RYERSON UNIVERSITY

TED ROGERS SCHOOL OF RETAIL MANAGEMENT

COURSE OUTLINE

  1.0 COURSE TITLE 1.1 Course: RMG 452: Visual Merchandising and Space Planning 1.2 Semester/Year: Winter 2013 1.3 Prerequisite &/or Exclusions: RMG 200: Introduction to Retail & Services Management

2.0 INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION: 2.1 Name: Dr. Hong Yu 2.2 Office Phone Number: (416)979-5000 x 2540 2.3 E-mail address:

[email protected]

2.4 Faculty/course web site(s): http://my.ryerson.ca 2.5 Office Location & Consultation hours: TRS 3-034, Mondays 12:00-1:00PM & Thursdays 1-2 PM or by appointment. Some exceptions may apply due to other university commitments. 2.6 Methods of Posting Grades:   

Assignment and exam grades will be posted on the Blackboard. All grades on assignments will also be made available to students through the return of their work. Students who wish not to have their grades posted in hard copy must inform the instructor in writing prior to the due date of the first assignment.

2.7 E-mail Usage & Limits: For prompt response, e-mail is preferred to voice mail. Emails must be sent from a "ryerson.ca" address. The subject line must contain the topic and the course number (RMG452). Students are required to sign their emails in full (Name, Surname, and student number). 1  

Voice mail messages must also state the topic, the course number, and student’s full name. Students are asked to articulate. Email and voice mail messages that do not conform will not be acknowledged nor answered. Students are strongly encouraged to use email rather than voice mail messages for quicker response. 3.0 CALENDAR COURSE DESCRIPTION Students will study the theories and practices related to visual merchandising and space planning. An examination of leading edge visual merchandising practices will be explored with respect to in-store design and layout. Space planning software will be used to plan in-store displays, window and fixture design and configuration. (Formerly FSN 452.) 4.0 COURSE OVERVIEW Visual merchandising is taught as a complete program or as a standalone course in many schools. Students in fashion, design, retailing and business are exposed differently to visual merchandising theories and practices. In some programs, the emphasis is put on aesthetics and visual communications. In business faculties, visual merchandising is part of the “servicescape” (Bitner, 1992) and the multiple cue retail environment (Baker, 2002) that influences shopping behaviours. It is also associated with store productivity and ROI. Aesthetics, shopper behaviour and managing for profit go hand in hand. Today, visual merchandising goes beyond making merchandise attractive for the customer. It is part of the retail environment that mediates shoppers’ emotions, perceptions and behaviour. Its effects are seen on store patronage, traffic, sales transactions, average sales, upsells, cross-sells and shopper loyalty. 5.0

COURSE OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:  Understand visual merchandising theories and techniques and how they relate to the retail environment;  Develop strategies for effective in-store design and layout, window design, fixture design and sourcing;  Apply fundamental category management principles in developing efficient product assortments and planograms.  Prepare written reports that summarize all findings, conclusions, and recommendations on a researched issue.  Be aware of potential ethical problems of a visual merchandising practices and how to respond to them.  Develop an effective team process for allocating tasks.  Develop conflict resolution strategies and tactics so that the team works smoothly. Develop the ability to express opinions, give and receive feedback, and conduct constructive discussions with your peers.  Demonstrate an understanding of role of IT technology in supporting visual merchandising-related business decisions.  Develop the ability to analyze consumer and market insights and integrate them into development of visual merchandising and space planning plans. 2  

6.0

LEARNING GOALS



Learning Goals

Learning Objectives “Students will be able to…”

General Learning Goals

Performance to be demonstrated in specific terms

Communications  Expresses ideas (orally and in writing) effectively and accurately

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Ethical understanding and reasoning  Recognize and analyse ethical problems in order to choose and defend appropriate resolutions. Critical thinking  Synthesize, analyse and interpret a range of information using qualitative and quantitative techniques for the purposes of making sound and ethical business decisions.

