Bachelor of Fashion

Purpose

The qualification creates a developmental path for learners and makes provision for an understanding of the industry, which is inclusive of design and operations concepts, at progressive levels of cognitive complexity.

The foundational skills associated with fashion design are imperative to a holistic understanding of the fashion industry. The qualification does not aim to make the learner into a leading fashion designer; rather the fashion design component in the production of fashion and its application to the broader fashion field is imperative for success within the fashion industry. To this end the learners are provided with the essential foundational skills incorporated in Fashion Design, incorporating knowledge of garment construction methodologies, pattern engineering, fabrication and styling techniques within the commercial context. A study of the science of textile development and uses is applied to the design process at various levels of cognitive complexity.

The history of fashion is imperative to a well-rounded learner's ability to apply an analytical and critical approach to understanding the past to the current and future needs of the society which they serve. This historical understanding is combined with an understanding of fashion in society, and the associated implications of culture and the study culture, class and dress in society at various levels.

The application of knowledge to the industry is enabled through a thorough study of fashion business and operations management. The business of fashion together with the application of design competencies to the production/manufacturing environment are developed through the use of a technical pack and an enhanced understanding of production processes. The general skills associated with operations management are applied to the fashion industry including project management, supply chain management; just in time (JIT) methodologies together with people management are incorporated at a senior level.

The application of knowledge learnt for the industry of fashion is applied to the fashion retail environment wherein the learner's knowledge of the types of retailing, the impact of globalisation and going green, ethical considerations together with the influence of the consumer (and how to reach them) on the retail environment is considered in the light of strategic planning. Supply chain management together with merchandising skills are provided in order to enable the learner to work in the retail environment within either the commercial or business owner context. The skills associated with opening a retail business are learnt together with an enhanced understanding of the needs associated with business management within the retail environment - such as costing, return on investment and associated skills. These skills are considered against the backdrop of advancements in technology and the future of retailing.

The cognitive depth and reasoning ability of each learner is demonstrated through an enhanced understanding of qualitative research methodologies and quantitative forecasting techniques associated with academic literacy, the ability to apply these skills within the fashion context is imperative to success of the learner within the working environment. The qualification is designed to enable the potential within each learner to achieve his or her optimal potential and engage actively and progressively within the fashion industry.

Rationale

The qualification has been developed in response to needs expressed by learners for an advanced qualification in the field of fashion. The need for this qualification is based upon the on-going demand for highly skilled and knowledgeable fashion experts by the fashion industry both locally and internationally. The need for a safe environment which promotes innovation and enhances individual expression will ultimately lead to efficient and productive organisations which are economically sound. This qualification combines theory, practise and business needs in order to develop knowledgeable, able, effective and efficient fashion workers wanting to operate within the fashion industry.

The industry of Fashion is one of the largest in the world; it spans over numerous economic sectors and has a profound impact on today's society. The industry employs millions of people around the world. Fashion incorporates the production of fibres, textiles, and apparel and home fashion products, sporting products and various others for consumers around the world. The qualification recognises the technological developments in fashion and aims to empower South African learners to work within this exciting field.

It is imperative that we enable learners to move beyond the development of simple production processes and products and move towards producing excellence in all aspects of the fashion industry. As elucidated above the fashion industry is a very broad field and the positions available to learners within the industry are very diverse. It is felt that the strong fundamentals enabled and put in place by the qualification will lead to the underpinning competitiveness of the South African environment and in turn result in economic growth.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The qualification allows for open access and may be achieved in part or in whole through the process of RPL. Provision should be made for prior learning to be recognised if a learner is able to demonstrate competence in the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes embedded in this qualification.

Entry Requirements

To gain access to this qualification, an applicant is required to have a

• National Senior Certificate.

Or

• National Certificate (Vocational).

Or

• An Advanced Certificate or Diploma or Advanced Diploma in a cognate discipline.

Access to the qualification will also be allowed via Recognition of Prior Learning of the adult learner's competency in order to widen access to the Higher Education qualification.

This qualification consists of compulsory modules at NQF Levels 5, 6 and 7, totalling 370 Credits.

Modules at NQF Level 5

• Culture of Fashion I, 20 Credits.
• History of Fashion I, 15 Credits.
• Fashion Operations Management I, 20 Credits.
• Fashion Design Concepts I, 20 Credits.
• Garment Engineering, 20 Credits.

Total number of Credits = 95.

Modules at NQF Level 6

• Academic Literacy, 10 Credits.
• Textile Science, 15 Credits.
• Culture of Fashion II, 20 Credits.
• History of Fashion II, 20 Credits.
• Fashion Operations Management II, 20 Credits.
• Fashion Design Concepts II, 25 Credits.
• Fashion Retail Management I, 20 Credits.
• Trend Forecasting, 20 Credits.

Total number of Credits = 150.

Modules at NQF Level 7

• Culture of Fashion III, 30 Credits.
• History of Fashion III, 30 Credits.
• Fashion Operations Management III, 20 Credits.
• Fashion Design Concepts III, 25 Credits.
• Fashion Retail Management II, 20 Credits.

