Understanding the Channels of Distribution Business Studies JSS 2 First Term Lesson Notes Week 9

Business Studies JSS 2 First Term Lesson Notes – Week 9

Subject: Business Studies

Class: JSS 2

Term: First Term

Week: 9

Age: 12-14 years

Topic: Distribution

Sub-topic: Channels of Distribution and Their Functions

Duration: 40 minutes

Behavioural Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

  1. Explain the meaning of distribution.
  2. List and explain the channels of distribution (Producer, Wholesaler, Retailer, Consumer).
  3. Identify the agents involved in distribution.
  4. State the functions of each channel of distribution.

Keywords

  • Distribution
  • Producer
  • Wholesaler
  • Retailer
  • Consumer
  • Channels of Distribution
  • Agent

Set Induction

Ask students: “How do goods move from the factory to the market where you buy them?” Let them share their ideas. This will introduce the concept of distribution.

Entry Behaviour

Students are familiar with basic trading and how goods are sold in stores and markets.

Learning Resources and Materials

  • Pictures of producers, wholesalers, retailers, and consumers.
  • Role-playing cards showing the different channels of distribution.

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge

Students have previously learned about buying and selling, and now they will learn how goods are distributed from the producer to the consumer.

Embedded Core Skills

  • Communication
  • Critical thinking
  • Decision-making

Learning Materials

  • Lagos State Scheme of Work
  • Business Studies for Junior Secondary Schools (Textbook)

Reference Books

  • Lagos State Scheme of Work
  • Business Studies for Junior Secondary Schools (Textbook)

Instructional Materials

  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Charts showing distribution channels
  • Pictures or role-playing cards of producers, wholesalers, retailers, and consumers

Content

I. Meaning of Distribution

Distribution is the process of making products available to consumers from the producers. It involves the movement of goods from one place to another and through various channels.

II. Channels of Distribution

There are four main channels of distribution:

  1. Producer/Manufacturer: The person or company that makes the product.
  2. Wholesaler: Buys goods in bulk from the producer and sells in smaller quantities to retailers.
  3. Retailer: Buys goods from the wholesaler and sells them in smaller quantities to consumers.
  4. Consumer: The final person who buys and uses the product.

III. Agents Involved in Distribution

  • Distributors: They handle large quantities of products and distribute them to wholesalers or retailers.
  • Middlemen: These include wholesalers and retailers who help distribute goods to consumers.
  • Sales Representatives: These are people employed to sell products on behalf of the manufacturer.

IV. Functions of Each Channel

  1. Producer: Produces the goods and ensures they are available for distribution.
  2. Wholesaler: Buys large quantities from the producer and breaks them into smaller units for retailers.
  3. Retailer: Sells directly to the final consumer in smaller quantities.
  4. Consumer: Buys the product and uses it.

Examples

  1. A shoe manufacturer (producer) sells shoes to a large warehouse (wholesaler).
  2. A wholesaler buys goods in bulk from the factory and sells them to small stores.
  3. A retailer sells groceries to families at the local market.
  4. A family buys bread from a shop, completing the distribution process.
  5. A distributor works with electronics manufacturers to supply products to wholesalers.

Class Activity Discussion

15 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  1. What is distribution?
    • Distribution is the process of getting goods from producers to consumers.
  2. Who is a producer?
    • A producer is someone who makes goods.
  3. What does a wholesaler do?
    • A wholesaler buys in bulk from producers and sells to retailers.
  4. What is a retailer?
    • A retailer sells goods directly to consumers.
  5. Who is the final consumer?
    • The person who buys and uses the product.
  6. Can a producer sell directly to consumers?
    • Yes, but usually, they sell through wholesalers and retailers.
  7. What is a channel of distribution?
    • The path goods take from the producer to the consumer.
  8. What does a distributor do?
    • A distributor supplies goods from the producer to wholesalers or retailers.
  9. Who are middlemen?
    • Wholesalers and retailers who help get products to consumers.
  10. What are the functions of a retailer?
  • A retailer sells goods in small quantities to final consumers.
  1. Why do producers need wholesalers?
  • To help distribute large quantities of goods.
  1. What is the role of a sales representative?
  • They help sell products on behalf of the producer.
  1. Is the consumer part of the distribution channel?
  • Yes, the consumer is the last stage of the distribution channel.
  1. How does the wholesaler make money?
  • By buying in bulk at lower prices and selling in smaller quantities at a higher price.
  1. What is the difference between a producer and a retailer?
  • The producer makes the product, while the retailer sells it to consumers.

Presentation

  1. Step 1: The teacher revises the previous topic on Career in the Capital Market.
  2. Step 2: The teacher introduces the new topic: Distribution, explaining the meaning and channels involved.
  3. Step 3: The teacher allows students to discuss the roles of wholesalers, retailers, and consumers, correcting them where necessary.

Teacher’s Activities

  • Explain the meaning of distribution and its channels using examples.
  • Use charts to show how goods move from producers to consumers.
  • Ask students to identify the role of each channel in their everyday purchases.

Learners’ Activities

  • Participate in discussions about the roles of wholesalers, retailers, and consumers.
  • Share examples of goods they have bought and identify the distribution channels involved.

Assessment (Evaluation Questions)

  1. What is distribution?
  2. Name the four channels of distribution.
  3. What does a wholesaler do?
  4. Who is the final consumer?
  5. What is the role of a retailer?
  6. Define a producer.
  7. What is the function of a distributor?
  8. Who are the middlemen in the distribution channel?
  9. How do wholesalers help producers?
  10. Who sells goods in small quantities to consumers?

Conclusion

The teacher goes around to mark and provide feedback on the topic. Students are encouraged to think of how distribution works in their daily lives.


More Useful Links