Course Profile   Introduction to Retail and Services Marketing, Grade 11, Workplace Preparation, Catholic

 

Unit 1:  The Marketing Process

Time:  30 hours

 

Activity 1.1 | Activity 1.2 | Activity 1.3 | Activity 1.4

 

Unit Description

Students develop an understanding of retail marketing and learn the essential skills as well as the Catholic values required to ensure success in the Canadian and global markets. Students examine the impact that competition has on retailing and the relevance of being socially responsible in this environment. They study how to identify changing consumers needs and wants through emerging information technologies and marketing research. Students learn how economic factors and government regulation influence the retail and services market.

Unit Synopsis Chart

Activity

Time

Expectations

Assessment

Tasks

1.1: Retail Scavenger Hunt

330 min

MPV.01, MP1.01, MP1.02, MP1.03, MP1.04

CGE 2b,d, 3b,c,d, 4a,b,f, 5a,e,f,g, 7a,i

Knowledge

Application

Communication

Retail Goods and Service Goods Inventory task sheet

Effective Retail Selling Inventory task sheet

1.2: The Evolving Consumer!

300 min

MPV.02, MP2.01, MP2.02, MP2.03, MP2.04, MP2.05, MP2.06

CGE 1d,h, 2a,b,c,d, 3b,c,d,f, 4a,b,d,f, 5a,e,f,g, 7a,b,f,g

Application

Thinking/ Inquiry

Communication

Trends analysis

Information Technology research

Consumer behaviour survey

1.3: Competitive Edge!

570 min

MPV.03, MP3.01, MP3.02, MP3.03, MP3.04, MP3.05

CGE 1d,h, 2a,b,c,d 3b,c,d,f, 4a,b,f, 5a,e,f,g, 7a,f,g,i

Knowledge

Application

Thinking/ Inquiry

Matching exercise

four Ps Attention, Interest, Desire, Action

AIDA formula

Bulletin board/slide-show presentation

1.4: Economics in the World of Retail!

540 min

MPV.04, MP2.02, MP2.06, MP3.05, MP4.01, MP4.02, MP4.03, MP4.04

CGE 1d, 2a,b,c,d, 3b,c,d,f, 4a,b,f, 5a,e,f,g, 7a,f,g,i

Knowledge

Application

Thinking/ Inquiry

Communication

Demand/Supply exercises

Regulation assignment

Canada vs. US company comparison

Retail consultant’s report

Activity 1.1:  Retail Scavenger Hunt

Time:  330 minutes

Description

Students clearly identify what retail and service businesses do to effectively market their products in an ethical and moral way. In addition students address how emerging technologies fit into this strategy.

Strand(s) & Learning Expectations

Strand(s):  The Marketing Process

Overall Expectations

MPV.01 - evaluate the contribution of the retail and service industries to the marketing process.

Specific Expectations

MP1.01 - define retail marketing;

MP1.02 - evaluate the skills that are important to effective retail selling;

MP1.03 - describe the major types of business, in the retail and service sectors (e.g., fashion, retailing, automotive retailing, food marketing, travel and tourism, financial services);

MP1.04 - explain the ways in which emerging information technologies have affected retail and service.

Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations

CGE 2b - read, understand, and use written material effectively;

CGE 2d - write and speak fluently one or both of Canada’s official languages;

CGE 3b - create, adapt, and evaluate new ideas in light of the common good;

CGE 3c - think reflectively and creatively to evaluate situations and solve problems;

CGE 3d - make decisions in light of gospel values with an informed moral conscience;

CGE 4a - demonstrate a confident and positive sense of self and respect for the dignity and welfare of others;

CGE 4b - demonstrate flexibility and adaptability;

CGE 4f - apply effective communication, decision-making, problem-solving, time, and resource management skills;

CGE 5a - work effectively as an interdependent team member;

CGE 5e - respect the rights, responsibilities, and contributions of self and others;

CGE 5f - exercise Christian leadership in the achievement of individual and group goals;

CGE 5g - achieve excellence, originality, and integrity in one’s own work and support these qualities n the work of others;

CGE 7a - act morally and legally as a person formed in Catholic traditions;

CGE 7i - respect the environment and uses resources wisely.

Prior Knowledge & Skills

Students should be familiar with the use of an Internet web browser and word-processing software.

Planning Notes

·         Teachers should be aware of students who require modification to the mandated expectations for this course. Ontario Secondary Schools (p. 24) allows teachers to modify the learning expectations for exceptional students in order to support the contents of the students’ IEPs. This applies also to students who have not been identified as exceptional but are receiving Special Education programs and services.

·         If students are able to have access to a computer lab during the delivery of this course, they must be cognizant of the school or board’s policy, regarding the ethical and safe use of the Internet.

