This module aims to evaluate the nature of people in a business context. It will provide the learner with knowledge of some of the key issues involved in the efficient management of people in a retail environment. Learners will analyse human resource planning and the recruitment and selection processes in a retail organisation. They will also explore the role of performance and reward management of individuals and teams, as well as how to guide and mentor employees. The module will address the multi-level (individual, team, organizational level) and multicultural context of ethical behaviour and corporate social responsibility in the retention and motivation of employees in the organisation.

1. Specify the external context to the development people management issues & activities within retail organisations
2. Evaluate the recruitment and selection process with consideration to issues such as forecasting, planning, implementing and managing
3. Understand the benefits of coaching and mentoring and outline the role of emotional intelligence
4. Describe various techniques towards appraising performance at work
5. Evaluate the dynamics of teams at work and the operations of groups
6. Analyse the concepts and practical implications of business ethics from a personal and a retail organisation perspective

This module aims to provide students with a grounding in marketing concepts, theories and principles most relevant to the development and implementation of marketing practice and strategies in retail. The module introduces the learner to the principles of marketing and progresses their understanding of the various elements which combine to create an effective marketing strategy for the business.

1. Discuss how marketing theory has developed and examine its role within a retail organisation.
2. Describe the processes of effective marketing research while employing legal and ethical guidelines.
3. Discuss the product mix and examine how to differentiate your offering from your competitor.
4. Examine the use of promotions and communications to amplify your business offerings.
5. Analyse your customer audience in order to target and position your business in a favourable manner.

An understanding of consumer behaviour and psychology is an essential prerequisite for the modern retail manager. As consumers become more demanding and sophisticated, retail managers are required to understand the key factors influencing shopping behaviour. This module aims to equip the learner with an understanding of the key theories and influences associated with consumer behaviour and psychology as well as reviewing the contemporary issues relevant to the topic. Illustrations and reference to both online and the physical store will be discussed in this module.

1. Appraise the importance of understanding consumer behaviour and psychology in retail.
2. Understand the key theories relevant to consumer decision making.
3. Analyse the major influences on buyer behaviour and the implications on retail marketing and strategy.
4. Describe how consumer profiles and segments are changing and the implications on retail marketing and strategy.
5. Examine how technology is impacting retail buying behaviour and expectations.

The module is designed to give students a thorough grounding in basic mathematical techniques that are required to pursue a business or professional degree. The module will give students a grounding in the manipulation of mathematical equations and formulae. It is intended to ensure students will have appropriate numerical, algebraic and graphical skills to interpret numerical and graphical information.

1. Apply mathematical techniques that are relevant to business
2. Calculate net present values for investment decisions
3. Use equations and graphs to solve linear and non-linear business functions.
4. Calculate and apply statistical data to business situations
5. Solve financial calculations and apply to business decisions

This module aims to provide an overview of supply chain management in a retail environment and develop comprehension of current theory, models and practices, and how they are applied to practice. The learning objectives will give learners an array of supply chain management skills to analyse current practice and manage supply chain activities.

1. Define the concepts of supply chains and supply chain management
2. Analyse methods for developing strategic supply chain relationships
3. Understand key strategic considerations in retail distribution and supply management
4. Apply inventory planning and control techniques
5. Conduct an appropriate analysis of a supply chain system using a case study

This module will introduce the learner to the principles of economic theory, to develop the learner’s ability to illustrate the operation of markets and the links between economics and business decisions in a retail context. The functioning of a modern day economy is explored and learners are introduced to the role and influence of economic policy on the retail environment.

1. Explain and illustrate basic microeconomic and macroeconomic models.
2. Apply the economic models in a retail context.
3. Explain how rationality and behavioural factors affect economic decision making.
4. Compile and interpret macroeconomic indicators of economic performance, current and projected.
5. Describe the role and influence of economic policy.

This module aims to introduce students to information systems and data that can be utilised for decision making in retail organisations. The learning objectives will give learners the ability to identify technologies available to them and how they can add value to organisations.

