Semester 2 

Internationalisation is a substantive feature of the retail industry.  This can be witnessed in, among other aspects, increasing retail power in supply chains that extend beyond national boundaries, growing international retail competition and international retail knowledge and capital flows.  Considerable academic and practitioner interest surrounds international retailing; providing a body of knowledge to inform the retail and related business industry leaders of tomorrow.

This module aims to enable students to develop an appreciation of the extent and characteristics of international retailing, and of the issues facing international retail operations.  The theoretical framework of retail internationalisation is evaluated in the context of research and commercial developments. 

On successful completion of this module the students will be able to: 
·               Demonstrate a comprehensive and detailed knowledge of the international dimensions to retail activity. (K) 
·               Select and apply appropriate techniques to assess retail internationalisation and critically analyse the results. (C)
·               Demonstrate a command of retail internationalisation theories to reflect both their value and limitations in practical application. (K,C) 
·               Demonstrate a capacity to analyse and synthesise data and concepts related to international retailing. (C) 
·               Demonstrate creativity and professionalism in the execution of small group project work. (P,T) 

·               Defining international retailing
·               International retailing trends and issues 
·               The ‘myth’ of global strategy 
·               Motives for retail internationalisation 
·               Retailers’ methods of expansion 
·               The direction of retail internationalisation
·               Conceptual frameworks of retail internationalisation 
·               International sourcing and distribution 
·               Cultural differences and international retailing 
·               International retail marketing 
·               International retailing and divestment 
·               Retail internationalisation and developing economies. 
·               Retail internationalisation and the NAFTA, EU and Asia/Pacific markets 

The teaching and learning strategy is designed to introduce the characteristics of international retailing, and give insight into the recent academic conceptualisations and theorisations surrounding international retailing.  The module is delivered in part through a lecture programme that provides a framework on which students can base their learning and develop their understanding through seminar and small group work.  The strategy thus provides a substantial opportunity for students to take responsibility for their own learning. 
The teaching and learning methods include group lectures, small group seminar work, student-led presentations, case studies, guided self-study, guest speakers.  These will be supported by ULearn. 
The assessment strategy is designed to capture the critical understanding of relevant concepts and of the application of analytical techniques.  Included is the opportunity to learn from peer perspectives via group work.

Essential Reading
Alexander, N. and Doherty, A.M.  (2008) International Retailing.  Oxford University Press. 
Recommended Reading 
Bruce, M., Moore, C. and Birtwstle, G. (eds.) (2004) International Retail Marketing.  A Case Study Approach.  Oxford : Butterworth-Heinemann. 
Dawson, J., et al. (eds) (2006) Strategic Issues in International Retailing.  Abingdon: Routledge.
Background Reading 
Akehurst, G. and Alexander, N. (eds.) (1996) The Internationalisation of Retailing.  London : Frank Cass. 
Alexander, N., (ed.) (1997) International Retailing.  Oxford : Blackwell. 
Dawson, J., Findlay, A. and Sparks , L. (eds.) (2008) The Retailing Reader.  London : Routledge. 
Dawson, J. and Lee, H. (eds.) (2005) International Retailing Plans and Strategies in Asia .  Binghampton: Haworth Press. 
Dupuis, M. and Dawson, J. (eds.) (1999) European Cases in Retailing.  Oxford : Blackwell. 
McGoldrick, P. (2002) Retail Marketing.  2^nd edn.  London : McGraw Hill.  Chapter 14. 
McGoldrick, P.J. and Davies, G. (eds.) (1995) International Retailing.  London : Pitman. 
Mintel (2004) European Retail Handbook.  London : Mintel International. 
Seth, A. and Randall, G. (2005) Supermarket Wars.  Global Strategies for Food Retailers.  Basingstoke : Palgrave Macmillan.
Sternquist, B. (2007) International Retailing.  2^nd edn.  New York : Fairchild Press. 
Zentes, J., Morschett, D. and Schramm-Klein, H. (2007) Strategic retail management – text and international cases.  Weisbarden: Gabler. 
Journals 
There are numerous retail specific and marketing/management journals, the list below is illustrative but not exhaustive: 
European Journal of Marketing 
International Journal of Retail and Distribution Management 
Journal of Marketing 
Journal of Marketing Management 
Journal of Retailing 
Journal of Retailing and Consumer Studies 
Service Industries Journal 
The European Retail Digest 
The International Review of Retail, Distribution and Consumer Research 
Trade and business news sources, for example: 
Drapers Record 
FT 
IGD 
Mintel 
Retail Week 
The Grocer 
Verdict