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Retail Business Management
Retail Business Management offers a broad range of retail and business skills in the areas of advertising, accounting, marketing, store layout, visual merchandising, inventory control, and human resource management. The program emphasizes the development of skills that will prepare learners for careers in the retail business sector. On-the-job trainng is an integral part of the program and all learners are required to participate.
Retail Business Management is one of the business programs allowing learners to enter a generic course of study for the first few months. During this time, learners work on personal competencies, financial/accounting skills, communication skills, and computer skills. Following this, learners will confirm the program they wish to follow.
Students may enroll either on a full-time or part-time basis. Individual modules may be designed to allow students and employers to select the skills that best reflect their needs and schedule. For those considering part-time studies, please contact the program instructor.
Students in this program will choose a course of study in either of two profiles: Retail Manager or Sales Professional.
Choose Your Profile!
Retail Manager
The Retail Manager profile emphasizes the development of skills that will prepare learners for careers in the business area, with emphasis on the retail sector. It provides the skills necessary to have a thorough working knowledge of the management duties of retail with emphasis on sales, marketing, advertising and buying.
| Profile Facts | |
|---|---|
| Start Date: | September |
| Length: | 2 years |
| Location: | Charlottetown |
| Credential Issued: | Diploma, Retail Manager |
Courses
print full list with descriptionsTake the following course(s), minimum grade: Pass
On-The-Job Training
On-the-Job-Training (OJT) is an essential part of student learning. The OJT provides an opportunity to demonstrate and build on the skills acquired during formal instruction. Students are exposed to the professional standards, routines and demands of an organization and are expected to add value through the application of their skills and abilities. The OJT is a wonderful opportunity for students to gain confidence and to experience their chosen career in a real-work setting.
Hours: 180
Course Code: RBM-2090
Detailed Course Outline: RBM-2090 On-The-Job Training
Academic Year: 2011-2012
Take the following course(s), minimum grade: 60%
Computer Applications I
This course will provide students with the opportunity to develop competency with a computer operating system. A large part of this course will encompass the development and integration of keyboarding techniques including using word processing software. Students will also communicate and access information via the Internet to assist in developing research skills and overall computer skill use.
Hours: 45
Course Code: RBM-1001
Detailed Course Outline: RBM-1001 Computer Applications I
Academic Year: 2011-2012
Computer Applications II
Using a self-directed learning approach, complimented with instructional lab sessions and instructor supports, students will develop competency in using electronic spreadsheets. Learners will create formulas to calculate various business situations, will use database functions of spreadsheets and will practice graphing data. In addition, the emerging world of electronic commerce will be explored.
Hours: 45
Course Code: RBM-1005
Detailed Course Outline: RBM-1005 Computer Applications II
Academic Year: 2011-2012
English
One of the most important assets professionals can bring to an office is the ability to communicate both orally and in writing. Employers want employees who have this skill. To be an effective and efficient employee, a learner must develop the ability to convey thoughts concisely, clearly, and grammatically correct. This course will provide students with the skills to demonstrate competency in the English language. Focus will be placed on grammar, punctuation, proofreading, editing, and spelling. Writing styles and word usage will also be explored to enable students to begin preparing business documentation. At the end of this course, students will develop an appreciation for how the spoken word impacts written communications.
Hours: 45
Course Code: RBM-1010
Detailed Course Outline: RBM-1010 English
Academic Year: 2011-2012
Business Essentials
This course, as an introduction to working in a business environment, will provide students with a foundation to their development as business professionals. Students will have the opportunity to practice and hone essential skills such as time management, ethical development, goal setting, stress management, confidentiality, teamwork, community integration and basic numeracy. This course will also introduce students to some of the legislation related to taxes and other remittances. Additionally, learners will prepare for and participate in a job interview and various team activities.
Hours: 60
Course Code: RBM-1015
Detailed Course Outline: RBM-1015 Business Essentials
Academic Year: 2011-2012
Financial Accounting I
This course is designed to introduce students to basic financial accounting theoretical and practical concepts. Students will acquire competencies in topics ranging from original entry to the preparation of financial statements, and closing the books for both service and retail sectors. Students will explore the appropriate internal control framework to ensure a business' accounting and administrative systems are operating efficiency and with the necessary accuracy. Further, students will be challenged with accounting and control of the various issues that surround cash and banking. Accounting for inventory and its valuation is also introduced.
