humidity, shoe disinfecting facilities, and checking concentrations, are necessary to manage floor surfaces and airborne microbes in the cooking area.

Comparative analysis of status of safety accidents and importance-performance analysis (IPA) about precautions of safety accidents by employment type of industry foodservices in Jeonbuk area / 한국영양학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the status of safety accidents and importance-performance analysis (IPA) between regular and non-regular employees in industry foodservices. METHODS: The participants were regular employees (n = 119) and non-regular employees (n = 163) in industry foodservices in the Jeonbuk area. Demographic characteristics, status of safety accidents, safety education, and importance and performance status were assessed using a self-administered questionnaire. RESULTS: Approximately 66.4% of regular employees and 53.4% of non-regular employees experienced safety accidents (p < 0.05). Types of safety accidents of regular and non-regular employees were mostly burns, and causes were mostly from their own negligence. Approximately 98.3% of regular employees and 95.1% of non-regular employees experienced safety education. Approximately 88.9% of regular employees and 96.8% of non-regular employees received safety education from dietitians. Approximately 41.9% of regular employees and 50.0% of non-regular employees had difficulty applying the contents of safety education due to lack of time during work. As a result of IPA, regular and non-regular employees were aware of the importance of the following and performed them well: ‘Clean the floor of the work place’, ‘Arrange in the work area’, ‘Wear safety shoes’, ‘Check for heater cord’, and ‘Safety cooking when using oil’. On the other hand, they were not aware of the importance of the following and performed them insufficiently: ‘Check for the MSDS’, ‘Aware of chemical signs’, ‘Wear protection gloves etc.’, ‘Do stretching exercise’, and ‘Using ancillary tools’. CONCLUSION: Therefore, it is necessary to improve the consciousness of dietitians for effective application of safety education contents, development of contents, especially MSDS, and related things.

Assessment and Corrective Measures of Child-care Foodservices by Sanitary Inspection Checklist Suggested by Korea Food and Drug Administration

The purpose of this study was to assess the hygiene status of 145 child-care foodservices, which were newly registered in the Center for the Children's Foodservice Management (CCFSM) in Changwon, Gyeongnam. Sanitary inspection checklist (40 food safety items) of Korea Food and Drug Administration (KFDA) was used by the CCFSM in Changwon, Gyeongnam. Average score from the total safety items in 145 child-care foodservices was 21.41 points out of 40 points. Score gaps between the lower group (71 foodservices, 13.92 points) and higher group (74 foodservices, 28.61 points) showed a significant difference (P<0.001). The top five priorities of sanitary measures needing corrective actions for child-care foodservices were as follows: 'provide hand washing and sanitizing tools, and supply manuals on how to wash hands properly', 'supply record form for access/inspection', 'conduct education for cooks on standards in the selection of sanitizer for raw vegetables and proper methods to wash and sanitize raw vegetables', 'provide a refrigerator and a freezer with installed thermometers and temperature record monitoring logs', 'encourage separation of contamination operating zone and clean zone or conduct training for cooks on ways to prevent cross-contamination by performing work separately by the hour'. For the higher group, most were national/public facilities (83.3%), whereas in the lower group, private facilities (62.1%) were more common than national/public ones (37.9%). Therefore, a significant difference (P<0.001) was detected in the two groups. These private facilities should be supported.

Comparative analysis on status of events and importance-performance analysis (IPA) between industry and school foodservices / 한국영양학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the status of events and importance-performance analysis (IPA) between industry and school foodservices. METHODS: The study subjects were dietitians in industry foodservices (n = 73) and nutrition teachers in school foodservices (n = 135) in the Jeonbuk area. Demographic characteristics, status of events, and problems of implementing events were assessed using a self-administered questionnaire. RESULTS: Approximately 67% of industry foodservices had implemented an event a month, whereas 40.7% of school foodservices did not implement events for students. The type of events that industry and school foodservices had implemented most frequently were Sambok event, Dongji event, Daeboreum event, Spring-Namul event, and Chuseok event. The industry foodservices had significantly higher average scores for performance of events than those of the school foodservices (p < 0.001). In the Importance-Performance Analysis (IPA), high importance and high performance (A area: doing great) in industry foodservices were seasonal events, traditional festival day events, anniversary events, traditional seasonal events, and personal memory events, whereas in school foodservices were traditional festival day events, traditional seasonal events, school events, and environment events. CONCLUSION: These results showed that events are important for the increase in customer satisfaction. Therefore, it is necessary to consider educational programs on event implementation for dietitians and employees in industry and school foodservices.

