MPDV 4400 — 3 UNITS

SUPPLY CHAIN & LIFECYCLE PLANNING

This course examines how to manage the global supply chain by utilizing the lifecycle planning process necessary to ensure on-time delivery of products to the consumer. As a product manager for a newly developed product category for a major retailer, students use PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) software or Excel spreadsheets to plan, schedule, and coordinate all phases of supply chain research and decision-making, line planning and creation, technical design, sourcing, production, and distribution. Students demonstrate proficiency in communication skills through a variety of written and oral projects. Prerequisite: MPDV 4250

MPDV 4500 — 3 UNITS

INTERNSHIP

Through on-the-job training, students gain valuable insight as they apply theory and skills learned in the classroom to actual work situations and explore career options in technical design. Prerequisite: MPDV 4100

MPDV 4600 — 3 UNITS

DESIGN THINKING: RESEARCH & IDEATION

In this first of two consecutive project-based courses designed to prepare students for the rigor and creative vitality sought by the industry, students use design thinking to research a technical design issue that calls for process or product innovation or improvement. Their project may address opportunities found in underserved markets, emerging technologies, or in global supply chain management. Through a process of human centered discovery, students define and interpret a problem, ideate their concept for resolving it, and identify potential risks to implementation before presenting their solution for review and evaluation to peers and industry representatives. Prerequisite: MPDV 4250

MPDV 4700 — 3 UNITS

PROTOTYPE DEVELOPMENT & ANALYSIS

In this capstone course, students design a garment of their choice to be executed to their specifications by a local sample maker. In the process, they exhibit their understanding of fabric selection and proper garment fit; they validate their ability to give detailed, precise and complete instructions (developed in previous pattern drafting and technical design classes) to produce a completed prototype; and they demonstrate their time management skills by adhering to schedules and meeting deadlines. Includes a three (3) hour lab. Prerequisites: MPDV 3450, MPDV 4100

MPDV 4850 — 3 UNITS

DESIGN THINKING: IMPLEMENTATION

In this second component of the MPDV Design Thinking sequence, students develop a complete business strategy for the product or process innovation begun in MPDV 4600 and now linked to a specific brand and target market. The business strategy details

specifications, prototypes, experimentation methods, enumerates a budget and costs, describes sourcing strategies including a production timeline, and identifies potential business partners to support and help launch the new product or process. Students then culminate their accomplishment by presenting their new concepts to an industry panel for critique and evaluation. Prerequisite: MPDV 4600

MRCH

MRCH 1100 — 3 UNITS

THE BUSINESS OF FASHION MERCHANDISING

A survey of the fashion apparel industry, with emphasis on the roles played by design, textile and product development, merchandising, and distribution in the creative and business cycles. This course introduces students to apparel terminology, textile and manufacturing resources, and industry participants, as well as to the many career paths and job opportunities open to them.

MRCH 1450 — 3 UNITS

CONCEPTS IN TREND FORECASTING

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. Prerequisites: MRCH 1420, MRCH 1750

MRCH 1550 — 3 UNITS

THE RETAIL ENVIRONMENT

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 today's 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. Prerequisite: MRCH 1100

MRCH 1750 — 3 UNITS

MERCHANDISING STRATEGIES

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