Total number of Credits = 125.

The learners must demonstrate that they have acquired/developed competency in the following

1. Analyse the historical context of fashion, its rise and constant advancement and technological development through the ages, and its modern day influence on the rapid progress of fashion.
2. Apply forecasting techniques to analyse future trends in the fashion industry, techniques learnt are applied in different contexts.
3. Apply engineering techniques to conceptualise, delegate, market and present product and technically control product development, all of which culminate in the skill of garment engineering to final product.
4. Draw up a concise commercial fashion collection using design development concepts and techniques to create a final product to meet consumer demand.
5. Apply the principles of business management to the fashion production and operations management environment, thereby leading the product development process in a commercial context.
6. Apply retail principles within the fashion context to the modern day demands of retail management.
7. Demonstrate an advanced understanding of local and global culture in society, which is an underpinning fashion driver, in order to relate its influence to a target market in a fashion context.

Specific Outcomes

Fundamental

1. Analyse business opportunities and trends within the fashion retail market in order to form a quantifiable business plans.

Core

1. Analyse the cultural and social influences on dress in society and explain its impact on the development of fashion.
2. Demonstrate a holistic and solid background into the influences of the history of society, and lifestyle of the time to influence the work fashion.
3. Quantify a thorough working knowledge of operations management; (to the extent that the learner can plan various scenarios, compare and measure their outcomes and be able to project manage their implementation).
4. Design a well edited commercial collection based upon market needs and demands of the marketplace.

A learner can be assessed by

• Observation (practical exercises/demonstrations, presentations, projects, role-playing or simulations).
• Evaluation of what learner has made or done (assignments, presentations, case studies, examinations/tests, log books, practical exercises/demonstrations, portfolios, projects or questionnaires).
• Questioning (various types of questions/questioning, examinations/tests, assignments, case studies, log books, portfolios, projects, role-playing or simulations).

By using these formative and summative assessment methods, the learner shall be able to

Associated Assessment Criteria for Specific Outcome 1

• Business opportunities and trends are analysed and qualified within the fashion retail market in order to form a quantifiable business plan.
• A verifiable business plan that will pass muster with leading financial institutions, meeting all the requirements of good business practice is constructed.
• A financial, marketing and operations plan that is viable and shows an extrapolated growth plan that is profitable and sustainable is composed.
• A coordinated sales plan, involving all sales channels, including the use of the World Wide Web, to drive sales is developed.
• The methodologies associated with the identification and assembly of a successful team of people are applied.
• An in depth knowledge of merchandising, pricing strategies and logistical plans to operate a retail outlet is demonstrated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Specific Outcome 2

• Cultural and social influences on dress in society are commented on.
• A sociological perspective on the way that people dress is argued.
• How an appreciation for cultural research will assist with developing own unique approach to fashion is explained and how this promotes fashion is discussed.
• The fundamental cultural processes permeating social control and the identification of that which leads to accepted fashion are challenged.
• Sociological concepts are researched and knowledge of social behaviour to the concepts associated with social control and social behaviour as it manifests itself in fashion is applied.
• Fashion as a market driven cycle of consumer demand within its cultural context is analysed.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Specific Outcome 3

• Iconic designers are investigated and analysed in order to glean an understanding of the influences on today's fashion, and fashion into the future.
• A holistic and solid background into the influences of society, lifestyle and culture of the time to influence the work of great designers is demonstrated.
• A comparative study of specific designers in order to understand their unique specialities and relate their influences to the fashion of the time is formulated.
• Own style signature by means of integrating historical influences of society to the society in which you live in today is characterised.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Specific Outcome 4

• Operational environments are analysed and the principles of operations management are applied to them.
• A thorough working knowledge of operations management; (to the extent that the learner can plan various scenarios, compare and measure their outcomes and be able to project manage their implementation.) is quantified.
• Specific remedies throughout the operations value chain are quantified and developed.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Specific Outcome 5

• Primary and secondary sources of inspiration are researched and a mood board (incorporating colour, trims, special treatments and findings as well as appropriate fabric selection) in order to trigger a collection is created.
• A well edited commercial collection based upon market needs and demands is designed.
• The development of the chosen designs is planned and a technical package is presented which considers budget constraints for the completed target market directed range.
• Patterns for production purposes are analysed and developed, cost effective methodologies in line with the pre-determined budgetary constraints are applied.
• The commercial viability of the product and production thereof is evaluated, strengths and weaknesses are considered and what would be done differently in the future approach is determine.
• A portfolio for presentation; incorporating all aspects of design leading to development is compiled for display.

Integrated Assessment

Assessment of competence is done through a combination of formative and summative assessment methodologies, tools and procedures, which will not discriminate against learners in an unjust or invalid way. Assessment practices are fair, transparent, valid and reliable.

The purpose of assessment is to determine whether a learner has met the outcomes of the qualification in terms of theory and practice. Integrative techniques are therefore used to assess applied competence. Learners should be required to demonstrate that they can perform the outcomes with understanding and insight. Assessment should ensure that all Exit Level Outcomes are evaluated.