Course Structure Overview
The Retail Management program at Department of Management Studies, Kumaun University Campus Bhimtal, spans eight semesters with a carefully designed curriculum that balances theoretical foundations with practical applications. Each semester includes core courses, departmental electives, science electives, and laboratory components to ensure comprehensive learning.
| Semester | Course Code | Course Title | Credit Structure (L-T-P-C) | Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | RM-101 | Introduction to Retail Management | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 1 | RM-102 | Business Statistics for Retail | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 1 | RM-103 | Consumer Psychology | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 1 | RM-104 | Management Principles | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 1 | RM-105 | Financial Accounting | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 1 | RM-106 | Science Elective I | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 1 | RM-107 | Lab: Basic Retail Skills | 0-0-3-1 | - |
| 2 | RM-201 | Marketing Management | 3-0-0-3 | RM-104 |
| 2 | RM-202 | Retail Store Operations | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 2 | RM-203 | Operations Management | 3-0-0-3 | RM-105 |
| 2 | RM-204 | Retail Analytics | 3-0-0-3 | RM-102 |
| 2 | RM-205 | Science Elective II | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 2 | RM-206 | Lab: Retail Data Analysis | 0-0-3-1 | RM-102 |
| 3 | RM-301 | Digital Marketing in Retail | 3-0-0-3 | RM-201 |
| 3 | RM-302 | Supply Chain Management | 3-0-0-3 | RM-203 |
| 3 | RM-303 | Retail Brand Strategy | 3-0-0-3 | RM-201 |
| 3 | RM-304 | Customer Relationship Management | 3-0-0-3 | RM-201 |
| 3 | RM-305 | Departmental Elective I | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 3 | RM-306 | Lab: Customer Experience Design | 0-0-3-1 | RM-204 |
| 4 | RM-401 | Retail Technology & Innovation | 3-0-0-3 | RM-301 |
| 4 | RM-402 | Sustainable Retail Practices | 3-0-0-3 | RM-302 |
| 4 | RM-403 | Global Retail Strategy | 3-0-0-3 | RM-303 |
| 4 | RM-404 | Retail Financial Analysis | 3-0-0-3 | RM-205 |
| 4 | RM-405 | Departmental Elective II | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 4 | RM-406 | Lab: Retail Simulation & Strategy | 0-0-3-1 | - |
| 5 | RM-501 | Retail Law & Ethics | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 5 | RM-502 | Consumer Insights Analytics | 3-0-0-3 | RM-404 |
| 5 | RM-503 | Retail Innovation Management | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 5 | RM-504 | Internship I | 0-0-0-6 | - |
| 5 | RM-505 | Departmental Elective III | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 5 | RM-506 | Lab: Retail Research Project | 0-0-3-1 | - |
| 6 | RM-601 | Retail Operations Excellence | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 6 | RM-602 | Brand Management & Communication | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 6 | RM-603 | Advanced Retail Analytics | 3-0-0-3 | RM-404 |
| 6 | RM-604 | Internship II | 0-0-0-6 | - |
| 6 | RM-605 | Departmental Elective IV | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 6 | RM-606 | Lab: Retail Consulting Project | 0-0-3-1 | - |
| 7 | RM-701 | Retail Strategy Capstone | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 7 | RM-702 | Research Methodology | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 7 | RM-703 | Final Year Project | 0-0-6-6 | - |
| 7 | RM-704 | Departmental Elective V | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 7 | RM-705 | Lab: Capstone Presentation | 0-0-3-1 | - |
| 8 | RM-801 | Retail Entrepreneurship | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 8 | RM-802 | Industry Internship | 0-0-0-12 | - |
| 8 | RM-803 | Departmental Elective VI | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 8 | RM-804 | Final Project Defense | 0-0-3-1 | - |
Advanced Departmental Elective Courses
Departmental electives form a crucial part of the program, offering students specialized knowledge and skills. Here are some of the advanced courses offered:
Retail Data Science & Predictive Analytics
This course delves into machine learning algorithms, statistical modeling, and big data tools applied to retail contexts. Students learn how to extract insights from transactional data, predict demand patterns, and optimize pricing strategies using real-world datasets.
Sustainable Retail Supply Chain
Focused on environmental impact reduction in retail operations, this course covers topics such as carbon footprint analysis, sustainable sourcing, circular economy principles, and green logistics. Students engage in case studies from leading sustainable retailers and develop practical solutions for eco-friendly supply chain management.
Global Retail Market Entry Strategy
Designed to prepare students for international business roles, this course explores cross-cultural marketing, regulatory environments, geopolitical risks, and market entry frameworks. Students work on projects involving actual global expansion initiatives by multinational retailers.
Retail Innovation Management
This elective focuses on innovation processes, design thinking, lean startup methodologies, and fostering a culture of innovation within retail organizations. Students learn to identify opportunities for innovation, develop prototypes, and implement strategic change management programs.
Consumer Neuroscience in Retail
Combining psychology and neuroscience principles with retail applications, this course examines how consumer decision-making processes are influenced by subconscious factors. Students study brain imaging techniques, sensory marketing strategies, and behavioral economics in retail settings.
Digital Transformation in Retail
This course explores how emerging technologies such as AI, IoT, AR/VR, blockchain, and mobile commerce are reshaping retail landscapes. Students examine real-world implementations and develop strategies for digital adoption within existing retail frameworks.
Retail Brand Management & Communication
Focusing on brand identity development, communication strategy, public relations, integrated marketing communications, and brand equity measurement, this course provides students with tools to build and sustain strong retail brands in competitive markets.
Financial Analysis for Retail Operations
This course teaches financial modeling techniques specifically tailored for retail businesses, including profitability analysis, cost structure optimization, capital investment decisions, and performance metrics. Students gain hands-on experience using financial software and real-world case studies.
Retail Law & Ethics in Practice
Addressing legal frameworks governing retail operations, this course covers consumer protection laws, labor relations, intellectual property rights, corporate governance, and ethical standards in retail. Students analyze landmark cases and develop compliance strategies for diverse retail environments.
Customer Experience Design & Management
Centered on creating seamless customer journeys across all touchpoints, this course integrates human factors engineering, service design principles, and user experience methodologies. Students prototype solutions and evaluate their effectiveness in improving customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Project-Based Learning Philosophy
The department believes that project-based learning is essential for developing critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and practical skills necessary for success in the retail industry. Our approach emphasizes collaborative work, real-world applications, and mentorship by experienced faculty and industry professionals.
Mini-projects are integrated throughout the curriculum starting from the second year. These projects typically last 4-6 weeks and involve small teams working on specific challenges provided by industry partners or academic research topics. Students present their findings to a panel of experts and receive feedback for improvement.
The final-year thesis or capstone project is a comprehensive endeavor that requires students to conduct independent research or consult with a company on a significant business issue. The project spans 3-4 months and culminates in a detailed report and presentation before a faculty committee and industry stakeholders.
Faculty mentors are assigned based on student interests, career goals, and the nature of the project. Regular meetings and progress reviews ensure that students stay on track and receive timely guidance. The department also facilitates connections with alumni and industry experts who serve as external advisors for capstone projects.