Improvement of HACCP Verification Checklist in School Foodservices: A Case Study on Cooked Squid with Seasoned Fresh Vegetable

The purpose of this study was the improvement and modification of the HACCP verification checklist in school foodservices. For this, the HACCP verification checklist was modified on the basis of an existing school foodservice format. The modified checklist was composed of 28 items, including CCPs (critical control points), microbial test, and other components of the HACCP system than CCPs. To confirm the suitability of the modified checklist, comparisons were made based on the microbiological quality of cooked foods, utensils, and number of aerial microbes in the working area. In this study, the applicability of the modified checklist was determined by focusing on cooked squid with seasoned fresh vegetables (Ojingeochaesomoochim). The following results were obtained from 14 schools in Changwon. The checklist scores for maintaining hot foods over 60degrees C or serving within 2 hours, microbial tests of drinking water, food contact surfaces and cooking utensils, monitoring tools, and usage of suitable sanitizers were 2 points each (The possible highest score is 2 points). On the contrary, the checklist score for microbial test of cooked foods was the lowest of all the items. The correlation coefficient (r) between the improved checklist and microbiological quality of cooked foods was 0.699 (P<0.01), whereas that between the improved checklist and microbiological quality of cooking utensils was 0.612 (P<0.05). The correlation coefficient between the improved checklist and aerial plate count in the working area was -0.556 (P<0.05). Our results indicate the potential possibility of using the HACCP verification checklist in school foodservices.

Dieticians' Perception of Safety Supervision in Institutional Foodservices (II): Status of Safety System and Safety Education

The purpose of this study was to investigate the status of the safety system and safety education in institutional foodservices in the Changwon and Masan areas. The survey was conducted from February 1 to March 31, 2009 via questionnaires that were sent to 300 dietitians, and 142 dietitians responded. It was determined that most of the safety managers were 'dietitians (87.1%)', whereas facilities/equipment managers consisted of 'dietitians (45.7%)', 'department of facilities management in the organization (36.4%)' and 'outsourced company of facilities management (17.9%)'. Out of the 11 safety practices, seven safety practices showed less than 50% of total implementation ratio, which meant that the safety systems were not functioning properly. Except for 'non-skid shoes (85.9%)', other safety equipment was seldom used. The survey respondents recognized that safety education was very necessary (4.47 points); however, they responded so-so (3.46 points) to the question of whether or not the actual frequency and time spent on safety education were enough. The average time spent on safety education was 28 minutes 11 seconds. Regarding the difficulties in performing safety education, 'not many safety education materials and media (3.44 points)', 'not many varieties in the subjects and contents for safety education (3.40 points)', and 'not much organizational support on safety education (3.33 points)' showed higher scores than 'lack of education time due to workload (3.20 points)'. The following were cited as education materials that should be developed as it is currently difficult to obtain relevant information and data: 'root causes of musculoskeletal injury and preventive measures (15.8%)', 'healthcare and disease preventive exercises for employees who do simple and repetitive works (14.9%)', and 'instruction on safe handling of chemicals (12.7%)'.

Analysis of Training Needs with Roles in College & University Foodservice Dietitians

College and university foodservice dietitians have to be competent for playing a role as the future food service executive as well as the present foodservice administrator in the promising foodservice industry field. The study conducted a survey to examine training needs corresponding to educational contents for the purpose of helping them acquire a new knowledge related to self-development and duty through educational training. The results of this study suggested that training needs were differed by general characteristics of dietitians, operational characteristics of food services, and training subjects. A future study should develop systematic training strategies for dietitians.

