Advanced Diploma in Retail Business Management

Purpose

The Advanced Diploma seeks to provide professional preparation for graduates or diplomats into the field of Retail Business Management. It is also intended to prepare learners for Postgraduate study through the deepening of knowledge and understanding of Retailing and Retail Operations theories and practices.

The Advanced Diploma in Retail Business Management qualification is intended to empower learners to independently identify, assess and analyse retail management related issues, practices and challenges that confront organisations. Individual modules, in the proposed curriculum, were coherently planned and will assist learners in acquisition of discipline specific and industry relevant knowledge, theory, relevant skills (e.g. language and proficiency skills, mathematical, visual and presentation skills), insight, research competencies, ability to apply retail principles, practices and techniques. In addition, industry experts in the field of Retail will be used as guest lecturers in the program to further offer learners an understanding of the constructive strategic roles they need to play and operational functions they need to master in organisations as managers. The qualification is also intended to prepare learners for Postgraduate studies through the deepening and understanding of the retail theory, principles and practices.

Rationale

The Advanced Diploma in Retail Business Management is part of institution's revised Product Quality Management (PQM) aimed at preparing learners to gain detailed knowledge and insight into the role of retailing in today's competitive business environment. The qualification is also aimed at filling the gap resulting from the phasing out of Bachelor of Technology Degrees at Universities of Technology. The qualification provides horizontal and vertical articulation possibilities into related qualifications. The qualification is well aligned to industry needs and contributes to the socio-economic demands for South Africa. The majority of learners graduating from the National Diploma in Retail Business Management are the target for this qualification.

Industry's requests for learners pursuing Retailing and Retail Business Management have grown tremendously and thus there is a large demand for Postgraduate qualified individuals in the sector. Therefore, the department Marketing and Sport Management developed the Advanced Diploma in Retail Business Management to fill the void in the sector. The qualification addresses the need within the sector and provides opportunity for learners to address the challenges in the sector. The department of Marketing and Sport Management encourage learners to pursue further studies to at least Advanced Diploma (Level 7) and or Postgraduate Diploma (Level 8) (Honours) level. Currently, learners complete their studies at a Diploma level in Retail Business Management and there is a need for progression (vertical articulation) into Postgraduate qualifications (Advanced Diploma, Postgraduate Diploma and relevant Master Degree). In addition, the qualification fulfils a need for a formal qualification that focuses on producing employable graduates in retail business management who can make an impact in society and address the needs of the retail market. After consultations with members of the Advisory committee, businesses in retailing, Universities of Technology (UoT's) and comprehensive universities offering related fields, it was agreed that the offering of the Advanced Diploma in Retailing is critical in order to fulfil the diverse needs within the sector. The qualification contributes to the national priorities of skills development and provides relevant competencies in the field of retailing that makes the qualification relevant and competitive.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institutional RPL policy will be applied to applicants who do not meet the minimum entry requirements, who possess international qualifications or who completed a Diploma/National Diploma at another institution.

The details of the Faculty RPL policy are as follows, presuming prior accredited learning has taken place

• Candidate applies for RPL against module, or part/full qualification at the relevant department (Head of Department-(HOD)).
• An exemption form is completed for the RPL of modules or part/full qualification.
• Credits are awarded for relevant, approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
• Only then may the prospective candidate continue with full registration.

The details of the Faculty RPL policy are as follows, presuming No prior accredited learning has taken place

• Candidate applies for RPL against module, or part/full qualification at the relevant department (Head of Department-(HOD)).
• RPL officer is appointed from within subject heads (Subject experts) within the department.
• The subject expert meets with the candidate to conduct pre-screening (evaluation) to ascertain viability of application based on programme requirements (Exit Level Outcomes and Assessment Criteria).
• Candidate prepares evidence of work (portfolio of evidence) and/or any other relevant proof of evidence (practical work, assignments and or assessments). The evidence needs to be submitted to the RPL officer for RPL evaluation process.
• Candidate pays an initial fee for RPL.
• The candidate then completes a RPL form and submits it to RPL officer.
• An assessor from within the department is then appointed.
• Evidence submitted by the candidate is assessed by the assessor. However, additional evidence may be requested.
• A moderator from the department's advisory board and from within the candidate's industry is appointed.
• The moderator moderates the candidate's evidence.
• The moderator reports on the assessor's judgment.
• RPL outcome is presented to faculty board by RPL officer.
• If the credit is not awarded, an appeals application to independently appointed moderator or Vaal University of Technology (VUT's) registrar can be done. The process of moderation will then resume.
• If the RPL is awarded, an exemption form is completed and the candidate may continue with full registration.

Entry Requirements

The minimum requirements for admission into the Advanced Diploma are

• Diploma/National Diploma or equivalent qualification in Retail Business Management or related field, 360 Credits, NQF Level 6.

This qualification comprises compulsory modules at Level 7 totalling 120 Credits.

• Advanced Retail Business Management Module 1, 20 Credits.
• Retail Logistics Management Module 1, 15 Credits.
• Advanced Retail Operations Management Module 1, 16 Credits.
• Research Methodology Module 1, 9 Credits.
• Advanced Retail Business Management Module 2, 20 Credits.
• Retail Logistics Management Module 2, 15 Credits.
• Advanced Retail Operations Management Module 2, 16 Credits.
• Research Methodology Module 2, 9 Credits.

1. Develop advanced competencies and demonstrate integrated knowledge of retail oriented strategies within retail business management, retail logistics management and retail operations management environment.
2. Demonstrate detailed knowledge on advanced practices and trends in the retail business management sector.
3. Show evidence of being able to apply the requisite steps in the research processes (Research methodology processes, application and practices.
4. Display competencies in ability to data collection, analysis and reporting, demonstrate applied competencies in the development of integrated.
5. Demonstrate applied competencies in the development of integrated retail branch management philosophy.
6. Apply and analyse the global logistics management theories, issues and best practices.
7. Identify initiatives, tactics and strategies suitable for enhancing supply chain management (retail logistics management) and performances.
8. Display a detailed appreciation to undertake advanced retail operations management decisions in a dynamic environment.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Outcome 1

• Understand the importance of retail oriented strategies and their implications on creation of sustainable advantage.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Outcome 2

• Formulate, implement and evaluate the wholesale and retail specific strategies.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Outcome 3

• Focus on preparation of a research project proposal.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Outcome 4

• Display knowledge of various research designs and their implications on data collection and analysis.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Outcome 5

• Empower learners with high level retail operational knowledge, understanding and skills needed to manage retail operations.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Outcome 6

• Focus on the latest trends and practices as well as macro and micro environmental factors that can impact in the management of logistics operations, global logistics operational systems, standard practices and ethics.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Outcome 7

• Understand an overview of supply chain management characteristics, problems and functioning.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Outcome 8

• Conduct an analysis of retail operation management.

Integrated Assessment

• Assessment of modules in the Advanced Diploma in Retail Business Management will be in line with the assessment policy of the institution. Learning outcomes for all learning units and modules will be specified in the learner guide and will be used as the reference mark that must be satisfied in order for a candidate to obtain a pass mark.
• Formative assessment will be conducted using class tests, group presentations and assignments. Assignments will usually take the form of case study analyses. Summative assessment will be in the form of a final examination at the end of each semester. Informal assessment will be in the form of peer assessments and feedback sessions. The opportunity of sitting for a supplementary examination is available to those who intend to rewrite the examination for any reason. Assessments will be designed to meet the standard of a National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 8 qualifications. In each assessment, appropriate rubrics are designed and used to provide an authentic system of evaluating the candidates' work.