retail task 1500

profilefergamo
retailtask1500.docx

ASSESSMENT BRIEF

ASSESSMENT BRIEF

ASSESSMENT BRIEF

FINAL ASSESSMENT

Task 2.3: Choosing a Digital Store Location

Assessment type: Written assignment

Weight: 50%

Description: Identify, critically analyse, and outline the key factors for selecting a strategic digital store

"location," including choosing the right platform, market positioning, and online presence. Feel free to use visual illustrations where possible to support your analysis and enhance clarity.

INSTRUCTIONS

Objective:

This project requires students to critically analyse and outline the key factors for selecting a strategic digital store "location," including choosing the right platform, market positioning, and online presence. Students will explore customer demographics, economic and trading conditions, and technical and legal requirements. The aim is to understand how these factors influence the success of a digital store and how they complement each other in guiding strategic decisions. Feel free to use visual illustrations where possible to support your analysis and enhance clarity.

Key Concepts: What is a Digital Store Location?

Definition:

A digital store location refers to the platform, marketplace, or online presence where a business operates. Unlike physical stores, digital locations can include websites, e-commerce platforms (e.g., Shopify, Amazon, Etsy), or social media channels (e.g., Instagram Shops, Facebook Marketplace). The "location" is determined by the store's accessibility, visibility, and usability online.

· Key Considerations:

· Customer demographics o How customers find and interact with the store. o The technical infrastructure and platform capabilities.

· Legal and economic factors affecting digital commerce.

Project Breakdown 1. Introduction (10%)

· Purpose: o Introduce the concept of a digital store location and its significance in e-commerce success.

· Highlight how choosing the right digital presence impacts visibility, accessibility, and customer engagement.

· Key Questions to Address: o What is a digital store location, and why is it critical for e-commerce success?

· How does a digital location differ from a physical location?

· Structure Preview: o Briefly outline the main factors (customer demographics, economic and trading conditions, technical and legal requirements).

2. Key Considerations for Choosing a Digital Store Location (70%)

2.1 Customer Demographics (25%)

· Definition: Characteristics of the target market, such as preferences, online behaviour, and buying habits.

· Key Aspects to Cover: o Target Audience: Understanding the customer profile and their preferred shopping platforms. o Market Segmentation: Age, location, income levels, and digital literacy of potential customers.

· Customer Journey: How customers navigate and purchase products online.

· Global Reach: The potential to reach international audiences and adapt to cultural differences.

· Analysis: o Use examples to show how customer demographics influence platform choice (e.g., younger audiences on Instagram Shops, professionals on LinkedIn).

2.2 Economic and Trading Conditions (25%)

Definition: Financial and business environment factors influencing the viability of the digital store.

· Key Aspects to Cover: o Platform Costs: Subscription fees, transaction fees, and advertising costs on platforms like Shopify or Amazon.

· Market Trends: Trends in e-commerce growth, product categories, and customer demand. o Competition Analysis: Understanding competitors' presence on digital platforms.

· Economic Accessibility: The impact of payment options (e.g., PayPal, credit cards, cryptocurrency) on customer convenience.

· Analysis:

Explain how an economic assessment ensures the digital store operates within a sustainable financial model.

2.3 Technical and Legal Requirements (20%)

· Definition: Technical capabilities and legal compliance for operating a digital store.

· Key Aspects to Cover:

· Platform Features: Security, scalability, and integration with payment gateways or logistics providers. o SEO and Visibility: Importance of search engine optimisation and ranking. o Data Privacy Laws: Compliance with regulations such as GDPR, CCPA, or other local e-commerce laws.

· Intellectual Property: Protecting branding, product designs, and content.

· Terms and Conditions: Adhering to platform-specific rules and policies.

· Analysis:

Discuss how neglecting technical and legal requirements (e.g., lack of SSL encryption or data privacy compliance) can harm the business.

3. Integration of Factors (15%)

· Purpose: Show how customer demographics, economic conditions, and technical/legal requirements work together to guide the decision.

· Key Questions to Address: o How does understanding customer behaviour inform platform choice?

o Why must technical and legal compliance align with economic strategies?

Examples: Provide a hypothetical scenario illustrating how successful integration of these factors has driven

a digital store’s success (e.g., a fashion brand using Shopify with SEO-focused strategies to target Millennials globally).

4. Conclusion (5%)

· Purpose: Summarise the critical insights from the analysis.

· Key Points to Highlight: o Emphasise the importance of balancing customer understanding, economic factors, and technical/legal requirements.

o Highlight the risks of neglecting any key factors.

5. Recommendations (Optional)

· Suggest tools for conducting a platform analysis (e.g., Google Analytics, SEMrush, competitor research tools).

