MBA Retail Management Subjects and Syllabus 2023

MBA Retail Management subjects integrate fundamental business principles with targeted subjects like marketing, supply chain dynamics, and retail management strategies, all methodically tailored to the nuances of the retail domain. The MBA in Retail Management syllabus functions as a strategic framework, systematically honing students' competencies to navigate the intricacies of the retail landscape.

MBA Retail Management course also imparts pragmatic insights into the mechanics of retail operations and consumer behavior trends through experiential techniques and projects. Graduates emerge equipped to lead, strategize, and oversee as retail leaders, merchandisers, and managers within the dynamic retail sector.

Table of Contents

• MBA Retail Management Subjects 2023
• Semester-Wise MBA Retail Management Syllabus
  • First-Year MBA in Retail Management Syllabus
  • Second-Year MBA in Retail Management Syllabus

MBA Retail Management Subjects 2023

MBA Retail Management subjects consist of core and elective subjects that encompass a multifaceted approach, aiming to equip students with a sound understanding of retail business concepts, strategy formulation, and merchandise processes. These components, integral to the MBA in Retail Management syllabus, offer students the tools to comprehend the dynamics of the retail industry.

The MBA in Retail Management subjects offered across several institutions in India are listed below:

Core MBA Retail Management Subjects

• Principles of Management and Organisational Behaviour 
• Managerial Economics 
• Human Resource Management 
• Quantitative Techniques for Management
• Buyer Behaviour 
• Retail Operations Management
• International Retailing
• Retail Planning 
• Logistics and Sales Promotion 
• Retail Sales Techniques and Promotion

MBA Retail Management Elective Subjects

• Customer Relationship Management
• Marketing of Retail Services
• Advertising & Sales Promotion
• Sourcing & Vendor Management
• Mall Management
• Visual Merchandising & Space Planning
• Retail Store Operation

MBA Scholarships

Top Skills Required for MBA

MBA Retail Management Subjects in Detail

The strategic blend of the core and elective courses within the MBA Retail Management subjects allows a solid understanding of the vital areas of a business environment and targeted exploration of the retail domain. Some of the important topics covered within the retail management curriculum are detailed in the table below:

Subjects	Topics Covered
Principles of Management	Management, Nature of Organizing, The System and Process of Controlling, Stress, Organisational Behaviour
Retail Branding and Strategy	Consumer’s Concept of ‘Self-Image’, Brand Name & Brand Awareness, Managing Brand Portfolio, Strategic Management, Retail Organizations
Merchandising	Store Location, Trade Area Analysis, Management, Visual Merchandising and Space Planning
Retail Planning and Legal Issues	Marketing and Strategic Management, Operations in Retailing, Human Resources Management in Retailing, Legal and Companies for Retail Stores
Logistics and Supply Chain  Management	Physical Distribution, Marketing Channel, Supply Chain Inventory Management, Relation to ERP
Sales and Promotion	Advertising Communications and Promotions, Promotion Impact, Tactical Analysis, Sales Promotion Technique, Retailer Promotions
International Retailing	Global Competitiveness, Retailing and Marketing Competitiveness, International Retailing Structure

Semester-Wise MBA Retail Management Syllabus

The MBA Retail Management syllabus spans two years. It is divided into four semesters, offering students a targeted skill set for success in the dynamic retail sector. The curriculum consists of core and elective disciplines, with core courses providing a solid foundation for business concepts while electives allow students to gain proficient expertise in the retail industry.

First-Year MBA in Retail Management Syllabus

The first-year MBA Retail Management syllabus focuses on the foundational courses of rudimentary business basics that form the basis for understanding retail operations and customer interactions. The table below entails the first-year syllabus across MBA institutions in India:

Semester Ⅰ	Semester Ⅱ
Principles of Management and Organisational Behaviour	Accounting and Finance for Managers
Managerial Economics	Human Resource Management
Marketing Management	Business Law
Quantitative Techniques	Production and Operations Management
Information Technology for Managers	Research Methodology
Retailing Principles	Corporate Communication
Open Elective	Open Elective

Also, Check: Top Reasons to Pursue an MBA

Second-Year MBA in Retail Management Syllabus

The final year MBA Retail Management syllabus takes a targeted approach where students engage with advanced subjects including retail supply chain management, sales strategies, business ethics, consumer behavior, retail merchandising, and strategic management, culminating in a practical project. The second-year syllabus is detailed in the table below:

Semester Ⅲ	Semester Ⅳ
Strategic Management	Business Environment and Ethics
Consumer Behaviour	International Retailing
Merchandising Management	Logistics and Supply Chain Management
Sales and Product Management	Direct and Network Marketing
Retail Store Design and Location	Electives
Electives	Project/Dissertation

Practical Topics in the Second-Year MBA in Retail Management Syllabus

MBA in Retail Management subjects focus on hands-on learning, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge and concepts into real-world situations. MBA Retail Management subjects develop practical skills essential for the retail industry. Listed below are some important practical subjects included in the second year syllabus:

• Retail Store Operation and Inventory Management
• Retail Buying and Merchandising 
• Visual Merchandising
• Retail Sale Techniques and Promotion
• Store Management and Customer Service
• Retail Analytics

MBA Admission Process

MBA Fees in India

College-Wise MBA Retail Management Syllabus

Different colleges in India may have varying MBA Retail Management syllabus, reflecting various pedagogical objectives. An overview of the semester-wise curriculum of institutions is provided below.

