Project Abstract

Abstract
Point of sale (POS) systems and supermarkets are commonly used in retail environments to facilitate transactions and manage inventory. However, these systems are not immune to fraud, which can have significant financial implications for businesses. This research project aims to evaluate the reliability of POS systems and the occurrence of fraud in supermarkets. The study will employ a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative data analysis with qualitative interviews and observations. The quantitative analysis will involve examining transaction data from POS systems to identify patterns indicative of fraudulent activity. This will include looking for anomalies such as unusually high discounts, voided transactions, or suspicious refunds. By using data analytics techniques, the research will be able to detect potential instances of fraud and assess their frequency and impact. In addition to the quantitative analysis, qualitative interviews will be conducted with retail staff, managers, and security personnel to gain insights into the vulnerabilities of POS systems and the types of fraud that are most prevalent in supermarkets. These interviews will provide a deeper understanding of the internal controls in place to prevent fraud, as well as the challenges faced by employees in detecting and reporting fraudulent activities. Furthermore, observational research will be carried out in supermarkets to observe the actual use of POS systems and assess the adherence to security protocols. This will involve monitoring employee behaviors, customer interactions, and system malfunctions that could potentially facilitate fraudulent activities. By directly observing the operational dynamics of supermarkets, the research will be able to identify weak points in the system that may be exploited by fraudsters. The findings of this research will contribute to the existing literature on retail fraud prevention and provide practical implications for businesses looking to enhance the security of their POS systems. By identifying common fraud schemes and assessing the effectiveness of current preventive measures, the study aims to offer recommendations for improving fraud detection and mitigation strategies in supermarkets. Ultimately, the goal is to help businesses reduce financial losses due to fraud and safeguard the integrity of their retail operations.

Project Overview