The aims of this module are twofold:
- to provide a comprehensive theoretical and conceptual foundation for non-specialists in fashion buying and supply chain management so as to smooth the student’s transition into what is a specialised job role in the fashion industry.
- to provide the student with comprehensive, industry-specific knowledge to understand how decisions made by the buyer must consider the needs of other roles in the supply chain; for example fashion designer, merchandiser, garment technologist and retail salesperson.
The module assumes no prior learning in the area, but on completion the student will demonstrate knowledge and skills commensurate with those required in a junior buying role. The student will gain an understanding of the fundamental concepts of all supply chain activities (planning, sourcing, making, delivering and returning) and how they relate to the key functions in an apparel firm- procurement, design, finance, garment technology and merchandising. The student will be equipped with the skills to be able to retrieve and analyse data and communicate and negotiate with internal / external stakeholders in order to be able to annually plan a range of fashion garments to meet specified business objectives.
1. Supply chain fundamentals
Supply chain definition, supply chain types, supply chain characteristics, key roles and specialisations.
2. Global sourcing & procurement
Procurement strategy. Sourcing in a global context. Managing a supply base. Calculating total cost. Assessing supplier performance. Assessing sourcing risk. Different decision-making paradigms (separate versus integrated decision making). The triple bottom line.
3. Order policies, inventory management and lead-time
The interaction between design and fulfilment lead-times and inventory: inventory categories, stock-related performance metrics, managing lead-time, evaluating trade-offs. The newsvendor problem. Linking merchandising to purchasing.
4. Trend analysis and demand forecasting
Sourcing trend predictions. Fashion market research approaches. Product categorisation and segmentation. The event calendar and impact on trends. Trend predictions. Mood boards and trend boards. Range presentation. Estimating new product demand. Past demand analysis. Quantitative and qualitative demand forecasting, seasonality and trend.
The teaching ethos will allocate considerable autonomy to the student in engaging with the learning process- i.e. a significant degree of student-centred learning. Student assessments consist of a fashion show specific project (individual) and problem-based case (group & individual).There is also a summative assessment in the form of an exam. The module will be delivered using a variety of approaches including: lectures, tutorials, seminars, class assignments, class discussions and case studies.
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Formal Examination | 50 |
| Other Assessment(s) | 50 |