Design Merchandising 345

DSNM 345: Buying & Procurement for Design

Prerequisites: DSNM 247, DSNM 205; 2.5 in-major GPA; passing Portfolio Review

Credit Hours: (3)

An advanced analysis and manipulation of the professional procedures, formulae, and purchasing negotiations used in product procurement and sales at the trade and retail levels.

Note(s): Students cannot receive credit for both DSNM 345 and DSNM 385.



Detailed Description of Course

This course develops student problem solving competencies in wholesale buying and procurement of fashion and interior products at the trade and retail level. Product acquisition, warehousing, distribution, sales, budgets, assorting, dating, managing vendor/producer relationships; planning dollar markup/markdown, planning six-month merchandising plans, controlling inventory flow and valuation, and planning and adjusting for profit/loss are covered.  Students apply all phases of the design process (problem identification, information gathering, ideation, and analysis/synthesis) in developing merchandising solutions that are viable, timely,   and fiscally responsible for the intended retail client.  Development of alternative solutions is achieved from the students’ manipulation of six-month merchandising plans, merchandise assortment plans, and store layout and space allocation.  Evidence of students’ problem solving ability will be document end in an entrepreneurial assignment.


Detailed Description of Conduct of Course

Course content is delivered through lecture format. Active learning techniques will be employed to stimulate student learning. Experiential learning opportunities such as trips to retailers, hosting guest speakers, and trips to buying markets may be used to enhance course content.


Goals and Objectives of the Course

Student Goals and Objectives of the Course

As a result of this course, the student will demonstrate:

1. A knowledge of how to develop a merchandise assortment planning
2. A knowledge of retail store layout and space allocations based upon merchandising objectives.
3. An understanding of six-month merchandising planning
4. An understanding of successful purchase transaction and negotiation.
5. An understanding of report preparation, analysis, and decision making.
6. An understanding of how to apply merchandising math principles.
7  An understanding of inventory control and valuation.
8. An understanding of the implications of merchandising math procedures and analyses on business success/failure.
9. A comprehension in communicating ideas in written, oral, and multi-media formats.


Assessment Measures

Exams, group assignments, and a comprehensive project will be used.


Other Course Information

None


Review and Approval
March 2010