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2010-11 Undergraduate Calendar
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2010-2011 Undergraduate Calendar
HOME COURSES Retail Management (RMG)

Retail Management (RMG)
RMG 10A/B Academic and Career Preparedness
Focused on the development of university level skills, attitudes and strategies required for success in the academic and professional business world. This course is designed to establish standards for successful literacy and numeracy skills in the retail program and to assist students in developing successful learning and self management strategies. It is a two part course offered in fall and winter semester and graded on a pass/fail basis.
Lab: 3 hrs.
Course Weight: 2.00
Billing Units: 1/1
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RMG 100 Issues and Innovations in Retailing I
This course will provide students with an insightful understanding of the current nature of the retail economy from a North American perspective. Changes in the retail sector and in society which have an impact on Canadian competitiveness will be emphasized. Topics covered each year will be introductory by nature and will vary according to changes in the prevailing retail environment.
Lect: 3 hrs.
Course Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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RMG 200 Introduction to Retail Management
This course examines how marketing and operational strategies can be utilized by retailers/service providers to establish a link to their diverse and multicultural markets. Selected topics related to the retail marketing mix will illustrate how retailers can adapt to a competitive and continually changing environment by formulating strategies which result in a profitable performance. An introduction to retail profit drivers will be a key element of the course.
Lect: 3 hrs.
Course Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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RMG 300 Retail Information Management
This course examines information technologies necessary for successful data access and retrieval , and managerial analytics within a retail environment. Topics include: information needs (internal and external) in a retail environment, access of information through electronic media and special services, bench marking, database management, techniques for effective dissemination, privacy and use of information throughout the organization and supply chain.
Lect: 3 hrs.
Prerequisites: RMG 200 and ITM 102
Course Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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RMG 301 Retail Operations: Processes and Value Chn
This course will focus on how retail companies compete by designing and operating effective value chains. Operations strategy guides retailers as they buy merchandise and move it to the marketplace via efficient processes. Internal and external value chains are linked so that costs are reduced and inventory levels are optimized. The processes, that are the building blocks of successful retail organizations, include planning, inventory management, location selection and resource scheduling.
Lect: 3 hrs.
Prerequisites: RMG 200 and QMS 102
Course Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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RMG 302 Retail Consumer Insight
The course introduces the key theoretical concepts to the understanding of consumer behaviour. Building on this foundation the retail/consumer relationship will be examined through the case study method. Topics such as the retail brand, consumer research and value equations will be introduced and examined.
Lect: 3 hrs.
Prerequisite: RMG 200, Antirequisite: MKT 400, MKT 502
Course Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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RMG 303 Service Quality Management
The quality of service that customers experience in retail settings is affected by many factors. As a result, the challenge for retailers is to provide an environment that instills a focus on customers and delivers the service required to satisfy those customers. This course will introduce students to service quality management frameworks and principles. It will examine how they are reflected in key organizational and management strategies, particularly those related to the management of the retail workforce.
Lect: 3 hrs.
Prerequisite: RMG 200, Antirequisite: HTH 102
Course Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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RMG 400 Buying Process I
This course examines the role of the buyer and his/her place in the marketing function of retail organizations. Course content focuses primarily on the procurement process, and intended outcomes include a thorough understanding of the buyer's contribution to assortment and resource development, relationships with other functions within the organization and interpretation of target customer needs. (Formerly FSN 451.)
Lect: 3 hrs.
Prerequisite: RMG 200
Course Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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RMG 434 Intro to Logistics and Supply Chain Mgmt
This course serves as an introduction to the fundamentals of logistics and supply chain management. The course is primarily focused on logistics management in the rapidly globalizing retail sector and covers the following topics: facility location, design of distribution networks, demand forecasting, inventory management, aggregate planning, transportation decision-making, Information Technology applications, sourcing and procurement, and pricing. The course emphasizes the use of analytical methods and incorporates risk management in business logistics.
Lect: 3 hrs.