Hours: 60
Course Code: RBM-2000
Detailed Course Outline: RBM-2000 Financial Accounting I
Academic Year: 2011-2012
Advertising and Promotion
This course focuses on planning, developing and implementing advertising strategies with various mediums. Students are required to identify the elements of the promotional and media mix and determine appropriate promotional and advertising objectives. Then students will select advertising media methods and public relation tools to facilitate the creation of an advertising budget and campaign.
Hours: 45
Course Code: RBM-2005
Detailed Course Outline: RBM-2005 Advertising and Promotion
Academic Year: 2011-2012
Business Communications I
In this course, students will develop professional skills when writing a variety of business correspondence. Focus will be placed on developing written reports, preparing business correspondence and interpreting inferences and assumptions within written documents. In addition, students will have the opportunity to create and streamline correspondence including those found in a personal employment portfolio and news releases for various media. The goal of this course is to allow the student to develop strong written communication skills for a variety of business situations and functions.
Hours: 45
Course Code: RBM-2010
Detailed Course Outline: RBM-2010 Business Communications I
Academic Year: 2011-2012
Business Communications II
This course is designed to enable students to develop oral and non-verbal communication skills required to be successful in today's business environment. Students must be able to communicate by telephone or other electronic media as well as understand individual differences and act constructively in business situations. Students will be given opportunities to polish oral communication skills by allowing them to hold their own group discussions, debates, presentations, and meetings.
Hours: 45
Course Code: RBM-2015
Detailed Course Outline: RBM-2015 Business Communications II
Academic Year: 2011-2012
Business Law
This course is designed to provide students with an introduction to Canadian law. Students will develop an understanding of the legal concepts and principles that govern personal and commercial relationships, and will learn how our lives are intimately influenced by law. This course will also enhance the student's ability to anticipate and avoid many common legal problems before they arise.
Hours: 45
Course Code: RBM-2020
Detailed Course Outline: RBM-2020 Business Law
Academic Year: 2011-2012
Consumer Behaviour
This course will allow the student to explore the importance of building customer relationships and determining customer needs. Students will experience how product knowledge, opening and closing the sale, team selling, compensation packages and sales presentations are all important elements in understanding consumer behaviour.
Hours: 45
Course Code: RBM-2025
Detailed Course Outline: RBM-2025 Consumer Behaviour
Academic Year: 2011-2012
Economics
This course will introduce students to the basic principles and concepts in micro and macro economics. Students will gain an understanding of economic theories by discussing concepts such as supply and demand, competition, business cycles, monetary and fiscal policies, and economic indicators in relation to everyday events. The course will also identify some of the major economic opportunities and challenges facing Canada today and the policy choices for governments dealing with these issues. Competency in this area will increase student's competitive advantage as an employee or as a business owner / manager.
Hours: 45
Course Code: RBM-2030
Detailed Course Outline: RBM-2030 Economics
Academic Year: 2011-2012
Entrepreneurship
This course is designed to enable students to create a business plan which depicts the financial and organizational road map used to increase the likelihood of business success. Generating a business idea and subjecting it to evidence based analysis will create a clear understanding of the complexities of creating business viability. Students will craft an organizational strategy which capitalizes on distinct or unique aspects of the business. This strategy is then filtered through the financial projections and analysis that complete the final business plan.
Hours: 60
Course Code: RBM-2036
Detailed Course Outline: RBM-2036 Entrepreneurship
Academic Year: 2011-2012
Human Resource Management I
Human Resources Management (HRM) is the management of people in organizations. Senior management in many firms realizes that human resources are an organization's most valuable assets. To survive, remain competitive, grow and diversify, an organization must ensure that its human resources are managed properly. Investment in sound HRM practices contributes to greater financial performance and productivity and reduces turnover. In this course, students develop an understanding of the functions of Human Resource Management, the value of an organization's human resources, and the challenges facing organizations to survive, remain competitive, grow, and diversify. Through seminars, research, group and individual projects, and practical applications activities, students develop skills in the areas of planning, job design, recruitment and selection, placement and orientation, documentation, and record management. Learners are introduced to the various acts and regulations that impact on human resource management. In both Human Resource Management I and Human Resource Management II, learners are expected to demonstrate their knowledge of this legislation. Students also demonstrate their skills as team members.