·         Students may use a digital camera to take photographs of storefronts, which they are encouraged to integrate into their assignment (e.g., Appendix 1.1.1 – Retail Goods and Service Goods Inventory). It is recommended that student’s obtain permission to take photos of the storefront from the retailer.

Teaching/Learning Strategies

1.   The teacher leads a discussion to highlight the differences between retail and services goods.

2.   In groups of four, students brainstorm different types of businesses in their local neighbourhood.

3.   Students are to complete an assignment that has them create their own shopping list of retail stores and services. Hand out Appendix 1.1.1 – Retail Goods and Service Goods Inventory task sheet. This worksheet allows students to record their information in a consistent format. Students select a minimum of five retail and five service businesses when completing this exercise. The teacher suggests different areas where students might search for the different types of businesses (e.g., local shopping mall, virtual mall via the Internet, yellow pages or newspaper flyers) (see Planning Notes).

4.   In pairs, have students share with each other their findings in the next class and add at least two new retail and service businesses to each other’s list.

5.   Students prepare a list of reasons why they think a particular business is successful. Students select businesses found in their Retail Goods and Service Goods Inventory task sheet for this exercise. The teacher may wish to review general categories to help students get started (e.g., window displays, staff, technology). Hand out Appendix 1.1.2 for completion of this exercise.

6.   Students rank what they consider to be the most important skills in effective marketing

7.   The teacher engages students in a discussion of their findings and also discusses which businesses were effective and why.

8.   In pairs, students interview two (delegate one student to each retailer) retailers (one retail and one in service). They prepare a list of questions to determine what skills the retailer feels are necessary to be effective. Students present their findings to the class.

Assessment & Evaluation of Student Achievement

Diagnostic

·         Verbal feedback

Formative

·         Appendix 1.1.1 – Retail Goods and Service Goods Inventory (Knowledge, Application)

·         Appendix 1.1.2 – Effective Retail Selling Inventory (Knowledge, Application, Thinking/Inquiry)

Accommodations

·         The teacher may have students present to small groups instead of the entire class.

·         Refer to accommodation chart, if required.

Resources

Berkowitz, E., F. Crane, R. Kerin, and W. Rudelius. Marketing. Toronto: McGraw-Hill Ryerson, 1995. ISBN 0-07-560315-2

McDougall, G., P. Kotler, and Gary Armstrong. Marketing. Scarborough: Prentice-Hall, 1992.
ISBN 0-13-544685-6

Stoyles, H. Marketing Today. Toronto: McGraw-Hill Ryerson Limited, 1994. ISBN 0-07-551428-1

Sommers, M., Jim Barnes, and William Stanton. Fundamentals of Marketing. Toronto: McGraw-Hill Ryerson, 1998. ISBN 0-07-560067-6

Appendices

Appendix 1.1.1 – Retail Goods and Service Goods Inventory

Appendix 1.1.2 – Effective Retail Selling Inventory


Appendix 1.1.1

Retail Goods and Service Goods Inventory

 

Students format their table similar to this example:

 

 

Business Name

Retail

Service

Sub-Category

1.

HMV

4

 

Music

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Appendix 1.1.2

Effective Retail Selling Inventory

 

Students format their table similar to this example:

 

 

Business Name

Category

Retail = R

Service = S

Product(s)/ Service(s) Sold

Most Noticeable & Effective Marketing Tool(s) Used by Business

Ranking

1.

HMV

R

CDs/Tapes

Posters/Neon/Window Displays

3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Activity 1.2:  The Evolving Consumer!

Time:  360 minutes

Description

Students analyse how demographic and psychographic trends impact consumer behaviour. In addition, they appreciate the importance of information technology as a tool used to recognize and constructively influence consumer needs in light of the common good.

Strand(s) & Learning Expectations

Strand(s):  The Marketing Process

Overall Expectation

MPV.02 - analyse the role of consumers in retail and services marketing.

Specific Expectations

MP2.01 - relate changing demographics and lifestyles in Canada to changes in the tastes, preferences, and priorities of Canadian consumers;

MP2.02 - relate changes in consumer needs and wants over the past few decades to changes in retail and service businesses (e.g., consumer demand for fast food, portable communication devices);

MP2.03 - identify the types of consumer groups that use specific retail and service businesses within their community;

MP2.04 - describe how information technology has had an impact on businesses’ ability to identify and respond to consumer needs;

MP2.05 - explain the importance of marketing research;

MP2.06 - explain the process by which consumers make a buying decision.

Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations

CGE 1d - develop attitudes and values founded on Catholic social teaching and acts to promote social responsibility, human solidarity, and the common good;

CGE 1h - respect the faith traditions, world religions, and life-journeys of all people of good will;

CGE 2a - listen actively and critically to understand and learn in light of gospel values;

CGE 2b - read, understand, and use written information effectively;

CGE 2c - present information and ideas clearly and honestly and with sensitivity to others;

CGE 2d - write and speak fluently one or both of Canada’s official languages;

CGE 3b - create, adapt, and evaluate new ideas in light of the common good;

CGE 3c - think reflectively and creatively to evaluate situations and solve problems;

CGE 3d - make decisions in light of gospel values with an informed moral conscience;

CGE 3f - examine, evaluate, and apply knowledge of interdependent systems (physical, political, ethical, socio-economic, and ecological) for the development of a just and compassionate society;

CGE 4a - demonstrate a confident and positive sense of self and respect for the dignity and welfare of others;

CGE 4b - demonstrate flexibility and adaptability;

CGE 4d - respond to, manage, and constructively influence change in a discerning manner;

CGE 4f - apply effective communication, decision making, problem solving, time, and resource management skills;

CGE 5a - work effectively as an interdependent team member;

CGE 5e - respect the rights, responsibilities, and contributions of self and others;

CGE 5f - exercise Christian leadership in the achievement of individual and group goals;

CGE 5g - achieve excellence, originality, and integrity in one’s own work and supports these qualities in the work of others;

CGE 7a - act morally and legally as a person formed in Catholic traditions;

CGE 7b - accept accountability for one’s own actions;

CGE 7f - respect and affirms the diversity and interdependence of the world’s peoples and cultures;

CGE 7g - respect and understand the history, cultural heritage, and pluralism of contemporary society.

Planning Notes

·         The teacher should make arrangements to have a computer lab with Internet capabilities available.

Teaching/Learning Strategies

1.   The teacher defines and explains environmental forces that have a direct impact on a company’s retail marketing program: demography, social cultural forces, political/legal forces, and technology.

2.   The teacher hands out Appendix 1.2.1, which indicates key trends for each force that relate to the changing needs and wants of Canadian consumers.

3.   Students perform an Internet search designed to determine three more trends for each of the four environmental forces. Students are to prepare a two-page report and present their findings by creating a bristol board collage or using a popular presentation software package.

4.   The teacher hands out Appendix 1.2.2. Students predict the positive and negative effects that the key trends will have on several industries.

5.   As a class, do some brainstorming on the board with the key words being “Information Technology.” Have students identify the different ways that businesses currently use information technology. Identify the impact that this will have on the future, and how it is being used to meet consumer needs. Record the results and use this to lead into a discussion and note on information technology.

6.   Place students in pairs. Assign a company to each pair for research and have them identify how information technology is being used in terms of promotion and distribution strategies. Also, have them address how the company uses its website to identify customer needs (e.g., surveys, e-mail, product selection/options). Recorded results are to be handed in.

7.   The teacher defines marketing research and lists and explains the two major types (primary and secondary). Outline the major steps required in conducting a successful research. Provide students with several examples (e.g., surveys, observations, experimentation) of real-life situations in which marketing research benefited different companies. Generate a note on what influences consumers to buy a particular product (e.g., lifestyle, environmental packaging).

8.   Students prepare a survey about a potential new product. The questions are to relate to consumer buying decisions (e.g., price, brand name, packaging, quality, size). The survey should have a minimum of ten questions and a minimum sample of twenty people. Students go through each step of the marketing research process, analyse their results, and create a report that makes observations about consumer behaviour and conclusions/recommendations about what the consumer is looking for in the product.

9.   Students complete a written test on this activity.

Assessment & Evaluation of Student Achievement

Diagnostic

·         Informal Observation

·         Brainstorming

Summative

·         Written test (Knowledge/Understanding, Thinking/Inquiry, Communication)

Formative

·         Two-page Report (Application, Communication)

·         Appendix 1.2.2 – Trends Analysis Exercise (Thinking/Inquiry, Communication)

·         Company Research Exercise (Knowledge/Understanding, Thinking/Inquiry)

·         Consumer Behaviour Survey (Knowledge/Understanding, Application, Thinking/Inquiry)

Accommodations

·         Some students may need more time to complete Appendix 1.2.2.

·         Refer to accommodations chart if required.

Resources

Kretchman, M. Lily, Lori Cranson, and Bill Jennings. Entrepreneurship: Creating A Venture. Toronto, ON: John Wiley and Sons, 1991. ISBN 0-471-79565-8

Liepner, Michael, Herve De Jordy, and Michael Schultz. The Entrepreneurial Spirit. Toronto, ON: McGraw-Hill Ryerson Limited, 1991. ISBN 0-07-549931-2

Sommers, M., Jim Barnes, and William Stanton. Fundamentals of Marketing. Toronto: McGraw-Hill Ryerson, 1998. ISBN 0-07-560067-6

Appendices

Appendix 1.2.1 – Key Trends

Appendix 1.2.2 – Trends Analysis Exercise


Appendix 1.2.1

Key Trends

 

Demographic Trends

·         The number of 20- to 29-year-olds will decrease from approximately 17% of the population to approximately 13%.

