Retail Operations and Management Experiential Learning

The aim of this course is to provide students with a basic knowledge of retailing management. Students will learn about the different types of retailers, characteristics of retail channels, customers, and competitors in order to develop effective retail strategies. This course focuses on strategic decisions made by retailers including retail market strategy, location and site strategy selection for retail outlets, and store layout design and strategies. Students will learn about merchandising management principles, including how to manage merchandise inventory, organize merchandise, and evaluate performance. This course includes principles of retail pricing and how retailers set and adjust prices for the merchandise and services they offer. Students will also gain knowledge on how retailers build their brand image and communicate with customers. This course includes experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. In addition to regular lecture hours, students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management.