Hours: 45
Course Code: RBM-2040
Detailed Course Outline: RBM-2040 Human Resource Management I
Academic Year: 2011-2012
Human Resource Management II
Human Resources Management (HRM) is the management of people in organizations. Senior management in may firms realizes that human resources are an organization's most valuable assets. To survive, remain competitive, grow and diversify, an organization must ensure that its human resources are managed properly. Investment in sound HRM practices contributes to greater financial performance and productivity and reduces turnover. In this course, students continue to develop an understanding of the functions of Human Resource Management, the value of an organization's human resources, and the challenges facing organizations to survive, remain competitive, grow, and diversify. Through seminars, research, group and individual projects, and practical applications activities, students develop skills in the areas of training and development, development of compensation programs and the management of these programs, labour relations, collective bargaining and contract administration, employee rights and discipline, motivation, reviewing and improving performance, health and safety, and policy development. In Human Resource Management I, learners are introduced to the various acts and regulations that impact on human resource management. In this course, learners continue to demonstrate their knowledge and how they impact on the human resource management functions. Students continue to demonstrate their skills as team members.
Hours: 60
Course Code: RBM-2045
Detailed Course Outline: RBM-2045 Human Resource Management II
Academic Year: 2011-2012
Introduction to Retail
This course focuses on planning and maximizing the performance of retail operations in order to meet the consumer's needs and wants. Emphasis is placed on quality customer service, handling customer complaints, inventory management, shortage control, impact of visual merchandising, advertising strategies, and the buying process.
Hours: 45
Course Code: RBM-2050
Detailed Course Outline: RBM-2050 Introduction to Retail
Academic Year: 2011-2012
Marketing
This course is designed to enable the student to develop critical marketing skills related to analysis, creativity, implementation and evaluation. Students will acquire competency in the process of customer needs discovery and fulfillment. Further, students will explore the internal and external variables that require analysis and orchestration for marketing to be effective in achieving and retaining market share. Students will be challenged to continually seek ways to create relationships with customers that result in loyalty but, at the same time, try to balance the quest for profit with the interests of society.
Hours: 45
Course Code: RBM-2055
Detailed Course Outline: RBM-2055 Marketing
Academic Year: 2011-2012
Marketing Research
This course is designed to enable the student to develop critical marketing research skills. Marketing decisions need to be based on objective, evidence based recommendations. Students will acquire the skills to indentify the issue, establish various data sources and interpret the findings to create evidence based recommendations. Further, students will explore the ethical considerations related to market research.
Hours: 30
Course Code: RBM-2060
Detailed Course Outline: RBM-2060 Marketing Research
Academic Year: 2011-2012
Organizational Behaviour
Organizations are interested in understanding the impact of individuals, groups, and structures on behaviour within organizations in order to improve organizational effectiveness. In this course, students are introduced to concepts that relate to how individuals, groups, and structure affect and are affected by behaviour within organizations. This course examines the impact of individual and group behaviour on an organization's outcomes and processes. This course focuses on the individual in organizations by studying the foundations of individual behaviour, the role of motivation, individual and group decision making, leadership, conflict, negotiation, and organization design and change. A variety of teaching methods, combined with case studies, simulations, group discussions, group projects, problem solving and critical thinking activities are used to ensure students have the knowledge and skill to function effectively in an organization.
Hours: 45
Course Code: RBM-2065
Detailed Course Outline: RBM-2065 Organizational Behaviour
Academic Year: 2011-2012
Retail Buying
This course is designed to enable the student to focus on understanding the buyer's role regarding inventory assortment, shrinkage and inventory management. Students will have the opportunity to interpret target market needs and consumer buying behavior. The relationship between retail buying and other functions and departments within the organization will be explored including the importance of supplier relationships and the development of merchandising strategies, plans and budgets.
Hours: 45
Course Code: RBM-2070
Detailed Course Outline: RBM-2070 Retail Buying
Academic Year: 2011-2012
Retail Strategy
This course examines the operational strategies and management decisions that are utilized by retailers to improve performance in a highly competitive and rapidly changing environment. Emphasis is placed on planning and control, maximizing profits, developing credit policies and analyzing financial statements.