1. Discuss the role of data and information systems in retail businesses today
2. Identify a range of management support and information systems
3. Use spreadsheet technology to support management decision making
4. Perform and interpret statistical analyses
5. Present data using charts

E-commerce is capturing a larger share of sales than ever before in the retail industry and growing in importance for retailers. This module aims to provide the learner with a good understanding of eCommerce and how it can impact a retail business; the ability to assess business requirements and advise on eCommerce strategy.

1. Evaluate the context in which the online retail sector operates.
2. Critically assess various e-Commerce business models used in retail.
3. Examine security, privacy, and ethical issues pertaining to e-Commerce.
4. Critically assess key challenges facing a retail organisation when implementing an e-Commerce retail solution.
5. Develop and critique an e-Commerce strategy making reference to technological, business and societal aspects for a retail organisation.
6. Work on own initiative and as part of a team in order to enhance overall learning and knowledge in the area of e-Commerce

Digital technologies are transforming the marketing landscape. The overarching aim of this module is to equip learners with a detailed understanding of retail marketing strategy and planning from a digital perspective.

1. Evaluate and discuss the impact of digital technologies on marketing in the retail environment.
2. Appraise the implications of online consumer behaviour for digital marketing strategy and planning in retail.
3. Evaluate the role of digital platforms in managing customer relationships in retail.
4. Analyse digital marketing strategy and planning in a retail organisation.
5. Assess the role of owned, paid and earned media channels in implementing digital marketing strategy.
6. Explain the importance of media convergence in digital marketing strategy implementation for retail organisations.

This module aims to enable learners to make an appropriate contribution to the effective management of the financial activities and resources of a retail business enterprise. It will allow the learners to understand the accounting principles, concepts and conventions involved in the preparation of financial statements and develop the ability to interpret and evaluate financial statements as they apply to the retail environment.

1. Describe the accounting principles, concepts and conventions in relation to financial statements.
2. Explain the key elements of income statements and statements of financial position.
3. Assess organisational performance through the analysis of financial statements.
4. Prepare and interpret budgets including sales budgets, functional budgets and cash budgets.
5. Distinguish between variable costs, fixed costs and mixed costs.
6. Apply cost volume profit (CVP) analysis and relevant costing principles to business decisions.
7. Discuss the determinants of price and evaluate the various pricing strategies.

This module builds on People and Performance Management 1 and aims to provide the learner with knowledge of the key issues involved in the efficient management of people in an organization. It focusses particularly the motivation and retention of employees as well as key issues such as change management and how and where conflict can arise within an organization and how to manage it. The module will also address the multi-level (individual, team, organizational level) and multicultural context of ethical behaviour and corporate social responsibility.

1. Assess differing personalities and perceptions of individuals in the workplace
2. Appraise the importance of the management of organisational conflict
3. Evaluate the importance of the management of occupational stress and managing health and wellbeing in the workplace
4. Assess motivational theories and their impact in the workplace
5. Advise on how to manage change in the retail environment
6. Evaluate and distinguish between the concepts of social responsibility, integrity, and business ethics and assess the challenges that involve corporate social responsibility

This module will provide learners with an overview of entrepreneurship, intrapreneurship and innovation in the retail sector. Learners will be introduced to the process of innovation and new venture initiation and how viable business plans are formulated, implemented, and maintained, together with understanding the design thinking process. Provided is a contemporary view of the role and importance of innovation and entrepreneurship in an Irish and global setting which gives a practical solid foundation in many related areas.

1. Describe the characteristics and motivations of entrepreneurs.
2. Assess the main concepts associated with intrapreneurship.
3. Evaluate the innovation process in the retail environment in an era of unprecedented Irishand global economic flux.
4. Examine the barriers to successful innovation in the retail environment.
5. Describe the purpose and content of a business plan for a new business venture.
6. Design a design think process suitable in the retail setting.

This module aims to introduce the learner to strategic purchasing and sourcing within the retail environment. The module will explore the blend of product management with effective retail merchandising in response to consumer trends.

1. Examine the key purchasing responsibilities within a retail organisation
2. Discuss the contemporary issues relating to the sourcing of product
3. Compare ethical and sustainable routes for sourcing
4. Outline importance of supplier relationship management
5. Identify key theories relating to retail merchandising
6. Analyse customer types and their preferred shopping experience
7. Examine the elements that contribute to effective and commercial visual merchandising
8. Evaluate how stock is managed and planogramed