· Highlight emerging trends, such as the rise of mobile shopping and social commerce platforms.

FORMAT

Your submission must meet the following formatting requirements:

· Number of files for submission: 1

· Required file format for main submission: PDF Other details:

· Font: Arial

· Font size: 11

· Spacing: 1.5

· Number of words: 1500

All refencing and citations require Harvard referencing style. Students must avoid plagiarism and use the Harvard Referencing Guide and Turnitin to ensure that their sources are correctly cited. Plagiarism includes the use of artificial intelligence tools, such as ChatGPT and Grammarly, when output is copied and pasted from these sites. Please refer to the Academic Policies and Procedures Manual and the Student Good Practice Manual in AI Literacy available on the Student Services page for further details.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

· Analyse optimal planogramming and strategic planning in retailing

· Reflect on replenishment, merchandising, and budget optimization and how logistics are disguised in a buying experience.

· Select the best geographic site for a store and draft a rough design that encompasses demand, economic, and population trends.

· Devise interactive and inter-supportive strategies with respect to the digital world.

Go to the next page to see the assessment criteria.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Discussion Forum

Forum 100%

Fail

0-59%

Borderline fail 60-69%

Fair

70-79%

Good 80-89%

Exceptional 90-100%

Posts reflect limited or

inaccurate understanding of content, with frequent errors in terminology and minimal use of relevant concepts. Connections to course material or peers’ posts are weak, unclear, or entirely absent, and contributions do not advance the discussion. Collaboration is minimal, with little or no meaningful engagement with others’ posts, often limited to brief agreement or irrelevant comments. Posts are inconsistently on time or frequently late, limiting their contribution to the forum. Professional conventions are often disregarded, with tone or language that lacks respect, clarity, or adherence to online communication standards.

Posts reflect basic understanding, with partial or vague use of key concepts and limited examples. Connections to course material and peers’ contributions are minimal and may lack depth or clarity.

Limited engagement with others, mostly agreeing without adding new

perspectives. Posts are generally on time, though often near the deadline, limiting peer interaction. Shows inconsistent observance of conventions, with occasional issues in tone, grammar, or respect.

Posts show adequate understanding of content, using relevant concepts but with some inaccuracies or lack of detail.

Connections to course material and peers’ posts are evident, though they may not consistently deepen the discussion. Engages with peers, typically through agreement or limited elaboration. Posts are timely overall, though not always early enough to drive extended engagement. Follows conventions generally, with a respectful tone and occasional minor lapses in clarity.

Posts reflect solid content knowledge, with appropriate use of concepts and terminology across most posts. Ideas connect well to course topics and

demonstrate relevance to professional practice. Contributions engage with others’ posts, often adding details or posing thoughtful questions. Posts are timely and submitted within deadlines, encouraging participation. Mostly follows conventions, with respectful, clear, and polite

communication. Minor issues in grammar or style may appear.

Posts show sophisticated content understanding, demonstrated through thorough use of relevant concepts and terminology across most posts. Ideas connect clearly to course material and professional practice, with insightful examples and critical engagement.

Consistently engages with peers, prompting new ideas or extending discussions. All posts are timely, fostering an active, ongoing conversation. Adheres to online conventions, showing respect, positivity, and polished language in all interactions.

Written assignment

Written assignment

Fail

0-59%

Borderline fail 60-69%

Fair

70-79%

Good 80-89%

Exceptional 90-100%

Purpose &

Understanding

15 %

Very poor coverage of central purpose, goals, essay questions or arguments with little relevant information evident. There is virtually no evidence of understanding or focus.

Minimal understanding of purpose of the study; factual errors evident. Gaps in knowledge and superficial understanding. A few lines of relevant material.

Reasonable understanding; clearly identifies the purpose, goals, essay questions or argument.

Reflect partial achievement of learning outcomes.

A sound grasp of, and clearly identifies, the purpose, goals, essay questions or argument. Some wider study beyond the classroom content shown.

Effectively describes and explains the central purpose, arguments, research questions, or goals of the project;

explanation is focused, detailed and compelling. Recognition of alternative forms of evidence beyond that supplied in the classroom.

Content

10 %

Content is unclear, inaccurate and/or incomplete. Brief and irrelevant. Descriptive. Only personal views offered. Unsubstanti ated and does not support the purpose, argument or goals of the project. Readers gain no insight through the content of the project.

Limited content that does not really support the purpose of the essay. Very poor coverage. Displays only rudimentary knowledge of the content area. Reader gains few if any insights.

Presents some information that adequately supports the central purpose, arguments, goals, or essay questions of the project. Although parts missing, it demonstrates a level

of partially proficient knowledge of the content area. Readers gain some insights.

