module specification

This module builds on level 4 & 5 learning to look at the fashion industry within a global context. It covers global supply chains and retailing, international branding and marketing communications and strategic decisions made by international fashion retail businesses. The module covers the biggest challenges - financial, political, ethical and sustainable - facing global fashion business. It also provides an overview of the international business concepts, frameworks and theories that form an understanding of global fashion strategy.
Assessment will be made through group presentation, strategic group project, individual coursework and tutor moderated self reflection.

• To develop understanding and knowledge of key theories, models and concepts of international fashion retail strategy
• To appreciate the impact globalisation has had on the fashion industry and the advantages and challenges it has presented
• To understand global supply chains and the key differences in international markets
• Improving analytical and presentational skills to comment insightfully and articulately on fashion industry challenges
• To forecast the issues and challenges created by global strategy implementation

• Definition, scope and challenges of international fashion business
• How the fashion business was globalised: linking fashion to global capitalism
• Patterns of international strategy in fashion retail
• Characteristics of global fashion retailers
• Introduction to global corporate strategy and international business planning
• Pricing strategies in international markets
• Value chain and customer value in international environments
• Fashion and global ethics: the product chain, working conditions across the globe and the rise of fast fashion
• Fashion production and supply chain in relation to sustainability, waste and climate change
• The impact of ecommerce on global fashion retailing
• Product and shipping strategies
• International product life cycle (IPLC)
• The role of branding in international markets
• The influence of culture on international management and leadership; global issues affecting international fashion strategies
• Fashion retail operations in international environments: managing risk, change and crisis
• Evaluating international fashion strategies
• The future of fashion globalisation and how an international business model can become more ethical and sustainable

• Interactive workshops with a mix of teaching (with multimedia support), group work, individual learning and guest speakers
• Use of weblearn, including discussion forums, to share ideas and support learning, also to assess class contribution via journals and discussion boards
• Extensive background reading and research projects undertaken in students’ own time
• One-to-one tutorials throughout the module and small group-based shared learning/exchange of ideas/critique of texts
• Regular debate and presentations to develop confidence and social/audience skills

• Be able to use knowledge of international strategy within the commercial marketplace
• Be able to use a working knowledge of globalisation to address the issues and challenges faced by the industry and individuals
• Demonstrate an understanding of global supply chains and international market strategy when dealing professionally with customers and manufacturers
• Be able to deal with day-to-day industry challenges by presenting unique ideas to colleagues and implementing solutions
• Be able to anticipate new challenges created by globalisation and international market forces in the workplace

To increase critical thinking and planning skills, confidence, professionalism, teamwork and employability, students will engage in an assessed group presentation, group coursework with an individual log, a critical essay and moderated self reflection on participation and engagement across the module.

Multimedia group presentation on an international fashion brand, analysing its financial, ethical or sustainable challenges (with 400 word report)

Group project (with 2,000 word individual log) to develop a theoretical strategy for an international business model that could operate ethically and sustainably throughout its global supply chain. Assessed by contribution and log of individual work.

Critical essay on the globalisation of fashion – 2,500 words

Class contribution, assessed via online journal

• Alexander, H and Black, S (2012). The Sustainable Fashion Handbook. Thames & Hudson. London.
• Brooks, A (2015) Clothing Poverty: The Hidden World of Fast Fashion and Second-Hand Clothes. Zed Books Ltd. London.
• Ciravegna, L, Fitzgerald, R and Kundu, S (2013). Operating in Emerging Markets: A Guide to Management and Strategy in the New International Economy. Prentice Hall. USA.
• Cline, E.L. (2013). Reprint edition. Overdressed: The Shockingly High Cost of Cheap Fashion. Portfolio. USA.
• Dürrschmidt, J and Taylor, G (2007). Globalisation, Modernity and Social Change: Hotspots of Transition (Sociology for a Changing World). Palgrave Macmillan. UK.
• Siegle, L (2011). To Die for: Is Fashion Wearing Out the World? Fourth Estate. London.

• British Fashion Council: http://www.britishfashioncouncil.co.uk/.
• Fashion United: https://fashionunited.uk/.