|
Two Years [Aug 2008 to May 2010, 4 Semesters]
Graduate in any discipline
Delhi, Chennai
This course aims to train students comprehensively with concepts, practical skills and techniques required by professional Fashion Merchandisers.
In the global fashion industry, merchandising is a specialist function that involves a high level of planning and systems. Merchandisers liaise between the market and business end of fashion outside the organization and the creative and production ends within. They are involved in business planning & analysis, buyer management, and order fulfillment. Merchandisers are also required to steer product development, thereby enhancing competitiveness through the value addition route. With the tremendous growth of the apparel industry domestically and overseas, current industry trends clearly indicate a huge requirement of professionally trained merchandisers. The Fashion Merchandising course fulfills this need in the Apparel Industry.
The curriculum starts with basic concepts and knowledge in core technical subjects, business, and allied studies - related to the business of fashion. The first semester offers basic modules of learning to provide a foundation. Accordingly, there are modules on components of basic garments; elements of fashion, fibre/yarn types and properties that they give to a fabric; a basic understanding of merchandising functions; key aspects of production, such as cutting, sewing, finishing; and management principles. Verbal, written and business communication skills of the students are honed throughout the semester and applied across modules.
The second semester initiates the build-up of core merchandising knowledge and skills such as assembling of garments from components; understanding of merchandising systems, advanced understanding of weaves and knits; garment washing; research methodology; and principles of accounting and financial management. Communication skills continue to be emphasized as are subjects such as trims and accessories used for apparel; human resource development; textile and apparel testing and standards and quality assurance.
After the second semester the student undergoes an Internship in the industry, for which arrangements are made by the Academy. This exposure generates a rationality and pragmatism and encourages them to correlate classroom learning with what happens in the industry.
The third semester follows the internship with an analysis of best practices in the industry in the areas of international marketing and trade; advanced merchandising applications; supply chain management and management information systems (MIS).
In the fourth, which is also the final semester, the student undertakes a mentored individual project which integrates and applies all learning from the course. This project is designed to reflect real life working situations. It gives them an opportunity to undertake an application that calls them upon to exert knowledge and problem-solving skills. The best dissertations receive special awards and such awardees have an opportunity to present their works to the industry at a public forum.
After this qualification, students are ready to join the domestic and export garment industries, accessories makers and other fashion segments as Buyers, Merchandisers, Co-ordinators, Product Developers.
|
