In line with the development of our community and economy, IFT is going to offer a new Bachelor Degree Programme in “Tourism Retail and Marketing Management” in addition to the 4 existing programmes, “Tourism Business Management”, “Heritage Management”, “Hotel Management” and “Tourism Event Management”. The design of the course emphasises the balance between theory and practice to nurture students to full proficiency.
In recent years, Macao’s tourism retail and marketing industry is developing rapidly. Large shopping malls, such as the Grand Canal Shoppes at Venetian Macao, Four Seasons Shoppes, Wynn Esplanade, DFS Galleria, the upcoming City of Dream, One Central, and Macao Studio to be managed by Taubman Asia, etc have moved or are gradually moving into Macao and have become one of the many attractions for Macao visitors. It is estimated that a total retail floor space of around 600,000 sq. metres will be available in Macao in the next few years. However, the industry currently lacks supervisor and managerial professionals in the retail sector. In order to cope with the development of the industry and the rising demand in human resources in this area, the Tourism College of IFT is offering a 3-year Higher Diploma programme in Tourism Retail and Marketing Management with a supplementary 1-year programme leading to a Bachelor Degree.
The design of the programme includes modules such as Principles of Retailing, Marketing Channels and Distribution, Advertising and Communications Strategies, Brand Management, Merchandise Management, Retail and Marketing Business Project and Visual Merchandising and Store Design, etc. In addition to theory classes, the programme includes a 3-week practicum, which allows first year students to observe and experience the different practices in the industry and another 6-month internship that takes place in the third year.
On 26 & 27 February, IFT offered a 2-day executive development programme for retail executives in “Managing for Retail Services Excellence”. This programme was designed for retail operations managers, district managers, store managers and supervisors so as to enhance their leadership capabilities and retail management skills. To upgrade the standard of human resources in the retail sector, IFT’s “Macao Occupational Skills Recognition System” will soon include retail occupations.