An Introduction to the Retail Environment and Management
6 ECTS
An Introduction to the Retail Environment and Management
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Module Description
The module aims to develop a comprehensive understanding of the retail sector, its environment, and distribution channels.
The students will also examine the market and management theories and forces which influence and shape the various models of change in retail sector and how retail entities react to this change.
Furthermore, the module forms a contextual foundation upon which subsequent modules are built.
Entry Requirements
Candidates who apply for this course will possess:
- A qualification at MQF Level 4 (one ‘A’ Level or equivalent in any subject) and a pass in English Language and Mathematics at MQF Level 3 (‘O’ Level or equivalent).
Target Audience
This programme targets:
- People within retail sector and other individuals aspirating for professional and academic advancement in retail and store management.
Career Paths
The possible positions for which this programme aims to prepare you for include, but are not limited to:
- Store Assistant
- Sales Representative
- Retail Customer Care Representative
- Visual Merchandiser
How you’ll be assessed
The course comprises:
- Evening classes for part-time courses.
- Classes held throughout the day for full-time courses.
- Guided learning, presentations, comprising synchronous online discussions, tutorials and/or videos.
- Self-study hours comprising research, reading and assignment work.
Assessment
Assessment is carried out via two mandatory components:
- Assessment 1
- Assessment 2
The programme includes different forms of assessment which allow for and promote students’ critical engagement. The formative and summative assessment tasks may include an in-class assignment and/or a home-based written assignment using diverse assessment tools which may take the form of online and in-class discussions, examinations, case studies, reports, proposals, essays, and presentations, etc., as applicable to the diverse modules.
Module Intake Dates
October 2024
Learning Outcomes
Competences:
At the end of the module/unit the learner will have acquired the responsibility and autonomy to:
- Analyse and contrast change theories against emergent theories and modern scenarios including natural disasters, epidemics and pandemic responses in retail sector;
- Develop in depth understanding of the management and market structure factors which shape the form and behavior of a retail channel;
- Be able to manage the differences between power relationships and functional relationships between participants of the retail channel of distribution;
- Analyse the key characteristics of retailing and wholesaling and their respective mechanisms of change.
Knowledge:
At the end of the module/unit the learner will have been exposed to the following:
- Identify the market and management theories, typical structures, and trading formats of a range of retailer channels;
- Define the key factors influencing retail environment and the characteristics of retailing and wholesaling;
- Identify the differences between power relationships and functional relationships as applicable to retail environment;
- Describe different institutional change theories in retail context.
Skills:
At the end of the module/unit the learner will have acquired the following skills:
- Be able to apply theories and models of management and institutional change in the context of retail;
- Identify and demonstrate how the local retail environment impacts the economy;
- Analyse the application of market and management structures to recommend viable business solutions for retails companies.
Module-Specific Digital Skills and Competences:
The learner will be able to:
- Navigate through the online learning platform to benefit from assignments, discussion boards, literature, tutorials etc.