Bachelor of Fashion Business

TRIMESTER 1

HF1201 Creative Industry Analysis

This unit offers a foundational understanding of how the fashion industry is structured. It unpacks the distinct and inter-related sectors that impact upon design, market demand, supply, consumer behavior and the nature of national and international competition including issues of sustainability.

HF1003 Consumer Behaviour 

This unit is an introduction to concepts of consumer behavior and psychology. It investigates how consumer identity is formed and develops an understanding of fashion psychographics. To this effect, both internal and external influences are discussed. Internal influences such as consumer motivation, personality, perception, learning, and attitude formation are examined in detail. External factors including social, cultural, and cross-cultural determinants of consumer decision-making are studied. The unit will give students an appreciation of how consumer characteristics and consumption patterns will impact marketing decisions, and how this knowledge can be used to develop effective marketing programs. 

HF1004 Creative Industry Communication Strategies

This unit focuses on all forms of communication within the fashion industry, including interpersonal skills, digital presentation, body language, interview skills, understanding business culture, etiquette, processes and scheduling. It provides skills and techniques for professional communications.

HF3012 Digital Technologies

This unit provides foundational technical and practical digital skills in Adobe CC in order to communicate and produce a range of design ideas implementing the elements and principles of design. The unit will focus on digital communication skills that reflect contemporary processes and programs for the fashion industry.

TRIMESTER 2

HF1204 Principles of Fashion Management 

This unit is designed to give students a well-rounded and in-depth knowledge of the fashion industry, with a managerial focus through analysis of the business contexts of the various fashion roles. Students will enhance both their creative and managerial skills to become a dynamic business brain, and be encouraged to ‘think outside the box’. This course prepares students for creative business roles as a; entrepreneur, and management positions. 

HF1205 Fashion Fundamentals & Cultural History 

This unit explores the fundamentals of the creative industries through an examination of the aesthetical history of fashion over the last century and how it has laid the foundations of the modern fashion industry we know today. Students will analyse the political, cultural and social context of each era, and explore how to examine contemporary fashion utilising historical contexts. This unit prepares students for creative roles as Editors, Fashion Critics, Product Developers, Trend Forecasters, Designers, Editorial Stylist and Visual Merchandisers.

HF1206 Product Management and Accounting

This unit explores the fundamental concepts of fashion production, costing and production specifications. This unit also covers cost-benefit analysis and examines quality assurance measures. It forms an introduction to accounting through financial statements, the accounting cycle, accounting for merchandising operations, cost behaviour, break-even analysis, profit-loss, achieving target profit levels, and balance sheets. This course prepares students for creative business roles as a; Business Entrepreneur, Designers, Publicist, Retail Manager, and Creative Freelancers. 

HF1002 Textiles and Materials

This unit is an introduction to the fabrics commonly used in fashion apparel. Fabrics are studied for their sources of material, construction qualities, and usage. Methods of fiber identification, yarns, fabrics, dyes, printing, and finishing are analyzed for their practical application. In addition, students also research the various garment types, construction processes, sizing systems and fitting as well as new fabrications and technologies available in the industry.

TRIMESTER 3

HF2205 Product Development Strategies 

This unit builds knowledge and skills in the processes and procedures of product development within the fashion industry. Students develop problem-solving skills in this area by applying knowledge of trends, range enhancement, consumer demand and business growth strategies. There is an emphasis on student engagement and interaction demonstrating practical integration of new approaches into their own work and their creative and social development.

HF2202 Sustainable Sourcing and Supply Chains 

This unit breaks down the complexity of a modern fashion supply chain and its management in fashion businesses. Students develop an understanding of the roles and processes involved in the research, creation, sourcing, and delivery of garments or component parts in a sustainable framework and are broken down through analysis of the processes of critical path management. 

HF2203 Buying & Financial Decision Making

Within Fashion & Creative Businesses, buying and financial decision-making are critical components to ensure viability in terms of profit.This unit investigates how product ranges are; researched, planned and managed by buying and merchandising teams in consultation with the other stakeholders. In addition, the impact of pre and post sales analysis plus approaches to budget control and financial management are examined as part of the buying and procurement process.The teaching and learning methods for this unit will include lectures, seminars, workshop and on-line activities. There is an emphasis on industry learner engagement and interaction demonstrating practical integration of new approaches into their own work and their creative and social development.

