Retail and Distribution Management

Duration

30h Th

Number of credits

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 course will consider the entire distribution network. The course aims to highlight the most important theories, concepts, models, and methods to identify, describe, analyse, and design diverse solutions for the physical distribution of goods. The course will build an understanding of the important role warehouses, facilities, and retail outlets play in the supply chain where products are handled. 

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 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 and platform strategies in retail & distribution management

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.

Build and use simulation models (AnyLogic) to analyse and compare alternative distribution scenarios.

Capacity to independently describe, analyse and design solutions for distribution according to industries' requirements

Exchange ideas with industry guest speakers when available.

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
Computer-based simulation sessions (AnyLogic)
E-learning
Testimonials/Guest lectures
Group work
Case studies
Company visits (Voyages didactiques) (TBC)

Please note that testimonials, guest lectures, and company visits are compulsary since they may involve graded assignments and questions may be asked about the visit at the exam.

General planning of the course:

First semester

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

Face-to-face course

Course materials and recommended or required readings

Platform(s) used for course materials:
- LOL@


Further information:

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

Exam(s) in session

Any session

- In-person

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


Further information:

Written exam (questions may consist for instance of a multiple-choice questionnaire, open-ended questions; on the whole material seen in the course, thus theory, exercises, and guest lectures)

First session

Partim Distribution. Document allowed: 1-page (not sheet!) of personal notes. The notes must be handwritten and individual. Failure to comply with these instructions will result in the withdrawal of the document during the exam.  Project (20%) + Written exam (30%)

Partim Retail: Project (20%) + Written exam (30%)

If a student fails the course in the first session:

• they have to retake only the part(s) failed
• they can choose to retake both parts (optional)

Work placement(s)

Organisational remarks and main changes to the course

Consultation of copies within 30 days of publication of results: by appointment.

Contacts

Lecturers

Sabine LIMBOURG
sabine.limbourg@uliege.be

Willem STANDAERT
Willem.Standaert@uliege.be

Association of one or more MOOCs

Items online