Retail is a tremendously exciting industry where the fast pace creates numerous opportunities for impact. Wharton’s commitment to retail is unparalleled. This was a big reason why I came to Wharton and the Baker Retailing Initiative was the highlight of my Wharton experience. It was one of those rare opportunities that I could not have had anywhere else.” Stacy Sweet, WG’06, Director of Creative Strategy, Bloomingdale’s.”
MKTG 793x (Mini-semester - 0.5cu)
Retailing
Description: This course provides an interdisciplinary overview of the retailing industry. Primary focus will be on the customer-facing activities of retailers, including assortment planning, private-label development and the management of in-store operations, and the back-door activities (forecasting and supply chain management) that support customer interaction. In addition, current issues facing retailers, such as customer relationship management, industry consolidation, and supplier relations, will be explored. The course will also survey topics in finance, operations, information technology, and real estate as they relate to retailing.
Format: Lecture and discussion, cases analyses, and guest speakers.
Requirements: Regular attendance, case discussion, assignments, and exams.
Prerequisite: MKTG 621 and MKTG 622, or permission of instructor.
Materials: Course pack and textbook.
OPIM 697 (Mini-semester - 0.5cu)
Retail Supply Chain Management
Faculty: Fisher
Description: This course is highly recommended for students with an interest in pursuing careers in: (1) retailing and retail supply chains; (2) businesses like banking, consulting, information technology, that provides services to retail firms; (3) manufacturing companies (e.g. P&G) that sell their products through retail firms. Retailing is a huge industry that consistently been an incubator for new business concepts. This course will examine how retailers understand their customers’ preferences and respond with appropriate products through effective supply chain management. Supply chain management is vitally important for retailers and has been noted as the source of success for many retailers such as Wal-mart and Home Depot, and as an inhibitor of success for e-tailers as they struggle with delivery reliability. See M. L. Fisher, A. Raman and A. McClelland, "Rocket Science Retailing is Coming - Are You Ready?," Harvard Business Review, July/August 2000 for related research.
Format: Lecture and discussion, cases analyses, and guest speakers.
Requirements: Regular attendance, case discussion, assignments, and final project.
Prerequisite: OPIM 632
Materials: Course pack.
Clubs
Wharton’s Fashion & Luxury Industries Club works with the Baker Retailing Initiative to lead numerous activities for MBA students interested in retail. Please visit the club’s website for more information:
http://wga.wharton.upenn.edu/club_info.asp?ID=152&CuID=1&CuTy=Professional
Tel: (215) 5-RETAIL | Fax: (215) 898-2534
© 2007 The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.