HF3005 Research Methods for Creative Business Development 

This unit promotes the exploration & experimentation with different critical & methodological perspectives to research, in addition to examining established research methods. The key focus is on primary & secondary research and their relationship, ways of originating & developing, and appropriate methods applied, to enable creative business concept development.

TRIMESTER 4

HF2206 Visual Merchandising & Inventory Management 

The unit teaches students the importance of visual design and stock management. The unit explores the role of window design and implementation as well as the process of sales analysis to communicate the essence of a brand or concept through many channels, such as retail stores, pop-up shops, trade shows, websites, social media and digital graphics. The course will discuss traditional visual merchandising techniques, alternative applications, and the overarching concept of branding through physical presence. This unit also examines the management, allocation process and logistics that ensure stock is in the right place at the right time in various multi-channel selling environments. This course prepares students for creative roles in the retail design and display, visual merchandising, photo styling, store design and design consultancy.

HF2207 Creative Business Marketing Strategies 

This unit examines how to plan, develop and execute integrated marketing communication strategies using a variety of tools in the promotional mix. In particular, students explore how advertising, direct marketing, sales promotion, public relations, special events marketing, online marketing, social media marketing, and personal selling can be used to effectively communicate a marketing message. This unit is designed to align new skill sets and student outcomes to career pathways such as a; Marketing Assistant, Publicist, Event Planner, Content Creator, and Brand/Product Manager.

HF3013 Creative Industry Styling

In this unit, students will explore the fashion stylist’s role within the industry. From researching and selecting garments to working with models for photo shoots, commercials, and runway shows, this course will place students in both the classroom and the studio. Students will also master skills in how to establish a style, genre and signature aesthetic to become professional stylists and fashion consultants. Students will also learn on-set etiquette to prepare them for future styling internships and career opportunities. This unit is designed to align new skill sets and student outcomes to career pathways such as a Personal Stylist, Editorial Stylist, Wardrobe Stylist, Event Styling, and Retail Merchandiser.

HF2201 Brand Development 

This unit develops knowledge of the brand-building process in the fashion industry. It outlines how effective branding contributes to a business and the economy. The unit explores the ways in which fashion companies can build brand identity, brand image and brand personality, and how to communicate these messages across multiple communication channels. This unit gives an entrepreneurial fashion designer the ability to create their own brand identity & how to implement the chosen creative elements into a style guide. This course prepares students for creative roles as a; Designer, Design Consultant, Business Entrepreneur, Publicist, Brand Manager, Fashion Retail Buyer, Product Marketing Manager.

TRIMESTER 5

HF3001 Creative Business Project 1 - Research & Planning 

This unit is designed to enable students to research and develop a creative business project that will showcase their creative, entrepreneurial and decision-making skills. In Project 1 - students are required to identify a gap in the creative marketplace that presents a business opportunity. Students must then research and develop a potential solution. This unit is an opportunity for students to showcase their creative-mind and business-mind through the creation of a realistic business plan for their own creative project. The business plan is further developed and completed in the second semester in HF 3002 Creative Business Project 2 - Integrated Business Plan. This unit is designed to align new skill sets and student outcomes to career pathways such as; business owner/entrepreneur. 

HF2208 Law & Ethics 

This unit provides students with an understanding of the law and ethics as it relates to creative businesses. Students explore basic contacts, product liability, agency relationships, employment law, trademark law, copyright law, and patent law as it relates to the world of, and business of, fashion. By the end of the course, you gain quantifiable skills related to applying intellectual property law to current practices and issues relevant to business and the fashion industry. Students also explore the legal, social, cultural and economic framework of ethics and its impact on fashion businesses, whilst considering changing attitudes to ethics in consumers and the global fashion industry. 

