Foodservice Consultants Society International
Statements of Competency (“Knowledge and Skills”)
For Professional Members
Prepared by the Council for Professional Standards (CPS)
Statement of Competencies as of January 30, 2005
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Introduction As specified in FCSI’s Bylaws, a Professional Consultant member of FCSI “shall demonstrate a high level of competence in and knowledge of the following: o o o o o Knowledge of the Foodservice and Hospitality Industry Consulting Assignment Management A Professional Specialism Business Management FCSI Code of Conduct”
All Professional Members have a Professional Specialism, such as Facility Design, Financial Management, Contractor Appointment, etc., in which the consultant can demonstrate a high level of professional knowledge and skill. All Professional Members have knowledge of the Foodservice and Hospitality Industry which allows them to act and communicate on an intelligent basis with clients, and in line with best practice, no matter what their Professional Specialism. In addition, all Professional members have the knowledge and skills to efficiently manage Consulting Assignments, to understand the rudiments of Business Management generally, and to act in accordance with FCSI’s Code of Conduct Set out in this document are Statements of Competency possessed by all Professional Consultant members of FCSI, no matter what their Specialism. Separate Competency Statements are (will be) available for recognised Specialisms. These statements are set out under the following headings: I. The Foodservice and Hospitality Industry II. Consulting Assignment Management III. Business Management IV. Personal Skills Where these Statements are concerned with the management of a consulting business, including assignment management, the member has a high level of proficiency. Where the Statement is concerned with general Foodservice and Hospitality Industry knowledge or general business affairs the member has sufficient knowledge and skill in the geographical area the consultant works or intends to work to communicate and act intelligently, and in line with best practice. Where Statements are followed by wording in italics, this is intended to assist in the interpretation of the Statement, but does not form part of the Statement.
Statement of Competencies as of January 30, 2005
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I. THE FOODSERVICE & HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY
A. Terminology
An FCSI Consultant understands and can use in context, industry terms and technical language in common use.
B. Industry Segments
An FCSI Consultant knows the main segments of the foodservice industry. This includes overall and relative size, their main operational and financial characteristics, current trends and key organisations/operators in each segment.
C. Facilities
1. Facility Design An FCSI Consultant is able to name the main areas in typical foodservice facilities and describe the prime functions and relationship between these areas. An FCSI Consultant can identify these areas on plans and drawings. An FCSI Consultant is aware of major constraints relative to the design and layout of these areas. These constraints may include: o o o o o o Temperature Health & Safety Mechanical & Electrical Services Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning Acoustics Security 2. Equipment An FCSI Consultant knows the name and application of common items of equipment. 3. Ergonomics An FCSI Consultant understands the importance of ergonomics as it applies to facility design and operation.
Statement of Competencies as of January 30, 2005
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D. Hygiene (Sanitation), Health, Safety and Environment
1. Hygiene (Sanitation) An FCSI Consultant knows hygiene/sanitation requirements and best practice. 2. Microbiology An FCSI Consultant knows the main causes and types of food poisoning and understands how to prevent food borne diseases. 3. Safety & Security An FCSI Consultant understands the principles of security and safety practices. 4. Environment An FCSI Consultant is aware of environmental concerns and practices.
E. Laws & Regulations
1. Laws & Regulations An FCSI Consultant is aware of the existence and major impact of relevant codes, laws, regulations and standards. Where appropriate this may include associated policies and procedures. These laws and regulations may include business & privacy, contract, labour, financial, subsidy, licensing, environment, safety, security, etc. 2. Regulatory Agencies An FCSI Consultant knows the name and responsibilities of the relevant regulatory agencies and authorities.
F. Culinary
1. Food and Beverage Knowledge An FCSI Consultant knows the major categories of consumable products, their characteristics, and the implications of their characteristics on foodservice operations and facilities design. 2. Nutrition and Dietetics Statement of Competencies as of January 30, 2005 4
An FCSI Consultant knows the principles of nutrition and dietetics. 3. Cooking Techniques An FCSI Consultant understands cooking techniques, and the operational and design impact of the various techniques. 4. Food Science An FCSI Consultant knows the principles of food science and their impact on foodservice operations and facilities design.