Assessment of Hygiene Knowledge and Recognition on Job Performance Levels for HACCP Implementation for Dieticians and Employees at Contract Foodservices

The purpose of this study was to provide basic data for practical HACCP training. A survey was conducted and analysed on 46 contract foodservices: 13 "Appointed" foodservices (appointed by Korean Food & Drug Administration), 17 "Voluntary Applying" foodservices (voluntarily applied HACCP, but not appointed), 16 "Non-applying" foodservices (not applied HACCP). Hygiene knowledge and recognition on job performance levels for HACCP application for 46 dieticians and 361 employees were surveyed. According to the survey, 61.5% of the "Appointed" dieticians took HACCP training from outside the company, 58.8% of "Voluntary Applying" dieticians took in-house HACCP training, and 62.4% of "Non-applying" dieticians have not taken any HACCP training. As for the comparison of hygiene knowledge, total mean of employees (6.38) showed significantly lower average than that of the dieticians (7.82) (p<0.001). From the result for recognition on job performance levels, total mean of dieticians (3.91) indicated generally good performance while employees (3.41) (p<0.001) showed considerably lower recognition. Hygiene knowledge and recognition on job performance levels of both dieticians and employees showed considerably close correlation (p<0.01 or p<0.05).

A Study on Cost Analyses and an Efficient Financial Management in Self-Operated and Contract-Managed Secondary School Foodservices

Efficient financial management is a critical factor in achieving school foodservice goals. The objective of this study was to suggest efficient financial management practices in secondary school foodservices. In pursuit of this objective, we first identified performance indexes for measuring the success of financial management. Second, we suggested financial management standards, financial data classification methods and a report system. Last, we analyzed operating ratios with the financial data of self-operated and contract-managed school food services. The data were collected through an open-ended questionnaire from 10 middle/high school foodservices in Seoul and Kyeonggi Provincial during on-sites visits and interviews with dieticians and managers. Student participation, sales goals, re-contract frequency and number and cost of disaster loss were identified as the performance indexes for financial management. Income statements were compiled by identifying and classifying financial data. Total revenues consisted of subsidies, meal sales, other revenue and interest. Expenditures consisted of purchased food, salaries and wages, utility costs, office supplies, kitchen supplies, purchased services, company overhead indirect costs, facility investment and maintenance, facility usage expenses, employee benefits and miscellaneous. Mean price of a meal was 2,326 won at self-operated foodservices when the subsidies were included as revenues and 2,360 won at contract-managed foodservices. When including the subsidies as revenues, the operating ratios of self-operated foodservice showed that the food cost percentage was 66.9%, labor cost 23.2%, operation cost 9.9% and profit 0%. The correspond figures at contract-managed foodservices were 57.6%, 21.5%, 15.3%, and 5.5%, respectively. Food costs in self-operated foodservices was significantly higher than that for contract-managed foodservices, however, facility investment and maintenance and facility usage expenses at self-operated foodservices was significantly lower than those for contract-managed foodservices. Based on this study, the methodology and classification system of financial data was found to be applicable to assess the financial structure of school foodservices.

Assessment of Customer Satisfaction of Service Quality in University Foodservices / 대한지역사회영양학회지

The purpose of the study was to assess customer satisfaction concerning service quality characteristics of university foodservice by using a developed DINESERV model. In particular, it was intended to develop a tool to assess the difference between customer judgements on importance and customers perceptions with actual service delivery by university foodservices. Quenstionnaires were distributed to 1,000 university students. A total at 820 university students responded with a usable response rate of 77.7%. A statistical data analysis was completed using SAS programs for descriptive analysis; a t-test, chi-square test and Dunan's multiple range test. The results of the study are as follows; 1) The mean number of students visiting university foodservices per week for males was larger than that of females. The students' first choice depended on distance when they selected foodservices. They answered their preference as the first factor when they order a particular menu items in foodservices. The first complaint factor concerning university foodservices was the price of the food. 2) Customers was not satisfied with the quality of the service of university foodservices. The important mean score of the service quality was 3.63 out of 5, but the perception mean score of the service quality was 2.87. Therefore, there was a gap(0.76) between the importance score and perception score. 3) Customers' satisfaction with the service quality by dimensions wee int he follow order: assurance>reliability>responsiveness>tangibles>empathy. Customers were more satisfied with the service quality of contracted management than that of self-operated facilities.

