RAI and VJIM Launch Bridge Course in Functional Retail Management
A strategic academia–industry partnership to strengthen retail-focused professional education.
RAI and VJIM Hyderabad have signed an MoU to introduce a Bridge Course in Functional Retail Management, aiming to equip students with practical industry skills and managerial capabilities through structured training and experiential learning.
The Retailers Association of India (RAI), the representative body for Indian retailers, has formalized a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Vignana Jyothi Institute of Management (VJIM), Hyderabad. Together, they will co-develop and implement a Bridge Course in Functional Retail Management, while also extending Academic Membership benefits to both students and faculty members.
The agreement marks a key advancement in strengthening industry–academia collaboration, with the aim of preparing future-ready retail professionals who possess strong managerial skills supported by practical sector knowledge. The course is intended to narrow the gap between academic management learning and the rapidly shifting demands of the retail industry.
As per the MoU, RAI will lead the delivery of the Bridge Course through 30 hours of in-class training, complemented by a variety of industry engagement activities such as guided store visits, live projects, and mentorship from senior retail leaders. The curriculum spans essential functional domains including Customer Experience Management, Store Operations, Merchandising, Shopper Behavior, Retail IT & CRM, and Retail Marketing—merging conceptual understanding with experiential learning.
During the signing event, Kumar Rajagopalan, CEO of RAI, noted:
“With the Indian retail sector evolving rapidly, there is a growing demand for professionals who have both management acumen and a practical understanding of retail dynamics. This partnership with VJIM enables us to prepare students not just for jobs, but for meaningful careers in modern retail.”
As part of its Academic Membership offerings, RAI will provide VJIM students with access to internships, short-term industry assignments, and placement support through its extensive member network. The institute will receive complimentary entry to RAI’s regional and national conferences, access to STOrai magazine, industry intelligence, and legislative updates. Additionally, five students will have the opportunity to volunteer and support operations at RAI’s major retail summits and conventions.
With over three decades of academic excellence, strong corporate linkages, global immersion programs, contemporary pedagogy, and partnerships with more than 500 companies, VJIM contributes a solid academic framework and leadership in management education to this partnership.
Reflecting on the collaboration, Prof. (Dr.) Bharat Bhushan Singh, Director of VJIM, said:
“Retail is no longer just a sector—it's a career landscape with enormous potential for innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership. This MoU enables our students to better understand the industry’s realities, build employability, and solve real-world retail challenges.”
This initiative supports VJIM’s mission of preparing students for roles in business management and entrepreneurship through innovative academic models, industry-driven mentoring, and experiential programs.
The Bridge Course will begin with an initial cohort of 48 students at the VJIM campus in Bachupally, Hyderabad. VJIM will manage program logistics, student enrolment, and provide campus infrastructure and accommodation for trainers. The MoU will remain in effect for one year starting 27 November 2025, with an option for renewal upon mutual agreement.