CATEGORY MANAGEMENT CERTIFICATION
with focus on
DATA ANALYTICS
The WMU Professional Category Management Certification Program, in partnership with Learning Evolution, offers a comprehensive, university-based online program that equips participants with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in Category Management and Data Analytics.
“The certification stands out so much on my resume and sets me apart from other applicants with similar education and experience levels. Employers have shown interest because category management is such a complex job, so having a certification showing my fundamental understanding differentiates me from my peers,” says Emma Kite, vice president of student engagement for the Food Marketing Association.
The benefits of our Professional Category Management Certification
* Elevate personal growth and develop essential skills for career advancement and increased salary
* Gain a Competitive Advantage and stay ahead with the latest industry trends and innovative approaches
* Maximize Profits and enhance revenue by optimizing product assortments and pricing strategies
* Improve Efficiency and streamline operations with data-driven insights and best practices
* Improve Team Collaboration and foster teamwork by aligning goals and sharing expertise
* Transform your team into industry leaders!
Don't miss this opportunity to advance your career in
Category Management and Data Analytics.
The program covers a wide range of topics, including Category Management fundamentals, Data Analytics tools and techniques, consumer behavior, and market trends. By obtaining this certification, participants can gain a competitive advantage in the job market, enhance their skills and knowledge, and improve their career prospects and growth potential.
Contact us if you want to learn about available scholarships for motivated individuals and exclusive team / group discounts for your organization.
Don't miss this opportunity to elevate your e-commerce skills and transform your team into industry leaders. Get in touch now to unlock your full potential!
Overview
Grounded in the 60-plus year heritage of the food and consumer package goods marketing program at Western and the thought leadership of the Food Industry Research and Education Center, WMU's program offers the most advanced certification available to the global fast-moving consumer goods industry and is the only category management program where the certifications are recognized as credit hours toward earning an AACSB-accredited graduate certificate in food marketing (certificate program expected in fall 2022).
The Western Michigan University, Haworth College of Business, Food Industry Research and Education Center (FIRE) Professional Category Management Certification is a university-based training and certification for professionals and students in the consumer packaged goods and retail industries. The program is powered by Learning Evolution, a leader in online professional training and certification solutions.
Professor
Dr. Russell Zwanka is your virtual professor from the Western Michigan University’s food and consumer package goods marketing program, and your host for the modules.
“We are excited about bringing this innovative university-based program to partners in the food industry, as well as to other universities with food marketing-focused programs,” says Dr. Russell Zwanka, associate professor of marketing and director of the food and consumer packaged goods program. “The certification confirms and expands on students’ understanding of current category management theory and marketing principles, while also enhancing knowledge and skills for food industry professionals looking to advance in category management.”
The Food Industry Research and Education Center (FIRE) at WMU’s Haworth College of Business is dedicated to offering insightful customer-focused applications for food industry research and cutting-edge food marketing curriculum.
This is a unique university-based global Professional Category Management Certification that provides you with the best of both worlds:
- Top-tier curriculum from WMU’s food marketing program with WMU Food marketing faculty and industry experts developing content and instruction under the guidance of the FIRE Center.
- Technology resources from Learning Evolution at an affordable price that makes this training and industry certification an incredible value.
What is WMU Professional Category Management Certification?
- An innovative university-based program for partners in the food industry, as well as to other universities with food marketing-focused programs.
- Level 1 and Level 2 Category Management Certification confirms and expands participant understanding of current category management theory and marketing principles.
- Level 1 is ideal for all customer-facing job roles who need a solid understanding and foundation in category management.
- Level 2 is ideal for intermediate and advanced learners who must have deeper understanding of ‘CatMan’ principles. Ideal for category or sales analyst, management or advisor roles.
- Knowledge and tools for developing and implementing consumer-centric category strategies in the context of the global omnichannel markets for food and fast-moving consumer goods retail channels.
Why WMU Professional Category Management Certification?
- University-based.
- Formed from WMU’s top-tier food marketing curriculum.
- Able to evolve as the industry evolves and changes.
- Affordable with food industry-focus.
- M-F email support with help desk.
Who should enroll in WMU Professional Category Management Certification?
- Food industry professionals looking to advance knowledge and skills in category management.
- Entry level merchants and operators.
- Food marketing students.
- Food companies looking to increase overall ability to connect with customers.
- People who want to win!
- Companies and teams with seasoned category management professionals can test out of the PCMC learning modules and videos and advance directly to the Final Exam to earn their certification. Click here to learn more.
Level 1
| Course |
Course Overview |
| 0 |
Getting Started |
| 1 |
Marketing Principles and Spreadsheet Development |
| 2 |
Perspectives on Retailing and Presentation Development |
| 3 |
Food Retail Formats and Fast-Moving Consumer Goods and CPG Industry Basics |
| 4 |
Why Category Management and Category Management Foundations |
| 5 |
Business Process, Retail Data Foundations, and Syndicated POS Data |
| 6 |
Category Definition and Retail POS Data |
| 7 |
Category Assessment and Pricing Analysis |
| 8 |
Category Strategies and Promotion Analysis |
| 9 |
Category Tactics and Assortment Analysis |
| 10 |
Scorecards, KPIs, and Space Planning |
| -- |
Level 1 Certification Final Exam |
Level 2
| Course |
Course Overview |
| 1 |
Syndicated Panel Data |
| 2 |
Consumer & Geodemographic Data |
| 3 |
Shopper & Loyalty Data |
| 4 |
Understanding Drivers and Leveraging Insights |
| 5 |
Understanding Behavior and Leveraging Shopper-Driven Strategies |
| 6 |
Retailer Economics and Supply Chain |
| 7 |
Collaborative Partnerships and Planning |
| 8 |
Today’s Consultative Selling |
| 9 |
Retail Financial Decisions in Action |
| -- |
Level 2 Certification Final Exam |
To learn even more please visit WMU website.