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Prepare written reports that summarize all findings, conclusions, and recommendations on a researched issue. Be aware of potential ethical problems of a visual merchandising practices and how to respond to them.

Understand visual merchandising theories and techniques and how they relate to the retail environment; Develop strategies for effective instore design and layout, window design, fixture design and sourcing; Apply fundamental category management principles in developing efficient product assortments and planograms. Develop an effective team process for allocating tasks. Develop conflict resolution strategies and tactics so that the team works smoothly. Develop the ability to express opinions, give and receive feedback, and conduct constructive discussions with your peers.

Group and individual dynamics  Demonstrate effective selfmanagement and perform effectively within heterogeneous teams.

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Management Specific Goals Business functions  Integrate all business

Performance to be demonstrated in specific terms  Be aware of duties and responsibilities of professional

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Assurance of Learning

Assessment(s) that correspond to the learning objective.  Class discussions  Written assignments  Lab assignments  

Class discussions Lab assignments

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Class discussions Lab assignments Group projects Final exam

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Class discussions Group projects

Assessment(s) that correspond to the learning objective  Class discussions  Group projects 3  

functions, practices and related theories in order to address business problems and advance strategic business decisions

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Role of IT in Business   Demonstrate the effective use of communications and information technology (IT) for business applications and decision-making related to the advancement of strategic business goals. Finance theories and analysis   Apply basic accounting and financial concepts and forms of analysis to interpret business situations and decisions. Program Learning Goals Supply Chain  Consider all stages in the retail supply chain Integrate Consumer  Integrate consumer insight into retail processes

Retail Operations  Apply all components of retail operations to meet organizational goals.

buyers and understand the processes by which they are accomplished. Recognize the importance of resource relationship and how they are built and maintained. Demonstrate an understanding of role of IT technology in supporting visual merchandising-related business decisions.

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Final exam

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Class discussions Group projects

Apply fundamental category management principles in developing efficient product assortments and planograms.

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Class discussions Group projects Lab assignments Final exam

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Assessment(s) that correspond to the learning objective Class discussions Group projects Lab assignments Final exam Class discussions Group projects Lab assignments Final exam

  

Class discussions Group projects Final exam

Performance to be demonstrated in specific terms  Develop strategies for effective instore design and layout, window design, fixture design and sourcing.  Develop the ability to analyze consumer and market insights and integrate them into development of visual merchandising and space planning plans.  Understand visual merchandising theories and techniques and how they relate to the retail environment;  Develop strategies for effective instore design and layout, window design, fixture design and sourcing;

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7.0 TOPICS – TENTATIVE SEQUENCE & SCHEDULE

Week 1. Jan.14

2. Jan. 21

3. Jan. 28

4. Feb. 4

5. Feb. 11

6. Feb. 25

7. Mar. 4

Topic  Introductions and Review Course Outline  What is Visual Merchandising?  Creative Thinking: Getting “Out of the Box”  Core Design Strategies  Layout and Fixture for Fashion Apparel  Fashion Apparel Wall Setups  Signing  Lighting

Readings Textbook Chapter 2

Textbook Chapter 1 and Chapter 3

Textbook Chapter 4 and Chapter 5

Textbook Chapter 8 and Chapter 9

Textbook  The Magic of the Display Chapter 12 Window and Chapter  Mannequins and Mannequin 13 Alternatives Guest Speaker: TBA Study Week  Grocery and Food Service Stores  Nontraditional Retailing

Textbook Chapter 10 and Chapter 11

Canadian Tire Retail City Tour

Activities & Due Dates Lab Activity 1: The Ultimate Fitting Room Shopping Experience Due: at the beginning of the Week 2 class Lab Activity 2: Identifying Basic Design Principles and Elements Due: at the beginning of the Week 3 class Lab Activity 3: Cultural Trends as Inspiration Due: at the beginning of the Week 4 class Lab Activity 4: Display Window Lighting Study Due: at the beginning of the Week 4 class Lab Activity 5: Unexpected Window Design Due: at the beginning of the Week 6 class

