Module BUSI42Y15: Global Retailing (Blended Learning)

Department: Business School (Business)

BUSI42Y15: Global Retailing (Blended Learning)

Prerequisites

• None.

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• Global Retailing (Block Taught)

Aims

• To engage in a critical analysis of the strategies and characteristics of successful retailers operating at a global level
• To develop an understanding of, and ability to critically examine, the strategic and operational dimensions of retail management and their associated global supply chains
• To equip students with an advanced conceptual and practical knowledge of the opportunities, challenges and potential futures faced by the retail industry in the global economy

Content

• The evolution of global retailing – macro and micro perspectives
• Global competition and retailing across borders
• Strategic location management
• Retail business models
• Managing global supply chains
• Customer-centricity and competitive advantage
• Retail management in an international context – local and global tensions
• Brands, labels and the retail marketing mix
• Retail formats and the multichannel business model
• Retail futures – opportunities, challenges and prospects
• Sustainable Retailing – Zero waste targets, ethical supply chains, carbon reduction, etc
• Consumer power and retail strategy – foods scares, fair trade initiatives, boycotting, etc.

Learning Outcomes

• By the end of the module students should:
• have a critical understanding of the nature, form and structure of retailing and its significance within the global economy;
• have a grounded understanding of strategic and operational dimensions of retail management;
• have a critical appreciation of the key drivers of competitive advantage within a global retailing context.

• By the end of the module students should:
• be able to examine and critically evaluate retail performance and trends;
• be able to develop an appropriate retail management strategy;
• be able to critically evaluate the key drivers of competitive advantage within the global retailing sector.

• Effective written communication skills
• Planning, organising and time management skills
• Problem solving and analytical skills
• The ability to use initiative
• Advanced skills in the interpretation of data
• Advanced computer literacy skills

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• The module is delivered via blended learning and in the form of discrete Study Units. These are designed to enable the learning outcomes to be achieved through a combination of specially written material, directed reading, reflection through self-assessed assignments and guidance for further reading. Extensive use of learning technologies is also employed to reinforce learning, including online seminars. Module tutors provide feedback on formative work and are available for individual consultation as necessary (by email, telephone, post, fax and video-conferencing).
• The summative written assignment will test students' understanding of relevant concepts and their ability to apply and interpret what they have learned to the analysis of a particular issue in depth.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Virtual team-based discussions and case-study exercises, delivered via DUO.

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University