Dressmaking Shop Project: Stitches of Style

Problem Statement:
People in [Target Area] lack access to a reliable and skilled dressmaking shop offering custom clothing creation and
alterations.
Project Mission:
To establish a thriving dressmaking shop, "Stitches of Style," that caters to the custom clothing needs of the [Target Area]
community by providing high-quality garments, alterations, and exceptional customer service.
Project Objectives:
 Secure a suitable location for the shop.
 Acquire necessary equipment and supplies.
 Develop a marketing strategy to attract customers.
 Recruit and train skilled dressmakers.
 Establish a pricing structure and service menu.
 Achieve profitability within [Target timeframe].
Project Work Requirements:
Deliverables:
 Business plan outlining marketing strategy, financial projections, and operational procedures.
 Lease agreement for shop location.
 Inventory of equipment and supplies (sewing machines, fabric, mannequins, etc.).
 Marketing materials (brochures, website, social media presence).
 Training manuals for dressmakers.
 Price list for services offered (custom garments, alterations, etc.).
Hardware:
 Sewing machines (industrial and home-use models)
 Dress forms
 Mannequins
 Cutting tables
 Irons and ironing boards
 Steamers
 Measuring tools
Software:
 Accounting software
 Inventory management software
 Point-of-sale system (optional)
Exit Criteria:
 Shop is open for business with a minimum of [Target number] customers served in the first [Target timeframe].
 Inventory management system is in place.
 Staff is trained and proficient in dressmaking and customer service.
End-Item Specifications to Be Met:
 Shop is clean, well-organized, and provides a welcoming environment for customers.
 Equipment is operational and maintained in good condition.
  Staff is knowledgeable about fabrics, sewing techniques, and fashion trends.
 Garments are created and altered to meet customer specifications with high quality standards.
 Excellent customer service is provided, ensuring customer satisfaction.
Work Breakdown Structure (WBS):
1. Project Planning
 Develop project plan
 Conduct market research
 Secure funding (if needed)
2. Shop Setup
 Find and secure location
 Renovate or furnish shop space (if necessary)
 Acquire equipment and supplies
 Design and implement shop layout
3. Marketing and Sales
 Develop marketing strategy
 Create marketing materials
 Launch marketing campaign
 Develop sales process
4. Staffing and Training
 Recruit and hire dressmakers
 Develop training program
 Train staff on dressmaking techniques and customer service
5. Operations and Management
 Establish operating procedures
 Implement inventory management system
 Develop pricing structure and service menu
 Set up accounting system
6. Launch and Ongoing Operations
 Grand opening event (optional)
 Daily operations management
Schedules:
Develop a detailed project schedule with milestones and deadlines for each project phase.
Required Resources:
 Financial resources (funding for equipment, rent, marketing, etc.)
 Skilled dressmakers and potential trainees
 Materials and supplies
 Shop space
Control System:
 Regular project meetings to discuss progress and address any issues.
 Performance metrics to track customer satisfaction, sales figures, and inventory levels.
 Budget monitoring to ensure project stays within financial constraints.
Major Contributors - Linear Responsibility Chart:
Task Responsible Person Accountability
Project management Project manager Overall project success
Market research Marketing team Understanding customer needs
Location scouting Project manager Securing suitable shop space
Equipment purchase Project manager Acquiring necessary equipment and
 supplies
Marketing sales Marketing teams Customer acquisition and sales
generation
Staff recruitment and training Project manager Hiring and training qualified
dressmakers
Shop operations Shop manager Day-to-day operations and customer
service
Accounting and finance Accountant Financial management and reporting

Risk Areas with Contingencies:

 Risk: Difficulty finding skilled dressmakers.
Contingency: Partner with local sewing schools or offer competitive salaries and benefits.
 Risk: Lower than expected customer demand.
Contingency: Offer additional services (e.g., sewing classes) and implement targeted marketing campaigns.
 Risk: Delays in equipment delivery.
Contingency: Identify backup suppliers and order equipment with ample lead time.
Six-Step Process for Project Risk Plan: Stitches of Style
Step 1: Identify Risks
This step has already been completed in the initial project plan. We identified the following risks:
 Difficulty finding skilled dressmakers.
 Lower than expected customer demand.
 Delays in equipment delivery.
Steps 2 & 3: Probability & Impact Assessment
Risk Probability Negative Impact
Difficulty finding skilled dressmakers M H
Lower than expected customer M M
demand
Delays in equipment delivery L M

Step 4: Prevent or Mitigate the Risk

Here, we outline actions to reduce the likelihood or severity of each risk.
 Difficulty finding skilled dressmakers:
o Partner with local sewing schools or fashion design programs to identify potential recruits.
o Offer competitive salaries and benefits to attract skilled dressmakers.
o Consider offering on-the-job training for individuals with strong sewing fundamentals.
 Lower than expected customer demand:
o Conduct thorough market research to understand customer needs and preferences.
o Offer a variety of custom clothing and alteration services to cater to a broader audience.
o Develop a strong social media presence and implement targeted marketing campaigns.
o Consider offering competitive pricing and promotions to attract new customers.
 Delays in equipment delivery:
 o Order equipment well in advance with lead times in mind.
o Identify backup suppliers for critical equipment in case of delays.
o Consider renting equipment temporarily as a stopgap measure if delays occur.

Step 5: Consider Contingencies

This step involves outlining fallback plans in case preventive measures fail.
 Difficulty finding skilled dressmakers:
o If recruitment efforts fall short, consider outsourcing alterations to a reputable tailor temporarily.
o Focus on training existing staff to expand their skill set.
 Lower than expected customer demand:
o Revise marketing strategies to target new customer segments.
o Offer additional services beyond custom clothing and alterations (e.g., sewing classes, fabric sales).
o Consider offering discounts or loyalty programs to incentivize repeat business.
 Delays in equipment delivery:
o Utilize readily available equipment for basic operations while awaiting delayed machinery.
o Explore creative solutions to adapt existing equipment for specific tasks.
Step 6: Establish Trigger Points
This final step defines measurable indicators that signal the need to activate contingency plans.
 Difficulty finding skilled dressmakers:
Trigger: If no qualified dressmakers are hired within [Target timeframe] after launching recruitment efforts.
 Lower than expected customer demand:
Trigger: If customer traffic and sales figures fall below [Target number] within the first [Target timeframe] of
operation.
 Delays in equipment delivery:
Trigger: If critical equipment delivery is delayed beyond [Target timeframe] after the scheduled arrival date.