ARTD1107 Introduction to Business
Module Overview
Introduction to fashion business is a core module, which will provide you with knowledge of underlying concepts and principles of the fashion market. This module provides you with an introduction to the key areas of organisations, markets, consumers, marketing, products, and pricing in relation to the fashion industry. In this critical introduction to fashion business you will be introduced to the term ‘fashion’ and its distinctive position within the global economy, as well as the business cycle, fashion management processes and the development of contemporary fashion marketing. You will learn about the changing market environment through a PESTLE macro-environmental framework, gain an introduction to the seven P’s in the fashion marketing mix and an understanding of how to apply introductory marketing and management research skills and methodologies. This will enable you to begin to critically explore contemporary fashion companies, their products, consumers, and how they operate within the wider marketplace. Through teamwork, group exercises and projects you will be encouraged to explore your own critical awareness of fashion marketing and management concepts. You will be encouraged to access a range of text-based and digital library resources, as well utilising the School’s institutional subscription services.
Aims and Objectives
Module Aims
• To provide you with an introduction to fashion marketing and management in the changing fashion business environment; • To encourage your exploration of the fashion marketplace, fashion companies and the wider fashion business environment; • To enable you to develop and apply introductory fashion marketing and management research skills and methodologies to your work and enhance your interpersonal communication skills.
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- Fashion business management concepts and theories and an understanding of marketing principles;
- introductory knowledge of organisations, markets, consumers, marketing, products, and pricing in the fashion industry.
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Explain the fashion marketing mix and its application to the marketplace;
- Demonstrate your ability to select, analyse and evaluate business data from a variety of sources.
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Communicate ideas in oral and written formats;
- Identify, select and draw upon a variety of printed and digital sources;
- Manage your workload to set deadlines.
Syllabus
• Concepts & definitions • Segmentation & positioning • Market research • The marketing mix: 7P’s • Branding • Opportunities & challenges in the fashion market
Special Features
This module includes a core one-day fieldwork study visit, which will enable you to observe the latest retail developments and allow you to see how fashion brands apply the marketing mix in practice. Attendance to the trip is mandatory and provision will be made for any student with disability.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Teaching methods include: • Lectures • Seminars • Project briefings • Group tutorials Learning activities include: • Lectures • Seminars • Group discussion • Peer group learning • Field trip study visit • Study Skills Hub
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Tutorial | 12 |
| Preparation for scheduled sessions | 36 |
| Seminar | 20 |
| Follow-up work | 24 |
| Completion of assessment task | 112 |
| Lecture | 20 |
| Wider reading or practice | 68 |
| External visits | 8 |
| Total study time | 300 |
Resources & Reading list
Easey M (2009). Fashion Marketing.
Industry Publications. Drapers Marketing Week Retail Week
Journal of Fashion Marketing and Management (Emerald).
Jackson T & Shaw D (2009). Fashion Marketing.
Lancaster.G & Massingham L (2018). Essentials of Marketing Management.
Kotler P,Armstrong.G, Harker.M & Brennan.R (2009). Marketing: An introduction.
Posner H (2015). Marketing Fashion.
WARC.
Assessment
Formative
Illustrated report
Summative
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Illustrated report (2500 words) | 100% |
Repeat
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Illustrated report (2500 words) | 100% |
Referral
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Illustrated report (2500 words) | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External
Costs
Costs associated with this module
Students are responsible for meeting the cost of essential textbooks, and of producing such essays, assignments, laboratory reports and dissertations as are required to fulfil the academic requirements for each programme of study.
In addition to this, students registered for this module typically also have to pay for:
Equipment and Materials
REQUIRED Sketchbooks/Notebooks Implements for drawing / writing Credit for printing and photocopying USB Memory stick OPTIONAL Hard Drive Laptop Camera
Study Trips
There is a one-day study trip associated with this module. This is designed to supplement learning and is compulsory; it is advised that all students attend. There is no additional cost for this trip to the student.
Textbooks
Recommended texts for this module may be available in limited supply in the University Library and students may wish to purchase the mandatory/additional text as appropriate
Please also ensure you read the section on additional costs in the University’s Fees, Charges and Expenses Regulations in the University Calendar available at www.calendar.soton.ac.uk.