The fashion sector offers a very wide range of employment opportunities that go well beyond the obvious fashion design areas. The industry and its associated roles and responsibilities is diverse and dynamic, increasingly interacting with other sectors and working creatively to reach new markets. Sustaining a successful career is achieved through a flexible approach, an open mind to new possibilities and an ability to work cross-discipline.

This module aims to equip you with an understanding of these employment opportunities and how they function in relation to other roles and industry requirements, such as business knowledge of costings, production, minimum orders/special runs, supply chain and distribution. Drawing on information you gain from various sources such as journals, job sites, networking with industry professionals, and careers advisors, you will explore a range of careers. These might include, for example, trend forecasting, designing, manufacturing, buying, merchandising, sales, marketing and distribution. You will investigate the key responsibilities and associated skills requirements for given roles, and reflect on how your own strengths and weaknesses should be considered in relation to your personal ambitions. This will enable you to support your own career development.

You will look at these roles in the context of consumer behaviour, cultural diversity, technological changes, innovation, legislation, regulation and social responsibility. The module will complement the work you undertake in other modules such as Fashion Industry Ready offering you insights into the value of practical components and how they facilitate the smooth flow of the business.

Your investigations will lead to the production of a visually enhanced written report that reflects on a specific business topic or role within the fashion industry that is of interest to you or pertinent to your progression aspirations. The module will culminate in a presentation of your key findings in a format influenced by the subject area.

1. Deploy a range of appropriate communication methods to express your knowledge and critical understanding of key roles within fashion in relation to the wider industry context
Knowledge and Understanding
Communication

2. Evaluate information from diverse sources about fashion roles and responsibilities, and articulate your insights into potential career pathways
Analysis

3. Demonstrate awareness of how your own skills and attributes relate to opportunities in the fashion sector, and the need to maintain and develop new skills appropriate to successful employment

Reflection

Learning in this module will combine both in-class tutor-led exposure to careers within the fashion industry, and substantial personal investigation into specific roles and responsibilities. Your Module Handbook will include a week-by-week summary of activities.

As such, the learning strategies may include, but are not limited to:
Lectures
Visiting lecturers and industry guests
Primary and secondary research
Case study workshops
Presentation development activities

University Library
University Careers Network
Word-processing facilities
Internet
Blackboard Virtual Learning Environment will support this module where relevant

Online Resources
https://www.businessoffashion.com/
http://www.fashioncapital.co.uk/

BURNS, L. D. et al. (2011) The Business of Fashion: Designing, Manufacturing, and Marketing. 4th ed. - New York: Fairchild.
COPE, J. & MALONEY, D.(2016) Fashion Promotion in Practice .London: Bloomsbury
DILLON, S. (2011) The Fundamentals of Fashion Management. London: AVA Publishing
HARRIS, C. (2017) The Fundamentals of Digital Fashion Marketing. London: AVA Publishing
Jeffrey, M. & Evans, N. (2011) Costing for the Fashion Industry, Berg, Oxford.
KIM, E. FIORE, A.M. KIM, H. (2011) Fashion Trends: Analysis and Forecasting. London: Berg Publishers
WHITE, N. & GRIFFITHS, I. (2000) The Fashion Business: Theory, Practice, Image. Oxford: Berg.

Report, (90%) (Learning Outcomes 1 3)

Option A: A 2500 word illustrated Report on a specific business topic or role within the fashion industry.¿

Option B: A 2000 word illustrated Report on a specific business topic or role within the fashion industry in a magazine format. Research underpinning magazine layouts are required.

A 8-10 minute presentation summarising their current Industry knowledge / Career aspirations and any skills gaps. (10%) (Learning Outcomes 1-3 )