PSY09601 Productivity in OCBC Direct Acquisition Without CRM | Report, Singapore

The Task for This First Assessment

You have been asked by Myers Publishing to advise them on selecting a strategic manager to fill the post of Category Manager. You will design a selection process that will help them select the best candidate.

Write a report documenting a selection process that could be used to select this person. You should give evidence for your recommendations. That evidence should be based on journal articles and academic studies.

Your report should cover:

1. The knowledge, skills, attitudes, and other characteristics (KSAOs) you will assess and the methods that will be used to make the selection decision. This section of the report should be no longer than 15% of the report.
2. Select appropriate methods to evidence the KSAOs.
3. You should justify (not just describe) the methods you have chosen, considering reliability, validity, fairness, and utility. There are marks for using these, and they are important. Do not miss these out.
4. You should evidence your report with material drawn from the module and from wider journal articles to support your justifications.

Your report should be 2,000 words (plus or minus 10%) excluding references. Marks will be deducted for substantial deviation from the guideline.

Submission Guidelines

When you submit this assignment, it should be via Turnitin. You should title your assessment WP Assignment 1 and include your name.

Weighting of this assessment: 70%

Submission Date: Sunday, 9th March 2025, 12.00 pm/Midnight Hong Kong time.

Students are advised that a request for an extension due to computer errors or time differences if submitting late on the final day will not be accepted.

DO NOT:

• Focus on the Recruitment process. The selection process is not the recruitment process. You should cover only the selection process, which is the process by which decisions on hiring are made. There are no marks for documenting the recruitment process (advertising, organising interviews, etc.), although you may want to cover this for context.
• Be generic and talk about the methods alone. The methods should link directly to the selection decision for THIS post and not just any post. Be specific about what would work for this selection process, in this company, for this job.
• Do not repeat back the person specification or job information in full. This needlessly uses word count. Put it in the Appendices if you need to and refer to it.
• Spend a lot of time defining KSAOs. This does not achieve many marks and uses word count you need to use to discuss the methods.
• Leave it until the last minute to submit, as extensions will not be given for computer failures or internet/supply issues.

Category Manager for Myers Distribution Hubs

Myers Publishing and Distribution – Hong Kong Management Centre

Myers Book Distribution is part of a group of companies that publishes books and other relevant products. This is an international company, and the role is based in one of the management offices for the Distribution Hub network centres. The management offices are based in Hong Kong. Myers has been struggling in the book-selling arena due to a competitive market and is looking to expand the categories of products it sells and/or distributes. This is primarily a strategic role.

Category Manager Job Description

As a Category Manager, you will be responsible for overseeing the strategic planning, development, and execution of product categories within a company. Your main objective will be to maximize sales and profitability by ensuring that the right products are available at the right time and in the right quantities.

You will work closely with cross-functional teams, such as marketing, sales, and supply chain, to drive growth and achieve overall business objectives.

Category Manager Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category strategies and plans to achieve sales and profit targets.
• Conduct market research and analyze consumer trends, competitor products, and pricing to identify opportunities and make informed decisions.
• Collaborate with suppliers to negotiate and maintain favorable terms, pricing, and contracts.
• Monitor market dynamics, including consumer preferences, industry trends, and regulatory changes, and adjust category strategies accordingly.
• Manage product assortment, including assortment planning, selection, and optimization.
• Determine pricing strategies and manage price positioning to optimize sales and profitability.
• Monitor inventory levels and ensure alignment with sales forecasts, working closely with the supply chain team to minimize stock-outs and overstocks.
• Collaborate with the marketing team to develop and execute promotional plans to drive category sales and increase brand visibility.
• Analyze sales data and key performance indicators to identify opportunities for improvement and make data-driven recommendations.
• Conduct regular performance reviews of products and suppliers to ensure they meet quality standards and customer expectations.
• Stay updated on industry trends, new product developments, and emerging technologies relevant to the category.
• Provide guidance and support to cross-functional teams, including sales representatives and marketing managers, to ensure the successful execution of category strategies.

Category Manager Required Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret data and make strategic decisions.
• Excellent negotiation and relationship-building skills to effectively collaborate with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Proven experience in category management or related roles, with a track record of driving sales growth and profitability.
• Knowledge of market research techniques and familiarity with market research tools.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to prioritize and meet deadlines.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills to effectively communicate category strategies and plans to stakeholders.
• Proficiency in using data analysis tools and software, such as Microsoft Excel, to analyze and interpret sales data.
• Knowledge of retail and consumer behavior trends, including e-commerce and digital marketing.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and adapt to changing market conditions.
• Strong leadership and team management skills to effectively lead cross-functional teams.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, or a related field. A master’s degree is a plus.
• Proven experience in category management or related roles, preferably in the retail industry.
• Knowledge of product categories relevant to the company’s industry.
• Familiarity with supply chain and inventory management principles.
• Proficiency in using category management software and tools.
• Strong understanding of financial principles and ability to analyze profitability and sales data.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and influence others.
• Excellent organizational and multitasking skills.
• Ability to travel as required for liaison meetings, supplier meetings, or industry events.