Food handlers' training is one of the prerequisites to establishing and maintaining a safe food environment; therefore, adopting effective and efficient training methodologies is determinant. Conventional lectures can lead to limited effectiveness, loss of attention, lack of engagement over relevant organizational costs, and poor flexibility. In addition, different workers’ ethnicities and educational backgrounds can create further limitations and should be considered to overcome learning barriers. This study aimed to present the initial outcomes of the implementation of Food Safety Trainer (FST) WebApp, developed as an innovative training tool for food handlers based on gamification. The project is the result of a partnership between the University of Pisa and a large retail company. After a design phase, the WebApp was released online and made accessible from pc. From February to September 2022, FST underwent a testing phase in 26/94 retailers’ stores of different sizes and complexity, reaching 1,112 food operators. This testing phase allowed to collect initial feedback on the new training methodology and assess the technical reliability of the platform. The administration of a questionnaire to the stores’ managers (20 answers), permitted to gather first impressions and suggestions about FST use, and to address the later implementation. Results showed a good appreciation of the gamification method (70% of 4-5 on a scale of 1- 5) and considered it better than the traditional one (70%). Higher engagement and shared knowledge were considered major strengths. The customized graphical interface and userfriendly usage are expected to promote an active learning and the option of choosing between single or multiple game session makes FST appropriate both for individual insight and team building activity. During 2023 the company will adopt FST in all its stores and the study will continue with a comparison between the stores’ non-conformities identified before FST adoption and after a suitable period of its implementation. Meanwhile, other food companies are adopting FST, that will be tested both as an integration and a full alternative to traditional training.
The use of gamification for food handlers' training in a large–retail company: preliminary outcomes
Martina Sartoni;Francesca Marconi;Francesca Pedonese;Alessandra Guidi
2023-01-01
Abstract
Food handlers' training is one of the prerequisites to establishing and maintaining a safe food environment; therefore, adopting effective and efficient training methodologies is determinant. Conventional lectures can lead to limited effectiveness, loss of attention, lack of engagement over relevant organizational costs, and poor flexibility. In addition, different workers’ ethnicities and educational backgrounds can create further limitations and should be considered to overcome learning barriers. This study aimed to present the initial outcomes of the implementation of Food Safety Trainer (FST) WebApp, developed as an innovative training tool for food handlers based on gamification. The project is the result of a partnership between the University of Pisa and a large retail company. After a design phase, the WebApp was released online and made accessible from pc. From February to September 2022, FST underwent a testing phase in 26/94 retailers’ stores of different sizes and complexity, reaching 1,112 food operators. This testing phase allowed to collect initial feedback on the new training methodology and assess the technical reliability of the platform. The administration of a questionnaire to the stores’ managers (20 answers), permitted to gather first impressions and suggestions about FST use, and to address the later implementation. Results showed a good appreciation of the gamification method (70% of 4-5 on a scale of 1- 5) and considered it better than the traditional one (70%). Higher engagement and shared knowledge were considered major strengths. The customized graphical interface and userfriendly usage are expected to promote an active learning and the option of choosing between single or multiple game session makes FST appropriate both for individual insight and team building activity. During 2023 the company will adopt FST in all its stores and the study will continue with a comparison between the stores’ non-conformities identified before FST adoption and after a suitable period of its implementation. Meanwhile, other food companies are adopting FST, that will be tested both as an integration and a full alternative to traditional training.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
