Catalog No: Mkt 199N

Title: Special Topics in Marketing: Fashion Merchandising Management

School and Department: JGSOM - Marketing and Law Department
Semester and School Year: 1st semester SY 2012-13
Instructor: Mr. Maqbool “Tipu” Hussain

I. COURSE DESCRIPTION
Fashion merchandising management course revolves around the business side of
fashion and offers incredible opportunities for students who love fashion and want to
make their own fashion business or start a fashion career. The course covers
merchandising concepts, methods and calculations vital to successful business
practices in the fashion industry. It also studies the principles, procedures, and
techniques practiced by buyers and merchandisers of fashion goods in determining
what assortments to buy and which resources to select depending on the market
segment.

II. COURSE OBJECTIVES

At the end of the course, the student should:
a. Know and understand the basics of Fashion Merchandising Management.
b. Understand that success in fashion business does not all depend on the designs but
also on the proper planning, budgeting, sourcing, promoting and positioning of
the merchandise.

III. TEXTBOOK REFERENCES

1- Mastering fashion buying & merchandising management, Tim Jackson

2- Handouts on concepts and cases in Fashion Buying and Merchandise

IV. COURSE OUTLINE

A. Fashion product benefits

Fashion trends & forecasting
Market positioning
Analyzing a fashion brand
Fashion classification of people
Stages in the fashion cycle
Mood board preparation and presentation
B. Seasons & phase planning
Zara case study
Range planning
Assortment planning
Disadvantage cards
Terminal stock intake
Fragmented stock planning
C. Role of Buyers
Role of Merchandisers & stock control
Payment & delivery terms
Fashion buying cycle
Comparative shop analysis
Garment selection process for the next season
Stock turn
Fashion ads
Garment sourcing
Buying strategies
Local Sub-Contractors Vs sourcing
D. Role of visual merchandiser
Visual Merchandising Concepts
Important considerations in visual displays
Customer & store feedback
E. Costing
Pricing & pricing strategies
Consignments & small business startup
Inventory planning & Open to Buy – OTB

V. COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND GRADING SYSTEM

Class Participation 15 percent
Quizzes and Assignments 20 percent
Midterm Exam 30 percent
Project Paper 35 percent

GRADE EQUIVALENTS
3.76 to 4.00 92-100 A
3.31 to 3.75 87-91 B+
2.81 to 3.30 83-86 B
2.31 to 2.80 79-82 C+
1.81 to 2.30 76-78 C
1.00 to 1.80 70-75 D
Below 1.00 Below 70 F

Notes about specific requirements:

1. Class participation (15%)- Class participation is very much encouraged as it
will show the students understanding and interest on the subject.
2. Quizzes and Assignments (20%) – Surprise quizzes can be given any time. If
student is absent or late, quiz missed will be graded as an F. Other assignments
will be given when necessary.
3. Midterm Exam (30%)- There will be no make up exams unless there is a valid
excuse.
4. Project Paper (35%)- This will be a comprehensive project covering all concepts
discussed in class. Students may work individually or in pairs.
 VI. POLICIES
1- All cellular phones must be turned off or kept in silent mode during class hours.
2- Students who are not in class 10 minutes after it starts will be marked late, unless
student has a valid excuse. 3 lates equal to 1 absence
3- Students who are not in class 20 minutes after it starts will be considered absent
unless student has a valid excuse.
4- During group activities, students will be requested to rank themselves and their
group mates according to their contribution to the activity. This then will be
considered when the grade is being made.
5- Students who do not follow the dress code set by the JGSOM, will not be
admitted in class, therefore, and will be marked absent.

Consultation Hours: Can be arranged before or after the class.