Hours: 45
Course Code: RBM-2075
Detailed Course Outline: RBM-2075 Retail Strategy
Academic Year: 2011-2012
Visual Merchandizing and Design
Visual Merchandizing and Design
In this course, students will focus on planning and maximizing performance strategies of both small and large retailers to profitably meet target customer needs. Students will cover in-store marketing and merchandising strategies, determining and meeting the needs of the consumer, shortage control, personnel scheduling and cost control.
Hours: 45
Course Code: RBM-2085
Detailed Course Outline: RBM-2085 Visual Merchandizing and Design
Academic Year: 2011-2012
Graduate Opportunities
- Management in both small and large organizations
- Service industries
- Buying and Merchandising
- Sales and Promotions
- Marketing
- Self-employment
Sales Professional
The Sales Professional profile provides a thorough introduction to the fundamental principles and practices of sales in the retail/service industry. It provides learners with the skills necessary to excel at customer sales and service, with emphasis on internal/external customer relations, visual merchandising, buying, and inventory control.
This profile can be pursued as an end in itself or the learner can enter the Retail Manager profile at the second-year point.
| Profile Facts | |
|---|---|
| Start Date: | September |
| Length: | 1 year |
| Location: | Charlottetown |
| Credential Issued: | Certificate, Sales Professional |
Courses
print full list with descriptionsTake the following course(s), minimum grade: Pass
On-The-Job Training
On-the-Job-Training (OJT) is an essential part of student learning. The OJT provides an opportunity to demonstrate and build on the skills acquired during formal instruction. Students are exposed to the professional standards, routines and demands of an organization and are expected to add value through the application of their skills and abilities. The OJT is a wonderful opportunity for students to gain confidence and to experience their chosen career in a real-work setting.
Hours: 180
Course Code: RBM-2090
Detailed Course Outline: RBM-2090 On-The-Job Training
Academic Year: 2011-2012
Take the following course(s), minimum grade: 60%
Computer Applications I
This course will provide students with the opportunity to develop competency with a computer operating system. A large part of this course will encompass the development and integration of keyboarding techniques including using word processing software. Students will also communicate and access information via the Internet to assist in developing research skills and overall computer skill use.
Hours: 45
Course Code: RBM-1001
Detailed Course Outline: RBM-1001 Computer Applications I
Academic Year: 2011-2012
Computer Applications II
Using a self-directed learning approach, complimented with instructional lab sessions and instructor supports, students will develop competency in using electronic spreadsheets. Learners will create formulas to calculate various business situations, will use database functions of spreadsheets and will practice graphing data. In addition, the emerging world of electronic commerce will be explored.
Hours: 45
Course Code: RBM-1005
Detailed Course Outline: RBM-1005 Computer Applications II
Academic Year: 2011-2012
English
One of the most important assets professionals can bring to an office is the ability to communicate both orally and in writing. Employers want employees who have this skill. To be an effective and efficient employee, a learner must develop the ability to convey thoughts concisely, clearly, and grammatically correct. This course will provide students with the skills to demonstrate competency in the English language. Focus will be placed on grammar, punctuation, proofreading, editing, and spelling. Writing styles and word usage will also be explored to enable students to begin preparing business documentation. At the end of this course, students will develop an appreciation for how the spoken word impacts written communications.
Hours: 45
Course Code: RBM-1010
Detailed Course Outline: RBM-1010 English
Academic Year: 2011-2012
Business Essentials
This course, as an introduction to working in a business environment, will provide students with a foundation to their development as business professionals. Students will have the opportunity to practice and hone essential skills such as time management, ethical development, goal setting, stress management, confidentiality, teamwork, community integration and basic numeracy. This course will also introduce students to some of the legislation related to taxes and other remittances. Additionally, learners will prepare for and participate in a job interview and various team activities.
Hours: 60
Course Code: RBM-1015
Detailed Course Outline: RBM-1015 Business Essentials
Academic Year: 2011-2012
Business Communications I
In this course, students will develop professional skills when writing a variety of business correspondence. Focus will be placed on developing written reports, preparing business correspondence and interpreting inferences and assumptions within written documents. In addition, students will have the opportunity to create and streamline correspondence including those found in a personal employment portfolio and news releases for various media. The goal of this course is to allow the student to develop strong written communication skills for a variety of business situations and functions.
