Merchandise Marketing

A preliminary course in the fundamentals of effective leadership. Students examine their own leadership profile and develop best business practices to improve their management skills. A key emphasis of this course is the study of successful industry leaders and identification of common traits.

A comprehensive overview of the issues in human relations encountered in business by todays leaders and managers. This course provides students with problem solving opportunities which equip them with effective strategies for leading and managing in todays business environment. Prerequisites: BUAD 2100 or BUAD 2100

This course explores what it takes to launch a new venture, both as an entrepreneur and an employee. Students develop a business plan, including identifying opportunities and establishing objectives, matching customer profile to site locations, analyzing competitors practices, and developing a competitive marketing mix. Students also learn the necessary business establishment requirements and financial projections to secure capital or financing to initiate their business venture. Prerequisites: MMKT 2080, MRCH 2200, MRCH 2520

In this process-oriented course, students combine deep, disciplined research with careful writing and revision to produce a thoughtful, creative, and personally meaningful research essay. They learn to formulate focused research questions, identify and investigate credible sources, and synthesize expert opinion with their own insight in support of a clearly defined, complex thesis. The emphasis is on curiosity, exploration, and discovery. As part of the process, students also gain confidence and competency in two primary areas of written expression: organization and mechanics.

This course is a survey of computer-based technology with studies in selected business applications focusing on word processing, image management, multimedia presentations, and electronic spreadsheets.

An exploration of major designers who have had a sustained impact, in both couture and ready-to-wear, on todays fashion. Students analyze how key figures in fashion design have influenced the styles and trends in line development of each decade since 1850, with emphasis on the last 30 years.

An introductory study of the principles and elements of color and design theory. Students critique aspects of a visual representation by analyzing the components of design and the use of color by the artist.

A practical analysis of the basic components of textiles and their relationship to performance. Students examine the characteristics of fibers, yarns, methods of fabric construction, such as weaving and knitting, and survey dyes, prints, and finishes. Emphasis is placed on performance and the determination of fabric suitability in the apparel design industry.

An application course focusing on mathematical concepts used in everyday life. Students integrate computation and analysis with authentic learning in graph analysis, Venn diagrams, analytical geometry, statistical measures of central tendency and variation, and financial mathematics. Prerequisites: To register for GNST 1450, students must successfully pass the math placement test or pass GNST 450.

A course in oral communication designed to give students poise, speaking confidence, and the ability to develop and produce a focused, well-organized speech that holds the audiences attention through effective delivery methods. Presentational skills and audience-centered communication are emphasized.

Designed to foster independent thinking, this course strengthens students capacity to reason clearly, critically, and creatively, including the ability (1) to analyze the arguments of others, (2) to synthesize effective arguments of their own, and (3) to solve problems skillfully. Students also gain experience in reading closely and conducting purposeful, imaginative researchskills essential to the examination of demanding social, moral, political, and personal issues. Prerequisite: GNST 1040

A survey of American history from 1930-2000. Emphasis is on the political and economic features, both domestic and foreign, that contributed to the emergence of the welfare state and the nations rise to global leadership after World War II. The course provides an understanding of the Great Depression, the Second World War, the Cold War, Americas eventual emergence as the worlds only superpower, and the interrelation of all these factors.

To become more self-reliant and enterprising in the job search, students investigate career opportunities and the career path, personal traits, job responsibilities, and qualifications necessary to be competitive and promotable. Students build research tools that enable them to develop a plan of action, conduct informational interviews, practice interviewing skills, and produce a digitized professional resume, biographical statement, and cover letter for immediate submission to prospective employers.

A course that examines the sociological and psychological variables that shape the consumer decision-making process. Students explore a variety of methodology and research techniques for understanding consumers wants and needs, attitude formation, purchase motivation, and consideration, as well as maximizing satisfaction and consumer loyalty. Prerequisites: MMKT 2880, MRCH 1450

Students gain an understanding of basic brand principles through exposure to classic and contemporary branding strategies, applications and case studies. Students explore brand identity elements, positioning and leveraging brand equity, and additionally learn how to create and implement an original brand plan. Prerequisites: MMKT 2880, MMKT 1650

In this advanced marketing course, students explore various message strategies of targeted media: advertising, direct marketing, social media, public relations, sales promotion, and special events. Students create an integrated marketing communications campaign to meet the challenges of promoting in an evolving marketplace. Prerequisite: MMKT 2080

