Assessment 1: A business report of 2500 words relating to fashion business and marketing to include market research, target market / audience, competition, and historical and contextual referencing. An associated commentary explaining the purpose of research as relevant to chosen specialism (30%) [Learning Outcome 1]

Assessment 2: A portfolio of work in response to a creative brief: to include research, sampling, indication of a range of possible responses and leading to a selected approach and outcomes with justification for choice made (60%) [Learning outcome 2, 3]

Assessment 3: Reflective Journal showing the student's assimilation of information and exploration of creative responses to problems and ideas encountered (10%) [Learning Outcome 4]

Students will be introduced to business and marketing techniques for fashion, with indicative content areas of business, management, leadership, entrepreneurial skills, fashion marketing, visual merchandising, and buying and merchandising. Live work will be a major aspect of this module and students will be expected to gain much of the evidence for assessment through work-related experience. Students will be introduced to additional techniques for presenting responses to briefs that will build on initial knowledge and skills developed in Fundamental Skills for Fashion Industries.

Students will gain an insight into the specialist area through taught theory and practice sessions. They will apply skills gained in other modules in a professional context. They will be encouraged to work innovatively and creatively to meet agreed work outcomes, such as business planning and marketing for specific clients or target audiences e.g. from couture to high street market levels.

Students will be expected to carry out independent research to inform their work, such as market research and investigation into current strategies and planning carried out in industry. Skills relating to the specialist industries will be identified and considered, such as communicating with clients visually and through the environment, and presenting 2D and 3D garments and products safely and successfully. The Reflective Learning Journal will continue to be used to record and reflect the student's progress through the pathway.

Indicative:
Introductory briefing at onset of module: 1 hr
Series of lectures, visits and seminars relating to indicative content: 35hrs
Workshops developing portfolio and journal content with studio tutorials: 15 hrs
Group tutorials with formative feedback: 4 hrs
Individual tutorials: 1 hr per student
Total contact time: 56 hrs per student

Davis Burns, L.& O. Bryant, N. The Business of Fashion: Designing, Manufacturing, and Marketing (2008) Fairchild Books
Hines, T & Bruce Butterworth, M. Fashion Marketing: Contemporary issues (2006)
Heinemann
Jackson, T & Shaw, D. Mastering Fashion Buying and Merchandising Management (2000) Palgrave Macmillan
Kotler, P & Armstrong, G. Principles of Marketing (2008) Pearson Education
Okonkwo, U. Luxury Fashion Branding: Trends, Tactics, Techniques (2007), Palgrave Macmillan
Rath, PM. et al .The Why of the Buy: Consumer Behaviour and Fashion Marketing (2008), Fairchild Books
Tungate, M. Fashion Brands: Branding Style from Armani to Zara (2008) Kogan Page Ltd

It is expected that students will have some work practice in this module.

They will have access to general and specialist art and design studios and resources at the college including computer suites and libraries. They will also have access to computer suites and libraries at the university.

The Blackboard virtual learning environment will be available (where relevant) to support this module. Details will be supplied in the module handbook.