MRCH 1820 — 3 UNITS

TREND ANALYSIS & STYLING CONCEPTS

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. Prerequisites: MRCH 1420, TSCI 1500

MRCH 1920 — 3 UNITS

APPLIED DIGITAL COMMUNICATION

Students integrate their knowledge of Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign to create effective digital campaigns for the marketing and merchandising of apparel, footwear and accessories. Emphasis is on innovation and concept design explorations enhanced by computer-aided applications. Prerequisite: GRPH 1000

MRCH 1950 — 3 UNITS

EXCEL FOR BUSINESS APPLICATIONS

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.

MRCH 2210 — 3 UNITS

MERCHANDISE PRESENTATION STRATEGIES

In this course, students learn how to develop effective product placement concepts across a variety of shopping platforms from in-store to electronic devices to increase customer satisfaction, drive sales, and increase profitability. Emphasis is also placed on how data is being used to enhance visual merchandising execution. Prerequisites: MRCH 1550, MRCH 1820

MRCH 2420 — 3 UNITS

GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAIN & LOGISTICS

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

MRCH 2640 — 3 UNITS

BUYING

BUYING 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

MRCH 2660 — 3 UNITS

DATA INSIGHTS & FASHION ANALYTICS

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

MRCH 2690 — 3 UNITS

PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

In a highly competitive retail environment where product differentiation is key, students 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

MRCH 2760 — 3 UNITS

ADVANCED BUSINESS APPLICATIONS

This course is an advanced study of Excel, an important and necessary skill in today's business sector. Students become proficient in functions such as managing data using tables, enhancing charts, using what-if analysis and PivotTables. Prerequisite: MRCH 1950

MRCH 2770 — 3 UNITS

CASE STUDIES IN RETAIL STRATEGIES

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

MRCH 2810 — 3 UNITS

SUSTAINABILITY & SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

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 2830, MMKT 2460, MPDV 2400, MRCH 2420, SMED 2750

MRCH 2860 — 3 UNITS

MERCHANDISE PLANNING & ALLOCATION

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