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: COSM 2380, COSM 2450, SMED 2750

Students gain an understanding of basic brand principles through exposure to classic and contemporary branding strategies, applications, and case studies. Students explore key brand identity elements, positioning and leveraging brand equity.

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.

An in-depth study of the financial planning process for the apparel industry. Students are introduced to pricing principles, the purchasing process, methods of analysis, and calculating profitability. Utilizing Excel, a six month financial plan and unit plan are created by each student in a series of classroom exercises. Prerequisites: GNST 1450, MRCH 1950, TSCI 1440

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 timing. The importance of customer service and developing strategic partnerships with vendors and suppliers is examined. Prerequisites: MRCH 1100, MRCH 1550

This course is an introduction to the methodology of tracking and forecasting trends in the fashion industry. Students examine how world economy, popular culture, visual arts, runway collections, and retail and street fashion combine in varying degrees to shape current styles and determine future trends. A culminating styling project challenges them to synthesize what they have learned in an informed prediction about future trends for a specific brand and target market. Prerequisite: MRCH 1420, TSCI 1500

This course is designed to assist the student in developing a facility with electronic spreadsheets in support of effective business management. Students develop a working knowledge of computerized spreadsheet and chart functions as applied to business management concepts with related mathematical formulas and operational requirements.

A thorough exploration of international sourcing, production, and distribution strategies current in the textile and apparel industries. Students gain practical understanding of global supply chain management and import/export regulations and a heightened awareness of the legal, ethical, economic, and social implications of sourcing decisions. Prerequisite: TSCI 1500

In this course, students combine quantitative analyses and financial planning with creative merchandising strategies to curate a dynamic assortment for their target consumer. Through market and trend research, the integration of business acumen with aesthetic principles is covered in order to create the optimal customer experience. Prerequisites: MPDV 2100, MRCH 2760

In this course, students explore the current concepts of customer analytics and their application to business practices in the retail industry. They analyze data collection methods and implement best strategies for their chosen case study company. Guidelines for practices in the field of Artificial Intelligence and the use of large datasets are reviewed. Prerequisite: MRCH 2760

In a highly competitive retail environment where product differentiation is key, students will propose a new private label initiative for an existing brand in a pop-up location after analyzing consumer demand, studying the history of private label, and examining the process of product development. Prerequisite: MRCH 2760.

This advanced technology course prepares students for a variety of advanced Excel applications as required in todays business sector. Prerequisite: MRCH 2250

In this capstone course, students analyze the current business practices of a prominent retailer with special attention to the organizations present strengths and weaknesses, the challenges it faces in todays global economic climate, and the impact of current trends in consumer purchasing behaviors on its financial health. Through research, the student assesses the organizations current value and makes informed recommendations for maximizing future growth. Prerequisite: SMED 2750

Introduces students to the concept, history, and science of sustainability and its relationship to the business of ethical fashion. Coursework topics focus on the development of eco-friendly materials, responsible manufacturing and distribution, and how companies are integrating social responsibility for the environment into their corporate philosophy and business practices. Prerequisites: COSM 2380, MMKT 2460, MPDV 2400, MRCH 2420, SMED 2750

Students apply previously learned merchandising concepts with new analytics to measure common retail metrics. Using analysis of past and current performance, students identify trends and develop financial plans and learn various allocations methods used in the retail buying industry. Prerequisites: MRCH 2640, MRCH 2760.

Students learn how to create a successful online business. Through class lecture and industry speakers students learn how to navigate e-commerce applications including document automation, domestic and international payment systems, online banking, and shopping cart software. Prerequisites: MRCH 1950, MPDV 2820

Students in this course identify and select fabrics and fabric finishes to fulfill specific customer needs relating to garment structure, design aesthetic, performance, and care across divergent target market groups. Students also master the precise textile terminology essential to effective communication with designers, manufacturers, and marketers. Prerequisite: MRCH 1100