Introduction:

Retail project management is a specialized field that focuses on the planning, execution, and delivery of retail-related projects, including store openings, renovations, and large-scale retail infrastructure developments. This 5-day course provides participants with the skills and knowledge necessary to manage retail projects effectively, from initial concept through to completion. Topics covered will include budgeting, scheduling, stakeholder management, procurement, and the unique challenges faced in the retail environment. By the end of the course, participants will be equipped to successfully manage retail projects and deliver them on time, within budget, and to the satisfaction of all stakeholders.

Objectives:

By the end of this course, participants will:

1. Understand the fundamentals of retail project management, including key stages and tasks.
2. Learn how to develop a retail project plan, including timelines, budgets, and resource allocation.
3. Gain knowledge of how to manage stakeholders and coordinate teams effectively.
4. Understand the process of procuring services, equipment, and materials for retail projects.
5. Learn how to deal with risks and issues specific to the retail sector.
6. Develop the skills needed to ensure that retail projects are completed on time, within budget, and with high-quality results.
7. Gain insight into the latest trends and technologies in retail project management.

Who Should Attend:

This course is designed for professionals in retail management, project management, construction, and design, including:

• Retail Project Managers
• Store Planners and Designers
• Retail Operations Managers
• Construction and Design Consultants
• Procurement Managers in Retail
• Retail Development and Expansion Teams
• Anyone interested in understanding the complexities of managing retail projects

Course Outline:

Day 1: Introduction to Retail Project Management

• Session 1: What is Retail Project Management?
  • Defining Retail Project Management and Its Unique Characteristics
  • Key Stages in Retail Project Lifecycle: Planning, Design, Construction, and Handover
  • Importance of Retail Project Management in Store Development and Brand Consistency
• Session 2: Understanding Retail Projects
  • Types of Retail Projects: New Store Openings, Renovations, Rollouts, and Rebranding
  • The Role of the Project Manager in Retail Projects
  • Key Stakeholders: Retailers, Landlords, Contractors, Designers, and Suppliers
• Session 3: Retail Project Objectives and Goals
  • Setting Clear Objectives: Time, Cost, Quality, and Scope
  • Aligning Retail Projects with Strategic Business Goals
  • Success Criteria for Retail Projects: Customer Experience, Profitability, and Brand Image
• Activity: Group Discussion – Analyzing Key Stakeholders and Defining Project Goals for a Retail Expansion

Day 2: Planning and Budgeting Retail Projects

• Session 1: Developing a Retail Project Plan
  • Key Components of a Retail Project Plan: Scope, Schedule, and Resources
  • Task Breakdown and Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)
  • Creating Realistic Project Timelines and Milestones
• Session 2: Budgeting for Retail Projects
  • Estimating Costs: Material, Labor, Equipment, and Contingency Funds
  • Creating a Detailed Budget Plan and Allocating Resources
  • Managing Financial Risks and Cost Overruns
• Session 3: Resource Allocation and Scheduling
  • Identifying and Allocating Resources: Human Resources, Materials, and Equipment
  • Managing Multiple Locations or Phases in Retail Projects
  • Tools and Techniques for Scheduling: Gantt Charts, Critical Path Method (CPM), and Resource Leveling
• Activity: Workshop – Creating a Project Plan and Budget for a New Retail Store Launch

Day 3: Stakeholder Management and Procurement in Retail Projects

• Session 1: Stakeholder Identification and Communication
  • Identifying and Mapping Stakeholders in Retail Projects
  • Managing Expectations and Communication Channels
  • Conflict Resolution and Managing Stakeholder Relationships
• Session 2: Procurement and Vendor Management
  • Procurement Strategies for Retail Projects: Outsourcing vs. In-house Teams
  • Selecting Contractors, Suppliers, and Vendors for Retail Projects
  • Managing Contracts: Key Terms, Negotiations, and Legal Considerations
• Session 3: Supplier and Vendor Coordination
  • Coordinating Deliveries and Timelines with Vendors and Suppliers
  • Managing Change Orders and Adjustments During the Project
  • Ensuring Quality Control and Compliance with Brand Standards
• Activity: Group Activity – Creating a Stakeholder Communication Plan and Procurement Strategy for a Retail Project

Day 4: Risk Management and Problem Solving in Retail Projects

• Session 1: Identifying Risks in Retail Projects
  • Types of Risks: Financial, Operational, Design, and Market Risks
  • Risk Assessment: Evaluating the Probability and Impact of Risks
  • Tools for Risk Management: Risk Matrix and Risk Register
• Session 2: Risk Mitigation Strategies
  • Developing Contingency Plans and Alternative Strategies
  • Minimizing Delays and Avoiding Cost Overruns
  • Managing Design Changes and Unexpected Site Issues
• Session 3: Problem-Solving and Decision-Making
  • Common Challenges in Retail Projects: Delays, Design Issues, and Budget Overruns
  • Decision-Making Frameworks for Addressing Problems Quickly and Efficiently
  • Tools for Tracking and Managing Issues: Issue Logs and Status Reports
• Activity: Case Study – Managing and Mitigating Risks in a Retail Renovation Project

Day 5: Monitoring, Quality Control, and Final Handover

• Session 1: Monitoring and Controlling Retail Projects
  • Tracking Progress: Milestones, Deliverables, and KPIs
  • Using Project Management Software and Tools for Real-Time Monitoring
  • Regular Reporting to Stakeholders and Management
• Session 2: Quality Control and Compliance
  • Ensuring High Standards of Quality in Design and Construction
  • Compliance with Health, Safety, and Environmental Regulations
  • Conducting Inspections and Testing During Construction
• Session 3: Final Handover and Post-Project Review
  • Completing Final Inspections and Quality Checks
  • Handover Procedures: Documentation, Training, and Operational Readiness
  • Post-Project Evaluation: Analyzing Lessons Learned and Closing the Project
• Activity: Group Exercise – Finalizing the Handover for a Completed Retail Store and Post-Project Review

Course Delivery:

• Interactive Lectures: In-depth explanations of project management theories, principles, and methods specific to retail projects.
• Case Studies: Real-world examples of retail projects (both successes and challenges) to illustrate key concepts.
• Group Workshops: Practical exercises focused on creating project plans, budgets, and managing stakeholder relationships.
• Tools and Templates: Introduction to key tools and templates used in retail project management, such as Gantt charts, risk registers, and procurement strategies.
• Group Discussions: Collaborative discussions to share experiences, solve problems, and develop strategies for retail project management.