Higher Certificate in Retailing

Purpose

The Higher Certificate in Retailing is designed to enhance the employability of learners by equipping them with basic retail management knowledge and skills, which will enable them to occupy entry-level/junior or support positions in retail organisations. Upon completion of the qualification, qualifying learners will be equipped with the appropriate knowledge and skills to work as sales assistants/personnel; customer service personnel; merchandisers; personal assistants to store managers, and as administrative staff, and responsible for capturing data and maintaining records.

The eight modules in the qualification were coherently planned, in terms of content, credits, purpose and outcomes; and were aligned to the needs of all types of organisations to provide employees with basic retail management knowledge and skills. While the four fundamental modules in the qualification, namely, Business Communication and Information Literacy; Financial Literacy; Introduction to Technology, and Cornerstone 101 address the need for general knowledge and skills required in the workplace, the four core modules in the qualification namely, Introduction to Retail and Merchandise Management; Retail Operations; Customer Orientation, and Sales Techniques address the need for foundational knowledge and skills in the retailing field.

The qualification was also designed to facilitate vertical articulation into the Diploma in Management Sciences specialising in Retailing.

Rationale

Interactions with the Advisory Board members and large employers in the retail sector revealed that for many entry-level/junior and support positions in an organisation, a Higher Certificate qualification is adequate. Hence, the decision to develop this qualification at the institution. By offering this qualification, access to higher education is broadened, and the employment prospects of the qualifying learners are improved.

According to the National Development Plan (NDP), education is the critical enabler for economic development and growth in South Africa; it also defines leaners' identity; enables them to take control of their own lives and plays a meaningful role in the broader development of the society. The qualification will not only improve the employment prospects of the qualifying learners, but it will also contribute towards meeting the needs of commerce and industry for employees at entry-level/junior or support positions with basic retail management knowledge and skills, thereby contributing to the socio-economic growth and development in South Africa. Furthermore, the qualification will broaden access to tertiary education for many people.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution has an RPL policy in place that allows learners access to higher education by recognising their prior learning (completed qualifications, short courses and work experience). The learners are required to complete a RPL application document. Accompanying the RPL application must be certified copies of all previous qualifications and a comprehensive portfolio reflecting extensive work-based learning.

The institution assesses the candidate's portfolio thoroughly against the relevant learning outcomes, and credits/exemption may be granted for some modules in the qualification, and/or admission may be granted into the qualification.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• National Senior Certificate, National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 4.

Or

• Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4.

Or

• National Certificate (Vocational), NQF Level 4.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 5 totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, 120 Credits

• Business Communication and Information Literacy, 16 Credits.
• Financial Literacy, 12 Credits.
• Introduction to Technology, 12 Credits.
• Cornerstone 101, 12 Credits.
• Introduction to Retail and Merchandise Management, 20 Credits.
• Customer Orientation, 16 Credits.
• Retail Operations, 16 Credits.
• Sales Techniques, 16 Credits.

1. Explain the key concepts, terms, principles and practices within the field of retailing.
2. Apply basic retailing knowledge in a real world situation/scenario.
3. Identify and analyse basic retailing-related problems in an organisation, and offer appropriate solutions.
4. Communicate professional and technical information effectively, both orally and in writing, using appropriate technology, language, structure, style and graphical support.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Explain fundamental issues pertaining to the establishment of a retail business, including the identification of business models, stakeholders, and their requirements.
• Discuss aspects pertaining to the operations of a retail store such as housekeeping; the management of staff; risk management and health and safety criteria.
• Define and explain the concepts of customer orientation; customer service; customer expectations and market orientation.
• Describe the nature of sales in various contexts.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Identify and apply key terms and concepts in a retail context.
• Outline and apply elements of the retail mix to various retail formats.
• Describe and Apply the consumer decision-making process to various product types.
• Identify, describe and apply segmentation variables to various retail scenarios.
• Apply sales techniques using various communicative and technological techniques.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Demonstrate the ability to identify retailing-related problems in an organisation.
• Propose and evaluate alternate solutions to retailing problems.
• Examine the store layout with a view to improving the layout to increase sales.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Describe and apply appropriate strategies to communicate with relevant stakeholders.
• Demonstrate appropriate sales techniques for various products.
• Demonstrate computer literacy and proficiency.

Integrated Assessment

Aligned to institution's Assessment Policy, regarding Integrated Assessments for the Higher Certificate in Retailing

• The assessments will be aligned with the stated learning outcomes for the programme.
• Appropriate assessment tools will be used to establish that learners have achieved the stated learning outcomes.
• Assessment will be systematic, regular and formative, and feedback to the learners about their progress toward exit level competence will be timeous and constructive.
• The assessment practices will be open, transparent, fair, valid and reliable, and ensure that no student is disadvantaged in any way whatsoever.

Foundational knowledge embedded in the fundamental modules, which are offered in the first semester, will be integrated into the assessments for the core modules in the qualification, which are offered in the second semester. The integrated assessments will make use of a range of formative and summative assessment tools and may include written tests; assignments, and presentations.