Master of Retail Business Management

Purpose

The retail industry in South Africa has drastically increased and changed over the past two decades and has also become very competitive. It has, therefore, become essential to introduce the Master in Retail Business Managemen to facilitate relevant research that must be done in various retails fields, e.g:

• E-Commerce.
• Retail merchandising.
• Retail pricing.
• Retail advertising and promotions.
• Retail purchasing (local and international).
• Retail logistics.
• Retail category management.
• Location of retails businesses.
• Retail management techniques.

Rationale

This qualification was developed to facilitate necessary research to address contemporary and future problems in the retail industry. The retail industry in South Africa has drastically increased and changed over the past two decades and has also become very competitive.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution conducts Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) in terms of the policy and guidelines of the institution to recognise other forms of formal, informal and non-formal learning and experience. In cases where learners do not comply with the formal admission requirements, the institution applies its RPL policy.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Business Administration Honours in Retail Management , NQF Level 8.

1. Research a problem in the field of wholesale/retail business management.
2. Compile a research proposal on a wholesale/retail problem.
3. Research the wholesale/retail problem.
4. Report on the findings of the researched wholesale/retail problem.
5. Write and present a publishable article on the research.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Specific Outcome 1

• Effectively identify, demarcate and conceptualise an actual research problem in the wholesale/retail environment.
• Conduct an extensive literature search that will ensure the full spectrum of secondary date within the wholesale/retail knowledge field about the research problem.
• Conceptualise the research objectives, leading problems, subproblems and the hypotheses adopted regarding the problem.
• Comply with a detailed plan has been identified problems during the research process.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Specific Outcome 2

• Design a questionnaire suitable for conducting research.
• Select and draw a representative sample from a suitable sample framework.
• Gather relevant and reliable research data through planned contact methods.
• Correctly Process collected research information by acceptable statistical methods.
• Correctly analysed and interpreted the processed data in terms of the research problems and solutions.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Specific Outcome 3

• Write and compile the standard preliminaries such as abstracts, disclaimer, contents and acknowledgements.
• Write a compelling introduction outlining the background and relevance of the investigated problem has been written.
• Indicate and describe the theoretical relevance of the research problem to the knowledge field of retail using a literature study.
• Indicate and describe the practical relevance of the research problem to the knowledge field of retail using a practical study in the retail environment.
• Describe the research study design and methodology adopted in the execution of the research survey.
• Present and outline research results in a primary manner and accordance with international standards.
• Present the conclusions and recommendations to the research problem indicating an achieved solution (model) in the wholesale.
• Compile the relevant bibliography and appendices have been correctly compiled.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Specific Outcome 4

• Write an article that meets all the requirements for a publication in an accredited journal.
• Present the article to the satisfaction of a selected group of interested and knowledgeable persons.
• Give acceptable answers on questions related to the application of the research in a new context to the satisfaction of a group of knowledgeable and interested persons.

Integrated Assessment

Assessment across the qualification forms an integral part of the teaching and learning process. In achieving the learning outcomes, learners are required to comply with the minimum assessments set for the level of the qualification, as per the Institution's Assessment Policy. Assessments vary depending on the module and the outcomes of the module; however, all modules are formatively and summatively assessed. The assessment of theoretical modules is usually in the form of assignments, practical's and written tests or examinations.