·         Older Canadian consumers are being targeted due to the fact that over 25% of Canadians are retired or near-retired and they control over 75% of the personal wealth, and over 60% of discretionary buying power. It is projected that the over 50 population (greying market) will exceed 9 million by 2006.

·         Over 20% of adults live alone. (Single/Separated/Widowed/Divorced – SSWD)

·         These consumers represent an attractive target market strategy for travel and tour companies.

Social/Cultural Trends

Emphasis on Quality of Life: the consumer’s concern is over issues such as pollution, health, and lifestyle, as opposed to the accumulation of goods

The Role of Women

The role of women in society is changing:

a.   They have growing political and economic power as well as job opportunities.

b.   A large percentage of them work outside the home.

c.   These changes, in turn, affect traditional buying patterns in the household, and account for the growth of several industries.

Emphasis on Service Quality: consumers are seeking value, durability, and safety in the products they buy, but also, the intangible factor of the level of service offered with the product is becoming increasingly important.

Political/Legal Trends

Social legislation: this is intended to protect members of society (e.g., the ban on smoking in public/private establishments).

Government Regulations (e.g., the deregulation of heat and hydro industries)

Technological Trends

Technology has a significant impact on lifestyles, consumption patterns, and the economy (e.g., Fibre Optics High-Definition Television, Digital Transmission, and CD-ROM technology).

Major technological breakthroughs can have an impact on marketing in three ways:

a.   start entirely new industries (e.g., computers, robots, lasers)

b.   alter or destroy existing industries e.g., movie companies sending movies to theatres directly from studio digital transmission over the telephone lines

c.   stimulate other markets and industries unrelated to the new technology (e.g., home appliances such as the microwave gave consumers additional time to engage in other activities)


Appendix 1.2.2

Trend Analysis Exercise

 

Predict the positive and negative effects of these trends on the four industries: food, clothing, automobiles, and communication. Set up your predictions under the following headings:

 

1.   The food industry:

a.   Effects of an increasingly older population

b.   Effects of an increasing number of women in the labour force

c.   Effects of a demand for better customer service

d.   Effects of an increasingly powerful environmental movement

e.   Effects of an increasing desire for impulse buying

f.    Effects of an increasingly technologically dependent society

 

2.   The clothing industry: a. – f.

 

3.   The automobile industry: a. – f.

 

4.       The communication industry: a. – f.

 

 


Activity 1.3:  Competitive Edge

Time:  570 minutes

Description

Students examine the sources of competition both locally and abroad. They realize that businesses can profit by recognizing the diversity of today’s society through various competitive marketing strategies.

Strand(s) & Learning Expectations

Strand(s):  The Marketing Process

Overall Expectations

MPV.03 - identify and describe the factors that affect competition.

Specific Expectations

MP3.01 - identify retail or service businesses that compete directly with one another;

MP3.02 - demonstrate an understanding of how businesses compete with one another for customers;

MP3.03 - analyse the effects of competition on consumer and business behaviour;

MP3.04 - compare the strengths and weaknesses of the promotional activities of two different companies (e.g., a department store, a major grocery chain);

MP3.05 - describe the effects of globalization on competition.

Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations

CGE 1d - develop attitudes and values founded on Catholic social teaching and acts to promote social responsibility, human solidarity, and the common good;

CGE 1h - respect the faith traditions, world religions, and the life-journeys of all people of good will;

CGE 2a - listen actively and critically to understand and learn in light of gospel values;

CGE 2b - read, understand, and use written materials effectively;

CGE 2c - present information and ideas clearly and honestly and with sensitivity to others;

CGE 2d - write and speak fluently one or both of Canada’s official languages;

CGE 3b - create, adapt, and evaluate new ideas in light of the common good;

CGE 3c - think reflectively and creatively to evaluate situations and solve problems;

CGE 3d - make decisions in light of gospel values with an informed moral conscience;

CGE 3f - examine, evaluate, and apply knowledge of interdependent systems (physical, political, ethical, socio-economic, and ecological) for the development of a just and compassionate society;

CGE 4a - demonstrate a confident and positive sense of self and respect for the dignity and welfare of others;

CGE 4b - demonstrate flexibility and adaptability;

CGE 4f - apply effective communication, decision-making, problem-solving, time, and resource management skills;

CGE 5a - work effectively as an interdependent team member;

CGE 5e - respect the rights, responsibilities, and contributions of self and others;

CGE 5f - exercise Christian leadership in the achievement of individual and group goals;

CGE 5g - achieve excellence, originality, and integrity in one’s own work and supports these qualities in the work of others;

CGE 7a - act morally and legally as a person formed in Catholic traditions;

CGE 7f - respect and affirm the diversity and interdependence of the world’s peoples and cultures;

CGE 7g - respect and understand the history, cultural heritage, and pluralism of contemporary society;

CGE 7i - respect the environment and uses resources wisely.

