Certificate in Retail and Procurement Management

In module one, we will learn about the history of retail developments in the UK and the development and scope of retail marketing theory and practice. It explores the retail life cycle in detail, as well as the core principles of retail management.

In module two, we will be trained on how to develop a strategy framework, taking a look at both corporate growth strategy and store strategy. It also discusses strategy pitfalls in detail.

In module three, we will gain an in-depth understanding of the different roles in buying and merchandising, as well as the differences between centralised and decentralised buying. 

In module four, we will explore retail market levels, retail costs and pricing strategies, markdowns, and price elasticity. It provides important information on psychological pricing and the relationship between price and value.

In module five, we will deepen our understanding of how supply chain management works and strategic roles of procurement. It also explores the evolution of purchasing through procurement.

In module six, we will explore the sales process, gaining a range of communication skills. It teaches how to deal with customers effectively during the checkout process, as well as the key characteristics needed to deliver excellent customer service.

In module seven, we will deepen our understanding of customer targeting strategies, learning how to take advantage of current market trends in an efficient manner.

In module eight, we will learn about retail psychology and consumer behaviour. It discusses the psychology of the retail store, as well as a wide range of strategies for attracting customers inside your store.

In module nine, we will explore purchasing and supply in different types of organisations, learning about centralisation and decentralisation, departmental organisation, and purchasing in the organisation structure.

In module ten, we will familiarise with the fundamental steps of the purchasing cycle, from how to identify a need to issuing the purchase order, and invoice auditing – with step-by-step guidance. 

In module eleven, we’ll broaden our knowledge of the purchasing toolkit, exploring key topics such as analysing cost, evaluating suppliers, risk analysis, and variable margin pricing. 

In module twelve, we will learn about the principles of managing competitive bids, with guidance on using weighted analysis and selection committee. It also discusses bidding vs. negotiation, prerequisites, conflicts of interests, ethical considerations, and the Halo Effect.

In module thirteen, we will explore the stages of the collaborative relationship framework, learning about relationship formation, the models of supplier relationships, and relationship termination.

In module fourteen, we will explore the principles of risk management and the risk management process in detail, learning about the internal and external drivers of key risks. It covers risk identification techniques, risk estimation, and much more.

In module fifteen, we will develop our management skillset, familiarising with teambuilding techniques, conflict management strategies and methods of communication. It covers issues that teams commonly face, and guidance on how to overcome these challenges.

In module sixteen, we will explore the different ways of evaluating supplier performance, learning about the evaluation checklist, as well as the seven Cs of effective supplier evaluation. 

In module seventeen, we will explore the fundamental principles of brand management, as well as the keys to successfully managing a brand, including mistakes to avoid. It also offers guidance on how to understand customer needs and conduct thorough market research.

In module eighteen, we will develop a solid understanding of e-procurement and how electronic data interchange works. It discusses the advantages of e-catalogues, Procurement Benefit of E-SCM, and much more.

In this closing module, we will explore the key principles of the Consumer Rights Act and the rights of traders. It also takes an in-depth look at strategies for handling customer issues, issuing refunds, replacements, and the return of faulty goods.