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Retail Management

Retail Management

  • RMG 100 - Issues and Innovations in Retailing I
    Course DescriptionThis 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.
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
  • RMG 101 - Academic and Career Preparation
    Course DescriptionThis course focuses on the development of the university level skills, attitudes and strategies required for success in the academic environment and in retail management careers. This course assists students in developing successful learning and self- management strategies. Students establish basic literacy and numeracy skills, and also develop specific retail math skills. As they examine different career options and strategies, students also build foundational career management strategies and establish their interests in retail management careers.
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
  • RMG 200 - Intro to Retail and Services Management
    Course DescriptionRetailing is one of the most fascinating, challenging and multi-faceted environments, business students will be exposed to. The objective of the course is to provide both an understanding of the key retail strategy components as well as change the student focus from a consumer to a business manager. This will be accomplished through examining the many key functional areas within a retail business including location and market strategy, store design and layout, merchandise planning, human resources, financial strategy and customer relationships. The understanding of these functional areas will illustrate how retailers can adapt to the competitive and continually changing environment by formulating strategies, which result in profitable performance. An introduction to retail profit drivers will be a key element of the course.
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
  • RMG 300 - Retail Information Management
    Course DescriptionThis 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.
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
    Prerequisites:RMG 200 and ITM 102
  • RMG 301 - Retail Operations Management
    Course DescriptionThis 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.
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
    Prerequisites:RMG 200
  • RMG 302 - Retail Consumer Insight
    Course DescriptionThe 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.
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
    Prerequisites:RMG 200
    Antirequisites:MKT 400 and MKT 502
  • RMG 303 - Service Quality Management
    Course DescriptionThe 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 introduces students to service quality management frameworks and principles. It examines how these principles are reflected in key organizational and management strategies, particularly those related to the management of the retail workforce.
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
    Prerequisites:RMG 200
    Antirequisites:HTH 102
  • RMG 400 - Buying Process I
    Course DescriptionThis 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.)
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
    Prerequisites:RMG 200
  • RMG 434 - Intro to Logistics and Supply Chain Mgmt
    Course DescriptionThis course serves as an introduction to the fundamentals of global supply and distribution networks management (traditionally known as Supply Chain and Distribution Channel). The course is primarily focused on the planning, implementation, monitor and control of global, regional and local distribution networks in support of retail business operations. The course covers fundamentals of supply and distribution networks, the link between distribution networks and marketing strategies, and the link between supplier networks and inventory management. Supply and distribution networks include aligning supply networks with corporate strategies, implementation of corporate sustainability and social responsibility related policies, global transportation, and supporting information technology. Throughout the course, analytical tools and methods are utilized to support decision making and manage supply and distribution networks uncertainty.
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
    Prerequisites:RMG 200
  • RMG 452 - Visual Merchandising and Space Planning
    Course DescriptionStudents 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.)
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 2 hrs. Lab 1 hr.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
    Prerequisites:RMG 200
  • RMG 500 - Retail Strategy
    Course DescriptionThis 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.
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
    Prerequisites:RMG 700 and FIN 300 and (RMG 799 or WKT 304)
    Antirequisites:BUS 800
  • RMG 700 - Applied Retail Research
    Course DescriptionThis 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.
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
    Prerequisites:RMG 301 and QMS 102
    Antirequisites:MKT 423, MKT 500
  • RMG 799 - Internship Placement
    Course DescriptionThis course is designed to help prepare students in finding and documenting their progress through the School's Internship Program. Mandatory work placements are typically completed in the summer following sixth semester. Your work experience may cover one or more areas from a broad range of retail opportunities including visual merchandising, store management, business/merchandise analyst roles, marketing internships, and more in order to develop your personal leadership and decision making skills. This course is graded on a pass/fail basis.
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 1 hr.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Count:1.00
    Prerequisites:(RMG 101 or RMG 10A/B) and RMG 200
  • RMG 800 - Special Topics in Retailing
    Course DescriptionThis course 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 coordinator. Prior to being admitted to this course, students must submit a proposal outlining an appropriate area of interest for research and/or independent study upon which they will present a written report at the conclusion of the academic year.
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
    Consent:Departmental consent required
  • RMG 801 - Retail Career Strategies
    Course DescriptionThis course provides students with an opportunity to reflect upon their leadership and management experience in the retail industry. This experience is drawn from at least one school-approved internship/work placement (400 hours min) completed prior to enrolment in the course. During the course, students engage in learning experiences that develop their personal leadership skills and contribute to building the role of students in the broader retail management community. The course also provides insights into career development strategies, as students look ahead to graduation.
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
    Prerequisites:FIN 300 and (RMG 799 or WKT 304)
  • RMG 806 - Retailer Perspectives on Category Management
    Course DescriptionCategory Management for a retail buying and merchandising team requires understanding how different product groups and placement play a specific strategic role within each store. Balancing the right assortments, shelf space, and product placement decisions is directly related to shopper satisfaction, brand growth, efficient inventory management and profitability. In this course students will learn the foundations of category management theory, how to build effective planograms, the importance of collaborations between retail buyers and their suppliers/vendors, along with the strategies used across different categories in apparel, food and consumer packaged goods, toys, hardware and more.
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
    Prerequisites:RMG 200
  • RMG 817 - Digital Advertising in Retailing
    Course DescriptionThe digital age has opened up new channels of communication and new types of messages. This course will offer students real world experience in planning, implementing and measuring a digital marketing campaign that is embedded in an integrated marketing and retail and services strategy. Students will become AdWords Certified and will work with a retail business or service provider to plan, execute, and measure a digital advertising campaign.
