Higher Certificate in Retail Management

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to equip learners with a sound fundamental knowledge base and basic skills regarding retail management. The qualification is aimed at equipping first-line managers with the knowledge and skills required to fulfil their management role within the retail environment. The qualification has relevance for learners who engage in processes across the retail sector so as to create sustainable value for organisations.

The Higher Certificate in Retail Management is an undergraduate qualification that offers a combination of theory and practice in the area of retail management. The qualification aims to develop an integrated conceptual understanding, synthesis and application of specific issues in retail management. The qualification will develop management skills, planning skills as well as provide learners with knowledge of economics.

Upon completion of the qualification learners will be able to demonstrate the following

• Communicate effectively with a range of stakeholders using a variety of communication tools.
• Analyse and interpret information and develop an action plan to address possible shortcomings.
• Manage employee performance to achieve specific objectives in a retail environment.

Rationale

The Higher Certificate in Retail Management

• Contributes to regional and national goals by facilitating capacity building and human resource development.
• Empowers learners with knowledge, skills and competencies necessary to function and engage in the processes and inter-relationships across the retail business sector.
• Recognises and caters for the career and economic needs of learners who are in employment.
• Meets the needs of learners in a variety of positions in the retail business sector.
• Provides learners with the opportunity to proceed on a course of study culminating in the attainment of a Bachelor's Degree.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

This qualification may be obtained in whole or in part through the recognition of prior learning.

In the cases where prior learning is to be recognised for purposes of access to the qualification

• Learners are required to submit a curriculum vitae outlining learning achieved from work or life experience.
• Applicants will be selected on the recommendation of a senior manager from their organizations/companies.

Where appropriate, interviews will also be conducted to assess the applicants. Some of the key criteria that will be used in evaluating applicants' prior learning include:

• The applicants' motivation, maturity and realistic approach to their studies.
• Job description, covering relevant area of work, giving examples of tasks carried out, possibly supplying references.
• The nature and level of life/work experience and prior study, and the learning which has resulted from such experience.
• Details of in-company short courses, length, content of material covered and standard achieved.
• The clarity of the applicant's educational goals and objectives.
• The extent to which the applicant can provide evidence of the threshold skills and knowledge for the qualification.

Entry Requirements

Admission requirements for this qualification are the following

• A Senior Certificate.

Or,

• A National Senior Certificate.

Or

• A Further Education and Training Certificate or equivalent at NQF Level 4 qualification.

Or,

• National Certificate (Vocational).

The qualification consists of compulsory modules at NQF Level 5, totalling 120 Credits

• Business Management Principles, 15 Credits.
• Business Communication, 15 Credits.
• Accounting, 15 Credits.
• Economics of Business, 15 Credits.
• End User Computing, 15 Credits.
• Marketing Management, 15 Credits.
• Business and Consumer Law, 15 Credits.
• Retail Management, 15 Credits.

1. Communicate effectively with a range of stakeholders using a variety of communication tools.
2. Analyse information relating to the economics of business and develop an action plan to address possible shortcomings.
3. Manage employee performance to achieve specific objectives in a retail environment.
4. Manage all aspects of the retail supply chain to achieve specific objectives in a retail environment.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Appropriate technology is utilised in various communication modes.
• Knowledge acquired is communicated.
• Communication is improved by combining communication skills with end-user computing skills.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Knowledge of retail management is demonstrated.
• Research skills are displayed in solving work related problems.
• An ability to propose solutions to problems is demonstrated.
• The economic problem is identified and solutions to these problems are provided.
• Appropriate methods to measure economic activity are applied.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Operational strategies, projects and action plans are initiated, developed, implemented and evaluated so as to improve the effectiveness of the unit.
• Performance of employees is monitored and measured and continuous or innovative improvement interventions in the unit are applied.
• A team of first line managers is led and managed to enhance individual, team and unit effectiveness.
• Relationships with superiors and with stakeholders across the value chain are built.
• The principles of risk, financial and knowledge management and business ethics within internal and external regulatory frameworks are applied.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• An understanding of how to manage resources and processes is demonstrated in a business context.
• Retail management terminology, concepts and principles are understood.
• The different types of retailers in the retail environment are explained.
• The factors affecting store location are understood.
• The elements of the retail value chain are understood.
• Warehousing and distribution within the retail sector is explained.
• Processes and people within the retail value chain are managed.

Integrated Assessment

Assessment centres around

• The extent to which the learners has grasped the basic concepts.
• The application of theory to a practical context.
• The methods of research used.
• A balance between theory and practice and its relevance to the level of the qualification.
• The use of appropriate technology to ensure effective communication of ideas.

Assessment methods will measure the extent to which the learner has achieved competence in the different areas of study delivered through the modules.

The following assessment methods will be used

• Case studies.
• Report writing.
• Interpretative and analytical problem solving in the written examination.
• Work based assignments.
• Self assessment activities in the course material.

Formative assessment

The assignment serves as formative assessment. The learning activities and questions included in the study guide form part of the formative assessment process to enhance learning.

Summative Assessment

The one examination per module will serve as a summative assessment. The summative assessment is conducted internally by the provider, and it is also used to assess the overall achievement of the Exit Level Outcomes by the learners.