2020-2021 / LOGI0020-1

Retail and Distribution Management

Duration

30h Th

Number of credits

 Master in management (120 ECTS)5 crédits 

Lecturer

Sabine Limbourg, Willem Standaert

Language(s) of instruction

English language

Organisation and examination

Teaching in the first semester, review in January

Schedule

Schedule online

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Learning unit contents

The course will provide students with both fundamental and more advanced knowledge about retail and distribution management. The entire distribution network will be taken into consideration. The scope of the course is to highlight the most important theories, concepts, models and methods in order to identify, describe, analyze and design diverse solutions for physical distribution of goods. The course will furnish an understanding of the important role played by warehouses, facilities in the supply chain where product pauses and is handled. The increased concerns about the environmental impacts of industrial activities and the search for economic advantages have given birth to the concept of a closed-loop supply chain (CLSC). Therefore, this course aims at approaching topics related to CLSC such as returnable transport items.
As the last link between product manufacturers and the end customer, retailers also play a crucial role in the distribution chain. Retail management involves creating a consistent customer experience, incorporating digital technology. Effectively managing this final step in the distribution channel may lead to competitive advantages.

Learning outcomes of the learning unit

Partim Distribution:
Understand the importance of distribution in the overall Supply Chain performance and have an overall picture of distribution.
Understand the factors influencing the design of distribution systems
Understand how changes in distribution systems can influence industries' activities and vice versa: how industries' activities can influence requirements of distribution systems
Understand, explain, and compare different theories and models about distribution.
Use established technical terms to communicate and discuss distribution related issues
Use reference literature and scientific publications to analyse, evaluate and develop solutions for distribution systems
Ability to use theories, models and tools to describe, analyse and evaluate industries' distribution needs.
Resolve problems inherent in distribution management.
Capacity to independently describe, analyse and design solutions for distribution according to industries' requirements
Exchange ideas with industry guest speakers when available.
Partim Retail:
Relating strategic marketing to retail & distribution management
Distinguishing types and functions of distributors and retailers
Developing an integrated omni-channel distribution strategy
Managing the retail mix to create consistent and engaging customer experiences
Developing distributor and end-customer relationships
Understanding the role of digital technologies in retail & distribution management

Prerequisite knowledge and skills

Basic notions of mathematics and statistics
Ability to follow algorithmic instructions

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

Methodology used:
Lectures Readings Discussions Exercise sessions E-learning Testimonials Group work Case studies
General planning of the course:
First semester

Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)

Hybrid

Organisational adjustments related to the current health context

Orange color code: hybrid or online teaching
Red color code: online teaching
ONLINE EXAM

Recommended or required readings

Available documents on the virtual campus Lol@:
1. Slides 2. Exercises and solutions 3. Readings and cases
Recommended references:
[1] Bartholdi J and Hackman S (2011) Warehouse & Distribution Science [2] Ghiani, G., Laporte, G. and Musmanno, R. (2004) Introduction to Logistics Systems Planning and Control, John Wiley & Sons Ltd, West Sussex, England. ISBN 0470849177 [3] Levy, M., Weitz, B., and Grewal, D. (2018), Retailing Management, 10th ed., McGraw-Hill Education

Assessment methods and criteria

Below you will find information on the evaluation methods planned for in-person and remote exams as well as those planned for hybrid sessions. Depending on how the health crisis evolves, the chosen method will be communicated to you no later than one month before the start of the exam session.

Any session :

- In-person

written exam ( multiple-choice questionnaire, open-ended questions )

- Remote

written exam ( multiple-choice questionnaire, open-ended questions )

- If evaluation in "hybrid"

preferred remote


Additional information:

First session
Written exam (100%)
Second session
Written exam (100%)
 
For all color codes, possible questions: multiple choice, short answer or calculated answers, open questions,...

Work placement(s)

Organizational remarks

Contacts

Lecturer
Sabine LIMBOURG sabine.limbourg@uliege.be
Willem Standaert Willem.Standaert@uliege.be