Course Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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RMG 452 Visual Merchandising and Space Planning
Students will study the theories and practices related to visual merchandising and space planning. An examination of leading edge visual merchandising practices will be explored with respect to in-store design and layout. Space planning software will be used to plan in-store displays, window and fixture design and configuration. (Formerly FSN 452.)
Lect: 2 hrs./Lab: 1 hr.
Prerequisite: RMG 200
Course Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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RMG 500 Retail Strategy
This course examines how ethical marketing and operational strategies can be utilized by retailers to improve performance in a highly competitive and rapidly changing multicultural environment. The strategic planning process will be explored from the perspectives of both small and large retailers. Environmental analysis, strategy development, implementation and control issues will provide a framework for the course. A variety of teaching and learning methods will be used to examine issues and foster reflective thinking among students.
Lect: 3 hrs.
Prerequisite: RMG 700, Antirequisite: BUS 800
Course Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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RMG 700 Applied Retail Research
This course is designed to develop students' analytical skills in effective use of retail business research. Emphasis is placed on the practical applications of research, the use of appropriate data analysis techniques, interpretation of results, and the effective communication of research findings. The aim of the course is to encourage the intelligent use of research and the ability to develop a research project.
Lect: 3 hrs.
Prerequisites: RMG 301 and QMS 102
Course Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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RMG 800 Independent Project
This course will build on the materials produced in either RMG 700 or GEO 721. It is designed to allow students to assume a major research/independent study project which is completed under the direction of a faculty member and approved in advance by the course co-ordinator. Students will choose an appropriate area of interest for research and/or independent study and will present a written report at the conclusion of the academic year.
Lect: 3 hrs.
Departmental consent required
Course Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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RMG 801 Academic and Career Preparedness II
The purpose of the course is to allow students to gain management skills in a real-life environment, and to provide guidance for career planning. Students will have the opportunity to work with a retail organization on a full-time basis for a two to three month period between third and fourth year. Alternatively, they may work on a part-time basis (425 hours) during the fourth year of the program.
Lab: 3 hrs.
Departmental consent required
Course Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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RMG 900 Retail Operations I: HR Challenges
This course will focus on the challenges related to managing cross-cultural human resources in conjunction with store operations strategies, in a large or small retail organization. Topics will include: teamwork, customer service issues and strategies; policies and procedures and their impact on motivation, creativity and corporate culture; franchisee/franchiser relations; best practices from both North American and international perspectives; effective communication of store operations needs within the organization.
Lect: 3 hrs.
Prerequisite: RMG 300
Course Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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RMG 902 Franchising
The focus of this course is on business format franchising - the transfer of a particular business format or way of conducting business. The costs and benefits of franchising from both the franchisee's and franchiser's point of view will be explored. Franchiser/franchisee communication and relationship will be discussed. Students will examine how to determine the feasibility of a franchise opportunity, the legal dimensions of franchising, characteristics of the typical franchisee, and international franchising as a means of expansion.
Lect: 3 hrs.
Prerequisite: RMG 301
Course Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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RMG 905 Design, Commerce and Culture
This course aims to provide an in-depth reflective understanding of the human designed environment, from a retail perspective. Concentrating on the main historic movements of the twentieth century, the course will address the ways in which the products of a culture are seen as representations of its cultural identity and value system. Changing social and cultural patterns, developing technology, and the economic climate will be explored. Ethical and environmental implications of the retail environment will be discussed.
Lect: 3 hrs.
Antirequisite: GEO 421
Course Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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RMG 906 International Retail Markets
This course will examine the trend toward international retailing. A number of themes will be examined. These will include: the growth of international retail organizations; the internationalization of the Canadian retail economy; Canadian retailer experience in the U.S. - lessons and prospects; methods of appraising international retail market opportunities. Students will be expected to develop an appreciation of one particular international market in the course through the development of a case.
Lect: 3 hrs.
