FASHION BUYING1.
ASSIGNMENT 1
SUBMISSION DEADLINE See Unit Handbook.
 
Assessment objectives/Rationale:
·        Demonstration of a comprehensive understanding of the role and how it functions within the two organisations. 50%
 
·        Evidence of wider research e.g books, journals interviews etc. 25%.
 
·        Communication and presentation and accurate referencing. 25%.
 
Assessment Task.
2,000 word assignment
Compare and contrast the role of a Buyer within a large high street retailer’s head office, with the role of a Buyer within a small fashion boutique.
Include the following:
·        The season’s diary.
·        Interaction with others.
·        The IT support.
·        Critical path management.
·        Decision making process.
·        Personal key skills required.
·        The management of others.
 
 
 
 
 
The Season’s Diary.  (the buying cycle)
·        What happens?
·        Review current sales
·        Range Planning
·        Shopping- what types?
·        Trips
·        Sourcing
·        Development
·        Price negotiation
·        Range selection.
·        Sign off
·        Product development, fitting garments, fabric testing.
·        Garments manufactures
·        Delivery of garments
·        Purchase by the customer
How would the 2 businesses differ in terms of the process?
 
Interaction with others. (notes from Week 4- The Buying Team)
High street Retailer –Interacts with
·        Head of buying/merchandising
·        Rest of buying team/buying assistants
·        Designer
·        Merchandiser
·        QA/product/fabric technologist
·        Sourcing team
·        Suppliers
·        Customers
·        Marketing/PR
 
 
Small fashion boutique-interacts with
·        Owner/Manager or they be the owner
·        Staff-these may be full time/part time
·        Suppliers
·        Customers
·        Marketing/PR
 
IT support
·        High Street retailer will have in house support, more complex IT systems in place. Small boutique more likely to have much simpler way of working- could possibly outsource some services.
Critical Path Management.
·        What is the critical path?
·        Essential to any business. Within a small boutique should be less complicated. Within a large organisation will be managed by all the team, not just the Buyer.
 
Decision making process.
·        Buyer ultimately responsible for decision making, but within a High Street retailer business would have to justify these decisions. This would be to Head of Buying/Merchandiser or the wider business.e.g shareholders.
·        Boutique business will have less support and therefore would have less people to answer too. But would be answerable to any investors.
 
Personal skills required.
·        See previous lecture notes.
 
The management of others.
·        Look at “interaction with others.” Which of those is the buyer responsible for managing?
 
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Remember the 2 types of buying. This is relevant as the role of the buyer will differ depending on which method.
·        Selection Buying.
·        Product Development Buying.
What is the difference?
 
READ TO RESEARCH YOUR REPORT.
·        DRAPERS.
·        FASHION BUYING, HELEN GOWOREK.
·        MASTERING FASHION BUYING AND MERCHANDISING MANAGEMENT, JACKSON & SHAW
·        ANY RELEVANT PRESS INFORMATION.
·        PRIMARY RESEARCH.
IF YOU ARE ALREADY READING, YOU HAVE STARTED YOUR RESEARCH.
CONSIDERATIONS
·        When using material you have researched within your assignment, you can either quote the information directly (not too long) or rewrite it in your own words. You can do a combination of both- but if you rewrite it in your own words it shows you have understood it. (Either way it needs to be referenced within the text and on the reference page).
·        Think about the vocabulary you use. Use the synonyms tool.
 
PRESENTATION OF YOUR ASSIGNMENT
·        Write in the 3rd person
·        Read the unit handbook and follow any instructions carefully.
·        Word document/text/font/margins etc.
·        Title page. Student number.
·        Contents page (include word count)
·        Introduction
·        Main body of assignment- Sub headings
·        Conclusion
·        Reference page
·        Appendices- any additional information.
·        Could you include visuals? E.g charts to illustrate any points.
·        Page numbers
·        LEAVE ENOUGH TIME FOR PRINTING, PROOF READ YOUR WORK.
 
SUBMITTING YOUR ASSIGMENT
·        Ensure your work is submitted by the specified deadline to the correct place.
·        Make sure your work is protected so it does not get damaged.
 
FINAL TIPS!
·        Utilise skills on line and any workshops available.
·        Get your research material in plenty of time. Be aware of 1 week loans.
·        RESEARCH ALWAYS TAKES LONGER THAN YOU THINK IT WILL.
·        Plan your time.
·        Get started!