Postgraduate Diploma in Retail Business Management

Purpose

The Postgraduate 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 and research. A great deal of consensus on the type, purpose and nature and the fundamental design of the curriculum of the programme was reached among higher education institutions thus creating a consistent approach across South Africa for the national retailers. In addition, industry experts in the field of Retail business management 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.

This qualification aims to provide learners who want to continue with their studies in retail, a sound knowledge and skills base to be successful owners and senior operational managers of retail businesses and complete their postgraduate studies. The qualification is also intended to prepare students for a deeper understanding of the retail theory, principles and practices. Furthermore, the programme also addresses the current shortage in academics specialising in Retail Business Management and should help to improve the situation in the medium to long-term.

Rationale

The qualification contributes to the national priorities of skills development and provides relevant competencies in the field of retail business management. The focus of this qualification is to provide graduates that are sought after in the retail business management environment. In addition, industry requests for specific skills and competencies (retail business management) of students pursuing Retailing and Retail Business Management, have grown tremendously and thus there is a large demand for qualified postgraduate individuals in the sector. Hence the need, contents and structure of the qualification have come about as a result of extensive consultations with stakeholders in the retail industry and discussions among the Universities of Technology's and Comprehensive Universities.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

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 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 to be RPL-ed.
• 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 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

• An appropriate Bachelor's Degree at Level 7

Or

• An appropriate Advanced Diploma at Level 7.

This qualification comprises compulsory modules at Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules Level 8, 120 Credits

• Research and Mini-Dissertation Module 1, 15 Credits.
• Project Management Module 1, 15 Credits.
• Strategic Retail Marketing Module 1, 15 Credits.
• Contemporary Retail Business Management Issues Module 1, 15 Credits.
• Research and Mini-Dissertation Module 2, 15 Credits.
• Project Management Module 2, 15 Credits.
• Strategic Retail Marketing Module 2, 15 Credits.
• Contemporary Retail Business Management Issues Module 2, 15 Credits.

1. Conduct a practical research project and compile a detailed report.
2. Demonstrate ability to interpret research findings by engaging with literature sources.
3. Reflect critically on the role of different approaches to problem solving and performance management with the aim of improving organisational performance.
4. Evaluate the creation of effective and efficient project and process teams with the aim of improving the performance of an organisation.
5. Understanding the nature of strategic retail marketing process.
6. Identify drivers and barriers for successful global retail strategy implementation and develop techniques used for retail strategy evaluation and control.
7. Explore and evaluate predicted international trends and practices in retailing.
8. Critically reflect and demonstrate detailed knowledge on the importance of retail metrics.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Produce a practical research project and compile a detailed report.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Critically analyse research findings by using literature sources.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Describe the role of different approaches to problem solving and performance management with the aim of improving organisational performance.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Discuss the creation of effective and efficient project and process teams.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Create a strategic retail marketing process.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Describe drivers and barriers for successful global retail strategy implementation.
• Develop techniques used for retail strategy evaluation and control.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Investigate international trends and practices in retailing.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 8

• Describe and demonstrate detailed knowledge on the importance of retail metrics.

Integrated Assessment

The research module focuses on the role of marketing research in organisation, research designs, approaches and methodologies in marketing research as well as measuring instrument for use in data collection. Feedback on each chapter to be provided within 2 weeks of submission.

Online and face-to-face feedback will be used. Survey instruments, statistical inferences, interpretation of research findings by engaging with literature sources, drawing up conclusions, making recommendation and report/ mini-dissertation writing. This module focuses on different approaches to problem solving and decision making that can improve the effectiveness of individuals and organisations.

The modules will be assessed as follows

• Class discussions.
• Tutorial exercises.
• Impromptu class exercises.
• Reflective assignments.
• Semester test one (formative).
• Semester test two (formative).
• Draft research project (Chapters 1-3) (formative).
• Final examination (summative).