Strategic Merchandising Operations Management

BDS-1023: Canadian Business Communications

An effective business communicator is a vital asset to a company. This course is designed to give students a comprehensive view of communication, its scope and importance in Canadian businesses. Students gain an in-depth knowledge of essential types of communication, styles and communication barriers through role-play exercises, group games, writing assignments and oral presentations. Through various methods, including team building activities, students learn to develop communication skills that are critical for persuasion, collaboration and building relationships, negotiating and problem solving. Effective speaking skills learned through hands-on study also gives students important feedback for improvement. Real-world practices in communication methods such as emails, business letters, memorandums, reports, proposals and presentations are studied and applied through multiple exercises. With improved communication skills, students gain the confidence, knowledge and professionalism to seek out jobs, perform well in an interview and excel in the Canadian workplace.

BUS-1883: Business Analytics

Strong computer skills are essential to finding Canadian employment in management and administration. This Business Analytics course introduces the use of data-driven techniques to identify and solve business problems. Students will learn key concepts of data analysis, from data collection and preparation to the application of predictive analytics models. Students develop skills in time management, self-discipline, and having an eye for detail by strengthening their ability to read and follow written instructions. Business Analytics is a course delivered using practical applications in the computer lab; through case studies and hands-on activities, students will learn to use Excel functionality more effectively in analyzing, interpreting, and visualizing data. Students will gain an understanding of the importance of data in today's business environment and will develop the skills necessary to identify, analyze, and utilize data for making better industry-specific decisions through case analysis.

SCU-3603: Introduction to Canadian Culture

By 2032, new immigrants will account for up to 80% of Canada's population growth, and one in four Canadians will have been born in another country (Business Development Centre, 2022). Developing personal and professional competencies is important for long-term success as citizens and employees in Canadian workplace environments. Students in this course engage in a series of activities that deepen their knowledge of Canadian culture. Topics such as geography, history and Indigenous perspectives are studied. Furthermore, students develop their soft skills by focusing on effective leadership skills, team interaction, management techniques and interpersonal skill development. Students also explore the meaning of a diverse work place environment, build a strategy for personal growth, and develop their written and oral communication skills.

MAN-1033: Operations Management

Operations and supply chain management have evolved into one of today's most important business disciplines. In the dynamic world of manufacturing and service delivery, designing systems more effectively and efficiently is a key source of competitive advantage. This course introduces business students to foundational concepts and practical methods used in the design and operations of manufacturing and service firms. Students explore strategic decisions related to how firms compete including operations strategy, supply chain design, process and facility design, and capacity planning. Students also learn tactical and day-to-day strategies for inventory management, forecasting, resource scheduling, quality control, project management, and lean operating systems.

BDS-1013: Corporate Social Responsibility ‐ A Canadian Perspective

Over the past decade, companies have shifted from voluntarily incorporating Corporate Social Responsibility business models to being mandated by governments on regional, national and International levels. This has occurred due to major problems such as climate change, economic inequalities, human rights issues and many others, that have impacted communities worldwide. Canadian businesses both large and small are conscious of the impact they have on all aspects of society and make decisions that have people and the planet in mind, while pursuing organizational goals like revenue growth and shareholder value. In this course, students learn about our global interdependence - socially, economically and ecologically and the importance of implementing and measuring a CRM strategy that improves the culture in the workplace, customer retention and drive sales growth. To gain a true understanding of companies incorporating CSR programs, students compile data through research and report on companies incorporating CSR programs, best practices and how they are increasingly integrating equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) under this umbrella. Upon completion of this course, student can identify the strong impact this business model has on Canadian as well as international company brands, market values and corporate finance.

MKT-3113: Retailing

This course provides students with a solid understanding of the complexity of operating a retail business in Canada and serves as a good foundation for a career in retailing or other industries that support the retail supply chain. The course provides an overview of the retail industry in Canada and its importance in the Canadian economy. Trends impacting the dynamic retail environment and the changing retail customer are investigated with an emphasis placed on sustainability issues in retail operations. Students evaluate market opportunities, location considerations, store design and layout decisions to consider when planning a store. Students are introduced to retail financial analysis and the operational decision functions of buying, managing, and pricing merchandise.

ACC-3083: Introduction to Managerial Accounting

The managerial accounting course provides students with skills to become highly effective in environments where quick decisions are required. Students learn to use financial information to make quick strategic decisions including how to use data to evaluate the effectiveness of current operations. Learning to maximize the profitability of operations, students prepare and interpret financial statements and key performance indicators that drive decision making. Topics covered in this course include cost management, analysis of financial performance, relevant costing techniques, budgetary planning and control for a business enterprise.

MOM-2023: Inventory Management

This course provides students with a solid understanding of the principles and concepts related to inventory management. Topics studied include planning and replenishing concepts, value of inventory, different types of technology used in inventory management and centralized vs decentralized control of inventory. Other relevant topics include challenges of inventory control and inventory management strategies.

MKT-3103: Consumer Behaviour and Trends

Consumer behaviour is one of the most exciting areas in the study of marketing. Every day, a variety of media inform, persuade, and influence our purchase decision. These media compete with other stimuli for our attention and our hard-earned money. In studying consumer behaviour, students learn how marketers identify and work with these sources of influence, how we think and how we process information. Students also learn how their relationships with others and their dreams and aspirations help shape their product choices and purchase decisions. The evolving topic of sustainable consumption is discussed as brand accountability, legislation and governance continue to set the direction for more purposeful practices.

