Retail Leadership BSc (Hons) Degree Apprenticeship

30 credits

This module introduces learners to the retail sector and seeks to embed the beginnings of a strong foundation of knowledge. Consideration is given to the external context in which retail organisations operate and introduces the concept of the retail journey (‘from farm to fork’). As potential retail leaders of the future, learners need to be equipped to understand the component parts of this journey, its relationship to the external environment and the variety and complexity it offers. Understanding of the impact and interaction of the external environment on the way organisations are organised and managed is a key factor.

The performance and measurement of success for organisations over time is an important skill to understand and to be able to appraise. The way in which individuals operate and behave in different types of industry with a focus on retail and grocery retailing is also important to understand.

This module will equip learners with the skills and knowledge required to be able to research, critically appraise, and compare businesses across territories, sectors and size.

Learners experience this based on analysis of contemporary cases, examples and links to varied organisations.

30 credits

This module introduces learners to core topics and concepts of experience and service management, which are critical to the development of a positive and successful retail business culture. This includes the behaviour and management of people in work situations, customer interactions, stakeholders or partners in the sourcing/resourcing and delivery of the proposition organisations offer.

Understanding of different behaviours and needs of stakeholders (including direct reports, peers, line manages and others) is developed in this module. Consideration is given to the ideal customer experience and how to bring all of these elements together for business success. The complexity of relationships within and across global organisations is examined and how these function in “best practice” situations; to build and manage relationships, partnerships and networks in the retail context.

Service is an extremely important element of the proposition for all retail organisations and is deeply embedded in the way an organisation behaves and the individuals and teams work together within it.

The Future Skills Navigate Learning Outcomes are delivered in this module.

30 credits

The shift from ‘bricks to clicks’ has rapidly changed the retail landscape in recent years, leading to a proliferation of new opportunities and complexities associated with the advent of the omni-channel. The ‘always-on’ nature of modern retail is established and how retailers can adapt to technological advances is examined.

The key focus of this module is to introduce the concepts and principles associated with the digitisation of the retail sector. This begins with an understanding of traditional retail practices and how the disruptive nature of the digital economy has revolutionised contemporary operations, leading to a more customer-centric approach. The proliferation of data and data sources in an omni-channel environment is considered, enabling learners to confidently navigate multiple sources of information used in retail planning and proposition development. This module takes a practical and immersive approach to problem-solving, applying digital tools and techniques to information gathered for the development of associated skills.

30 credits

The retail supply chain has developed in recent years to become a dynamic ecosystem accounting for the optimum movement of goods from the point of production through to the point of consumption (from ‘farm to fork’). Making connections and building relationships within this complex ecosystem has given rise to best practice including consideration of availability, and environmental issues. Technological advances have also opened-up retail supply chains to consumer influence and concerns, as well as the onset of internationalisation, ‘just in time’ approaches and e-commerce.

This module seeks to deliver an introduction to the fundamental concepts of retail operations from a supply logistics and retail management perspective. The basic mantra of ‘getting the right products to the right place at the right time’ is explored and expanded to cover theoretical concepts and models as well as looking at contemporary issues and hot topics though the lens of case examples.

Learners will work on problems retailed to the retail industry and supply of the UK market. They will develop skills in problem solving, decision making and analysis.

30 credits

This module builds on, and extends, the introductory principles and skills developed in Level 4 modules, specifically relating to the Retail Business Environment and Digital Retail. It has been designed to enable future Retail Leaders to understand and develop marketing plans for the medium to long term, aligned to corporate objectives, brand values and consumer needs.

The module will follow the strategic marketing process, with close attention paid to the needs of consumers, the importance of brands and the implications of tactical opportunities for retailers. Key models and frameworks will be applied throughout along with case studies of the retail sector.

30 credits

The module builds on and extends the introductory principles and skills developed in Level 4 modules, specifically relating to the Retail Business Environment and Digital Retail. It has been designed to enable future Retail Leaders to understand and develop marketing plans for the medium to long term, aligned to corporate objectives, brand values and consumer needs.

The module will follow the strategic marketing process, with close attention paid to the needs of consumers, the importance of brands and the implications of tactical opportunities for retailers. Key models and frameworks will be applied throughout along with case studies of the retail sector.

30 credits

This module uses and extends data familiarity and skills developed at Level 4 in the Retail Business Environment module to introduce future Retail Leaders to knowledge and application of the principles and key techniques of management accounting. This will support future retail leaders in planning, controlling and monitoring performance as part of their professional role.

30 credits

We live in an uncertain world. Uncertainty brings both opportunities and challenges. In the business world, organisations are grappling with the challenges of sustainability, social responsibility, wellbeing and diversity and inclusion and as key aspects of the KBS strategy these are core to the way we encourage learners to consider their approach to business.

This module delivers the concepts and knowledge of sustainable business and supply chain management and focusses on managing organisations in a responsible way by looking at the ethical issues that emerge in the interactions between a business and its stakeholders and implementation of socially responsible and sustainable programmes and initiatives.

The Future Skills Explore Learning Outcomes are delivered in this module.

30 credits

This module builds on principles first introduced to students in Level 4's Retail Culture and Service Mindset and addresses learnings from Level 5 about how retail businesses operate, to equip future retail leaders with the tools and skill required to operate in complex and rapidly changing environments. Undertaking this module will prepare retail leaders of the future to sense disruption and change and to create an organisation that is able to respond accordingly. Students will consider the transitions organisations go through, and the implications for leadership.

Students will critically reflect on their own leadership capacity and skills in initiating and leading change in different contexts. Students will consider their own progress and career journey in the context of these environments and leadership styles. This module includes the Future Skills 'Apply' topics and assessment.

30 credits

This module takes a contemporary perspective on the retail landscape and seeks to equip future retail leaders with the skills and knowledge to lead and manage retail strategy development and operations in a fast-changing and technology driven world. This builds upon the strategic process knowledge developed at Level 5 in Retail Marketing Strategy and adds in current thinking and best practice in relation to technological developments and how they impact retail planning, consumers and operations. This includes review of the use of AI in delivery and fulfilment as well as using data and AI tools to predict the behaviour of customers.

Critical thinking, analytical and problem-solving skills will be developed during this module though in-class exercises and assessment support sessions.

60 credits

This is the final core Level 6 module for the BA (Hons) Retail Leadership Degree Apprenticeship. It serves both as 60 credits on the degree and is also the End Point Assessment (EPA) for the Retail Leadership Apprenticeship Integrated Degree IfATE Standard ST0547.

In line with the EPA strategy for the Standard, this module is guided by the EPA Methods, comprising a Work-based Project (Assessment Method 1 Part 1) and Presentation of key findings upon its conclusion with questions and answers (Assessment Method 1, Part 2), and a professional discussion supported by a portfolio of evidence (Assessment Method 2).

Successful completion of the module requires the student to pass both Assessment Methods of EPA assessment: the Work-based project and Presentation, questions and answers, and the Professional discussion supported by a portfolio of evidence.