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The Impact of Technology in Retailing - Overview

This resource is designed for the BTEC National award in Retail. BTEC qualifications have been developed to provide the knowledge, understanding and skills of specialist work-related areas. This qualification focuses on providing education and training for students who either work in or are considering a career in the retail trade.

This is the fifth in a series of six assignments written specifically for the BTEC Retail qualification by a practicing teacher of the course. There are three core units and seven specialist units that make up the structure of the course.

Source: stock.xchng, tuger

The unit is assessed by means of an assignment that is graded Pass, Merit or Distinction. Details of the criteria can be found on the Edexcel web site.(http://www.edexcel.org.uk/VirtualContent/102509/BN018420_NA_in_Retail_L3_Issue_2.pdf)

Overview:

Retailing in the UK is a highly dynamic and responsive business sector, which has had to integrate and adapt to significant changes in technology. This has, in turn, had a positive impact on how they plan and manage their business.

The use of technology is allowing retail giants to use superior information systems, volume buying power and sophisticated logistical systems to offer price savings, high standards of service and varied product choice for the consumer.

Every aspect of retailing is affected by technology and its use is an important competitive tool. In particular, e-business and online shopping is transforming retail operations. However, the use of ICT is regulated and it is important that you understand the impact of these legislative requirements on a retailer.

1. the benefits of technological developments for retailing businesses
2. how information systems support planning and decision making for retail business
3. the contribution of e-business to the retail sector
4. the regulatory and legislative requirements on the use of computers, the Internet and e-commerce in retail business

(Source: Edexcel)

When you are working through each task on the next page, make sure you constantly refer back to the grading grid below; this gives more detail on what you have to demonstrate to achieve the different grades for this unit.

Source: Edexcel. [PDF file]

When you are working through each task on the next page, make sure you constantly refer back to the grading grid below; this gives more detail on what you have to demonstrate to achieve the different grades for this unit.

Assignment

You are a Business Advisor for Business Link and you have been asked to deliver a training course for local businesspeople who are planning to open their own retail business. However, you are concerned that the small size of their shops will mean they are unable to compete with retail giants. In particular, you are concerned about how these retail giants use technology to manage their operations and remain competitive. Before you plan your course you are going to investigate how two retailers use technology – you will be looking at Sainsbury's and Ikea.

Go to the Activity.