Course Description: 

BMGT 1347 Retailing Buying (3-3-0). A detailed study of the organizational structure of  retail buying, the internal and external sources of buying information, the fundamentals of  effective purchasing and the buyer’s role in planning. 

Transferability of workforce courses varies. Students interested in transferring courses to  another college should speak with their Area of Study (AoS) advisor, Department Chair,  and/or Program Director. 

This course is part of a program at ACC titled first day access or FDA. When  students register for the course, they are automatically charged a fee for course materials (e-text). Purchasing the materials in another way costs almost twice the amount. See the link called “First Day Course Materials” in Blackboard. 

Orientation for Retail Buying 

Online distance learning courses are designed for students who face scheduling challenges, such as work commitments or other conflicts with traditional class times. To succeed in a distance learning course, it is essential to be disciplined in setting and maintaining a regular study schedule. Adopting a mindset of 'I will study when I have time' can lead to difficulty, as other priorities may take precedence. Deadlines are established to help you stay on track with the coursework, and attempting to complete all assignments at the end of the semester is not a viable strategy for success. 

The first step to success in this course is the Mandatory Course Orientation. You must  accomplish this by the date listed in the Class Schedule in this syllabus. The course 

information is delivered via ACC’s online platform called Blackboard. If you are not familiar  with the Blackboard software, you can go to http://www.austincc.edu/acceid/step1.htm to obtain an ACCeID that you will need as a first step. 

The orientation for this course consists of reading this course syllabus and the class  schedule of dates and deadlines, which can be performed on the Blackboard web site.  

Students need to send me an email acknowledging that they have read and understood the syllabus and understand that all the assignments, tests and projects are required. If you have questions, ask them in an email to me. If you do not have any questions, send me an email advising me of such and that you understand the course syllabus. 

In addition to sending the orientation email informing me that you have read and  understood the course syllabus and the class schedule and deadlines, you are to include  the answers the 5 questions that are listed below: 

1. What is the last day that you can take Exam 1? 

2. Exam 1 covers what chapters? 

3. Are the course chapter assignments mandatory or optional? 

4. What is the last day you can take Exam 4? 

5. What are the names of the 4 units that appear in the link Course Content? 

In all your emails to me, place the following in the Subject section of the email form: BMGT 1347- This will ensure that it does not go into a SPAM folder. Make sure you  always use your full name to let me know who you are. Be sure to use your ACC email  address-I can only reply to emails that are sent from your ACC Official email address. 

Instructional Methodology: 

This course will be taught online using ACC’s platform called “Blackboard”. To be successful  in this class, students must be motivated, responsible, organized, and self-disciplined  learners. Each student is responsible to maintain satisfactory progress during the semester  by reading the course materials in the textbook, accomplishing the required assignments,  participating in the class, and taking the required exams by the deadlines. The flow of the  class will be week to week with specific assignments and activities due each week.  Deadlines are clearly stated in the class calendar to assure that you will not fall behind and  they will be enforced. All course expectations must be completed by the last due day-you  are encouraged to work ahead of schedule. All tests and assignments are mandatory.  Projects turned in after a deadline will receive a 10% point penalty per day late. Missing  assignments will receive a grade of zero. Projects may be turned in prior to due dates.  

Course Rationale: 

The purpose of this course is to prepare the student to understand the importance of retail  buying in marketing and the retail industry. 

Today’s buyers face more challenges than ever before. In the long run they will be responsible for the success or the profitability of their retail establishment. Retail buying has become more sophisticated and has more resources than ever before. Buyers have many available sources globally. Different channels of distribution have become more

common to business success. Technology has become critical to the flow of information needed to have the right merchandise at the right location. 

At the beginning of each chapter, the author has set up specific learning objectives called performance objectives that the student should focus on. The chapter closes with Summary Points and Review Activities. 

Required Text/Materials: 

Retailing Buying, by Richard Codfelter, 7th edition, 2023 Fairchild books, ISBN  978-1-5013-7572-9 

Course Requirements 

1) Exams (800 points, 200 points each) There will be 4 exams for this course. The exams are taken using the Respondus/Monitoring Software in Blackboard and they must be taken using your computer and the Lockdown Browser (I will  provide detailed information for setting up this system prior to the first exam). In addition, a webcam is needed to take these tests. Here is the link for  downloading the software: 

https://instruction.austincc.edu/students/article/respondus-quick-start-guide/ 

Each test will be made up of 2 parts. There will be 60 multiple choice/true false  questions and will be valued at 3 points each. The essay part of the test is valued  at 20 points. Total value of each exam is 200 points. 