Semester-wise Amity University MBA Retail Management Syllabus

The MBA in Retail Management syllabus at Amity University offers a carefully selected curriculum that follows the most recent developments in the retail sector. The semester-wise syllabus breakdown is shown in the table below: 

Semester Ⅰ	Semester Ⅱ
Principles of Retailing	Franchising in Retailing
Entrepreneurship	Retail Selling
Organisational Behaviour	Shoppers Behavior
Entrepreneurship and New Venture Creation	Operations Management
Accounting for Managers	Business Research Methods
Managerial Economics	Consumer Behaviour
Marketing Management	Financial Management
Statistics for Management	Human Resource Management
Professional & Business Communication	Legal Aspects of Business
Foreign Business Language	Foreign Business Language
Open Elective Courses	Open Elective Courses

Semester Ⅲ	Semester Ⅳ
Industrial Marketing	Management- Social Economic and Ethical Issues
Marketing of Retail Services	Retail Branding and CRM
Merchandising and Category Management	International Retailing
Retail Store Operations	Strategic Marketing
Strategic Management	Customer Relationship Management
Retail Supply Chain and Logistics Management	Advertising and Sales Promotion
Visual Merchandising and Space Planning	Marketing of Financial Services
Open Electives	Open Electives
-	Project/Dissertation

Semester-wise NMIMS MBA Retail Management Syllabus

Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS) stands as a distinguished institution in the realm of MBA in Retail Management education. Recognizing the dynamic nature of the retail industry, NMIMS offers a competitive MBA Retail Management program that equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in this sector. The table below entails the semester-wise syllabus breakdown offered by NMIMS:

Semester Ⅰ	Semester Ⅱ
Management Theory and Practice	Business Communication
Organisational Behaviour	Essentials of HRM
Marketing Management	Business Law
Business Economics	Strategic Management
Financial Accounting and Analysis	Operations Management
Information Systems for Manager	Decision Science

Semester Ⅲ	Semester Ⅳ
Introduction to Retail	Global Retailing
Consumer Behaviour	International Logistics and Supply Chain Management
Merchandising Management	Marketing Research
Sales Management	Business: Ethics, Governance and Risk
Retail Store Design and Location	Research Methodology
Retail Store Operation and Inventory Management	Project

MBA Retail Management Project Topics

Projects help to reflect the diverse facets of retail management and provide students with the opportunity to delve into specific areas of interest within the retail industry while contributing to the body of knowledge in the field. Here are a few potential project topics:

• Investigate the integration of sustainable practices in retail operations, including eco-friendly packaging, energy-efficient stores, and ethical sourcing.
• Explore consumer preferences, trends, and purchasing behaviour to inform targeted marketing strategies for retail businesses.
• Assess the impact of visual merchandising techniques on influencing customer buying decisions and enhancing store aesthetics.
• Study strategies to streamline supply chain operations, reduce costs, and improve product availability in retail.
• Examine the success factors and challenges associated with different retail store formats, such as convenience stores, department stores, and specialty stores.
• Analyze the impact of pricing strategies, such as discounting, dynamic pricing, and price bundling, on consumer behavior and profitability.

Also, Check: MBA Project Topics

MBA in Retail Management Course Structure

The structure of the MBA in Retail Management program is thoughtfully designed to provide a comprehensive and immersive educational experience. The curriculum presents a well-balanced amalgamation of fundamental business modules, specialized retail-centric subjects, elective courses, and hands-on experiential learning opportunities. The course progression can be delineated as follows:

• Duration: Two-year program
• Year 1: Establishment of foundational knowledge in core business disciplines and fundamental principles specific to retail management.
• Year 2: In-depth exploration of advanced topics such as Retail Strategy, Consumer Behavior, and Merchandising, alongside a selection of elective courses.
• Application-focused workshops, projects, and internships augment practical understanding.

MBA Retail Management Teaching Methodology and Techniques

The teaching methods and techniques employed in an MBA Retail Management program combine traditional classroom instruction with contemporary approaches to deliver a well-rounded learning experience. 

• Lectures: Core concepts and theories are conveyed through lectures, providing a foundational understanding of retail management principles.
• Case Studies: Real-world retail scenarios are analysed to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills in the context of retail challenges.
• Group Discussions: Interactive discussions facilitate knowledge sharing, debate, and the exchange of diverse perspectives on retail strategies and trends.
• Guest Lectures: Industry experts and retail practitioners provide insights into current trends, best practices, and challenges faced in the retail sector.
• Field Visits: On-site visits to retail establishments offer first hand exposure to operational dynamics and customer interactions.
• Internships: Practical experience gained through internships immerses students in retail settings, enhancing their understanding of day-to-day operations.
• Research Projects: Independent research projects allow students to delve into specific retail topics, honing research and analytical competencies.

MBA Retail Management Reference Books

The MBA Retail Management syllabus includes numerous reference books for students. Listed below are some important books:

Subjects	Books	Authors
Customer Relationship Management	The CRM Handbook	Jill Dyche
Retail Sales Technique and Promotion	Sales Promotion: Strategies that Build Brands	Paul J Hydzic
Retail Marketing	Retail Management	Chetan Bajaj, Tuli and Srivastava
Logistics and Supply Chain	Marketing Channels: A Management View	Bert Rosenbloom

Also, Check: Best MBA Books

Top MBA in Retail Management Colleges

MBA in Retail Management Fee Structure

See Various MBA in Retail Management Colleges in India