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IMRG endorses the MSc in Internet Retailing

31 May 2010

Staff Writer

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IMRG has today endorsed the MSc in Internet Retailing as a qualification to develop tomorrow’s leaders in multichannel retail.

The MSc programme blends commercial training with up to the minute best practice insights and a rigorous, portable qualification accredited by Manchester Metropolitan University. The MSc is for today’s and tomorrow’s leaders in multichannel retail.

IMRG was established in 1990 as the industry body for e-retail. IMRG’s influence now extends beyond the UK with their formation of IMRWorld, along with a focus upon research, professionalism and skills development.

James Roper, FRSA. CEO and Founder of IMRG

James Roper, founder and CEO of IMRG said:

“At IMRG we’re focused up developing the skills, capabilities and

professionalism in our young and dynamic industry, as well as extending the

recognition of the multichannel skills within the wider market. We’re

pleased to support the MSc in Internet Retailing and welcome the blend of

current, commercially-focused training with recognised, portable academic

qualification. In our work we seek to develop the next generation of retail

leaders via knowledge, research and insight and the MSc programme is a

valuable contribution to that. We look forward to working with the team on

the MSc to ensure its ongoing relevance to the future of our industry”.

Ian Jindal, creator of the MSc in Internet Retailing (and Editor in Chief of InternetRetailing) welcomed James’ comments and the support of the IMRG and noted:

“We welcome the support of the IMRG as we enter the second year of the MSc programme. We look forward to working closely with the IMRG over the coming years to maintain the commercial focus and relevance of the MSc. We’re also delighted to be able to announce that James Roper, FRSA, CEO and Founder of IMRG, has agreed to join the Leadership Council and will advise on the ongoing development of the qualification”.

The MSc programme was created by Ian Jindal and Econsultancy.com, and is accredited by Manchester Metropolitan University’s Business School (MMUBS).

Econsultancy.com provide the industry-leading training and commercial practice aspects, while MMUBS provide the academic tutoring, assessment and accreditation.

Industry support for the MSc

Peter Callaway, Director of eCommerce at House of Fraser, has a senior member of his team in the first cohort of the MSc. He notes that the MSc programme “is adding significant value to the in-house team and [the] academic work is feeding directly into the online business strategy. It’s a great way to integrate academic learning with real-world commercial requirements.”

Alison Lancaster, ex Marketing Director at Harrods.com and John Lewis Direct, and now marketing director at White Stuff and other clients noted:

“I am delighted to support and promote the MSc in Internet Retailing.

It’s a unique qualification in our industry, designed to significantly raise

the competency bar. The course enables organisations and individuals to

train and gain practical, expert knowledge and in-depth learning and

understanding about our fast moving, dynamic industry, helping develop a

quality source of talented trading stars for tomorrow. With the rapid

growth of online and multi channel retail over the last 15 years, there is a

shortage of suitably qualified internet and multi channel retail traders.

If multi channel retail success is all about excellence in trading execution

– from strategy, to brand, product and customer proposition and delivery –

then this course provides world-class in-depth training and mentoring of all

the required elements to inspire, educate and motivate the internet and

multi channel leaders of the future.”

Further information

If you’d like to know more about the MSc programme you can see further information on the Econsultancy website:

http://econsultancy.com/training/qualifications/retailing

The 2010 intake commences in September 2010.

Deadline for applications is July 2010.

There is an Open Evening in Manchester on 9 June for people interested in learning more about the MSc – email masters@econsultancy.com to reserve a place.