Prerequisites: ECN 204 and RMG 200
Course Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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RMG 907 Relationship Marketing
The relationship between the consumer and the retailer has been perceived as a transaction and marketing strategy has been based on this perception. Retailers are moving to an ethical relationship view of the buying process - the building of a long term relationship with the customer as the central theme of marketing strategy. This course will explore the underlying theories, values and benefits of doing business through one-to-one relationships with consumers using technological advances. A one-to-one customer-centric approach enables retail marketers to reach customers from multicultural backgrounds, a distinguishing feature of the Canadian marketplace.
Lect: 3 hrs.
Prerequisite: RMG 200
Course Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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RMG 908 Issues and Innovations in Retailing II
This seminar course will examine the spectrum of strategic responses of Canadian retail organizations as they move in a competitive environment towards the 21st century. An in-depth investigation and analysis of key innovations in retailing from North American and global environments will be conducted. Ethical entrepreneurship within the framework of a competitive retail economy will be explored. Topics covered each year promote reflective thinking and will vary according to the most current issues and innovations.
Lect: 3 hrs.
Prerequisite: RMG 700
Course Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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RMG 909 Advanced Buying Process II
This course compliments Buying Process I by introducing students to concepts of merchandise management. Course content emphasizes analytical and quantitative aspects of merchandising planning and expected outcomes include a complete understanding of financial strategy as it relates to merchandise management, the development of dollar merchandise plans, measures of productivity and vendor performance analysis. Information technology and decision support systems represent and integral part of the course content. (Formerly FSN 551)
Lect: 3 hrs.
Prerequisite: RMG 400
Course Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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RMG 910 Multi-Channel Retailing
Electronic commerce is both an opportunity and a threat for traditional retailers. This course will examine the ways in which retailers can compete in the virtual marketplace. Topics include setting up an online store, effective online communications, building customer service and loyalty, order taking, processing, web analysis, payment security, and privacy issues. In addition, the course will explore the synergy between e-retail and traditional retailing, as well as new e-retail start-ups.
Lect: 3 hrs.
Prerequisite: ITM 350 or RMG 200
Course Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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RMG 911 Retail Sales Management
Based on the notion that salesmanship and effective selling have been lost in the role they play in delivering exceptional customer service and improved GMRSS. Focus on building effective leadership skills and programs for selling and the relationship to increasing productivity and customer loyalty.
Lect: 3 hrs.
Prerequisite: RMG 200
Course Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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RMG 912 Sustainability in Retailing
This course would be focused on the three pillars of business sustainability - financial, environmental and social responsibility in the context of the retail sector. Work being done through the Greening Retail project would form the basis for the issues of environmental sustainability in retailing, while collaboration with the Law Department and Finance Department in TRSM would be integrated into the course.
Lect: 3 hrs.
Prerequisite: RMG 200
Course Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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RMG 913 Rotation of Fashion and Financial
The retail fashion business is a driver of global culture and economics. This course will delve into how fashion is defined; its scope and magnitude with respect to North American and global economies; cultural influences from film, print media, and politics. Current challenges and best practices in fashion retailing from a global perspective will be discussed. Canadian competitiveness and the impact of foreign retailers will be covered.
Lect: 3 hrs.
Prerequisite: RMG 200
Course Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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RMG 914 Rotation of Grocery and Hardgoods
Offering in depth studies of the grocery, fashion, financial and hard goods retail categories. These courses would be offered on a rotational basis of every other year. Primarily focused on the Canadian market, with an international context of best practices within a category. Emphasis will be on data analysis of the industry category, corporate performance within the sector and dominant issues that are unique. Integration of learning from all three streams will be emphasized.
Lect: 3 hrs.
Prerequisite: RMG 200
Course Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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RMG 915 Retail Internationalization
This course explores the state of retail internationalization at a given point in time. It will look at the retail companies that are leading the way in global expansion; strategies for expansion; impact of expansion on both the company and the markets they enter. Within this context the Canadian market will be analyzed, both in terms of the impact that international retailers have had on the market and the role of Canadian retailers in going global. The course will be taught through a combination of case studies, industry experts and research analysis.
Lect: 3 hrs.