Planning Notes

·         The teacher may need to provide students with a note about the four Ps and the AIDA (Attention, Interest, Desire, Action) formula.

·         The teacher should make arrangements to have a computer lab with Internet capabilities available.

·         The teacher may need to keep a collection of magazines and newspapers.

Teaching/Learning Strategies

1.   The teacher introduces the concepts of brand, substitute, and general competition by illustrating the logos of five well-known companies on the overhead, computer monitor projection screen, or board (two examples for brand and substitute and one for general). Have the students list the products that each company sells. Based on the discussion, students should be able to identify which companies sell similar or directly competing products (brand) and those that sell different products but satisfy the same needs (substitute). One of the companies should be totally different which will lead to a definition of general competition.

2.   Students match two columns of companies according to the three types of competition.

3.   In pairs, have students list a number of ways that the businesses in the prior exercise generally compete with one another for customers. Students break the list down into the four Ps. Take up the responses on the board placing each response under the heading of one of the four Ps.

4.   The teacher hands out an array of advertisements that are to be circulated around the class. Post the ads on the board and have students match the responses in the prior exercise to the ads on the board to reinforce the concept of the four Ps.

5.   Students select two of the advertisements that are on the board. They analyse the effectiveness of each one. Students submit a one-page report that outlines the strengths and weaknesses of each ad using the AIDA formula. In addition, they are to recreate the weakest ad using the AIDA formula.

6.   The teacher generates a discussion about the positive and negative effects that competition has on consumers and businesses. The focus should be on ethical, legal, and profit issues. In groups, students add to the content provided by the teacher by brainstorming more examples. Have each group write their responses on chart paper and present their points to the class.

7.   The teacher guides students to utilize newspapers, magazines, and the Internet to create a bulletin board or computer slide-show presentation that effectively and creatively demonstrates examples (3 brand, 3 substitute, and 3 general) of how companies use the four Ps to compete for customers.

Assessment & Evaluation of Student Achievement

Diagnostic

·         Informal Observation

Formative

·         Matching Exercise (Knowledge/Understanding)

·         Advertisement Exercise – AIDA formula (Knowledge/Understanding, Application, Thinking/Inquiry)

Summative

·         Bulletin Board/Slide-show Presentation Assignment (Application, Thinking/Inquiry, Communication)

Accommodations

·         Provide immediate feedback when students are completing the AIDA formula exercise.

·         Refer to accommodations chart, if required.

Resources

Stoyles, H. Marketing Today. Toronto: McGraw-Hill Ryerson Limited, 1994. ISBN 0-07-551428-1

Activity 1.4:  Economics in the World of Retail

Time:  540 minutes

Description

Students learn the basic concepts of supply and demand and its influence on the retail market. They understand how economic systems and government regulation impact the retail sector. Students look at the retail market both locally and abroad to develop an understanding of how businesses plan to succeed in this rapidly changing environment in light of our gospel values.

Strand(s) & Learning Expectations

Strand(s):  The Marketing Process

Overall Expectations

MPV.04 - summarize the influence of economic factors, government regulation, and globalization on the retail and service business environments.

Specific Expectations

MP2.02 - relate changes in consumer needs and wants over the past few decades to changes in retail and service businesses (e.g., consumer demand for fast food, portable communication devices);

MP2.06 - explain the process by which consumers make a buying decision;

MP3.05 - describe the effects of globalization on competition;

MP4.01 - identify the major characteristics of Canada’s economic system;

MP4.02 - explain how the interaction of the forces of supply and demand affects marketing in the retail and service industries;

MP4.03 - identify regulations made at the three levels of government that affect retail and service businesses;

MP4.04 - relate increased globalization to changes in retail and service businesses in Canada.

Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations

CGE 1d - develop attitudes and values founded on Catholic social teaching and acts to promote social responsibility, human solidarity, and the common good;

CGE 2a - listen actively and critically to understand and learn in light of gospel values;

CGE 2b - read, understand and uses written information effectively;

CGE 2c - present information and ideas clearly and honestly and with sensitivity to others;

CGE 2d - write and speaks fluently one or both of Canada’s official languages;

CGE 3b - create, adapt, and evaluate new ideas in light of the common good;

CGE 3c - think reflectively and creatively to evaluate situations and solve problems;

CGE 3d - make decisions in light of gospel values with an informed moral conscience;

CGE 3f - examine, evaluate, and apply knowledge of interdependent systems (physical, political, ethical, socio-economic, and ecological) for the development of a just and compassionate society;

CGE 4a - demonstrate a confident and positive sense of self and respect for the dignity and welfare of others;

