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2019 - 2020 Academic Catalog

Fashion Merchandising and Management

Through application of Lasell's Connected Learning philosophy, Fashion students have ongoing opportunities to apply theoretical concepts through industry oriented assignments, and by working in the field with recognized leaders in the fashion industry. The upper-level professional courses are oriented toward a critical thinking and decision-making environment that graduates will face when making the transition from college to middle and upper-management positions. Students learn how to plan strategically, organize for profitability, and cultivate creativity. These elements of learning are carefully woven together, and additionally include student engagement in community service-learning projects and a focus on social responsibility.

Fashion Merchandising and Management students are equipped with a dynamic and comprehensive knowledge of the fashion business sector, combining new retail and wholesale business models with innovative technologies. Working with leading academic and industry partners, students experience internships and capstones that replicate unique fashion and retail scenarios, gaining employable skills like strategic planning, analysis and creative problem-solving. Fashion Merchandising and Management graduates are well-positioned for successful careers as buyers, inventory planners, product and brand managers, visual merchandisers, stylists, sourcing and allocation specialists, sales executives and retail & wholesale managers for a variety of product categories. Graduates receive a Bachelor of Science Degree in Fashion Merchandising and Management.

By planning early in consultation with an academic advisor, students may be able to reduce the time it takes to complete a bachelor's degree in Fashion Merchandising and Management to 3 or 3½ years. 

The following goals and associated learning outcomes delineate what we strive for students to achieve when they complete a major program of study in Fashion

Goal 1: Professional Attitudes and Skills 
Upon completion of a major program of study in Fashion, students will be able to: 
1.     exhibit professional engagement and behavior.  
2.     develop and implement a path toward a professional career.  
3.     utilize collaborative skills in a diverse marketplace. 
4.     exercise leadership capabilities in multi-role scenarios. 
5.     demonstrate the ability to constructively critique and self-reflect.  

 Goal 2: Application of Business Practices Relevant to the Contemporary Global Fashion Industry 
Upon completion of a major program of study in Fashion, students will be able to: 
1.     demonstrate a readiness to build upon discipline-specific technology.  
2.     apply theoretical concepts for effective planning and problem solving. 
3.     interpret visual elements of design demonstrating aesthetic literacy. 
4.     research the historical and contemporary industry drivers as they pertain to the global business landscape.   

Goal 3: Social Awareness 
Upon completion of a major program of study in Fashion, students will be able to: 
1.     apply appropriate strategies regarding teamwork to create goodwill and trust.   
2.     evaluate and employ sustainable environmental, social, and economic practices in the global environment. 
3.     implement moral and ethical business practices. 
4.     identify and interpret historical and contemporary zeitgeist in relationship to global fashion.     

Goal 4: Effective Communication 
Upon completion of a major program of study in Fashion, students will be able to: 
1.     utilize professional interpersonal communication skills effectively toward networking and relationship-building.   
2.     employ applicable research strategies to develop informed oral and written communication. 
3.     demonstrate proficiency in the application of appropriate visual communication skills to project criteria and goals.   
4.     Apply technology skillfully to present innovative ideas and concepts.   

Goal 5: Critical Thinking
Upon completion of a major program of study in Fashion, students will be able to:  
1.     raise vital questions and problems, formulating them clearly and precisely.  
2.     gather and assess relevant information. 
3.     come to well-reasoned conclusions and solutions.  
4.     think open-mindedly within alternative systems of thought.  
5.     communicate effectively with others in finding solutions to complex problems.       

ARTS126 - Fundamentals of Visual Art (KP)

This course is an introduction to the basic principles and strategies for visual art-making and art appreciation, with an emphasis on developing an awareness and sensitivity to art as an integral part of one's life and as a way to complement one's aesthetic needs. This is a lecture course with studio art-making modules designed to complement visual material, critical essays, museum/gallery trips and impart basic skills in visual communication.