Lab Activity 6: Kiosks Information and Usability Study Due: at the beginning of Week 7 class Lab Activity 7: Field trip report Due: at the beginning of Week 8 class

8. Mar. 11

 Merchandising and Category Management Guest Speaker: TBA

Reading materials posted at Blackboard

5  

 JDA/Intactix Space Planning 1

9. Mar. 18

Space Planning Lab Activity 8: Canadian Tire Handout Coffee Maker Planogram Observation

Guest Speaker: TBA Due: at the beginning of Week 10 class

8.0

10. Mar. 25

 JDA/Intactix Space Planning 2

11. Apr. 1

 JDA/Intactix Space Planning 3

12. Apr. 8

 JDA/Intactix Space Planning 4

Space Planning Assignment due at the end of the class

Evaluation

The grade for this course is composed of the mark received for each of the following components: Method Lab Activities Space Planning Assignment (team) Quality of Class Participation/Clicker Questions Final Exam

Percent/Weight 24% 20% 16% 40%

Students will receive the results on 20% of the potential graded components in Week 8 * Note that the final date to withdraw from an undergraduate program in Good Academic Standing is Thursday, March 28. 9.0

TEACHING METHODS

This course will incorporate the following teaching/learning methods:  Classroom lectures  Website resources  Experiential activities  Expert Speakers  Assigned readings  Laboratory assignments using merchandising software (JDA/Intactix Space Planning).

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10.0

TEXTS & READING LISTS

Bell, J. & Ternus K. (2011). Silent Selling: Best Practice and Effective Strategies in Visual

Merchandising (4th ed). New York, NY: Fairchild.

Weekly updated readings on the course Website: https://my.ryerson.ca 11.0

OTHER COURSE ISSUES

 Students must achieve a passing grade (+50%) on the Final Exam in order to pass the course.  All written assignments must be typed, double-spaced, using a 12 point font and with 1" margins on all sides. Page limits should be strictly observed.  Include a cover page. It will include the following; not including these details on the title page could result in the marks not being applied properly to your grade:

 Ryerson University – Ted Rogers School of Retail Management

 The title of the assignment,

 The deadline date,

 The course number & section (if applicable),

 The turnitin.com receipt #,

 Your full name or the full names of the group members.

 

Please DO NOT bind any assignments; a single staple in top left corner is preferred. Submission of written assignments to turnitin.com:  Students agree that by taking this course all required papers may be subject to submission for textual similarity review to Turnitin.com for the detection of plagiarism. All submitted papers will be included as source documents in the Turnitin.com reference database solely for the purpose of detecting plagiarism of such papers. Use of Turnitin.com service is subject to the terms of the use agreement posted on the Turnitin.com site. A brief demo on how to use the Turnitin assignment link on the Blackboard will be given in week 2.  Students who do not want their work submitted to this plagiarism detection service must, by the end of the second week of class, consult with the instructor to make alternate arrangements.

 Please note - All hand in assignments are to be done in two submissions: 1. A paper copy to your professor at the beginning of class 2. An electronic copy must be submitted to Turnitin.com prior to deadline Handing in one copy (i.e., paper or electronic) but failing to submit the other format by the deadline will result in 10% penalty of the assignment grade.

12.0 VARIATIONS WITHIN THE COURSE  None

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13.0

POLICIES & COURSE PRACTICES 13.1 Course Management Every effort will be made to manage the course as stated. However, adjustments may be necessary during the term at the discretion of the professor. If so, students will be advised, and alterations will be discussed prior to implementation by e-mail distribution using Blackboard e-mail.