Test Review: There is a link titled “Test Review Notes” located in the Course  Content folder for each unit. This can serve as a review tool in preparation for the  exams but does not substitute for the textbook. 

2) Chapter Quizzes (300 points, 20 points each) There is a chapter quiz for each  chapter located in the modules in Blackboard. They are due on the last day listed for  the corresponding exam, but can be completed ahead of the due date. It is  recommended that you complete each quiz as you read them and use them to  prepare for exams.

3) Unit Assignments (100 points, 25 points each) At the end of most chapters is a  section entitled “Retail Buying Math Practice”. You will need to calculate the correct  answer for the following: 

Unit 1: Chapter 3, Retail Buying Math Practice, questions 1-5 

Unit 2: Chapter 7, Retail Buying Math Practice, questions 1-5 

Unit 3: Chapter 10, Retail Buying Math Practice, questions 1-4 

Unit 4: Chapter 14, Retail Buying Math Practice, questions 1-5 

Email your calculations directly to the instructor by the due date. They may be  completed prior to the due date. 

4) Discussion questions (100 points) There will be questions posted in the  Discussion Board that reflect buying trends, current events, strategies, and other  topics related to this class. You will earn 10 points per question by entering  responses and discussing ideas with your classmates. Each question will be open  randomly and be available for only two weeks. 

5) COURSE OUTLINE/SCHEDULE/DUE DATES You are encouraged to complete  assignments prior to deadlines. 

Any changes to the schedule will be posted in the Announcement folder in Blackboard.

Grading System: 

Total Points 

Exams (4 at 200 points each) 800 

Quizzes (15 at 20 points each) 300 

Unit Assignments (4 at 25 points each) 100 

Discussion Questions (10 at 10 points each) 100 

Orientation 10 

 Total points 1,310 

Grade structure: 

A = 1,310 - 1,179 

B = 1,178 - 1,048 

C = 1,047 - 917 

D = 916 - 786 

F = below 786 

You can obtain your grades by logging into “My Grades” in Blackboard. EXTRA CREDIT 

When you take your exam you may earn an additional 10 points per exam by completing the  following assignment. (One article for each exam). 

Read an article concerning some aspect of retail buying. http://www.adage.com has great  articles. The article must relate to a topic that is covered in the text. Summarize the article in  1-2 pages, state which chapter and the topic to which it relates. Document your source. This  

opportunity will be due on the last day available to take your exam—email document to the  instructor.  

The best place to find articles is on our Marketing Facebook page located at:  https://www.facebook.com/MRKGatACC and if you use an article on our Facebook page I  will double the value. Please tell me it’s off the Marketing Facebook page so I will double  your points to 20. 

Additional extra credit may be possible at the instructor’s discretion. I am not a strong  supporter of extra credit—I would prefer that you do all your regular work at the best level  possible. Occasionally, some activity may be offered for extra credit. 

Course Objectives/Learning Objectives 

• Gain a comprehensive understanding of the evolving retail environment, including the impact of technological advancements

• Learn to identify the qualifications necessary to become a retail buyer and understand how these qualifications are assessed.

• Develop the ability to distinguish between buying fashion merchandise and basic merchandise, and learn how to apply these differences in practice.

• Identify and utilize both internal and external sources of information for informed buying decisions. 

• Understand the shifts in demographics, consumer behavior, and the latest trends in consumer psychographics.

• Explore theories of fashion adoption and learn how retailers cultivate a specific fashion image.

• Master the techniques for forecasting inventory needs and predicting sales using stock-to-sales ratios and stock turnover methods.

To be successful in this class, students must be motivated, responsible, organized, and self disciplined learners. Each student is responsible to maintain satisfactory progress during the  semester by reading the course materials, accomplishing the required assignments,  participating in class, and by completing the required exams by the deadlines. Deadlines are  clearly stated (see course calendar for due dates) to assure that you do not fall behind and  they will be enforced. DO NOT PROCRASTINATE! The assignments in this class are  designed to develop quality results and cannot be done accurately on the day they are due.  All projects must be submitted in either WORD, Powerpoint, or PDF format! All course  expectations must be completed by the stated due day (you can do any assignment early). 

