Sage Journals: Discover world-class research

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the qualifications and academic preparation necessary to succeed in management careers in retailing, and also to determine if these requirements differ according to type of retailing format. The results of the study are based on a survey of the largest U.S. department store, specialty store, and discount store retailers (n = 285). An analysis of response frequencies indicated that managerial skills are most important to retailers. Few differences existed among responding stores when data were analyzed according to the type of retailing format or the type of merchandise sold using the Pearson Chi-square (p < .05). The results are important for college programs that prepare undergraduates for retailing careers and are useful for assessing the relevance of course offerings to current industry expectations.

Keywords

major retailers management training programs managerial positions educational requirements

Get full access to this article

View all access options for this article.

References

Adams, M. (1989, June). Private Label programs: Major changes. Stores, pp. 10-19.

Beery, K. (1980). Midmanagement and entry level fashion merchandising competencies. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, Iowa State University.

Caminiti, S. (1989, January 30). What ails retailing? Fortune, pp. 61-64.

Coates, S. (1971). College level education in retailing: A comparison of perceptions of retail employment executives and retail educators. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, University of Missouri.

Department stores will become more specialized. (1987, May). Chain Store Age, pp. 197-200.

Dunkin, A. , Nathans, L. , & Bremner, B. (1989, October 23). A wholesale makeover of retail. Business Week, pp. 134-138.

Fishco, R. (1976). A comparison of the training needs of potential mid-management retail executives as perceived by retail presidents or vice presidents and retail employment executives of retail department stores. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, Temple University.

Hartnett, M. (1993, September). Buyers: Endangered species? Stores, pp. 53-54.

Heitmeyer, J. , Grise, K. & Force, C. (1992). Retail executives' perceptions of knowledge and skills needed by college graduates. Perceptual and Motor Skills , 75, 233-237.

10.

Klokis, H. (1987, April). Retail layoffs: Where will everyone go ? Chain Store Age, pp. 104-106.

11.

McKay, Q. (1978, Fall). Different perspectives on retail education . Journal of Retailing, 54, 81-83.

12.

Natale, R. (1977, January). Where will future retail management come from? Is college imperative? Stores, pp. 26-46.

13.

Once retailing was easy to classify. (1983, October 3). Inside retailing, pp. 1,2.

14.

Peterson's Job Opportunities for Business and Liberal Arts Graduates. (1991). Princeton, NJ: Peterson's Guide.

15.

Skinner-Annable S. & Wilson ( 1988). Retailer perceptions of four-year curricula. Retailing: Its present and future. Special Conference Series , 4. (pp. 137-141). Academy of Marketing Science and the American Collegiate Retailing Association.

16.

Swerdlow, R. (1978, Fall). Retail education in four-year institutions: What does the future hold? Journal of Retailing, 54, 37-44.

Educational Requirements for Management Level Positions in Major Retail Organizations

Abstract

Keywords

Get full access to this article

References