BUSS201 - Financial Accounting

This course provides students with the fundamentals of accounting processes and procedures used in business. Students learn how to identify and record business transactions. In addition, students learn how to create financial statements and how to become intelligent users of financial information.

BUSS220 - Principles of Marketing

In this course, the fundamentals of marketing are explored for practical application in today's business environment. The process of creating value for customers by utilizing the tools of marketing -- market segmentation, targeting and positioning, marketing research and communications, product development, channels of distribution, and pricing -- are explored with a project-based, interactive approach. Additionally, there is a service learning component included in this course that enables students to further apply the course concepts while working to advance a participating non-profit organization. Prerequisites: BUSS101, HEM101, HEM102, FASH101, or SMGT102 AND ENG102 OR WRT102.

BUSS224 - Organiz Behavior in a Global Environment

In this course, students study individuals and their interactions within group settings as they affect efficiencies in diverse business organizations. Group dynamics and intergroup dynamics are emphasized in relation to productivity and work satisfaction along with the examination of specific aspects of organizations that influence behavior on a global scale. Areas covered include structure, leadership, and change as they affect a multitude of cultures. Teaching modalities include case studies and role-playing. This is a writing intensive course.

ECON101 - Principles of Econ-Micro

This course is an introduction to the principles of the economic behavior of individuals, firms, and industries in the mixed economic system. Topics include consumer demand; elasticity; supply and costs of production; the allocation of economic resources; international trade; and the role of government in promoting economic welfare.

FASH101 - The Business of Fashion

This survey course takes an interdisciplinary approach to the fashion business as it relates to cultural, historic, economic, and contemporary influences, giving students a basic understanding of the terms and concepts associated with the fashion and retail industries. The concepts and practices developed are equally applicable to the many career paths possible within the Fashion Industry. Topics include: technological applications, environmental influences on fashion; the fashion cycle; trend forecasting; fashion marketing; women's, men's, and children's apparel; supply chain management; product development, foreign and domestic market centers; and retail merchandising on multiple platforms.

FASH102 - The Fashion Consumer

This course examines the psychological and sociological variables that shape the fashion consumer’s decision-making process. The wants and needs of consumers will be explored through an understanding of attitudes, and purchase motivation. Students will consider internal and external influencing factors, including the influence of social media and technology, the potential impact of government regulation, the consumer’s perception of self, and their perceived social and ethical responsibilities. The goal of building a strategy towards a satisfied and loyal customer will be at the heart of the conversation.

FASH105 - Excel for the Industry

Microsoft Excel is the foundation of business analytical software and has become the number one required skill for industry professionals. This course will introduce basic spreadsheet functions such as; formatting, data entry, pivot tables and analytical graphical display. Projects will directly reflect best industry practices. Students will apply developed skills to projects throughout the fashion curriculum.

FASH200 - Fash Hist I:Imperial Societies to Indust

This course surveys the history of prevailing dress from Ancient Egypt into the nineteenth century, expanding upon a general understanding of shifting modes to examine the symbolism of fashion from extensive perspectives. Students will develop a context for fashion and its relation to aesthetic expression and function within various societies over time. Using an interdisciplinary approach, students will examine a range of scholarly resources that pertain to the field, including The Lasell Fashion Collection. This is a writing intensive course. Prerequisites: ENG 102/WRT102, or permission of instructor.

FASH201 - Merchandise Planning & Control

This course provides an understanding of business strategies related to assortment planning, buying, and allocating inventory. Building upon retail math and excel fundamentals, students create stock and sales plans in accordance with the goals and objectives of a given seasonal sales strategy, including methods of figuring markups, sales projections, turnover, average stock, stock-to-sales ratios, open-to-buy, markdowns, and gross margin. Negotiation skills related to terms of sale, shipping and pricing strategies are explored within the wholesale/retail business relationship. Both manual and computer-based calculations are explored through the use of Excel.. Prerequisite: FASH 101, FASH105 & MATH116

FASH207 - Digital Tools for Fashion

Technical skills are becoming more and more a required proficiency in all capacities of the fashion industry. This course introduces Fashion & Retail Merchandising and Fashion Communication & Promotion students to software prominently used for apparel manufacturing, retail and media. With a focus on methods of visual communication, projects include technical drawing, colorization, editing, and integration and manipulation of photographic images.

