Modules

• Module1: Comparative Retailing
  The module is designed to allow the student to appraise retail development through theory and practice and to analyse how retailers respond to changes in consumer buyer behaviour and advancements in technology.  In addition, the student will examine the marketing research utilized in his prediction of consumer behaviour.

  Module 2: Store Design and Layout
  The module is designed to enable the student to understand and identify the main design and layout considerations in planning retail interiors and exteriors, capable of attracting and retaining customers.

  Module 3: Buying
  The module is designed to enable the student to understand the role of the buyer within a retail organisation and to appreciate the crucial nature of this position.  In addition, it will look at a variety of sources from which buyers can obtain goods for resale, with consideration for regular supply, suitable quality and a steady cost price.

  Module 4: Fashion Merchandising
  The module is designed to allow the student to appreciate the dynamic nature of international fashion in retailing, with consideration for a variety of different clients.  The module will look at the importance of retailers own brand labels as well as the critical nature of branding on prices.  In addition, the module will look at forecasting trends within the volatile world of fashion.

  Module 5: Principles and Practices of Selling
  The module is designed to provide the student with a general introduction to the activity of selling in its many forms – direct selling, personal selling, self service, self election, business to business, Internet selling.  On completion the student will understand the difference between a customer buying and a salesperson selling a commodity.  In addition, the role of selling will be examined in relation to the other aspects of the marketing mix (advertising, promotion, public relations).

  Module 6: Retail Law
  The module is designed to give an overview of legal issues involved in the retail market, both from the retailer’s perspective and that of the consumer.  The module will briefly examine laws affecting the description of goods, credit issues, health and safety aspects, contractual issues and consumer rights.

  
  Module 7: Organisation and Management
  This course provides students with a management perspective on organizational behavior. Organizational behavior is a field of study that specifically focuses on the impact that people have on organizational effectiveness and efficiency. The impact of behavior is considered at three levels.

  • First, at the level of the individual, attributes and processes such as personality, motivation, perception, job satisfaction and job performance are identified and the managerial implications for motivating employees are considered.
  • Second, at the group level, the important attributes of group dynamics are identified and the managerial implications for motivating employees are considered. Second, at the group level, the important attributes of group dynamics are identified and the managerial implications for developing teams, influencing outcomes, and resolving conflicts are considered.
  • Third, at the organisation-wide level of analysis, structure, culture and change are considered as major challenges to managers for achieving quality outcomes. At the three different levels of analysis, managers are concerned with the behavioural implications for achieving goals on the one hand, and adapting goals so that organisations are relevant to their environments on the other hand. Students are concerned with understanding these behavioural implications. The study of organisational behaviour must thus be seen as an essential foundation for professional business education.

  Module 8: Introduction to Economics
  Economic concepts and ideas are used in both business and government as the basis for much decision-making. This course introduces students to the main economic concepts and provides them with the opportunity to explore some of the key contemporary economic issues.

  Module 9: IT Applications 2
  This module provides a systematic, structured introduction to the range of information and communication technology (ICT) skills required by students engaged in studying for a modern business degree.
  It is recognized that many of the skills will have already been mastered by the student, perhaps from a previous programme or from ad hoc self study.  However such is the importance of these key transferable MS Office and information literacy skills both in the context of the degree programme and for future professional development that it is appropriate to provide this short skills based module.