CGE 4b - demonstrate flexibility and adaptability;

CGE 4f - apply effective communication, decision making, problem solving, time, and resource management skills;

CGE 5a - work effectively as an interdependent team member;

CGE 5e - respect the rights, responsibilities, and contributions of self and others;

CGE 5f - exercise Christian leadership in the achievement of individual and group goals;

CGE 5g - achieve excellence, originality, and integrity in one’s own work and supports these qualities in the work of others;

CGE 7a - act morally and legally as a person formed in Catholic traditions;

CGE 7f - respect and affirms the diversity and interdependence of the world’s peoples and cultures;

CGE 7g - respect and understands the history, cultural heritage, and pluralism of contemporary society;

CGE 7i - respect the environment and uses resources wisely.

Planning Notes

·         The teacher may need to supply the class with graph paper.

·         The teacher should make arrangements to have a computer lab with Internet capabilities available.

·         Students should be familiar with the web browser.

·         Appendix 1.4.2 – Culminating Task – Retail Consultant’s Report may be difficult for some students in a workplace course. Therefore, this assignment can be used by the teacher as an enrichment tool. In other words, all the topics can be addressed, or the teacher may choose to assign some of the topics based on the abilities of the students.

·         Appendix 1.4.3 – Personal Portfolio Culminating Activity Outline has been added at this point in the profile for the convenience of the teacher to provide guidance on how this culminating project should be presented. It is important to assess this project in stages, which will allow for formal and informal constructive teacher feedback. This culminating activity should be handed out after this unit.

Teaching/Learning Strategies

1.   The teacher leads a discussion by examining the Canadian economic system and comparing it to other world systems. Characteristics such as social and government goals, motivation of workers, market control, profit, competition, choices in the market, and social freedoms are compared.

2.   In pairs, have the students create a list of advantages and disadvantages for each system, determining which is best and why. Record responses on the board and generate a discussion.

3.   As an assignment, hand out a matching exercise in which the teacher lists various economic characteristics of a country and students identify the economic system.

4.   Give the class a demand and supply schedule for a retail product. Use this as a model in plotting the points for a supply and demand curve. Economic terms and concepts as they apply to retailing are then discussed (e.g., demand, supply, equilibrium, changes in demand/supply, surplus, shortages). Provide the class with a sheet of graph paper and a supply/demand schedule for a given retail product that they are to plot. Students label the curves and identify the equilibrium point. Discuss why this is the optimal point for both the buyer and supplier. What happens above and below the equilibrium point and how does this affect the retailers pricing decisions?

5.   Students complete Appendix 1.4.1 – Reasons for Changes in Demand.

6.   As a class, brainstorm a list of ways that different levels of government regulate both the retail and services businesses. Once the list is completed, add any additional regulations that have been missed. Create a note on the influence that the three levels of government have on the retail sector (laws, licensing, public holidays, vacation with pay, Employment Standards Act). Students investigate a new regulation (e.g., new Employment Standards Act). The teacher provides a series of questions for students to complete (e.g., How does the act help employers, employees, and families?).

7.   Have the class take out a sheet of paper and list as many retail and service businesses in Canada as they can. From the list, identify businesses that operate on a global scale. This leads into a discussion on the increased rate of competition and changes in retail and service businesses, followed by a note on international business (e.g., globalization, NAFTA, European Union, Internet, free trade).

8.   The teacher prepares a note on how globalization has forced Canadian retailers to become more competitive. Discuss how the business landscape has changed the lifestyles of Canadian consumers. The teacher hands out articles (newspaper/magazine) that exemplify the entrance of US and/or European retailers into the Canadian market. A list of questions is generated from the articles.

9.   Students create a report that compares/contrasts a Canadian company vs. an American company operating in Canada. The comparison should be based on the following criteria: sales, pricing, customer service, information technology, ranking in industry, and locations.

10.  The teacher hands out Appendix 1.4.2 –Retail Consultant’s Report.

11.  Students complete a quiz on this activity.

Assessment & Evaluation of Student Achievement

Diagnostic

·         Informal Observation

·         Brainstorming

Formative

·         Appendix 1.4.1 (Knowledge/Understanding, Application, Thinking/Inquiry)

·         Canadian vs. American Assignment (Knowledge/Understanding, Thinking/Inquiry, Communication)

Summative

·         Appendix 1.4.2 (Knowledge/Understanding, Application, Thinking/Inquiry, Communication)

·         Written test (Knowledge/Understanding, Thinking/Inquiry, Application)

Accommodations

·         Stronger students could be asked to mentor peers requiring extra assistance.

·         Provide students with a summary sheet that can be used at the end of each class (with teacher assistance) to list main terms or concepts that were the focus of the lesson.

