In this module students will explore business start-up practice and promotional techniques for their specialist pathway. The module offers students the opportunity to investigate various professional areas, including funding, action planning, financial planning, risk assessment, liaising with clients / suppliers etc.

Consideration as to the most appropriate methodology and vehicles for promotion and live research will underpin assessment two.

This module supports the Personal and Professional Development Major Project, and ideally will be taken alongside to enable students to explore planning and promotions as part of a live project.

Students should submit work for all assessments, and must pass the Reflective Learning Journal assessment.

Assessment one: A portfolio of evidence of participation in professional planning around business start-up, with associated commentary (45%) [Learning Outcomes 1, 2]

Assessment two: A portfolio of evidence of appropriate promotions planning for a product or service related to their specialist pathway (45%) [Learning Outcomes 1, 2]

Assessment three: Reflective Learning Journal evaluating the learning experience (10%) [Learning Outcome 3]

Indicative:
Introduction to module: 2 hrs
Workshops to include: 35 hrs
Business planning: issues surrounding starting a business including legal constraints, financial planning, taxation, strategic market planning, insurance, e-commerce etc.
Promotions planning: methodology, exploration of problem solving techniques, implementation, e-promotions etc.
Group tutorials with formative feedback: 5 hrs
Group critiques and presentations: 8 hrs
Individual Tutorials: 2 hrs

Total contact time: 52 hours per student

Burke, S Fashion Entrepreneur: Starting your own Fashion Business (2008) Burke Publishing
Coates, C. Designer Fact File: A guide to setting up a designer fashion business (1997) Publisher TBC
Chartered Institute of Management, Marketing in Practice (2005) CIM Revision Guide
Dibb, Simkin, Pride and Ferrell Marketing: Concepts and Strategies (2005)
Easey, M. Fashion Marketing (2002) Wiley Blackwell.
Gregory, A. Planning and Managing PR campaigns (2000) Butterworth-Heinemann Ltd.
Kotler, P & Armstrong, G. Principles of Marketing (2008) Pearson Education

Students 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. It is expected that they will also access information from external organisations.

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