FASH210 - Textiles

This course introduces the study of textiles through exploration of the production of fibers and methods of creating fabrics. Students learn to identify fiber content, properties and various types of weaving and knitting applications. Other topics include the study of fiber characteristics, quality and care of fabric finishes, and a practical assessment of fabrics in relationship to particular end uses.

FASH211 - Retail Management and Operations

The course will review ways in which both brick and mortar and e-commerce channels are managed in terms of strategic planning, store operations and logistics, merchandise promotion, employee management and development, inventory control, and growth strategies. Using industry based case studies and forum discussions, students will survey various types of innovative retail formats and merchandising techniques within Omnichannel platforms as well as various consumer dynamics. The course will also evaluate levels of technology used by retailers within their ecosystems.Prerequisite: FASH101 & ECON101

FASH212 - Visual Merchandising

This course builds a foundation to communicate design concepts and create visual solutions for promoting merchandise or ideas. Observation and critiques foster understanding of visual merchandising as a promotional tool. Hands-on projects require research, synthesis of technical, aesthetic and conceptual knowledge to create effective solutions through use of color theories and design principles. Students become familiar with journalistic reporting and written analysis through various media applications. Prerequisite: ARTS126 & FASH101

FASH219 - Fash Industry Professional Development

This course is designed to prepare students for the professional work environment through researching career opportunities and identifying the qualifications necessary to be competitive. Students reflect on personal abilities and characteristics, which will help them to be successful and create a plan to acquire skills they may not already have. They will design a personal digital portfolio including resume, cover letter, and biographical statement, and will begin to build a professional network through LinkedIn. The course also explores career development and professional strategies, designed to prepare students for their required internship in senior year. Prerequisites: FASH102

FASH307 - Fashion Brand Management

This course introduces concepts related to fashion branding and brand recognition achieved by engagement of brand management theory; essentially the notion that perceived value or equity of a fashion brand can be increased through advertising, marketing, thematic control and integrated marketing communications. This creates a promise of style, perceived value and product quality that translates into brand loyalty. The course considers influences such as social media, iconic brand ambassadors, cultural branding and Omni-channel communications. The course also builds skills, which lead to creation of brand strategy, ethos and the ability to re-tool a brand when it saturates the marketplace. The brand management process will be discussed from inception to consumption and analyzed through contemporary case studies. Prerequisites: BUSS220 & Jr Standing

FASH308 - Fashion Show Production

This course focuses on development of a working knowledge of planning, management, and organizational skills required to produce successful fashion shows. Hands-on experiences throughout the semester address the importance of teamwork, communication, and professionalism demanded in the fashion industry. Students plan, organize, and produce the annual fashion show as final project. Prerequisite: FASH 211 or FASM218

FASH309 - Apparel Product Development

Exploring the global product development matrix, students in this course work together in teams to explore the product lifecycle in terms of sourcing and production. Class sessions combine lectures and cases with hands-on exercises to reinforce key concepts. This survey course covers topics including supply chain management, design calendars, apparel product price points, brand differentiation, product distribution channels, trend forecasting services, color management, specification and technical package development, sizing, quality control, ethics, and evaluation of the global production environment. Pre-requisite: FASH211

FASH315 - Trend Forecasting

This course introduces students to theories and framework used to explain and predict fashion change. Course includes field trips to trade shows, museum visits , and presentations by industry professionals to help students understand the relationship of economic, artistic, technological, social and cultural influences to fashion change.Students apply creative ,research, and analytical skills to plan and develop a trend forecast. Prerequisite: FASH200