SUP-2083: Logistics (Warehouse and Distribution)

The course will enable the student to explore commonly used models and practices involved in warehousing and distribution. Students will examine relevant flows of supply chain, as they relate to the warehouse and distribution models. Students will be introduced to SCOR models (supply chain operations reference) and will apply their knowledge of models to various case scenarios. Students will assess interdependencies as well as impacts on a supply chains' performance. They will examine particular models and practices in relation to specific business scenarios. The importance of emerging technologies used in warehouses and distribution centres as it relates to information flow, will also be incorporated. The knowledge gained in this course will be applied to practical case/scenario assignments, tests and project.

MOM-1013: Project Management for Canadian Businesses

This course will provide the student with an overview of the structured processes and knowledge areas of project management within the context of organizations. It will contrast the differences between operational management and project management. It will provide the student with numerous tools and techniques used to initiate, plan, execute, monitor and control, and close a project relevant to merchandise management operations. Students learn the vocabulary, definitions, principles and concepts of project management and working in a project team.

MKT-6113: Applications of Marketing Concepts

This course uses a case-study approach to introduce students to foundational concepts in the ever-changing marketing environment. Students analyze and solve common marketing challenges through the evaluation of real-world marketing case studies. Students examine the current marketing environment including concepts such as environmental scanning, segmentation, targeting and positioning, and marketing research. Students deepen their understanding of the marketing mix with analysis of product development and branding, pricing, distribution, and the many types of traditional and digital promotions. In addition to case analysis, students further develop their abilities to make informed marketing decisions through simulation exercises designed to emulate real-world scenarios faced by marketing managers.

JSS-1001: Job Search and Success

This course is designed to give the student an understanding of how to conduct a job search and how to succeed in the work place. This includes self-reflection, effectively designing a cover letter and resume, online job searches utilizing social media, behavioural based interviewing as well as marketing oneself effectively in a job interview. Job safety, successful work strategies and harassment and discrimination plan of action is also discussed.

BUS-1603: Entrepreneurial Mindset

This course introduces students, through a Canadian lens, to the development of an entrepreneurial mindset. The ability to think like an entrepreneur and act like an innovator are critical skills for success across industries and are proven tools to help distinguish individuals in the workplace. Whether applied in a start-up company, or as an employee within an existing organization (intrapreneurship), learners develop knowledge on how to navigate barriers to creating, developing, and sustaining innovative new initiatives. Topics related to the development of resilience, focus, productivity, creativity, and success are introduced to support learners in building their own entrepreneurial capacity.

Academic Break

MOM-2003: ERP for Merchandising Management

This course provides content directly related to the digitally connected enterprise necessary for the aggregation and integration of data within an omni-channel environment. Enterprise resource planning (ERP) topics studied include the operational complexity of enterprises, change management techniques, selection and implementation of ERPs, business process optimization and techniques for effective dissemination.

MOM-2013: Merchandising Planning and Purchasing

This course provides students with the fundamentals of merchandise planning and purchasing within the retail environment. Topics studied include preparing buying and assortment plans, demand forecasting, inventory control, allocation, merchandise pricing and category management. Other relevant topics include managing vendor relations and evaluating merchandise performance.

MOM-1003: Digital Merchandising

This course provides content directly related to digital merchandising strategy, within a Canadian context. Topics studied in this vastly growing segment in the industry include AI and machine learning technologies, web merchandising, digital marketing and branding, content strategy, customer experience, inventory management, fulfilment and returns. Best practices of e-Commerce operations are also covered.

MKT-1103: Social Media Marketing

This course explores online marketing tools and tactics, such as social media, email, digital advertising and content marketing, that businesses can use to build a profitable relationship with their customers. Students engage in simulated social media, email and digital advertising campaigns to gain a better understanding of how to use these tools in their marketing efforts. Along with learning about digital and social media marketing, students learn general principles of marketing that are key for every business, regardless of industry or size: identifying who your customers are; understanding what needs they have that you are uniquely able to serve; creating a brand voice that speaks to them; identifying who your competitors are; deciding how to differentiate your offering from theirs; and creating a plan for engaging customers across social media and digital advertising platforms.

MOM-2043: Organizational Leadership Strategies

This course provides content directly related to the development of leadership skills in order to define and execute organizational plans and engage employees. Topics studied include building effective teams, driving innovation, strategic problem-solving, organizational alignment, and engineering change. Other relevant topics include negotiation and conflict management skills.

SUP-3053: Managing Operational Excellence in the Organization

This course defines the concept of Operational Excellence and explains how to achieve performance and financial improvements in an organization. The focus is creating a culture that questions current operating models, adds value, and optimizes speed. Student will discuss the importance of quality management which is detailed in seven steps. Students learn to apply methodologies such as TQM, Lean Value Stream Mapping and Six Sigma and the role they play in helping organizations meet customer expectations.

CPL-1049: Work Term - Full-Time*

Co-operative education provides students with the opportunity to apply classroom learning to the workplace, undertake career sampling and gain valuable work experience that may assist students in leveraging employment after graduation. For further information regarding co-op, please refer to: https://www.lambtoncollege.ca/co-op_and_career/

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CPL-5559: WIL Project

Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Project is aimed at enriching students by connecting different program areas of study, cutting across subject-matter lines, and emphasizing unifying concepts. The focus of the WIL Project is to make connections between study and industry by engaging students in relevant and meaningful activities that are connected to and practiced within the professional workplace. WIL Project allows students to enhance and strengthen their employability prospects post-graduation by fine tuning skills and knowledge and meeting the expectations of today's employers. Students are required to attend the scheduled shifts in the WIL office, reporting to the WIL Supervisor. Weekly real-world challenges are presented in the WIL office, designed by industry professionals. In addition to the weekly assigned deliverables, students are also offered professional development sessions, and exposed to industry guest speakers, enhancing their opportunity to develop their professional network.