·         Make overheads of handouts on which the teacher highlights important terms, explains words, and clarifies instructions, etc. while students do the same on their copy.

·         Refer to accommodations chart if required.

Resources

Lyons, Brian. Economics: Problems and Policies. Scarborough, ON: Prentice Hall Canada, 1995.
ISBN 0-13-055014-0

Nickels, G. William, James M. McHugh, Susan M. McHugh, and Paul D. Brennan. Understanding Canadian Business. Toronto, ON: McGraw-Hill Ryerson Limited, 1997. ISBN 0-256-19444-0

Thexton, James D. Economics: A Canadian Perspective. Don Mills, ON: Oxford University Press, 1992. ISBN 0-19-540939-6

Appendices

Appendix 1.4.1 – Reasons for Changes in Demand

Appendix 1.4.2 – Retail Consultant’s Report

Appendix 1.4.3 – Personal Portfolio Culminating Activity Outline


Appendix 1.4.1

Reasons for Changes in Demand

 

Read the following five newspaper headlines. In each case, decide if the event will cause an increase or decrease in the demand for a fast food beef burger place and indicate the reason(s).

 

e.g.,      Price of beef to rise in June

Demand ____decrease_______                 Curve ____shifts to left____

Reason demand changed ________move affordable substitutes____________

 

1.   Millions of people immigrate to Canada

Demand _______________________       Curve _________

Reason demand changed _____________________________________________________________

 

2.   Pork prices drop

Demand _______________________       Curve _________

Reason demand changed _____________________________________________________________

 

3.   Surgeon General warns that eating beef can be hazardous to health

Demand _______________________       Curve _________

Reason demand changed _____________________________________________________________

 

4.   Real income for Canadians drops for the 4th month in a row

Demand _______________________       Curve _________

Reason demand changed _____________________________________________________________

 

5.   Nationwide fad: The Extra Lean Burger

Demand _______________________       Curve _________

Reason demand changed _____________________________________________________________


Appendix 1.4.2

Retail Consultant’s Report

 

You are an established retailer of five years in a shopping mall. You have just received a letter from the mall management offering you almost twice the retail space you currently have in a new location in the mall. You have been considering expanding your product line and think that this may be the right time to grow your business. However, you are concerned about, how you will track the extra inventory as you are currently just using a regular cash register. Another potential issue is whether there is enough demand for your product in the current market.

Before you reply to the letter you decide that you need to assess your current business to determine how you can become a more effective retailer.

As you are preparing your report, you must incorporate each of the five sections (not including your title page). You must submit your report using a word processor.

Title Page – contains the following:

Title:  Name of Your Retail Business

Type of Business:  Retail/Service and Specific Category

Researcher:  Your Full Name

Retail Consultant:  Your Teacher’s Name

 

Section 1 – The Retail and Service Sectors

Thinking

·         Choose a type of Retail or Service business that you think would be interested in operating in the mall. Complete an inventory checklist of the skills you think that are necessary to be an effective retailer selling a particular product or service. Identify who your current target market segment is and why. Include age group and gender if applicable.

·         Briefly outline typical products/services that you might sell in your present business (no more than a paragraph long).

·         Identify what product line you think that you might like to add or extend if you decided to move to the new location. Discuss how you arrived at your decision and how it complements your current product/service line.

·         Investigate two similar businesses to the one the you have chosen; one that uses a traditional cash register/manual system and one that uses newer technology ((Point of Sale) POS; Bar Scanner; On-line shopping; Virtual Malls) to track and merchandise their products (Students should interview mall merchants to develop a fuller understanding of retail and service sector operations).


Appendix 1.4.2  (Continued)

 

Section 2 – Consumers and Marketing

Inquiry

·         Using statistics Canada website; research household demand for the retail or service products selected for your type of business identified.

Thinking

·         Review your findings and report on how changes in consumer needs and wants have changed over the last few decades. How might this have an impact on your retail store and merchandising?

Inquiry and Thinking

·         Identify your target market within your community; who would shop at the retail store and why? Create a customer profile of the ideal shopper who would purchase products or services from your business. Set up a customer profile in a chart format for ‘before’ and ‘after’ expansion.

·         What specific technology will have an impact on the ability of the retail business to respond to its customer needs. Research technology available today to retailers using the Internet. Include hardware and software such as computerized inventory systems; merchandisers for displays; packaging and forms of media to effectively market a retailer’s product or service. Be specific in naming the equipment and marketing tools, as well as the cost if available. Identify URLs and name of suppliers on a tracking sheet.

Thinking

·         After investigating customer needs summarize your findings and report on why it is important to conduct market research and how it may have an impact on the expansion of their product line.

·         Using a flow chart, illustrate the process that consumers follow in their buying decision of their product. You should begin by determining whether your product or service is a ‘need’ or a ‘want’?

