Institutional food management involves the oversight of food selection, preparation, presentation, and preservation for large groups in a cost-effective manner. It differs from individual cooking in its volume, organization, and mode of operation. Proper standards, principles, and techniques must be applied to ensure expected output is achieved. Trends in food management include a focus on nutrition, technology, packaging/storage innovations, sustainability, and convenience foods which can be ready-to-cook, half-prepared, ready-to-serve, or ready-to-eat.