Executive Diploma in Retail Management
*Course Modules*
*1. Introduction to Retail Management*
- Overview of the retail industry and its evolution.
- Retail formats: Brick-and-mortar, e-commerce, omnichannel.
- Key challenges and trends in modern retail (e.g., sustainability, digital transformation).
- Role of a retail manager: Leadership and decision-making.
*2. Retail Strategy and Business Models*
- Developing retail strategies for competitive advantage.
- Business model innovation in retail (subscription models, D2C, etc.).
- Market segmentation, targeting, and positioning.
- SWOT analysis and PESTEL framework for retail businesses.
*3. Consumer Behaviour and Customer Experience*
- Understanding consumer psychology and buying behaviour.
- Designing customer-centric retail experiences.
- Loyalty programs and customer retention strategies.
- Measuring customer satisfaction (NPS, surveys, feedback loops).
*4. Merchandising and Inventory Management*
- Merchandise planning, assortment, and allocation.
- Pricing strategies (EDLP, discounting, psychological pricing).
- Inventory control techniques (JIT, ABC analysis, stock turnover).
- Visual merchandising and in-store displays.
*5. Retail Marketing and Branding*
- Retail marketing mix (product, price, place, promotion).
- Digital marketing for retail: SEO, social media, influencer marketing.
- Brand positioning and storytelling in retail.
- Campaign analysis and ROI measurement.
*6. Retail Operations and Supply Chain Management*
- Store operations management: Staffing, scheduling, and workflow.
- Supply chain optimization in retail (procurement, logistics, vendor management).
- Technology in retail operations (POS systems, RFID, ERP).
- Sustainability in supply chains and ethical sourcing.
*7. Financial Management for Retail*
- Retail financial statements (P&L, balance sheets, cash flow).
- Budgeting and cost control in retail operations.
- Profitability analysis: GMROI, sell-through rates, markdown optimization.
- Investment decisions and capital budgeting.
*8. Technology and Innovation in Retail*
- Role of AI, big data, and analytics in retail decision-making.
- Omnichannel retailing: Integrating online and offline channels.
- E-commerce strategies and mobile commerce trends.
- Case studies: Amazon, Alibaba, Zara, and disruptive retail models.
*9. Leadership and Human Resource Management*
- Leading retail teams: Motivation, conflict resolution, and culture-building.
- Talent acquisition and retention in retail.
- Training programs for frontline staff (sales, customer service).
- Diversity and inclusion in retail workplaces.
*10. Legal and Ethical Aspects of Retail*
- Retail compliance: Consumer protection laws, labour regulations.
- Ethical issues in retail (sourcing, sustainability, fair trade).
- Contract management and intellectual property.
- Crisis management and risk mitigation.
*11. Emerging Trends and Global Retail*
- Impact of globalization on retail markets.
- Cross-cultural retailing and localization strategies.
- Future trends: AR/VR in retail, voice commerce, metaverse stores.
- Sustainability and circular economy practices.
*12. Capstone Project/Practical Application*
- Develop a retail business plan or omnichannel strategy.
- Analyse real-world case studies (e.g., turnaround of failing stores).
- Present solutions to industry-specific challenges.
- Industry mentorship and feedback sessions.
*Assessment Methods*
- Case study analysis
- Group projects and presentations
- Exams/quizzes on core concepts
- Capstone project evaluation
- Participation in workshops/simulations
*Learning Outcomes*
By the end of the program, participants will:
1. Master end-to-end retail operations and strategic planning.
2. Use data-driven insights to optimize inventory, pricing, and customer experience.
3. Lead teams effectively in a fast-paced retail environment.
4. Navigate digital transformation and emerging technologies in retail.
5. Address ethical, legal, and sustainability challenges in the industry.