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
    Prerequisites:RMG 922
  • RMG 821 - Research and Analytics in Social Media
    Course DescriptionStudents will learn how to use tools to listen to conversations across digital platforms and make meaningful conclusions in a retail context. Netlytic, a cloud-based text and social networks analyzer, will be used to collect, analyzed and visualize publicly available online conversations from social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Topics will include collecting and storing data, studying networks and links, analyzing comments, sentiments, hashtags, and images. Ethics and other important topics will also be covered.
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
    Prerequisites:RMG 922
  • RMG 902 - Franchising
    Course DescriptionThe 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.
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
    Prerequisites:RMG 200
  • RMG 905 - Design, Commerce and Culture
    Course DescriptionThis 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.
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
    Prerequisites:RMG 200
    Antirequisites:GEO 421
  • RMG 906 - International Retail Markets
    Course DescriptionThis course examines the ever changing trend toward international retailing. As proactive Canadian retailers look for opportunity outside of Canada, a number of international retailers are turning their eyes on Canada. We will explore determinants for international expansion, the growth of international retail organizations, methods of appraising international retail market opportunities and how to recommend growth strategies to take advantage of the learning generated. Students will be expected to develop an understanding of several international markets and how to present their recommendations in a business environment.
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
    Prerequisites:ECN 204 and RMG 200
  • RMG 907 - Relationship Marketing
    Course DescriptionThe 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.
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
    Prerequisites:RMG 200
  • RMG 908 - Issues and Innovations in Retailing II
    Course DescriptionThis course examines the current retail environment for important trends and issues that retail organizations must strategically address. The focus is predominately Canadian with context in an increasingly global industry. The role of innovation in retailing is studied both in theory and in practice. Critical thinking on the current issues in retail are developed both in class and through a major research paper.
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
    Prerequisites:RMG 500
  • RMG 909 - Advanced Buying Process II
    Course DescriptionThis 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)
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
    Prerequisites:RMG 400
  • RMG 910 - Omni-Channel Retailing
    Course DescriptionGreat retail is about creating a consistent experience across all channels and touchpoints with customers. This includes having a holistic strategy, known as the Omni-channel approach, to manage service and distribution channels that includes brick and mortar stores, online, mobile, catalogs, and more. For this reason, it is critical that all retail students understand how these channels function together, as well as the beneficial outcomes (e.g., customer satisfaction) of operating an integrative omni-channel business. The course helps students to develop skills to analyze a firm's omni-channel strategy and recommend solutions to help meet customers' needs. Further, students will learn different techniques and strategies on how to optimize the channel operations of a business.
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
    Prerequisites:ITM 350 or RMG 200
  • RMG 911 - Retail Sales Management
    Course DescriptionBased 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.
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
    Prerequisites:RMG 200
  • RMG 912 - Corporate Responsibility
    Course DescriptionThis course examines the three pillars of business sustainability - financial, environmental and social responsibility - in the context of the retail sector. The best practices of retailers particularly in the area of greening retail are a primary focus of study. Students engage in an industry based project as this is an emerging topic within the retail sector.
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
    Prerequisites:RMG 200
  • RMG 913 - Retail Private Label
    Course DescriptionPrivate Label products have taken on an increasingly larger share of market within the retail product mix. For students interested in buying and merchandising, this course will examine the role of proprietary brand development across the spectrum of retail categories from hard goods and food to fashion and trend products. Curriculum will focus on best practice in private label and students will engage in a project on product development from concept to sourcing.
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
    Prerequisites:RMG 200
  • RMG 914 - Sector Studies
    Course DescriptionEach year this course will take an in-depth look at one specific sector in the retail industry. Students may select to study in up to 2 sectors such as grocery, fashion, pop-up retailing, luxury, health and wellness and shopping centres, to apply to their degree program. Looking at the Canadian retail market within a particular sector, within an international context of best practices, the course will examine performance of individual companies and the overall sector, as well as dominant issues that are unique to the sector. Integration of learning from the consumer, supply chain and operational perspectives will be emphasized.
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
    Prerequisites:RMG 200
  • RMG 916 - Managing B2B Channels
    Course DescriptionThis 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.
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
    Prerequisites:RMG 200 and MKT 100
  • RMG 917 - Experiential Learning - International Study
    Course DescriptionThis course examines consumption patterns, retail formats and operations, as well as sourcing opportunities and challenges in a defined region. Students will participate in a 10 day international learning experience in a chosen country. The course will be taught by Ryerson retail faculty but local industry experts will be invited to address various topics.
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
    Prerequisites:RMG 200
  • RMG 918 - Retail IT - Case Study of Best Practices
    Course DescriptionToday, 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.
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
    Prerequisites:RMG 300
  • RMG 919 - Visualizing Data for Decisions
    Course DescriptionRetail is detail. A retail company collects volumes of data: what was sold, what size, when, at what price, and by whom. But with so much data, it is difficult to 'see the forest from the trees'. Powerful software is now available that enables managers to visualize the data, understand the trends and be able to make informed business decisions. In this course, students will learn how to find answers to complex business problems by using tools that enable data to be visualized. They will analyze large data sets, gaining practical experience.
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
    Prerequisites:RMG 200
  • RMG 920 - Case Studies in Managing Retail
    Course DescriptionThe 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. This course examines the different characteristics and manifestations of leadership.
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
    Prerequisites:RMG 200
  • RMG 922 - Retailing 2.0: Social Media Marketing
    Course DescriptionAn 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.
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
    Prerequisites:RMG 200
  • RMG 925 - Leading in Retail Service Organizations
    Course DescriptionThis course focuses on the processes involved in the alignment and implementation of service management strategies. Its emphasis is on the optimization of operational capacity and capability, including facets of customer satisfaction, the engagement of the retail workforce and the use of problem solving techniques. In particular, students will develop organizational leadership strategies oriented to the alignment of these strategies and to the development of an engaged and productive workforce.
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
    Prerequisites:RMG 500