Diploma in Retailing (Retail Management)

About this Course

COURSE OBJECTIVES / AIMS

The Diploma in Retailing (Retail Management) was designed to train and equip our students with the necessary skills and knowledge to join the retail workforce. Emphasis is placed on:

Imparting knowledge and skills,
Teaching students to apply this knowledge and skills, and
Teaching students to analyse how this knowledge and skills are applied in the industry

MODULE DESCRIPTIONS

Business Statistics

This unit introduces students to the concepts involved in descriptive and inferential statistics. Topics include methods of producing, exploring, condensing and displaying data, elementary probability, and the normal distribution, comparison of frequencies, correlation and regression. Emphasis is placed on how statistics are used in practice and on the presentation and interpretation of statistical analyses. Students are also taught to identify common mistakes in the use of statistical data.

Customer Care

This unit provides an understanding of the importance within the retail industry of establishing good customer care and developing long-lasting relationships with the customers through loyalty programmes and incentives. The module looks at the difficulties facing the retail industry through intense competition from other retailers, price fluctuations and cut-throat price-reductions by major sellers, and how the implementation of a robust customer care programme can give retailers an importance competitive edge.

Introduction to Marketing

This unit provides students with a basic knowledge and understanding of marketing principles, by providing basic marketing theories for conceptual purposes. It teaches learners the core concepts of marketing from within the organisation, as well as the marketing activities carried out on an industry-wide level. Topics are designed to introduce learners to the concept that marketers do not work independently and must work closely with customers, suppliers, strategic partners and the industry at large in order to formulate marketing strategies.

IT Applications 1

This module provides a systematic, structured introduction to the range of information and communication technology skills required by students studying for a modern business degree. It is recognised that many of the skills will have already been mastered by learners, however such is the importance of these key transferable MS Office and information literacy skills both in the context of the programme and for future professional development that it is appropriate to provide this skills-based module.

Retail Business Environment

This unit provides a general, holistic understanding of the business environment in which the retail sector operates. Learners are taught about the development of retailing, particularly the influences that impact on the retail sector and how retailers attempt to maintain a competitive position in a changing marketplace. Learners study customer buying behaviour and how understanding customer needs can stimulate buying behaviour. Also included is a study of the siting of retail stores and how location can influence the success of a retail operation.

Retail Security

This module is designed to provide a general approach to minimising loss within a retail environment. IT looks at potential loss through theft by consumers, sales staff and delivery personnel. The unit also looks at theft through the use of stolen credit cards, debit cards or forged banknotes. In addition, the importance of loss prevention methods is examined, including training store security personnel, electronic detectors and surveillance equipment.

Stock Management and Presentation

This unit aims to equip students with an understanding of the behind-the-scenes work in retail operations. The module covers three areas of operations: In the supply chain section, students are taught about distribution channels, information flows, logistics, outsourcing and stock control in transit. The merchandising section covers topics like planning, categorising, the buying function, pricing, and retail communications. In store operations, students are taught inventory control, managing shrinkage, store design and visual merchandising.

Understanding Financial Statements

This unit aims to review, analyse, classify and record business transactions in a manual and computerised environment. Emphasis is on understanding the complete accounting cycle and preparing financial statements, bank reconciliation and payroll. Includes accounting for notes, deferrals and accruals, receivables and payable, inventory and plant assets.

DELIVERY METHOD

Each lesson delivery include some or all of the following:

Lectures
Group discussions
Presentations
Case studies
Videos

TEACHER:STUDENT RATIO

1:40

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Age Requirement

Applicants must be 16 years and above.

Academic Entry Requirements

AEC Certificate, or any recognized certificate, or
2 GCE O-Level passes, or
3 GCE N-Level passes, or
NITEC qualification with minimum C grades, or
BTEC Level 3 qualification, or equivalent

English Proficiency Requirement

Pass in English at GCE N/ O-Level, or
IELTS 5.5, or
Pass in AEC Level 4 English Proficiency, or equivalent

Mature Applicants

Mature students above 21 years of age with secondary school education and 2 years relevant working experience may be considered on a case-by-case basis

MODULE ASSESSMENT

The modules in the programme are assessed by a combination of formative (40%) and summative (60%) assessments. Students must attain an overall Pass grade in the formative and summative assessments in order to pass the module.

GRADUATION CRITERIA

Students must successfully pass all prescribed modules (with the exception of exempted modules) in the programme with grades (Distinction, A, B+, B, C+, C, D+ or D) and meet the minimum attendance requirement, in order to graduate with a Diploma in Retailing (Retail Management) awarded by AEC College.

AWARD

Diploma in Retailing (Retail Management) awarded by AEC College.

COURSE DURATION

6 months (full-time)

9 months (part-time)