Customer Satisfaction Index of Business & Industry Foodservice Operations in Pusan and Kyeung Nam Area

The purpose of this study was to compare the customer satisfaction index(CSI) between 8 self-operated foodservices and 6 contract fooodservices in Pusan and the Kyeung Nam area. There were 438 subjects for self-operated foodservices, and 384 for contract foodservices. The questionnaire was used in this study as a survey method and was concerned with quality of food(I)(II), sanitation, facilities, information service, and employee sevice area. Data from customers were analyzed by using the SPSSPC+ program, and in terms of frequency, and t-test. The results are as follows; 1. Sanitation was the most important factor in both self-operated and contract foodservices. 2. Contract foodservices showed a higher mean rating in both facilities and employee service than did self-operated foodservices in the satisfaction. 3. In self-operated foodservices, men had a significantly(p>0.05) higher CSI in all areas then women, but contract foodservices did not have this difference. 4. Contract foodservices had a higher CSI in quality of food(I), sanitation, facilities, information service, and employee service area, and was also in higher total CSI, than self-operated foodservices.

Need Assessment for Central Food Production in Child Care Center Foodservices

Nutrition during childhood is essential for growth and maintenance of health. Good food habits developed during the childhood will contribute both to the healthy growth and the prevention of the degenerative disease of later life. Both parents and the providers in child care centers play an important role for children's good eating behavior. Therefore all child care programs should achieve recommended standards for meeting children's nutritional and educational needs in a safe, sanitary, and supportive environment to promote the healthy growth and development of children. The purposes of this study were to evaluate the foodservice management practices and assess the needs for a Central Production Unit by contacting the child care center' providers. This approach was achieved using a variety of qualitative and quantitative information including the general foodservice management practices and the needs for a Central Production Unit. An indepth face-to-face interview with structured-questionnaires was undertaken at 32 representative child-care centers in Seoul. Statistical data analysis was done using the SAS program for descriptive analysis and ANOVA. The number of national/public and private sectors were 11 respectively, followed by 10 licensed home day-care centers. Total average number of children in child-care centers was 54.3+/-48.5. The foodservice productivity index in child-care centers was 4.8 minutes per meal for public child care centers, 6.0 for private child-care centers, and 9.8 for home child care centers. Home child care centers were found to have the lowest productivity index which indicated inefficient foodservice practice. The important factors in group purchasing were menus(39.6%) or close distance(39.6%) > type of foodservice operation(32.8%) > total number of meals(19.9%) > food costs(16.2%) in order. Average score of the efficiency for central food production in child-care centers was 3.80+/-0.84 out of 5.

Assessment of Main Management Components for Successful University Foodservice Operations By Using SERVQUAL Model

The purpose of this study were to assess main management components that can lead to successful university foodservice operations. Specifically, it was intended to develop the tool which assesses the service quality, management, to assess the difference between customer importance from and perceptions of service quality, to compare management perceptions of customer importances with actual service delivery, and to identify internal problems which affect service quality with the use of gap model. Three types of questionnaires were developed and implemented for customers, foodservice personals and foodservice manager. Assessment tools were developed based on the literature review, SERVQUAL, GAP model, and the pilot study. Through the validity and reliability test, the questionnaires were revised. Questionnaires were distributed to 900 university students, 207 foodservice personnels, and 54 foodservice manager respectively. 831 university students, 177 foodservice personnels, and 48 foodservice manager were responded with a response rate of 92.3%, 85.5%, and 88.8% respectively. Statistical data analysis was completed using the SPSS programs for descriptive analysis, ANOVA. and SNK test. The results of this study can be summarized as follows : 1. In quality service management components, 31 quality service attributes were categorized and named into primary quality, secondary quality, hygiene, empathy, tangibles, reliability, responsiveness, and price by the factor analysis. 2. Importance mean score of customers was 4.02 out of 5, but perception mean score of customers was 2.55. So there was a relative big gap(1.47) between importance and perception scores, especially in three dimensions of responsiveness, primary quality, and hygiene. 3. It showed that customers' mean scores of perceived service quality by dimensions were the following order : price > reliability > secondary quality > hygiene > tangibles > primary quality > responsiveness > empathy. And the perception mean score of rented(2.59) or contracted(2.58) management was significantly higher than that of self-operated(2.48). 4. Customers' importances mean score which internal customers recognize was 4.23 out of 5, but service delivery mean score was 3.85. So there was a little gap(0.39) between management perceptions of customer importances and actual service delivery. 5. In gap model, SERVQUAL score showed -1.47, Gap 1 positive 0.15, gap 2 negative 0.61, and gap 3 was positive 0.19. 6. The internal problems were as follows ; (1) The managers of University foodservice perceived well enough the customers' expectation value but their management competency was lacked in terms of responding customer needs, (2) The foodservice staff perceived service performance more highly than service quality specifications.