13.2 Academic Integrity  Students are required to adhere to all relevant University policies, such as the Student Students are required to adhere to all relevant University policies, such as the Student Code of Academic Conduct. University regulations concerning unacceptable academic conduct (cheating, plagiarism, impersonation, etc.) will be followed. See the Ryerson University calendar or online versions at http://www.ryerson.ca/senate/ for more explanation.  Plagiarism is a serious academic offence and penalties range from zero in an assignment all the way to expulsion from the university. Students should review the guidelines regarding academic misconduct - visit the Academic Integrity website for more information http://www.ryerson.ca/academicintegrity/ They should ensure that they understand the conventions for referencing sources, in footnotes and bibliographies. In addition to citing quotations from all sources, whether from written materials, interviews or electronic networks, students must credit with footnotes or in-text references all facts and ideas that are not their own, EVEN IF THEY ARE IN YOUR OWN WORDS. If you do not, it is considered plagiarism. In any academic exercise, plagiarism occurs when one offers as one’s own work the words, data, ideas, arguments, calculations, designs or productions of another without appropriate attribution or when one allows one’s work to be copied. (See the Ryerson Library for APA style guide references: http://www.ryerson.ca/library/subjects/style/index.html)  It is assumed that all examinations and work submitted for evaluation and course credit will be the product of individual effort, except in the case of team projects arranged for and approved by the course instructor. Submitting the same work to more than one course, without instructors’ approval, is also considered plagiarism.  Students who have committed academic misconduct for the first time will, at a minimum receive a “0” on the work, and an instructor may assign an “F” in the course. The Academic Integrity Seminar will also be assigned and students will have the notation Disciplinary Notice (DN) placed on their academic record and official transcript. The notation shall remain until the students graduate, or for eight (8) years, whichever comes first.  Students who commit academic misconduct a second time shall be placed on Disciplinary Suspension (DS) for up to two years, at which time they may apply for reinstatement to a program. The designation DS shall be placed on their permanent academic record and official transcript. The notation shall remain until students graduate, or for eight (8) years, whichever comes first.  Disciplinary Withdrawn standing (DW) shall be permanently noted on students’ academic records and official transcripts.  Expulsions shall be permanently noted on students’ academic records and official transcripts.  NOTE: Students may not drop a course when they have been notified of the suspicion of academic misconduct. If a student attempts to drop the course, the Registrar’s office will reregister the student in that course until a decision is reached. 8  

 When an instructor has reason to suspect that an individual piece of work has been plagiarized, the instructor shall be permitted to submit that work to any plagiarism detection service.  CHEATING ON AN EXAM OR TEST: Ryerson’s Examination Policy requires that all students have a valid student identification card or other photo identification on their desk at all times when taking an examination. If it is suspected that someone is impersonating a student, the photo identification of that person will be checked, and the person will be asked to sign the exam paper for further verification. If it is suspected that the identification is not valid, students may be asked to provide alternate photo identification. Security may be called, if circumstances warrant. 13.3 E-mail Accounts  Students are required to activate and maintain a Ryerson Matrix e-mail account. This shall be the official means by which you will receive university communications. See http://www.ryerson.ca/senate/policies/pol157.pdf 13.4 Accommodation of Students with Disabilities  In order to facilitate the academic success and access of students with disabilities, these students should register with the Access Centre (http://www.ryerson.ca/accesscentre/index.html). They should also inform their instructor through an “Accommodation Form for Professors” that they are registered with the Access Centre and what accommodations are required. See section 3.2.6 and Senate policy 159: Academic Accommodation of Students with Disabilities www.ryerson.ca/senate/policies/pol159.pdf. 13.5 Student Responsibilities in Academic Appeals  Students should read the Undergraduate Academic Consideration and Appeals policy at (http://www.ryerson.ca/senate/)  It is the student’s responsibility to notify and consult with either the instructor, or the Chair/Director of the teaching department/school, depending on the situation, as soon as circumstances arise that are likely to affect academic performance. It is also the student’s responsibility to attempt to resolve all course related issues with the instructor and then, if necessary, with the Chair/Director of the teaching department/school as soon as they arise. An appeal may be filed only if the issue cannot be resolved appropriately.  Students who believe that an assignment, test, or exam has not been appropriately graded must review their concerns with their instructor within 10 working days of the date of returned graded work to the class or grades posted at the Blackboard. 13.6 Standard of Written Work  Students are expected to use an acceptable standard of business communication for all assignments. You are encouraged to obtain assistance from the Writing Centre (http://www.ryerson.ca/writing-centre) for help with your written communications as needed. (See the Ryerson Library for APA style guide references: http://www.ryerson.ca/library/subjects/style/index.html) 13.7 Late Assignments  Students must submit assignments at the beginning of the class on the due date. If not, it will result in a grade penalty of 5% if handed in during the class. If the student does not hand in the assignment, he/she will get a zero on the assignment unless the student brings a 9  

