Module BUSI43R15: Retail Management (ONLINE)

Department: Management and Marketing

BUSI43R15: Retail Management (ONLINE)

Tied To

• N1KY07: Entrepreneurship (Part-time) (see Postgraduate Handbook 2012-2013 for details)
• N1N107: Entrepreneurship (for students entering in April 2014 only) (see Postgraduate Handbook 2017-2018 for details)
• N2K307: Management (Part-Time) (for students entering between Oct 2010 - Oct 2012) (see Postgraduate Handbook 2018-2019 for details)
• N2K507: Management (for students entering between Oct 2013 - Oct 2014) (see Postgraduate Handbook 2018-2019 for details)
• N5K107: Marketing (Part-Time) (for students entering between Oct 2010 - Oct 2012) (see Postgraduate Handbook 2017-2018 for details)
• N5K407: Marketing (for students entering in April 2013 only) (see Postgraduate Handbook 2016-2017 for details)
• N6K107: Human Resource Management (Part-time) (see Postgraduate Handbook 2012-2013 for details)
• N6K207: Human Resource Management (for students entering from October 2013) (see Postgraduate Handbook 2016-2017 for details)

Pre-requisites

Corequisites

Excluded Combinations

Aims

• To provide a comprehensive overview of the retail industry, its development, and current trends
• To equip students with the specialist knowledge and tools necessary to analyse a retailer’s business environment, strategic direction, format and implementation, and performance and profitability
• To equip students with the skills needed to identify areas of improvement within a retail business and make informed recommendations for strategic and tactical improvement

Content

• The retail sector — development, structure and growth
• Retail formats, channels and strategies
• Intelligence-driven retailing
• Retail store location and site evaluation methods
• Managing the retail business — finance, operations, human resources, marketing, etc
• Merchandise management and price competitiveness
• Communicating with the customer and managing stakeholder relationships
• Integrating and controlling retail strategies
• Retailing futures — issues and challenges
• 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

• On completion of the module students should have an advanced knowledge and critical understanding of:
• The development, scope and structure of the retail sector;
• Key theories of retailing and retail management;
• Key functions and activities in retailing practice;
• Current strategic issues, challenges and debates in retail management.

• On completion 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 retail 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 online learning across a six month period, divided up into study weeks with specially produced resources within each week. Resources vary according to the learning outcomes but normally include: video content, directed reading, reflection through activities, opportunities for self-assessment and peer-to-peer learning within a tutor-facilitated discussion board. Tutors provide feedback on formative work and facilitate discussion board communication as well as being available for individual consultation as necessary (usually by email).
• The summative assessment of the module is designed to test the acquisition and articulation of knowledge and critical understanding, and skills of application and interpretation within the business context.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment

A written assignment of 1,500 words, or its multimedia equivalent, which may involve some group work.