All tests and assignments are mandatory. Assignments are time stamped upon submission.  Projects turned in after a deadline will receive a 10% point penalty per day late. Missing  assignments and/or projects will receive a grade of zero. Projects may be turned in prior to  the due dates.  

Departmental policies for Incompletes, Attendance, and Withdrawal are as follows: 

Incomplete Policy: An incomplete (I) will be granted to a student in rare  circumstances. Generally to receive a grade of I, a student must have completed all  examinations and assignments to date, be passing, and have personal circumstances that  prevent course completion that occur after the deadline to withdraw with a grade of W.  

Attendance Policy: All students are expected to attend classes. Non-attendance will have  an impact on the student’s grade. For online classes, it is expected that students log into  the class 3 times per week. 

Withdrawal Policy: It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that his or her name is  removed from the roll should he or she decide to withdraw from the class. The instructor  does, however, reserve the right to drop a student should he or she feel it is necessary. If a  student decides to withdraw, he or she should also verify that the withdrawal is submitted  before the Final Withdrawal Date. The student is also strongly encouraged to retain their  copy of the withdrawal form for their records. Students who enroll for the third or subsequent  time in a course taken since Fall 2002, may be charged a higher tuition rate for that course. 

State law permits students to withdraw from no more than six courses during their entire  undergraduate career at Texas public colleges or universities. With certain exceptions, all  course withdrawals automatically count towards this limit. Details regarding this policy can be  found in the ACC college catalog. 

COLLEGE POLICIES 

Statement on Academic Integrity 

Austin Community College values academic integrity in the educational process. Acts of  academic dishonesty/misconduct undermine the learning process, present a disadvantage to  students who earn credit honestly, and subvert the academic mission of the institution. The  potential consequences of fraudulent credentials raise additional concerns for individuals  and communities beyond campus who rely on institutions of higher learning to certify  students; academic achievements and expect to benefit from the claimed knowledge and  skills of their graduates. Students must follow all instructions given by faculty or designated  college representatives when taking examinations, placement assessments, tests, quizzes,  and evaluations. Actions constituting scholastic dishonesty include, but are not limited to,  plagiarism, cheating, fabrication, collusion, falsifying documents, or the inappropriate use of  the college’s information technology resources. Further information is available at 

https://www.austincc.edu/about-acc/academic-integrity-and-disciplinary-process

Student Rights & Responsibilities 

Academic freedom is a foundation and hallmark of higher education. In the context of  college-level courses, it specifically refers to the rights of free expression and respect for  others with differing opinions. Students at the college have the rights accorded by the U.S.  Constitution to freedom of speech, peaceful assembly, petition, and association. This  concept is accompanied by an equally demanding concept of responsibility on the part of the  student. Just as you are expected to exercise these rights with respect for state and federal  law in the larger world, you are expected to exercise these rights as a student with respect  for the college’s standards of conduct. These rights carry with them the responsibility to  accord the same rights to others in the college community and not to interfere with or disrupt  the educational process. Students and faculty alike should enable a climate of mutual  respect and civility while fostering the freedom to debate and discuss the merits of  competing ideas. 

Enrollment in the college indicates acceptance of the rules set forth in the student standards  of conduct policy, which is administered through the office of the campus dean of student  services. Due process, through an investigation and appeal process, is assured to any  student involved in disciplinary action. 

Student Complaints 

A defined process applies to complaints about an instructor or other college employee. You  are encouraged to discuss concerns and complaints with college personnel and should  expect a timely and appropriate response. When possible, students should first address their  concerns through informal conferences with those immediately involved; formal due process  is available when informal resolution cannot be achieved. 

Student complaints may include (but are not limited to) issues regarding classroom  instruction, college services and offices on the basis of actual or perceived race, color,  national origin, religion, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or  disability. Further information about the complaints process, including the form used to  submit complaints, is available at http://www.austincc.edu/students/students-rights-and responsibilities/student-complaint-procedures 

Statement on Privacy 

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) protects confidentiality of students’ educational records. Grades cannot be provided by faculty over the phone, by email, or to a fellow student. Grades are posted on Blackboard. 

Safety Statement 

Health and safety are of paramount importance in classrooms, laboratories, and field  activities. 