HF3203 Data Fundamentals  

Currently, one of the biggest changes occurring in the Creative Industries is the use & application of Data in business decision making. Effective decision-making is instrumental in achieving the required profits a business needs to remain sustainable. This has evolved based on key elements affecting fast moving fashion consumer product businesses; emerging technology, increased competition environments, globalization, challenging economic environments and changing consumer expectations. In this unit, you will examine the concept of Big Data & emerging technologies, how this is applies to Business processes, the management considerations required,  impacts, methodologies and issues and how they support and fit into business structures. 

HF3204 Economic Strategies for the Creative Sector 

Economics is the study of human behaviour and the choices that individuals, businesses, and governments make to efficiently allocate their scarce resources. This unit examines; micro & macro-economic factors, macro-environmental factors, key elements involved in operating a creative business that impact upon profitability, strategies that enable scalability of a creative business, emerging new economies & business models and business viability.

TRIMESTER 6

HF3002 Creative Business Project 2 - Integrated Business Plan 

This unit is an opportunity for you to showcase your creative, entrepreneurial and decision making skills through the creation of a business plan. This unit builds on HF 3001 Major Project 1 Research & Development. The Integrated Business Plan identifies and exploits a business opportunity arising from a gap in the marketplace and at the same time producing an outcome with a realistic commercial outcome. The focus of this unit is the practical application of planning, business and project management theories and concepts studied earlier in the BFB Degree course.

HF3206 Creative Collaboration in the Fashion Industry

In this unit, students will explore styling from the creative director's role. Students will explore fashion styling and production, the concept to conceptualisation process and collaborative practice. Students will develop the skill set required to manage and direct a team, how to source and work with other creatives to bring a vision to life. A photoshoot will be used to apply these skills to build a personal portfolio. The folio will be a hard and digital folio with a representation of editorial, web and social content and lookbook if students are working with product. This unit is designed to complement HF 3002, providing students with the skill sets needed to develop their own collateral to support their creative business plan. This unit is designed to align new skill sets and student outcomes to career pathways such as a stylist, content creator, creative director and copywriter.

HF3207 Ecommerce and the Digital Landscape 

This unit aims to equip students with knowledge of current industry practices and systems in the use of ecommerce. Students will develop insights and capabilities in analysing digital markets, conceiving of innovative and contemporary digital marketing strategies, translating digital strategy into effective tactics, and assessing the impact of digital strategies. Students will complete the unit with an advanced insight into the technological advances, pitfalls and development in the fashion industry and assess potential new E-fashion markets. This unit is designed to align new skill sets and student outcomes to career pathways such as E- Commerce Manager, Marketing Manager, Data Analyst and Business Entrepreneur. 

HFE2011 Fashion Writing & Digital Media

In this unit students will build their critical and analytical skills by discussing visual culture, fashion semiotics and the relationship between words and images in fashion contexts to hone their journalistic ability. Students will be expected to keep weekly beat notes or journal, exploring what is current in the topic and demonstrating their pursuit of their subject matter. Students will cover the fashion beat in order to hone students’ feature reporting skills. Expect to produce work for print and digital formats. Topics may include historical perspectives on material culture; idea development, interview techniques and reporting, background research and writing skills, branding, social media and digital copy.

ASSESSMENT

Throughout the course students must demonstrate an understanding of all elements of a competency to be deemed competent. Assessment methods in the course have been designed to measure achievement of each competency in a flexible manner over a range of assessment tasks. Assessment will incorporate a variety of methods including assignments, journals, and presentations. Students are advised of the assessment requirements for a unit in the unit outline.

ADVANCED STANDING

Students may be able to shorten the length of this course by applying to transfer any recognised prior learning credits. The application will be assessed in consistence with the principles of the Holmes’ Advanced Standing Policy. 

COURSE QUICK FACTS

Qualification: Bachelor

AQF Level: 7

CRICOS Course Code: 078139C (NSW) 075515G (VIC)

CRICOS Course Duration: 156 Weeks

Teaching Weeks Per Trimester: 12

Number of Trimesters: 6

TEQSA Accreditation Status: Accredited

Course Location: Melbourne

Estimated Annual Enrolment: 50