Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) in International Retail Management

The flagship CAS in International Retail Management provides state-of-the-art expertise in contemporary retail management.
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CAS / Certificate
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Programme overview

In times of fierce competition and stalled revenues, retail excellence becomes imperative. The CAS (Certificate of Advanced Studies) program of the Institute of Retail Management of the University of St. Gallen supports comprehensive preparation for competing successfully in the dynamic global market.

The flagship CAS in International Retail Management consists of four retail excellence modules that provide state-of-the-art expertise in contemporary retail management. It was designed by renowned academics in cooperation with CEOs of our Retail Lab founding members, setting a foundation for comprehensively combining theory and practice.

The program helps managers stay competitive in today’s fast-paced retailing environment by teaching the most up-to-date knowledge of modern retailing.

 

Contact person

Learn more about the programme in a personal conversation.

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Dr. Andreas Hauschke Head of Executive Education

Programme details

Programme type

CAS / Certificate

Format

Presence and online

Language

English

Number of ECTS credits

10

Duration

15 Days

Modules

individually bookable

Location

St.Gallen, Berlin, Barcelona

Price

CHF 17'900 Partner companies of our chair in the Ambassador Programme receive a 15% discount on the CAS programme and on the prices for the intensive seminars for their employees.

Target group

Board, C-Level, Functional Manager, Functional Specialist, High Potential, Owner/Entrepreneur, Senior Manager

Next date

Start date: 11.02.2025
Application deadline: 01.01.2025
places available

Target Audience

The program is aimed at managers in the second and third levels of the hierarchy.

Application requirement

  • Initial Academic Degree.
  • There is the possibility of sur dossier admissions (participants without an initial academic degree). The final decision is made by the program management.
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Participants will be able to:

  • Gain new insights into retail and relevant expertise
  • Discuss best practices for real-world application
  • Analyze the retail process from cutting-edge yet theoretically sound and proven perspectives
  • Expand and strengthen their executive network
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Structure & Modules

Four retail excellence module are the core of our program. Each module on retail excellence, as a sub-area of retail management, lasts three days. The retail excellence modules are independent of each other in terms of content. Thus, they can also be attended as stand-alone courses. After successfully completing each retail excellence module, participants receive a certificate of participation from the University of St.Gallen.

Participants who attend all four retail excellence modules and visit three research workshops on current management challenges in the retail sector within two years can obtain a Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS). To achieve the CAS, the managers must complete a written final paper that synthesizes the content of all the modules. In the exam, participants will apply the learned concepts to their company.

Each retail excellence module consists of four parts:

Online Preparation: Each participant completes a REDx online course that thematically explains the basics of the upcoming module.​

Retail Safari: On the arrival day of the seminar, we will conduct a Retail Safari. We will visit retail formats that fit thematically to the module. Guided by workshop questions, the participants work out their first insights in teams.

​Seminar: Participants meet for the seminar (2 days) after the digital preparation and the retail safari. In addition to discussions, workshops, and keynote speeches, the module is accompanied by a social program to foster informal exchanges with peers.

​Exam: During the retail excellence modules, participants must apply the conveyed concepts to their own company in an interactive group task and present it in front of their peers. The task must respond to a challenge in one’s own company to generate meaningful insights for the participants and their companies.

Learning Objectives:

  • Rethinking strategic plans in disruptive times and applying new approaches.
  • Learn from best practice examples how to successfully plan and implement a transformation.
  • Discuss transformation experiences with course participants to move your own company forward.

Core Topics:

  • Core Challenges in Swiss and European Retailing
  • Strategy Analysis of Successful Retail Companies (USA, Asia, Europe)
  • Strategy Approach “High-Five” and Profiling Methodology
  • Business Model Transformation
  • Case Studies: Alibaba, Amazon, IKEA, Inditex, Decathlon, Walmart, Aldi, Lidl, Mercadona and Others

Learning Objectives:

  • Learn the basics of data management, privacy and security.
  • Understand and learn about different data sources, basic interrelationships of IT systems and tools for data aggregation (Customer Data Platform).
  • Understand AI/ML and trends in analytics.

Core Topics:

  • Data security
  • Data Privacy / Data Protection
  • Data Sources in Retail
  • Interrelationships of IT Systems
  • Data Management and Analystics

Learning Objectives:

  • Apply tools and strategies for successful omnichannel management.
  • Understanding drivers of omnichannel profitability.
  • Learn from best practice omnichannel retailers.

Core Topics:

  • Customer Journey
  • Communication and Branding
  • Logistic Processes
  • Key Performance Indicators (KPI)
  • Omnichannel-Strategy Planning

Learning Objectives:

  • Successfully lead retail companies with shared, digital and positive leadership as well as agile methods.
  • Understand social commerce and virtual commerce (metaverse retail) as modern distribution models.
  • Experience and understand Metaverse Retail in our immersive Metaverse Space.

Core Topics:

  • Shared, Digital & Positive Leadership
  • Agile Management
  • Social Commerce
  • Virtual Commerce
  • Generative AI & Metaverse
Contact
hsg linie schwarz

Do you require further information?

I am gladly available for you and look forward to hearing from you.

thumbnail HG 000148 HSG Shooting Dez Andreas Hauschke 009 rgb e1700139239260

Dr. Andreas Hauschke Head of Executive Education

Why University of St.Gallen

The HSG - your partner for first-class executive education in Switzerland

At the University of St. Gallen (HSG), you can choose from one of the largest executive education portfolios in the German speaking region – the right programme for your needs and career objectives. The renowned quality and practical relevance of the learning experience convinces more than 6000 participants per year. Profit from an Executive Degree from St.Gallen – the best business school in the German-speaking world – and get ahead in your career!

  • For high-quality teaching and executive training by top researchers

  • For competent executives

  • For Lifelong Learning

  • For international collaborations

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