Section 3 – Competition

Thinking

·         Assessing the competitive environment is very important when determining a businesses market share. Identify both direct and indirect competitors to your business now and after a potential expansion. Discuss how the new product line will/won’t affect your competition. Use the four Ps of marketing to compare your business to your competition.

Thinking (Synthesis)

·         Generate a checklist of factors and concerns that affect consumers’ buying decisions when considering shopping at the competition.

·         Compare the strengths and weaknesses of the promotional activities of two different companies in the same type of business chosen, i.e., retail shoe store in a ‘shopping mall’ and ‘big box’ factory shoe outlet. Use a chart to record information.

Inquiry

·         Using the Internet, search for similar businesses globally and comment on how business is conducted globally and the impact this might have on a local retail merchant. Highlight the different marketing tools, techniques, and strategies used by other retailers to sell their products. Which ones are ineffective/effective and why?


Appendix 1.4.2  (Continued)

 

Section 4 – The Influence of Economic Factors, Government Regulation, and Globalization

Inquiry

·         Investigate the major characteristics of Canada’s economic system; where does your store fit in? What sector of the economy best represents the business you are in? Support your information with statistics from Statistics Canada Website.

·         Discuss how the forces of supply and demand affect the marketing of the retail and service industries. Outline how a retailer would potentially be affected by different market conditions (boom markets, recessions). Integrate the concept of the PLC and the relationship to supply and demand too.

·         Research how the three levels of government affect retail and service businesses. In a chart format, identify areas might have an impact on your business (such as business taxes FST, PST, GST and personal taxes). Other areas might include licensing requirements for businesses to operate, use of property designations (zoning by-laws), unemployment. Link these areas of concern and others with the purchasing power of consumers.

·         Discuss how increased globalization will impact on the changes of retail and service business and how businesses will operate in Canada in the future. Reference should be made to e-commerce businesses and the ever- changing way that technology may have an impact on the way a retailer operates their business. How will external environments affect the marketing activities of a company/your business?

Section 5 – Recommendation (Complete this section last but place it first after the title page.)

Inquiry and Thinking

·         Summarize your findings in the above four sections

·         List and identify the changes that you would need to make to your current operation if you did decide to take the new location.

·         What is your final decision? You must clearly support your rationale in reaching your final decision. Prioritize those items that helped you make your final decision.

·         After reflecting on your research, what other information do you feel is necessary to obtain if you were to investigate the potential expansion further?

·         Write a letter back to the mall responding to their offer. What will you say?


Appendix 1.4.3

Personal Portfolio Culminating Activity Outline

 

A personal portfolio is a carefully selected, well-organized collection of materials that showcases your personal growth, skills, interests, and abilities. The skills portfolio assignment will assist you in identifying skills you currently have and help you to set goals toward developing new skills needed when seeking employment or applying for postsecondary education. You will find the package of materials useful in preparing resumes and cover letters and in preparation for interviews. Also, it may assist you in applying for bursaries, scholarships, and apprenticeships. Your portfolio should be modified and updated throughout life.

 

Three broad skill areas will be addressed in the assignment: Academic skills, Personal skills, and Citizenship skills.

Format

The personal portfolio is a hands-on collection of items contained in a binder. Please purchase a binder that has a clear plastic sleeve on the front. This allows you to personalize your portfolio by inserting an eye-catching covering page.

Content

a.   Design a Cover Page that is a reflection of you (Include each of the following: your name, your teacher’s name, assignment title, course code/name, and date submission).

b.   Include a Table of Contents for the portfolio.

c.   Include a minimum of fifteen portfolio items (five items per skill category). You are certainly encouraged to collect more than the required fifteen items. A minimum of five items must relate to your experience in the BMX3E retailing class.

d.   For each item included in your portfolio, complete the following:

 i.   identify the item clearly so the teacher is sure which item is being discussed;

 ii.   identify the skill area (e.g., Academic, Personal, Citizenship);

 iii.  explain the specific skills you possess, as demonstrated by each item;

 iv.  how might your transfer these skills to other tasks or situations?

*Hint: Organize your portfolio by skill category (e.g., Academic Skills, etc.), and include a separate page for each item in your portfolio).

e.   An updated Skills Based Resume (which includes your experience in your BMX3E retailing class).

 

Examples of things to put into you personal portfolio:

Academic Skills

Personal Skills

Citizenship Skills

Transcripts of report cards

Job performance appraisals

Awards, certificates, and or letters of appreciation

BMX3E - Retail Consultant’s Report – Culminating Activity

Attendance Letter

Commendations for community service

Letters of Recommendation

Description of an activity in BMX3E that required use of a skill (e.g., interpersonal skills)

Documentation of membership in various organizations

Subject Proficiency Awards

Interest Inventories

Participation in BMX3E charitable causes.

 

 

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