Post Graduate Diploma In Fashion Entrepreneurship

Program Contents:

Entrepreneurial Skills
This is the entrepreneurial age and the excitement and challenge of entrepreneurship is introduced in this module. Students learn how to generate sound business ideas and to prepare a business plan, including choosing the form of business organization, selecting a location, financial planning, and administration.

Fashion Fundamentals
Upon successful completion of this module, the student should be able to define appropriate fashion terminology and explain the structure of the Industry, including the design process and marketing of the fashion product.

Aesthetics for Merchandising
This module helps the students to be able to demonstrate an understanding and apply the concept of aesthetics as it relates to the different roles of the apparel industry and the development, selection and promotion of apparel and textile products. The student will incorporate the principles and elements of design into projects designed to apply their aesthetic knowledge.

Apparel Construction
Upon successful completion of this module, the student should be able to apply clothing construction principles, techniques and skills in apparel construction. The class will use lecture, demonstration and hands-on experience to teach the skills needed to plan and construct four garments during this class.

Visual Merchandising
With this module, the student should be able to explain and apply the principles of design in visual merchandising. In addition, the student should be able to identify and explain the use of mannequins and other forms, display fixtures and lighting systems; apply color theory; and present merchandise effectively in visual displays. The student should also be able to demonstrate the use of appropriate types of displays for in-store promotions. This course is required for the Fashion Merchandising program.

Marketing Communication
With this module the student should be able to explain advertising and promotion from an integrated marketing communications perspective that combines theory with planning, management and strategy. In addition, the student will be able to explain advertising, sales promotion, direct marketing and publicity/public relations and the need for integration of these promotional mix elements in an overall marketing communications program

Brand / Image Management
By the end of this course, the student should be able to conduct an extensive wardrobe inventory. In addition, the student should be able to apply principles of personal grooming, elements of design and fabric, and accessory knowledge to the development of an individual professional wardrobe plan based on individual budget constraints

Textiles
Upon successful completion of this module, the student should be able to differentiate fibers and fabrics according to their specific characteristics and to select fibers and fabrics for specific applications. In addition, the student should be able to identify properties and characteristics of natural and man-made fibers, the properties and characteristics of yarns, fabric construction methods including weaving and knitting and various finishing processes including printing and dyeing.

History of Costumes
The student should be able to identify the political, economic, technological and sociological factors that have influenced Western costume worn by women, men and children from ancient Egyptian times to the present.

Store Planning
This module demonstrates the skills needed to plan and execute the display methods and store planning concepts for promoting merchandise within a large or small store interior. These plans will use the student's understanding of design, fixtures, traffic patterns, floor sets, graphics/signage and materials. This course is a requirement for the visual merchandising certificate

Consumer Product Evaluation & Fashion Product Development
By the end of this module, the student should be able to evaluate a wide range of textile and non-textile products, on the basis of specialized product knowledge and be able to develop original garment design ideas from initial concept through to production. This includes translating market trend research, creating inspiration and concept
Presentation boards and continuing the design process through fabric selection and developing original patterns for first samples using flat pattern drafting and draping techniques. Students will calculate costing for their garments and develop detailed specification packages.

Industry Topics - Fashion Retailing/whole sale & Manufacturing
Student should be able to exhibit knowledge and work-based skill inherent to fashion retailing, wholesaling and manufacturing. The student will have opportunities to apply knowledge gained in prior courses analyzing industry topics. This capstone course will review and evaluate competencies that are essential for employment in the fashion industry. This course is required for the Fashion Merchandising program.

Franchising
With a curriculum designed specifically for leaders of new companies, Launching New Ventures goes to the heart of the entrepreneurial process-exploiting disruptive opportunities to launch and grow successful new businesses. In a rich learning experience that includes faculty lectures, case studies, and group discussions, you will learn the strategies of successful entrepreneurs. By exploring a carefully crafted set of topics, you also will refine your thinking and broaden your skill set.

Legal Issues and Regulations
Legal Aspects of Entrepreneurship ---Law provides entrepreneurs with many opportunities for competitive advantage. This course offers an examination of the issues that every entrepreneur should understand, from start-up to IPO. These issues include legal concerns that arise when you leave your current employer to start a business, creating an appropriate ownership structure, funding the venture, contracting with vendors and customers, hiring and retaining the best staff, protecting you intellectual property, and going public.

Financing / Business Plan
Owning a business is a dream for many and starting that business converts your dream into reality. But there is a gap between your dream and reality that can only be filled with careful planning. As a business owner, you will need a plan to avoid pitfalls, to achieve your goals and to build a profitable business.

The module is a guide to help you prepare a comprehensive business plan and determine if your idea is feasible, to identify questions and problems you will face in converting your idea into reality and to prepare for starting your business.