Prerequisite: RMG 200
Course Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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RMG 916 Channel Management
This course will explore how organizations leverage channels of distribution for value creation and competitive advantage. It delves into strategies that companies use to bring products and services from their point of origin to their point of consumption. Product proliferation, media fragmentation, retailer power and the internet have required excellence in channel design and management. The course will cover key concepts and strategies related to channel management, in light of traditional and new channels of distribution.
Lect: 3 hrs.
Prerequisites: RMG 200 and MKT 100
Course Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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RMG 917 Experiential Learning - Asia Pacific Study
This course examines consumption patterns, retail formats and operations, as well as sourcing opportunities and challenges in the Asia Pacific Region. Students will participate in a 10 day international learning experience in a chosen country in the Asia Pacific Region. The course will be taught by Ryerson retail faculty but local industry experts will be invited to address various topics.
Lect: 3 hrs.
Prerequisite: RMG 200
Course Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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RMG 918 Retail IT - Case Study of Best Practices
Today, retail companies must invest in technology to manage their multiple locations and many transactions. Some retailers have emerged as leaders in their field by using technology to support a strategic initiative that differentiates them from their competition. Wal-Mart sends information across its supply chain; Harry Rosen keeps detailed customer profiles. In this course, students will study a few retailers in depth and analyze how they have used Information Technology as a competitive weapon.
Lect: 3 hrs.
Prerequisites: RMG 200 and RMG 301
Course Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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RMG 919 Applied Demand Forecasting
This course focuses on the application of forecasting tools in retail management and business operations. The course introduces students to the fundamentals of time series forecasting methods, such as exponential smoothing and moving average as well as advanced econometric tools such as ARIMA and ARCH/GARCH models. The course also introduces students to forecast consumer behaviour using discrete choice models. This is a hands on course that requires students to work with real life data sets to forecast consumer demand/behaviour.
Lect: 3 hrs.
Prerequisite: RMG 200
Course Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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RMG 920 Service Leadership
The success of retail organizations in an increasingly competitive environment is dependent upon their capacity for speed, flexibility and customer focus, in short the quality of the service they provide. The leadership skills of managers in these organizations can contribute significantly to service quality. This course examines the relationship between the dimensions of service quality and the different characteristics and manifestations of leadership.
Lect: 3 hrs.
Prerequisite: RMG 200
Course Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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RMG 922 Retailing 2.0: Social Media Marketing
An explosion in the popularity of social media sites has created a new level of consumer empowerment over even the most carefully managed brand messages. As the primary point of interaction in bringing products and services to the public, retailers are well positioned to carry customer relationships into this new online era. This course will focus on how and why retailers should "join the conversation" with consumers to build trust beyond the buzz associated with viral marketing and typical Internet campaigns. Students will analyze the market reach of popular online communities and tools, the legal and ethical implications, and the potential impact/integration of a multi-point communications strategy into the overall retail operation and marketing mix.
Lect: 3 hrs.
Prerequisite: RMG 200
Course Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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RMG 923 Retail Advertising and Communication
Analyzing the principles and practices of advertising and promotion within the integrated marketing strategy of the retail business, students will research and create a retail advertising and promotion concept. The synthesis of analytical and creative processes in the successful development of strategy will be emphasized.
Lect: 3 hrs.
Prerequisite: RMG 200
Course Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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RMG 924 Retail Branding
Once the domain of products, the importance of brand identity for retailers has accelerated in recent years. Success and failure of retail brands will be analyzed through the case study method. The application of branding principles to private label products, recruitment practices as well as the more traditional marketing strategies will be explored.
Lect: 3 hrs.
Prerequisite: RMG 200
Course Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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RMG 925 Optimizing Retail Service Quality
The success of any retail strategy is intrinsically linked to its service strategy and how well it translates to the satisfaction of its customers. This course will focus on the processes involved in the alignment and implementation of service management strategies. Its emphasis will be on the optimization of operational capacity and capability, including the facets of customer satisfaction, the engagement of the retail workforce and the use of problem solving techniques.
Lect: 3 hrs.
Prerequisite: RMG 303
Course Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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