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medical certificate or has arranged a later submission with the professor previous to the deadline. If you are late for the class when an assignment is due, your assignment is considered late. Emailed or faxed assignments will not be accepted. All grading will be handed back within 2-3 weeks. You need to inform your instructor of any situation which arises during the semester which has an adverse effect on your academic performance and you must request any necessary considerations or accommodations. 1. A doctor’s certificate is required to substantiate illness and should be submitted within 3 working days of a missed assignment. See Medical Form (click here) for the required certificate. 2. Religious Observance requests are to be made formally within the first two weeks of class. See Academic Matters (click here) 3. Other valid reasons must be approved by the instructor in advance. 13.8 Maintaining a Professional Learning Environment  Laptop computers, cell phones, or other devices should not be used for non-classroom activities as they are distracting to other students, speakers and your instructor. As discussed in class, your interactions offer distractions reducing the learning environment. You will be asked to leave class to ensure those that come to learn, have the best opportunity to learn. 13.9

Academic Grading Policy

Evaluation of student performance will follow established academic grading policy outlined in the Ryerson GPA Policy http://www.ryerson.ca/acadcouncil/current/pol46.pdf. The grading system is summarized below: Definition

Excellent

Good

Satisfactory

Letter Grade

Grade Point

Conversion Range

A+

4.33

90-100

A

4.00

85-89

A-

3.67

80-84

B+

3.33

77-79

B

3.00

73-76

B-

2.67

70-72

C+

2.33

67-69

C

2.00

63-66

C-

1.67

60-62

D+

1.33

57-59

D

1.00

53-56

Marginal 10  

Unsatisfactory

Unsatisfactory

14.0

D-

0.67

50-52

F

0.00

0-49

D

1.00

53-56

D-

0.67

50-52

F

0.00

0-49

ADDITIONAL NOTES 14.1

GRADING COMPONENTS

1. Lab Activities: 24% -There will be 8 lab activities to be completed during the designated lab sessions (see course outline for more info). These individual exercises will help students develop hands-on analytical skills and will be due at the beginning of the class in the following week. 2. Space Planning Assignments: 20% Team work is an important part of any course and your career. Take it seriously. The definition of a good team player is someone that helps the group make sound decisions and does what is agreed to. It is how you build mutual respect. To assist group members, peer evaluations will be used to ensure effective team building efforts and will be accounted toward your mark for the assignment. The peer evaluations can result in a reduced grade or zero (0) grade for group assignments for a person that has not participated sufficiently or has not participated at all during the semester. Depending on the group contract, a non-contributing member may be “fired” by his/her teammates. If

this happens, the group member being “fired” may not join other groups, he/she will be working on the project individually.

-You will be assigned to work in groups of 3-4 during Week 2.

-Specific assignment requirements and marking criteria will be provided in separate documents. -5% is allocated to “Lab Duty Participation” and 15% is allocated to the completed project.

3. Quality of Class Participation/Clicker Questions (Individual, 16%) Attending class and actively listening and contributing are the foundations upon which productive class participation is built. Class participation will be evaluated both qualitatively and quantitatively, based on the following criteria:    

Demonstrated knowledge of readings and course materials Student’s ability to answer instructor’s or peers questions Broad knowledge of the retail environment Ability to link back to previously learned curriculum 11  

Weekly clicker questions based on the assigned course reading and course materials will be used as a way of measuring completion of outside reading assignments and active learning in class. They may include true/false and multiple-choice questions and will test the student’s comprehension of the course material. Grades will not be standardized or normalized. The student must be present in class with a functioning i