G. Labour
1. Function and Skills An FCSI Consultant knows the key labour functions and positions in foodservice operations and is aware of the skills required for each. 2. Labour Processes An FCSI Consultant understands the impact of labour processes on the physical and operational design of facilities 3. Education Structure An FCSI Consultant has knowledge of the structure of education and training for those involved in the hospitality industry.
H. Systems
An FCSI Consultant is aware of management, operational and information systems in common use.
Statement of Competencies as of January 30, 2005
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II. CONSULTING ASSIGNMENT MANAGEMENT
A. Project Management
An FCSI Consultant understands and applies project management skills.
B. Proposal Writing
An FCSI Consultant knows the essential components of a project proposal and demonstrates effective use of these components to achieve a desired response from the client. This includes: o o o o o demonstrating an understanding of client requirements proposing a methodology that will adequately meet these requirements clearly setting out the work that will be undertaken describes what will be delivered during and on completion of the assignment unambiguously setting out the basis on which fees will be payable and expenses reimbursed.
C. Creating Deliverables
An FCSI Consultant creates materials for presentation/submission to clients that are scope/task appropriate and professional in content and format.
D. Assignment Finance
An FCSI Consultant manages projects in a manner that respects the available fees, balanced against the work required to meet client expectations.
E. Code of Conduct
An FCSI Consultant acts in accordance with the FCSI Code of Conduct
F. Consulting Services
An FCSI Consultant is aware of the type and scope of all consulting services that would be appropriate to meet client needs on an assignment
Statement of Competencies as of January 30, 2005
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III. BUSINESS MANAGEMENT
An FCSI Consultant has sufficient knowledge of Business Management to manage successfully a Consulting business as well as being aware of key business management issues relevant to clients.
A. Marketing and Sales
An FCSI Consultant understands Marketing and Sales techniques.
B. Human Resources
An FCSI Consultant understands human resource practices.
C. Finance and Accounting
An FCSI Consultant understands financial practices. These practices may include: o o o o o o Accounting Bookkeeping Financing Receivable Collections Taxes Trading Accounts such as Profit and Loss (P&L) and balance sheets
D. Purchasing
An FCSI Consultant understands purchasing processes and procedures.
E. Quality Management
An FCSI Consultant understands Quality Management principles, practices, standards and tools.
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F. Infrastructure
An FCSI Consultant is aware of the infrastructure required to operate a successful business. This may include: o Information Technology o Communications networks o Property o Administration o Legal
Statement of Competencies as of January 30, 2005
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IV. PERSONAL SKILLS
A. Communication
1. Communication An FCSI Consultant can communicate effectively with people at all levels, whether oral or written, adapting language and approach as necessary for different audiences 2. Presentations An FCSI Consultant has the knowledge and skills to design and deliver effective presentations. These include: o o o o o o The ability to identify the objective of the presentation Knowledge of the media available Skills to identify the most appropriate media Skills to plan a presentation that will be clear and concise Skills to make a presentation that meets the objective Effectively use diagrams, charts, pictures, plans, etc., to communicate ideas and concepts.
B. People & Relationships
1. Leadership An FCSI Consultant demonstrates effective leadership. 2. Customer Relationships An FCSI Consultant has the knowledge and skills to develop and maintain effective relationships with customers. 3. Facilitation An FCSI Consultant helps people work together effectively.
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C. Basic Skills
1. Time Management An FCSI Consultant knows how to manage time to accomplish the task within agreed parameters and satisfy client needs. 2. Numeracy An FCSI Consultant has the skills to analyze, interpret, and summarize the meaning of numerical data.
D. Critical Thinking/Cognitive Skills
1. Problem Solving An FCSI Consultant has an effective problem-solving methodology, which includes understanding the problem, collecting the proper information, analyzing and evaluating options and proposing appropriate solutions. 2. Planning An FCSI Consultant has an effective approach to planning and understands the tools available. 3. Information Gathering An FCSI Consultant can demonstrate a structured approach to the gathering of relevant information. 4. Information Analysis An FCSI Consultant demonstrates a structured and logical approach to the analysis of information.
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