Retail Trade Environment and Competitive Tools (5 cr)

Evaluation scale

H-5

Objective

The main goal of the study theme is that each student forms an overall understanding of the field of commerce, its role as a carrier of social responsibility, an employer and a taxpayer. The theme also introduces K-retailer entrepreneurship.

Theme Learning Outcomes:
- is able to form an overall understanding of the field of trade in Finland
- is able to interpret trade statistics
- understands the importance of corporate social responsibility in trade
- is able to analyze chain entrepreneurship / merchant entrepreneurship
- understands the importance of digital in the field of commerce
- understands the role of trade as an employer and a taxpayer

Content

Trade and merchant entrepreneurship, trade customers, trade as part of the supply chain, means of trade competition.

Location and time

Spring 2025, online studies - a remote implementation independent of time and place.

Materials

Materials in the learning environment and other literature.

Teaching methods

The primary objective of this study theme is for each student to gain a comprehensive understanding of the retail sector, its role as a bearer of social responsibility, an employer, and a taxpayer. The theme also includes an introduction to K-retailer entrepreneurship.

The retail sector is Finland's largest industry in terms of employment, offering a wide range of job opportunities, especially for business and hospitality graduates. For many young people, retail is their first employer; wages earned from retail jobs contribute to initial taxes paid and start accumulating future pension funds.

The retail sector is also the largest industry within Finland's economy when measured by gross domestic product (GDP), accounting for about 10% of the nation’s GDP. Retail plays a significant role in bearing social responsibility, evident in its daily practices. The industry contributes to Finnish welfare through social, economic, and environmental responsibility. (Kauppa.fi, 2020).

Learning Objectives for the Theme:

- Understands the overall structure of the retail industry in Finland
- Can interpret statistical data related to the retail sector
- Recognizes the importance of social responsibility in retail
- Can analyze chain entrepreneurship/retailer entrepreneurship
- Understands the significance of digitalization in retail
- Understands retail’s role as an employer and taxpayer

Employer connections

Practical exercises.

Student workload

133,5 hours.

Further information

You will receive the course instructions and access credentials from your responsible teacher.