During your time studying the fashion industry and its associated areas you will have become aware of the dynamic range of industry practices that support the sector and the individuals making up the world of fashion. An important part of this is business start-up, planning and promotion. In this module you will explore these areas in the development of a project that involves the planning and promotion of a fashion industry business or business activity. The module offers you the opportunity to investigate various professional areas that all feed into your own continuous personal and professional development (CPPD), including funding, marketing, promotions, 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. You will become more aware of how others work to develop and promote their fashion products, and how your own work can become inspired and dynamic, so as to be in keeping with current and potential trends in the fashion sector. You will be expected to clearly understand and be able to discuss how the work you investigate relates to your own practice, and how your intentions offer personal progression and professional development for you in your specialist pathway.

You will be working on this module in tandem with your other practical work, and this module will be the platform for your investigation of the business environment and associated skills that you need to promote your own work and/or that of others, particularly in relation to your own final major project. Crucial to the success of your work, and of particular relevance in today's fashion industry, will be your ability to manage a range of business planning activities to form a coherent approach to generating a presence in the fashion arena. You will be expected to plan and implement the practical aspects and material requirements for starting up a business or promoting a new aspect of a business. This may mean, for example, arranging photo-shoots, creating a look book, designing swing tags, letterheads, packaging, self-promotional tools etc. You will also be expected to undertake appropriate business marketing and promotional activities, such as social networking, organising and participating in planning meetings, formal business planning, promotional strategies and reporting etc.

Part of the work in this module will be in working as one of a team. This may mean working with your peers, and also with external parties, such as through the planning of different activities and accessing resources outside the college environment. Key to your success will be in your ability to communicate well, and to anticipate problems and respond in a flexible and constructive way.

Assessment 1
A portfolio of your own continuing personal and professional development (CPPD) analysing and reflecting on your own critical path throughout your whole Foundation degree programme. (40%) [LO 1, 2, 3, 4]

Assessment 2
A second portfolio of evidence of your involvement in exhibition planning and promotion for a product of your own or a service relating to your specialist pathway and progression choices. (60%) [LOs 1, 2, 3, 4]

Formative assessment
The submission of draft portfolios at specified intervals, as part of the negotiation of your planned programme of work, demonstrating your own professional development within the module requirements

Introductory briefing at onset of module
Lectures and seminars on various areas, including project management
Workshops, including group and studio tutorials
Group critique with formative feedback
Individual tutorials with draft portfolios

Burke, S. (2008) Fashion Entrepreneur: Starting your own Fashion Business. Burke Publishing
Dillon, S. (2011) The Fundamentals of Fashion Management. AVA Publishing
Everett, J. (2004) Guide to Producing a Fashion Show. Fairchild Publications
Grose, V (2011) Basics Fashion Management 1: Concept to Customer. AVA Publishing
Meadows, T. (2009) How to set up and run a fashion label. Laurence King Publishing
Moore, G. (2012) Fashion Promotion: Building a Brand Through Marketing and Communication. AVA Publishing.
Roscom-Abbing, E (2010) Brand-Driven Innovation - strategies for development and design. AVA Publishing
Swanson, K. & Everett, J. (2008) Writing for the Fashion Business.Fairchild Books

Princes Trust website
http://www.princes-trust.org.uk/?gclid=CNHYhLbg-bYCFUXJtAodbQcAQQ

Students will have access to studio space and college library and computer resources. University learning resources are available on campus at Stafford and Stoke-on-Trent, and online via the partner Need to Know pages of the university website.
http://www.staffs.ac.uk/courses_and_study/partnerships/current_students/email/index.jsp