Students are expected to learn and comply with ACC environmental, health and safety  procedures and agree to follow ACC safety policies. Emergency Procedures posters and  Campus Safety Plans are posted in each classroom and should be reviewed at the  beginning of each semester. All incidents (injuries/illness/fire/property damage/near miss) 

should be immediately reported to the course instructor. Additional information about safety  procedures and how to sign up to be notified in case of an emergency can be found at  http://www.austincc.edu/emergency 

Everyone is expected to conduct themselves professionally with respect and courtesy to all.  Anyone who thoughtlessly or intentionally jeopardizes the health or safety of another  individual may be immediately dismissed from the day’s activity and will be referred to the  Dean of Student Services for disciplinary action. In the event of disruption of normal classroom activities due to an emergency situation or an illness outbreak, the format for this  course may be modified to enable completion of the course. In that event, students will be  provided an addendum to the class syllabus that will supersede the original version. 

Campus Carry 

The Austin Community College District concealed handgun policy ensures compliance with  Section 411.2031 of the Texas Government Code (also known as the Campus Carry Law),  while maintaining ACC’s commitment to provide a safe environment for its students, faculty,  

staff, and visitors. Beginning August 1, 2017, individuals who are licensed to carry (LTC)  may do so on campus premises except in locations and at activities prohibited by state or  federal law, or the college’s concealed handgun policy. In addition, concealed weapons are  not allowed on ACC-sponsored field trips where the school owns or has chartered or leased  vehicles for transportation. 

It is the responsibility of license holders to conceal their handguns at all times. Persons who  see a handgun on campus are asked to contact the ACC Police Department by dialing 222  from a campus phone or 512-223-7999. Please refer to the concealed handgun policy  online at http://austincc.edu/campuscarry 

Discrimination Prohibited 

The College seeks to maintain an educational environment free from any form of  discrimination or harassment including but not limited to discrimination or harassment on the  basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender  identity, or disability. Faculty at the College are required to report concerns regarding sexual  misconduct (including all forms of sexual harassment and sex and gender-based  discrimination) to the Manager of Title IX/Title VI/ADA Compliance. Licensed clinical  counselors are available across the District and serve as confidential resources for students.  Additional information about Title VI, Title IX, and ADA compliance can be found in the ACC  Compliance Resource Guide available at https://drive.google.com/file/d/1o55xINAWNvTYgI fs-JbDyuaMFDNvAjz/view 

Use of ACC email 

All College e-mail communication to students will be sent solely to the student’s ACC email  account, with the expectation that such communications will be read in a timely fashion. ACC  will send important information and will notify students of any college- related emergencies  using this account. Students should only expect to receive email communication from their  instructor using this account. Likewise, students should use their ACC mail account when  communicating with instructors and staff. Information about ACC email accounts, including  instructions for accessing it, are available at http:/www.austincc.edu/help/accmail/questions and-answers

Use of the Testing Center 

Under certain circumstances, examinations may have to be taken in a testing center. The  ACC Testing Centers follow standard procedures so students know what to expect when  they arrive to take their tests. Students should familiarize themselves with the student  guidelines. Students must present an ACC student ID card or government issued ID and  know their ACC ID number before they can test. It is necessary to check in at the Testing  Center kiosk before taking a test. To check in, one must know the following information: 

• Student ID number
• Course prefix and number
• Course synonym
• Course section number
• Test number
• Instructor’s name 

Personal belongings such as backpacks, books, and electronic devices (including, but not  limited to, cell phones and smart watches) are not allowed in the Testing Center. Possession  of prohibited items or accessing unapproved resources in the testing room will result in the  immediate termination of the exam and possible disciplinary action. For additional  information on using the Testing Center, please go  

to http://www.austincc.edu/students/testing-services/instructional-testing 

STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES 

The success of our students is paramount, and ACC offers a variety of support services to  help, as well as providing numerous opportunities for community engagement and personal  growth. 

Student Support 

ACC strives to provide exemplary support to its students and offers a broad variety of  opportunities and services. Information on these campus services and resources is  available at http://www.austincc.edu/students. 