Presents clear and appropriate information that adequately supports the central purpose, arguments, goals or essay questions of the project. Demonstrates satisfactory knowledge of the content area. Readers gain proficient insights.

Presents balanced, significant and valid information that clearly and convincingly supports the central purpose, arguments, essay questions or goals of the project.

Demonstrates indepth and specialized knowledge of the content area. The reader gains important insights.

Organization

10%

Information/content is not logically organized or presented. Topics/paragraphs are frequently

disjointed and fail to make sense together. Reader cannot identify a line of reasoning and loses interest.

Information/content is not, at times, logically organized or presented. Topics/paragraphs are frequently disjointed which makes the content hard to follow. The reader finds it hard to understand the flow of the report.

Information/content is presented in a reasonable sequence. Topic/par agraph transition is unclear in places with linkages for the most part. Reader can generally understand and follow the line of reasoning, although work needed to be proficiently organized.

Information/conte nt is presented in a clear and understandable sequence. Topic/paragraph transition is good with clear linkages between sections and arguments. Reader can understand and follow the line of reasoning.

Information/content is presented in a logical, interesting and effective sequence. Topics and arguments flow smoothly and coherently from one to another and are clearly linked. Reader can easily follow the line of reasoning and enjoyed reading the report.

Style & Tone

5 %

Writing is poor, unclear and unengaging, and the reader finds it difficult to read and maintain interest. Tone is not professional or suitable for an academic research project.

Reorganization and rewrite are needed.

Writing is unengaging and reader finds it difficult to maintain interest. Tone is not consistently professional or suitable for an academic research project. Work needed on academic writing style.

Writing is usually engaging and keeps the reader’s attention. Tone is generally appropriate for an academic research project, although a clearer and more professional style and tone is needed.

Writing style and tone is generally good and sustains interest throughout. Tone is professional and appropriate for an academic essay.

Writing is compelling and sustains interest throughout. Tone is consistently professional and appropriate for an academic research project.

Use of

References

10 %

Little or no evidence of reference sources in the report. Content not supported and based on unsubstantiated views.

Most references are from sources that are not peer- reviewed or professional, and have uncertain reliability. Few if any appropriate citations are provided. Reader doubts the validity of much of the material.

Professionally legitimate references are generally used. Fair citations are presented in most cases. Some of the information/content/e vidence comes from sources that are reliable, but more academic sources needed to be convincing.

Professionally and academically legitimate references are used. Clear and accurate citations are presented in most cases. The majority of the information/conte nt/evidence comes from sources that are reliable.

Presents compelling evidence from professionally and academically legitimate sources. Attribution is clear and accurate. References are 75% from primarily peerreviewed

professional journals or other approved sources.

Formatting

5%

Research project exhibits no formatting, or frequent and significant

errors in

Harvard formatting.

There are too many errors in the Harvard formatting to be acceptable as a partially proficient piece.

Harvard formatting is employed in the research project with minor errors. A review and rework of format and style of referencing in text and in the bibliography is needed.

Harvard formatting is used accurately and consistently throughout the research project, although some issues are apparent as the reader is unable to find sources.

Harvard formatting is used accurately and

consistently throughout the research project. Accurate hyperlinks are included where required, making it easy for readers to review sources.

Written

Communication

Skills

15%

The written project exhibits multiple errors in grammar, sentence structure and/or spelling. Inadequate writing

skills (e.g.,

weaknesses in language facility and mechanics) hinder readability and contribute to an ineffective research project.

The written project

exhibits errors in grammar, punctuation and spelling. The written project comes across as untidy and not properly checked for mistakes. Errors

present in written communication make readability frustrating.

Written research project displays good word choice, language conventions and mechanics with a few minor errors in spelling, grammar, sentence structure and/or punctuation. Errors do not represent a major distraction or obscure meaning.

Readability of the project is good due to the clarity of language used. Grammar, spelling and punctuation is without

error. Spelling and grammar thoroughly checked.

Readability of the project is enhanced by facility in language use/word choice. Excellent mechanics and syntactic variety. Uses language conventions

effectively (e.g., spelling, punctuation, sentence structure, paragraphing, grammar, etc.).

Visual/Aesthetic

Design

10%

Visual design is chaotic and lacks coherence. Little to no consideration has been given to layout, typography, or color schemes, resulting in an unprofessional and

ineffective presentation.

Visual elements are disorganized and inconsistent, making it difficult to follow the content. Basic effort is evident, but poor layout, illegible text, or clashing colors detract from readability and understanding.

Visual elements are somewhat organized but lack consistency or coherence. Design choices (e.g., fonts, colors) occasionally distract from content but are usable.

