GENERAL INFORMATION
overview
description
selection
opportunities
registration criteria
employers' questions

REQUIREMENTS
syllabus
documentation of hours
supervisor's evaluation

ASSIGNMENTS
proposal
weekly reports
interview
final report

RELATED INFORMATION
once you have the job

FINAL REPORT

Directions

The final report should be written up in outline form using the following guidelines.  The report must be neat, typed, well organized, and presented in a binder.  The report is due before the end of the session (see syllabus for due date).   This report may not be faxed; therefore, time should be allowed for mailing or delivery.  It is highly recommended that the report be started at the beginning of the internship.  Organize your final report according to the following outline:

Click here for a Word version of the Final Report Outline

Outline

A.  General Information

1. Name of Company

2. Address/Location of Company

3. Owner of Company

B.  Store Organization

1. Draw an organization chart of the store indicating lines of responsibility and authority

2. Does this organization have branch operations?

3. What is the mission and/or vision of the company?

4. Who is the target market being served?

C.  Employment and Training

1. Why was employment sought with this company?

2. Describe the initial interview with the employment manager or person who hired you?

3. What employment forms had to be completed?

4. Attach sample employment form

5. Describe initial training received in both systems and merchandising

1. Who directed internship training?

2. Was the training adequate to help the intern feel secure in the position?

3. What changes would you suggest in the training methods?

6. What are the various types of sales receipts which the store uses?

1. Describe information on each

2. Attach duplicate copies of the various types of sales slips used and show how each is filled out

7. If the store uses any of  the forms listed below, describe information need on each

1. Transfers

2. Cash register report

3. Special order form

4. Want lists

5. Approval form

6. Tally sheets

7. Computer printouts

D.  Store Layout

1. Draw the layout of the selling department in which the internship was conducted.  If you are employed by a small store or boutique, draw the complete store layout for selling areas.  If you are working for a non-retailing firm, draw the showroom, workroom, or similar type of space.

2. Department name.   Is the current merchandising or the selling space appropriate for the department? Explain.

3. Type of merchandise sold.  List the departments located in the store.  Where are they located?

4. Does the store have a grid or free-flow plan?  Why is that particular traffic pattern used?

5. What area of the store has the highest volume of sales?  Where is it located?  Why?

E.  Store/Company Policies

From personal observation and work experience, answer the following questions of the company policies.  Do Not ask executives for official answers.

1. Is there a published policy or understood policy that is unique to the store?  What is that policy?

2. Give a brief description of policies governing the following:

1. Fashion

2. Assortment

3. Pricing

4. Quality

5. Public service

6. Individual and personal selling

7. Adjustment and return

8. Error reporting, penalties, and corrections

9. Customer services

F. Human Resources Activities

1. Attach any employees' manual which the store publishes

2. Briefly describe store rules covering the following:

1. Payment wages

2. Employee benefits (including insurance, vacations, discounts,etc.)

3. Employee scheduling

4. Shopping procedure for employees

5. Name badges

6. Dress regulations

7. Relief and meal periods

8. Methods of checking in and out

9. Procedures in cases of lateness and absence

10. Attention to grievances

11. Provision for adequate working conditions

12. Advancement and employee evaluations

13. Security and job tenure

14. Note any other rule not mentioned above

3. Describe any centralized merchandising training provided by the store for selling or non-selling employees.

4. Describe any decentralized training provided by the store for selling or non-selling employees.

5. Describe the review of employees. Who is involved? When?

7. Merchandising Activities

1. List the steps through which merchandise passes from the time it is purchased until it is put on the floor.

2. List the merchandising activity and location of the activity

3. Does the store have a warehouse? (yes) (no)

   1. If yes, where is it located?

   2. What merchandise is stored in the warehouse?

   3. What goods are delivered to customers directly from the warehouse?

   4. Who is in charge of the warehouse?

   5. What is the procedure for transferring goods from the warehouse to the store?

4. Does the department have a stockroom?   Describe.

5. Explain the procedure for taking physical inventory?

6. What are the procedure for moving slow-selling merchandise?

7. Who initiates mark-down?  What is the store policy regarding mark-downs?

8. How is merchandise returned to a vendor?

9. Attach any merchandise forms that can be collected

8. Sales Promotion Activities

1. Who is in charge of advertising at the company?

2. What are the procedures for running a newspaper advertisement?

3. In what newspaper does the company advertise? Why?

4. What other media does the store use to advertise?

1. In store

2. Radio

3. Television

4. Flyers

5. Direct Mail

6. Other

5. Does the store/company participate in co-op advertising?

1. List at least three companies with which the store/company participates in advertising

2. Describe procedures for participating in co-op advertising

6. Does the store have an advertising logo? (yes) (no) If yes, draw the logo

7. Who selects merchandise for promotion?

8. What special sales are repeated annually at the store?

9. Are window displays assigned to selling departments? (yes) (no) If yes, how are the windows assigned?

10. Who decides what merchandise will be placed on display?

1. Who sets up the display areas? Windows, point of purchase, ledges, cases, aisles?

2. How often are the display areas changed?

11. Are there any limitations as to the type of merchandise that may be displayed? (yes) (no) If yes, explain.

12. Who is responsible for the physical construction of displays in the store?

13. What type of merchandise is placed in both windows and departmental displays? (New, clearance, sale, promotional, etc.)

14. Does the store have a publicity department? (yes) (no) If yes, who is in charge of publicity?

15. What types of publicity does the store use regularly?

16. What special promotion event has the store had recently?

17. Attach three examples of the store's advertising and promotion campaigns.  Analyze each according to type of advertising, selling power, image, illustration, and purpose.  Include any other points of interest which you believe are important about the promotional strategies.

9. Supervision

1. Who is responsible for the supervision of sales personnel?

2. Who is responsible for supervising the following:

1. Stock work

2. Discipline

3. Attendance

4. Departmental housekeeping

5. Scheduling and stationing salespeople

6. Handling complaints

7. Handling unusual customer problems

8. Other

10. Student Evaluation of Internship

Evaluate your internship.  Be thorough, specific and very detailed in your analysis. 

1.      Every firm has both strengths and weaknesses.

a.  Company Strengths.  (The strengths are reasons the company has succeeded.  The company would not be in business without strengths.)

b.      Areas for Company Improvement.  (Conversely, all companies have areas that could be improved.)

2.      Evaluate your internship experience

a.       What were the most positive aspects of your internship experience?

b.   In what ways could your internship experience be improved?

 

back to home page