FASH407 - Digital Commerce & Analytics

Digital Commerce is today’s fastest growing business model in the retail industry. This course will prepare students to understand the underpinnings of both the front and back end of e-commerce website and app development, the digital consumer and their behaviors, UX design (user experience) and the end-to-end shopping journey from home page to shopping cart. Students will analyze the impact of e-commerce on business models and strategy as well as the infrastructure of these operations. The course will also review retail analytics with an emphasis on both qualitative and quantitative analysis used to track behavior and conversion. Students will apply critical thinking skills to assess web and app functionality, ease of navigation, and ways to engage the consumer in the virtual world. Prerequisite: MATH208, FASH211 & FASH105

FASH410 - Fashion Supply Chain Management

This course will enable the student to learn the elements of the global supply chain. Students will review in detail supply chain from raw materials to the consumer. Content will also include organizational logistics, sourcing and production, inventory and information systems. The course focuses on the apparel and textile industry and discusses Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) as global factors that impact the supply chain. Students will gain an understanding of how the fashion industry supply chain relates to various roles in a fashion company from designer to merchandiser so that value can be created for the consumer. Pre-requisite: FASH309 & MATH208

FASH415 - Internship

The internship field assignment provides students with hands-on experience in the business of fashion, applying classroom theory to the professional work environment. Objectives for the field assignment include: (1) exposure to major components of the fashion company’s operation, (2) first-hand experience in the professional working environment, and, (3) acquisition of professional skills required for this ever-changing fashion industry. The student completes a journal, analyzes the internship company and processes, and receives feedback and evaluation from the internship site supervisor. A minimum of 150 hours of supervised onsite work is required. Collaborative experience affords students capability to maximize opportunities and explore career path options while receiving four academic credits Prerequisites: FASH219 & FASH207 or FASD220

FASH427 - Fash Com & Merchandising Capstone

enior merchandising and fashion communication students will formulate a comprehensive strategic plan for a “live company” with the end result as a presentation to a senior industry executive within the company. The project will involve the study of market conditions and trend analysis, a promotional strategy, product suggestions, the proposal of strategic options for launch on the new initiative and benchmarks to measure feasibility and success. This course will utilize critical thinking and analytical skills, together with technological insight and professional judgement gained thoughout the program to collaborate in a corporate setting.Prerquisite: FASH415, may be taken concurrently

MATH116 - Merchandising and Financial Mathematics

This course focuses on retail mathematics. Topics include simple and compound interest, the time-value of capital, annuities, amortization, sinking funds, bond and investment, business problem-solving and decision making. Other topics include profit, loss, and break-even analysis, pricing, inventory, and merchandise planning. The course introduces basic theories of statistics. Prerequisite: MATH 106 with a grade of C or better or through placement testing.

MATH208 - Statistics

This is an introductory course in descriptive and inferential statistics. Topics include: data analysis, and graphical methods of describing data, measures of central tendency and variability, probability, the normal distribution, sampling distributions, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, correlation, and regression analysis. Prerequisites: MATH 106 with a grade of C or better or demonstrated competency through placement testing and ENG 102.

PSYC101 - Psychological Perspectives (KP)

In this course, students learn to think like psychologists as they study classic and contemporary topics in human behavior, feeling, and thought. Students learn to apply psychological perspectives of thought, including biological, cognitive, sociocultural, humanistic, psychodynamic, and behaviorist, to better understand the human experience. Students will learn to use these perspectives to explore how individual behavior is influenced by and influences one’s biology, family, community and society. Topics may include human development, personality, psychopathology, human relationships, language, memory, perceptual processes, and intelligence, among others.

SOC101 - Sociological Imagination (KP)

In this course we explore our awareness of the relationship between our experience and broader society. How are our lives shaped by our social positions in society – our social class, race, gender, sexual orientation, age, and more? How do the members of different groups view each other and interact with each other? Why do inequalities exist and how do these affect us? How does culture shape our behavior, and why do religions, schools, families, and other institutions remain stable but also change over time?