Through the written word marketers evoke images that resonate with the target market. This course explores traditional and new media communication methodology. Students acquire a wide variety of writing skills to effectively communicate across traditional and new media platforms. Prerequisite: MMKT 2080

An in-depth understanding and analysis of globalization and all the critical elements involved, including international trade regulations, global market integration dynamics, sensitivities of different cultures, and effective market entry strategies. At the end of the quarter, the student will have a basic knowledge and understanding of the complexities of international business and the importance of global ethical behavior. Prerequisites: GNST 2960, MMKT 2080

An examination of micro- and macro- marketing strategies involving the four parts of the marketing mix (product, price, promotion, and distribution). Students learn how environment, lifestyles, and buying behavior influence the marketing/merchandising approach and they work in teams to create, develop, and present a marketing plan for a new product.

An introduction to the concepts behind professional trend forecasting. Students learn to understand the fundamentals of the trend forecasting research process through the analysis of current events, social and cultural influences, and industry observation. Emphasis is placed on interpreting research into viable macro trends. Prerequisite: MMKT 2880

This course explores store and non-store retailing formats, structure, purpose, as well as the challenges and integration of retail channels. Students gain an understanding of the retail industry and are exposed to todays global environment. They are introduced to franchising, licensing, branding, and pertinent retail terminology. Career paths and opportunities in the fashion industry are further defined and explored.

Students learn to conduct market analysis, research environmental and target consumer trends, reference predictive reports, and apply the forecast to retail merchandising and marketing decisions. Prerequisite: MRCH 1450

A mathematical applications course using percentages, mark-ups, and profit formulas in retail situations. Students also learn pricing principles, tracking inventory, and writing purchase orders. Prerequisite: GNST 1450

This course gives students insight into the complexity of decision making for buying and planning merchandise assortments and product development. Emphasis is also placed on the application of technology to solve business problems. Students develop problem-solving skills through the analysis of current business practices in merchandising, including buying, assortment planning, pricing, inventory control, and timing the purchase. The importance of customer service and developing strategic partnerships with vendors and suppliers is examined. Prerequisite: MRCH 1550

Students develop a complete seasonal merchandising plan incorporating a customer profile, an assortment and financial plan, and a gross margin projection.  The buyers contribution to profit is evaluated.  Prerequisite: MRCH 1700

This course focuses on the students ability to create computerized spreadsheets for problem solving in the retail environment. A portfolio of spreadsheet files is developed to highlight comprehension of how to calculate and plan sales, stock, open-to-buy, and cumulative mark-up. Students review and apply mathematical calculations used by retail buyers and planners to create spreadsheets.

A study of the management and operational functions required of the business / retail manager. Discussions include: financial reports, inventory control, and daily operations such as customer service, credit, and tenant relations. Managements role in the acquisition, training, retention, discipline, and termination of employees is discussed as it applies to todays business environment. Prerequisite: BUAD 2000

Students learn various merchandise presentation techniques and applications, theories of color, customer appeal, mannequin usage, lighting, and related merchandising concepts and apply these skills in both lab and retail environments. The retail environment includes both brick and mortar as well as the consistent integration of a web page design. Prerequisites: MRCH 1650, MRCH 1750

An advanced course for those interested in buying and distribution careers; students apply previously learned concepts from Merchandise Math and Merchandise Buying in a mock buying experience in the marketplace. They learn profit maximization techniques and vendor negotiations, purchasing terms, discounts, and OTB management. Students use computer-generated reports to evaluate sales and profitability performance and management. Prerequisite: MRCH 2200

Students apply concepts previously learned in Merchandise Math and Merchandise Buying, and new analysis concepts by analyzing typical situations in the retail environment. Students identify trends and develop financial plans based on the analysis of past and current performance. The allocation of goods and the distribution function at store level by SKU, and determining opportunities for business growth are also explored. Prerequisite: MRCH 2200

The emergence of social networking, sustainable practices, social responsibility, and other trends require the consumer and the retailer to examine and explore contemporary strategies and methods of sustaining growth. In addition, developing technology and social consciousness will continue to impact and play an increasingly important role in todays retail environment. Students also assemble and present their Professional Portfolios to be used during the interview process. Prerequisite: GNST 2980