Visual elements are organized and visually appealing, with most design choices enhancing understanding and engagement. Some

minor improvements needed for a professional finish.

Outstanding use of visuals that are professional, cohesive, and engaging. Design choices (e.g., color, layout, typography) greatly enhance the message and are exceptionally polished.

Analytical /

Critical Thinking

Skills

15 %

Research problem, concept or idea is not clearly articulated, or its component elements are not identified or described. Research information is poorly organized, categorized and/or not examined; research information is often inaccurate or incomplete. Presents little if any analysis or interpretation;

Research problem, concept or idea is not clearly articulated at times and confusing. Research information is badly organized, categorized, and/or only superficially examined; research information is often incomplete. Presents limited analysis or interpretation;

Adequately identifies and describes (or sketches out) the research problem, concept or idea and its components. Gathers and examines information relating to the research problem, concept or idea; presents and appraises research information with some minor inconsistencies, irrelevancies or omissions. Generally

Formulates a clear description of the research problem, concept or idea, and specifies major elements to be examined. Selects information appropriate to addressing the research problem, concept or idea; accurately and appropriately analyses and interprets relevant

Effectively formulates a clear description of the research problem, concept or idea, and specifies major elements to be examined. Selects and prioritizes information appropriate to addressing the research problem, concept, or idea; accurately and appropriately

inaccurately and/or inappropriately applies research methods, techniques, models, frameworks and/or theories to the analysis. Presents few solutions or conclusions; solutions or conclusions are often not well supported, are inaccurate and/or inconsistent, and are presented in a vague or rudimentary manner.

inaccurately and/or inappropriately applies research methods, techniques, models, frameworks and/or theories to the analysis. Presents some solutions or conclusions but they are often not well supported, or logical.

applies appropriate research methods, techniques, models, frameworks and/or theories although with inaccuracies. Outlines solutions or conclusions that are somewhat logical and consistent with the analysis and evidence; identifies and/or lists solutions or conclusions although not always clearly.

research information. Effectively applies appropriate research methods, techniques, models, frameworks and/or

theories in developing and justifying multiple solutions or conclusions; solutions or conclusions are coherent, well supported and complete.

analyzes and interprets relevant research information. Precisely and effectively applies appropriate research methods, employs advanced skills to conduct research. Uses techniques, models, frameworks and/or theories in developing and justifying multiple solutions or conclusions; solutions or conclusions are insightful, coherent, well supported, logically consistent and complete. Displays a mastery of complex and specialized areas.

Integration

Skills

5%

Shows little ability to employ theory and practice across the functional areas of business in the assessment of issues relating to the essay question, concept, or idea. Does not recognize or correctly identify cross-functional organizational issues relevant to the essay question, concept or idea. Does not adequately evaluate the problem, concept or idea in light of relevant principles, theories and practices across the business functional areas. Few if any solutions,

recommendations

for action, or conclusions are presented, and/or they are not appropriately justified or supported.

Shows some ability to employ theory and practice across the functional areas of business in the assessment of issues relating to the essay question, concept or idea. Recognizes organizational issues relevant to the problem, concept or idea but does not show understanding. Does not adequately evaluate the essay question, concept or idea in light of relevant principles, theories and practices across the business functional areas. Some solutions offered but difficult to understand. Recommendations

for action, or conclusions are presented, but they are often not well supported, or logical.

Exhibits application of principles, theories and practices across the functional areas of business to the analysis of the essay question, concept or idea. With some exceptions, outlines and describes (or sketches out) some cross- functional organizational issues that are relevant to the question, concept or idea. Adequately identifies and describes (or summarizes)

solutions,

recommendations for action, or conclusions that are, for the most part, appropriate, but which need to be more aligned with principles and concepts in the functional areas of business.

Demonstrates an

ability to integrate and apply principles, theories and practices across the functional areas of business to the analysis of the essay question, concept or

idea. Identifies,

examines and

critically evaluates important cross- functional organizational issues associated with the problem, concept or idea. Clearly justifies solutions,

recommendations for action, or conclusions based on analytics and an insightful synthesis of crossdisciplinary principles and concepts in the functional areas of business.

Demonstrates welldeveloped ability to integrate and apply principles, theories and practices across the functional areas of business to the analysis of the essay question, concept or idea. Effectively identifies, examines and critically evaluates important cross-functional organizational issues associated with the problem, concept, or idea. Clearly and effectively justifies solutions,

recommendations for action, or conclusions based on strong analytics and an insightful synthesis of crossdisciplinary principles and concepts in the functional areas of business. Can link thinking across disciplines and contexts.

image1.png