Strategic Merchandising Operations Management
Overview
Orchestrate the intricate balance between product assortment, pricing, and inventory management to optimize sales and profitability in the work of strategic merchandising.
The Strategic Merchandising Operations Management, two-year Ontario College Graduate Certificate is an innovative program that provides students with a unified foundation to manage and control merchandising operations in the modern world. The future of merchandising operations is dynamic, and this program prepares university and college graduates for exciting careers in digital merchandising and retail management operations. In the program, students gain specialized expertise and technical knowledge to build an in-depth understanding of contemporary merchandise management and build strategies to support the flow of a product from the manufacturer to the consumer
Throughout this highly interactive program, students are introduced to the responsibilities and current tools of operations and supply chain management and how the entire value chain is operationalized for maximum efficiency. As such, program curriculum focuses on relevant areas such as finance, product selection and procurement, inventory management, resource planning, merchandising information systems and operational leadership. Students will combine these core concepts with courses in digital merchandising and online marketing to build the skills necessary to be successful in today’s ever-changing digital world. The importance of corporate social responsibility, as well as equity, diversity and inclusion in Canadian businesses and how to apply these concepts in their workplaces are also covered.
Mississauga - A Great Place to Study
Hear from our staff and students about why our Mississauga campus gives you a great, well-rounded education in a bustling city centre.
Achieve your goals while immersing yourself in Canadian culture.
This Lambton College program is licensed to and delivered by Queen's College (PDF), a licensed private career college in Mississauga, Ontario. Students who are registered at are students of a public college and as such, will receive full credit from Lambton College for all Lambton College courses completed at the Queen's College campus in Mississauga. Students who meet program graduation requirements will graduate with a credential from Lambton College. Students may be scheduled to have classes on Saturdays.
Admission Requirements
- A university degree
The admissions process is competitive and meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee admission.
Lambton College reserves the right to alter information including admission requirements and to cancel a program or course at any time; to change the program curriculum as necessary to meet current competencies or changes in the job market; to change the pathways to third-party certification bodies; or to withdraw an offer of admission both prior to and after its acceptance by an applicant or student because of insufficient applications or registrations or over-acceptance of offers of admission. In the event Lambton College exercises such a right, Lambton College's sole liability will be the return of monies paid by the applicant or student to Lambton College.English Language Requirements
- IELTS of 6.5
-or-
IELTS of 6.0 + Completion of EAP-3106 (English for Academic Purposes) during the first term of study
- or -
- TOEFL iBT 79
-or-
ITOEFL 70 + Completion of EAP-3106 (English for Academic Purposes) during the first term of study
- or -
- Passed Lambton Institute of English placement test
Please Note: IELTS is the only proficiency score accepted by the Study Direct Stream (SDS) program. Additional country-specific requirements may also be applicable.
Meeting the minimum English requirements does not guarantee admission. Students with higher English proficiency scores will receive priority in the admission assessment process. Not all students will qualify for EAP-3106 in place of the required IELTS or TOEFL test scores.
Costs
- Term 1 $8,780.80
- Term 2 $8,290.40
- Term 3 $8,916.05
- Co-op Term $0.00
Total Cost of Program
Tuition fees are estimates and are subject to change each academic year. Fees do not include books (unless specifically noted), supplies or living costs.
Lambton College reserves the right to alter information including admission requirements and to cancel at any time a program or course; to change the location and/or term in which a program or course is offered; to change the program curriculum as necessary to meet current competencies or changes in the job market; to change the pathways third-party certification bodies; or to withdraw an offer of admission both prior to and after its acceptance by an applicant or student because of insufficient applications or registrations or over-acceptance of offers of admission. In the event Lambton College exercises such a right, Lambton College’s sole liability will be the return of monies paid by the applicant or student to Lambton College.
Additional Fees
WIL Project Fees
Students who are not successful in securing a co-op or fail to meet the co-op requirements will need to register in CPL-5559 WIL Project.
There is an additional fee of $2,480 for each student enrolled in the WIL Project course.
Textbooks
The anticipated cost for textbooks in this program is approximately $300 - $600 per term. This amount accounts for both mandatory textbook costs (included in tuition fees) as well as textbook fees not included in your tuition fee amount.
Important Dates, Deadline & Late Fees
For additional information on registration dates, deadlines and late fees please refer to Registration Dates and Deadlines.
Student Fees
A student services fee is included in your tuition.
Health Insurance Coverage
Emergency medical insurance is mandatory for all international students at Lambton College. This includes students who are full-time and part-time and who are on a co-op. This insurance is provided by guard.me - a third party insurance provider.
See Insurance Costs & Details
Technology Requirements
In order to keep pace with the requirements of each and every course in your program, Lambton College requires that each student have access to a laptop while studying at our college.
Courses
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 interpret financial statements and supporting financial data that drive decision making. Topics covered in this course include cost management, analysis of financial performance, application of pricing strategies, and budgetary planning and control for a business enterprise.
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.
Consumer Behaviour & 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.
Logistics: Warehouse & 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.
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.
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.
Job Search & Success
This course provides student with skills and knowledge to help support their career search and succeed in the workplace. Students align their personal skill set and goals to guide them on their career paths. They will learn how to effectively conduct a job search, build a professional and well-tailored resume and cover letter, and develop and practice interview techniques. Students will also develop their personal brand to help support effective career networking and aid in their job search. Teamwork and collaboration in the workplace are also discussed. Self-reflection is used to inspire insight and support their professional career journey.
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.
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.
Merchandising Planning & 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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-ops-placements
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.
Co-op Eligibility & WIL Project Fee
In order to be eligible to secure an approved full-time co-op work term (CPL-1049), students must have a GPA of 2.8 or greater and complete all the co-op eligibility requirements. Failing to do so will require students to enroll in CPL-5559 WIL Project at an additional cost.
Contact
Centre for Global Engagement
LAMBTON COLLEGE SARNIA
226-313-7777
1457 London Road
Sarnia ON, N7S 6K4
After Graduation
Employment Opportunities
Graduates of the program may work in-demand-careers such as wholesale and retail trade managers, product buyers, digital merchandisers, retail operations managers, commercial operations analysts, supply chain analysts, eCommerce operations and merchandising specialists.
Post-Graduate Employment
International students who successfully complete their programs of study at Lambton College may be eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Program. This program allows students to gain valuable Canadian work experience.
A work permit under the PGWP may be issued for the length of the study program, up to a maximum of three years. A post-graduation work permit cannot be valid for longer than the student's study program, and the study program must be a minimum of eight months in length. The length and approval of the PGWP is determined solely by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Students must meet the eligibility requirements to apply for a post-graduation work permit.
Immigration Regulations & Changes
Immigration regulations are legislated by the Federal Government of Canada and are subject to change at any time without notice. Students are responsible for ensuring that they are in compliance with all Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada regulations at all times during their studies and while in Canada. Lambton College staff are not authorized to provide advice or guidance on immigration-related matters. Prospective applicants and current students should consult the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website or call the IRCC Call Centre at 1-888-242-2100 to answer or clarify any immigration-related questions or information.
Co-op
About Co-op
Students in this program have the opportunity to gain valuable work experience by applying classroom learning during co-op experiences.
Learn more about co-op terms and the roles and responsibilities of students and co-op advisors.
More Information
Student Responsibilities
- Course and program delivery schedules are proposed and subject to change for each intake.
- Students are required to bring their own laptop with wireless capability.
- Students are advised to bring an official copy of their most recent police clearance, driver's license, and vaccination record from their home country.
Technology Requirements
It is required that students purchase a laptop with a Windows operating system.
Internet Speed Requirements
For best performance for students learning remotely, an internet connection with a minimum of 40 Mbps download and 10 Mbps upload speed is recommended in order to effectively use video conferencing and remote lecture delivery software as well as, other online resources remotely. Due to the large area over which students may be dispersed, we are unable to recommend a specific provider, so you will need to inquire around your area to find one that best suits your needs.
Minimum Laptop Requirements
In order to access the internet and virtually-delivered software and courseware, student laptops should include the following at a minimum. By meeting the following specifications, students will be equipped to access software and courseware on their laptop through the internet:
- Intel i5 8th Gen Processor or equivalent
- 16 GB of RAM (with a minimum of 8 GB)
- 100 GB HDD or more
- HD Graphics
- Webcam with a microphone
- Wireless 802.11n/ac 5ghz capable
- Windows Operating System (Windows 11)
Software
To ensure students are getting the most our of their classroom experience, some software will be required.
Lambton College has made this software easily accessible online. Students can leverage our Microsoft Office 365 software packages and services. In addition, much of the software you require for your courses will be available on demand for use on any device - on or off campus.