Diploma in Sales and Distribution Management
*Core Subjects/Syllabus*
*Semester 1: Fundamentals of Sales Management*
1. *Introduction to Sales and Distribution*
- Role of sales in business growth.
- Types of sales (B2B, B2C, direct/indirect sales).
- Overview of distribution channels (retailers, wholesalers, e-commerce).
2. *Consumer Behaviour and Market Research*
- Understanding buyer psychology and decision-making.
- Tools for market segmentation and targeting.
- Competitor analysis and SWOT frameworks.
3. *Sales Techniques and Negotiation*
- SPIN selling, consultative selling, and closing strategies.
- Handling objections and building rapport.
- Role-playing exercises for real-world scenarios.
4. *Retail Management*
- Store layout, visual merchandising, and inventory control.
- Retail pricing strategies and promotions.
- Omnichannel retailing (online-offline integration).
5. *Business Communication for Sales*
- Persuasive communication skills.
- CRM tools (Salesforce, HubSpot) for client management.
- Email etiquette and virtual sales pitching.
*Semester 2: Advanced Sales and Distribution Strategies*
6. *Distribution Channel Management*
- Designing efficient distribution networks.
- Channel conflicts and resolution strategies.
- Key performance indicators (KPIs) for distributors.
7. *Supply Chain and Logistics*
- Basics of warehousing, transportation, and inventory management.
- Third-party logistics (3PL) and last-mile delivery solutions.
- Technology in logistics (ERP, SAP, RFID tracking).
8. *Digital Sales and E-Commerce*
- Online sales platforms (Amazon, Shopify, B2B portals).
- Digital marketing for sales (SEO, Google Ads, social selling).
- Analytics for tracking conversion rates and customer journeys.
9. *Key Account Management (KAM)*
- Strategies for managing high-value clients.
- Contract negotiation and long-term relationship building.
- Case studies on global account management.
10. *Legal and Ethical Aspects*
- Sales contracts, agency agreements, and compliance.
- Ethical selling practices and anti-bribery laws.
- Data privacy regulations (GDPR, CCPA).
*Semester 3: Leadership and Specializations*
11. *Sales Forecasting and Analytics*
- Predictive analytics for sales trends.
- Tools: Excel, Power BI, Tableau.
- Budgeting and revenue target setting.
12. *Team Leadership and Motivation*
- Building and managing high-performance sales teams.
- Incentive structures (commissions, bonuses, ESOPs).
- Remote sales team management.
13. *Global Sales and Export Management*
- International trade regulations and documentation.
- Cultural adaptation in global sales strategies.
- Incoterms and export-import logistics.
14. *Emerging Trends in Sales*
- AI-driven sales tools (chatbots, predictive lead scoring).
- Subscription models and recurring revenue strategies.
- Sustainability in distribution (green logistics, circular economy).
15. *Internship/Capstone Project*
- Fieldwork with FMCG, retail, or logistics companies.
- Final project: Designing a sales and distribution plan for a product launch.
*Elective Subjects *
- *Pharmaceutical Sales Management*
- *Automotive Channel Distribution*
- *Luxury Brand Sales Strategies*
- *Rural Marketing and Distribution*
- *Supply Chain Cybersecurity*
*Assessment Methods*
- *Practical exams*: Sales pitch simulations, CRM tool assignments.
- *Case studies*: Solving distribution challenges or channel conflicts.
- *Written exams*: Theory on sales strategies, logistics, and ethics.
- *Internship evaluations* and capstone project presentations.