Credit Points: 15
Study Time: 150 Hours

This unit focuses on essential requirements needed in order to enter a career in the fashion and the retail industry, those of communication, team building, an awareness of market and fashion trends, quality systems, technical support and critical path analysis.

Merchandising principles consider how and to whom you are selling, in order to supply the customer the right product at the right price and right time in order to achieve sales objectives. The monitoring and analysis of sales and stock performance will be looked at. To develop analytical numerical and statistical skills for buying, this unit will look at planning and selection procedures, as well as developing awareness of market, fashion trends, and the importance of deadlines, and fully understanding the customer's wants and needs in order to maximise profits. Visual merchandising is concerned with corporate identities of retail outlets and the organisation of floor space, goods and customer flow. You will be encouraged to develop keen negotiation skills, be innovative, self motivated and able to multi-task and prioritise workloads. You will also be encouraged to set and explore rigorous quality assurance standards as would be expected by industry today.

Outline syllabus
An indicative guide to the content covered by this unit.

• Roles within the retail environment. 
• Basic marketing principles. 
• Job requirements of specific roles. 
• Self awareness of own skills, strengths and weaknesses.

Method of delivery
Lectures, seminars, tutorials, visiting speakers, educational visits.

Aims

A1 To introduce you to the varied roles within retail/art/design.
A2 To develop your analytical and critical abilities.
A3 To develop effective visual, written and oral communication and presentation skills.
A4 To develop problem solving skills through working with others.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this unit you will be able to:

LO1 Demonstrate an understanding of the various roles within a retail/art/design work environment including:

• An understanding of the garment industry framework and the career paths within it.

LO2 Demonstrate your ability to select, analyse and evaluate research material including:

• The ability to place your own particular style/interests within the appropriate framework to allow career progression. 
• Relating research within an area that is appropriate to individual career progression.

LO3 Communicate your ideas visually and orally including: 

• Verbal presentation of findings – presentation.
• The production of a clear and concise word-processed report.

Key
Bates, T. and Bloch, S. (1997). Employability: how to get your career on the right track. London: Kogan Page
Chapman, N. (1999) Careers in fashion. London: Kogan Page.
Curtis, E. (2004). Fashion retail. Chichester: Wiley-Academy.
Elliott, F. and Morpeth, J. (2000). Retail buying techniques. Cirencester: Management Books.
Jackson, T. and Shaw, D. (2001) Mastering fashion buying and merchandising management. London: Macmillan Press
Jones, R. (2006). The apparel industry. Oxford: Blackwell Publishing.

Recommended
Borrelli, L. ( 2002) Net mode - web fashion now. London: Thames & Hudson.
Eggert, M. (1999). The perfect CV. London: Arrows Books
Krochowiecka, I. (2000). Net that job. London: Kogan Page

Magazines and Journals
Design Week, The Top 100 Consultancy Survey March 2001
Drapers
Fashion company reports in the Quick Reference section of the Library

Websites
Recruitment agencies. British recruitment agencies are a good source of information on which to base some initial research. Recommended are:

• Prospects (This site deals with a wide range of career opportunities including further academic study) 
• Graduate Recruitment Company
• MAD: the online community for marketing, media, new media, advertising and design

Others that may be helpful are:

• jobsmine.co.uk
• MCV LTD. (contains valuable sector analysis data)

Many design companies advertise their services on the internet and some have particular sections on employment within their own organisation: e.g.

• Navyblue Design Group