Student Accessibility Services 

Students with documented disabilities who need classroom, academic, or other  accommodations must request them through the office Student Accessibility Services  (SAS). SAS offices are located at each major campus. Students are encouraged to request  accommodations when they register for courses or at least three weeks before the start of  the semester; otherwise, the provision of accommodations may be delayed. Students who  have received approval for accommodations from SAS for this course must provide the  instructor with the document titled “Notice of Approved Accommodations” from SAS before  accommodations will be provided. Accommodations will not be provided retroactively. 

Arrangements by the instructor for academic accommodations can only be made after he or  she receives the “Notice of Approved Accommodations” from the student. Additional 

information about Student Accessibility Services is available at  

https://www.austincc.edu/offices/student-accessibility-services-and-assistive-technology Academic Support 

ACC offers academic support services on all of its campuses. These services, which include  face-to-face and online tutoring, academic coaching, and supplemental instruction, are free  to enrolled ACC students. Tutors are available in a variety of subjects ranging from  accounting to pharmacology. Students may receive these services on both a drop-in and  referral basis. Tutoring schedules can be found  

at https://www.austincc.edu/students/tutoring/tutoring-schedules 

Library Services 

ACC has a full-service library at each of its campuses to support ACC courses and programs  and to provide students with research and assignment assistance from expert faculty  librarians, computers, course reserves, laptop and tablet check out, study spaces, and  copying, printing, and scanning services. In addition, ACC students have full rights and  privileges to access Library Services online 24/7 via the ACC Library website and students  can use their ACCeID logins to access all online materials, including ebooks, articles from  library databases, and streaming videos. ACC Libraries also provide an “Ask a Librarian”  service, which allows students to reach a librarian 24/7 through online chat. Faculty  librarians are also available via email, phone, and in person seven days a week during hours  of operation. Visit 

• Library Website: http://library.austincc.edu 
• Ask a Librarian: https://library.austincc.edu/help/ask.php 
• Library Hours of Operation by Location: https://library.austincc.edu/loc/ o Email: library@austincc.edu 

In partnership with ACC’s Student Support Center, ACC Libraries also maintain a limited  collection of textbooks for students to borrow. Priority access to the textbook collection is  given to students receiving assistance. More information is available on the ACC website by  searching “Student Support Center Textbook Collection.” 

Student Organizations 

ACC has over seventy student organizations, offering a variety of cultural, academic,  vocational, and social opportunities. They provide a chance to meet with other students who  have the same interests, engage in service-learning, participate in intramural sports, gain  valuable field experience related to career goals, and much else. Student Life coordinates  many of these activities, and additional information is available  

at http://sites.austincc.edu/sl/. 

Personal Support 

Resources to support students are available at every campus. To learn more, ask your  professor or visit the campus Support Center. All resources and services are free and  confidential. Some examples include, among others: 

• Food pantries are located in all campus Student Life offices:

https://sites.austincc.edu/sl/programs/foodpantry/

• Assistance with childcare or utility bills is available at any campus Support Center: http://www.austincc.edu/students/support-center 
• The Student Emergency Fund can help with unexpected expenses that may cause you to withdraw from one or more classes: http://www.austincc.edu/SEF 
• Help with budgeting for college and family life is available through the Student Money Management Office: http://sites.austincc.edu/money/ 
• Drop-in childcare is available at Highland Campus: http://www.austincc.edu/students/child care/child-watch-drop-in-center 

Clinical Counseling services are available throughout the ACC Student Services District to  address personal and or mental health concerns:  

http://www.austincc.edu/students/counseling. 

If an emergency occurs during operational hours, please come to the Student Services  Office and let the front intake staff know that you are experiencing a crisis. They will alert  appropriate personnel. You may also contact the ACC District Police at 222 (on campus) or  223-7999 (off campus or cell phone). 

After Hours: 

If you are struggling with a mental health or personal crisis, call one of the following numbers  to connect with resources for help. However if you are afraid that you might hurt yourself or  someone else, call 911 

Free Crisis Hotline Numbers: 

•  Austin / Travis County 24 hour Crisis & Suicide hotline: 512-472-HELP (4357) o The Williamson County 24 hour Crisis hotline: 1-800-841-1255
• Bastrop County Family Crisis Center hotline: 1-888-311-7755 
• Hays County 24 Hour Crisis Hotline: 1-877-466-0660 
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) 
• Crisis Text Line: Text “home” to 741741 
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline:  1-800-662-HELP (4357) 
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)