Hours: 45
Course Code: RBM-2010
Detailed Course Outline: RBM-2010 Business Communications I
Academic Year: 2011-2012
Business Communications II
This course is designed to enable students to develop oral and non-verbal communication skills required to be successful in today's business environment. Students must be able to communicate by telephone or other electronic media as well as understand individual differences and act constructively in business situations. Students will be given opportunities to polish oral communication skills by allowing them to hold their own group discussions, debates, presentations, and meetings.
Hours: 45
Course Code: RBM-2015
Detailed Course Outline: RBM-2015 Business Communications II
Academic Year: 2011-2012
Consumer Behaviour
This course will allow the student to explore the importance of building customer relationships and determining customer needs. Students will experience how product knowledge, opening and closing the sale, team selling, compensation packages and sales presentations are all important elements in understanding consumer behaviour.
Hours: 45
Course Code: RBM-2025
Detailed Course Outline: RBM-2025 Consumer Behaviour
Academic Year: 2011-2012
Marketing
This course is designed to enable the student to develop critical marketing skills related to analysis, creativity, implementation and evaluation. Students will acquire competency in the process of customer needs discovery and fulfillment. Further, students will explore the internal and external variables that require analysis and orchestration for marketing to be effective in achieving and retaining market share. Students will be challenged to continually seek ways to create relationships with customers that result in loyalty but, at the same time, try to balance the quest for profit with the interests of society.
Hours: 45
Course Code: RBM-2055
Detailed Course Outline: RBM-2055 Marketing
Academic Year: 2011-2012
Marketing Research
This course is designed to enable the student to develop critical marketing research skills. Marketing decisions need to be based on objective, evidence based recommendations. Students will acquire the skills to indentify the issue, establish various data sources and interpret the findings to create evidence based recommendations. Further, students will explore the ethical considerations related to market research.
Hours: 30
Course Code: RBM-2060
Detailed Course Outline: RBM-2060 Marketing Research
Academic Year: 2011-2012
Retail Buying
This course is designed to enable the student to focus on understanding the buyer's role regarding inventory assortment, shrinkage and inventory management. Students will have the opportunity to interpret target market needs and consumer buying behavior. The relationship between retail buying and other functions and departments within the organization will be explored including the importance of supplier relationships and the development of merchandising strategies, plans and budgets.
Hours: 45
Course Code: RBM-2070
Detailed Course Outline: RBM-2070 Retail Buying
Academic Year: 2011-2012
Retail Information Management
This course focuses on the various types of reports that need to be generated for verifying, analyzing and using information to make retail decisions. While becoming familiar with different types of business software, students will explore reports which are utilized for short or long term projects, inventory management, planning merchandising strategies and budgeting.
Hours: 45
Course Code: RBM-2080
Detailed Course Outline: RBM-2080 Retail Information Management
Academic Year: 2011-2012
Visual Merchandizing and Design
Visual Merchandizing and Design
In this course, students will focus on planning and maximizing performance strategies of both small and large retailers to profitably meet target customer needs. Students will cover in-store marketing and merchandising strategies, determining and meeting the needs of the consumer, shortage control, personnel scheduling and cost control.
Hours: 45
Course Code: RBM-2085
Detailed Course Outline: RBM-2085 Visual Merchandizing and Design
Academic Year: 2011-2012
Graduate Opportunities
- Department and chain stores
- Travel agencies
- Supermarkets
- Car dealerships
- Self-employment
- US Federal Student Aid - Gainful Employment Disclosure
Admission Requirements
- Grade 12 or equivalent with credits at or above the general level
- Resumé including work and volunteer experience with applicable dates, membership in groups, associations or athletics, awards and distinctions, and any other information about yourself relevant to the program.
Tuition & Fees
| Tuition | |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | $3,250 |
| Year 2 | $3,250 |
| View a full breakdown of costs and booklist for this program. | |
Articulation Agreements
- Husson University / University of Fredericton
Graduates receive up to 90 credits (3 years) toward the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree from Husson University, which can be completed in one year. In order to graduate, students will be required to complete ten 8-week courses on site or through distance education. - Mount St. Vincent University
2 years credit toward the Bachelor of Business Administration degree. - Athabasca University
2 years credit toward Bachelor of Professional Arts in Communication Studies
We have 9 agreements for this Holland College program. For a complete listing, see our Degree Pathways page.
Contact
If you have any questions concerning the program, contact one of the following:
- Debi Forse
- Business Studies Office (902) 566-9657