This section describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level required for this unit

The following skills must be assessed as part of this unit

evaluating and analysing

market trends and projections

sales figures and investment levels

space requirements

negotiation skills

interpersonal communication skills to

liaise with relevant personnel

establish supplier relationships negotiate supply of goods

provide information and training on product range

provide feedback and coaching through clear and direct communication

ask questions to identify and confirm requirements

give instructions

use language and concepts appropriate to cultural differences

use and interpret nonverbal communication

group presentation skills

report writing

using and applying technology including electronic data interchange

literacy and numeracy skills in relation to

developing pricing policies

calculating and estimating product range contributions

calculating the cost of stock loss and dissipation

analysing stock figures

The following knowledge must be assessed as part of this unit

store policy and procedures in regard to

marketing

buying

profit margins

quality control

stock inventory levels current and future

stock location and allocated areas

staff product knowledge training

industry and store information including

market needs

range of merchandise available

market competition

existing and possible new suppliers

channels of distribution

relevant legislation and statutory requirements

relevant industry codes of practice

pricing procedures including GST requirements

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria required skills and knowledge the range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this TrainingPackage

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Evidence of the following is essential

consistently applies store policy and procedures industry codes of practice statutory requirements and regulations in regard to buying merchandising and marketing practices

applies market analysis planning procurement and rationalisation of stock and merchandise and service ranges maintenance of supplier relations and quality control

interprets market trends and applies these to the store situation to create opportunities to improve sales and services while maximising profits

analyses market and plans the introduction of a product and service range

identifies suppliers negotiates supply of goods rationalises stock and monitors quality control

trains and communicates information to and from staff or team members in regard to stock and merchandise and service range

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure access to

a retail work environment

relevant information and documentation including

store policy and procedures

legislation and statutory requirements

industry codes of practice

merchandise and supplier data

Methods of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge The following examples are appropriate for this unit

observation of performance in the workplace

thirdparty reports from a supervisor

customer feedback

written or verbal questioning to assess knowledge and understanding

review of portfolios of evidence and thirdparty workplace reports of onthejob performance

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector workplace and job role is recommended

Assessing employability skills

Employability skills are integral to effective performance in the workplace and are broadly consistent across industry sectors How these skills are applied varies between occupations and qualifications due to the different work functions and contexts

Employability skills embedded in this unit should be assessed holistically in the context of the job role and with other relevant units that make up the skill set or qualification

Store merchandise and marketing policies may include:

Customer requirements may be monitored by:

Merchandise range may include:

Impact on business operations may include:

Relevant personnel may include:

Feedback may be sought and given:

Performance indicators may include:

Negotiation process may include:

Pricing arrangements may include:

Market factors may include:

Legal requirements may include:

Staff training may include:

Staff may include:

Terms of trade may include:

Stock lines may be deleted due to:

Methods to consolidate stock may include: