Document No: [Secretariat use only] DESIGN & SOCIAL CONTEXT Submission to Academic Development and Students Committee Proposal: TITLE Master of Fashion and Textiles Exit points: Graduate Diploma in Fashion and Textiles and, Graduate Certificate in Fashion and Textiles The School of Fashion & Textiles has been developing a Higher Education structure which services the needs of the Fashion & Textiles Industry. The School offers a Bachelor of Applied Science Textile Technology and the Bachelor of Applied Science in Fashion & Textiles Merchandising and Fashion Technology. These programs have a clear pathway (from the TAFE Diploma of Textiles, Clothing and Footwear to Year 3 of the Bachelor). The School also conducts the Bachelor of Arts (Textile Design) with articulation pathways from relevant TAFE programs. BACKGROUND To support its strategy of servicing the needs of the local and international fashion & textiles industry, the School requires a coursework postgraduate structure that will capitalise on the demand for postgraduate studies by international students. The School offers postgraduate programs by research the Master of Technology (Textiles), the Master of Arts (Textile Design) and a PhD. Currently the School also conducts a Graduate Diploma in Manufacturing Operations (Textiles). There is a need for a Master by coursework program that will be attractive to international students and relate directly to the School s undergraduate disciplines. SUMMARY The proposed Master of Fashion and Textiles will be aimed at international graduates as well as industry practitioners who have embarked upon a career in fashion & textiles and will prepare them for career advancement within their organisation. The program will enhance specific fashion & textiles capabilities within a broader business and global market domain. Core courses will address management and entrepreneurship (innovation) in conjunction with new technologies and the analysis of global fashion & textiles business issues. Electives in support of the Program Proposal, Cover page of Master Fashion & Technology - Final Copy.doc Page 1 of 4
Document No: [Secretariat use only] core courses will be drawn from existing courses within the DSC and Business portfolios in conjunction with specialist areas such as master pattern design and high level computer aided design to be taught in the School of Fashion and Textiles. The fashion and textiles industry embraces a range of technologies and it is intimately connected with its customer base through fashion and design. It is an industry of supply chains that requires its practitioners to be able to understand and work within and across these supply chains. Management skills need to be contextualised within a fashion & textiles framework. The key purposes of the proposed program are: a) To provide a Master by coursework option for people with an undergraduate (or equivalent) qualification/expertise in fashion & textiles that will enhance their career prospects in the industry; b) To capture demand in identified fashion & textiles international markets. c) To develop a sustainable income base for the School that will leverage its excellence in the fashion & textiles Industry into a broader market base outside Australia. LINKAGES TO RMIT STRATEGIES AND POLICIES The proposed Master of Fashion and Textiles by coursework program will enhance the School s Higher Education offerings by providing a Postgraduate coursework option for Fashion Design and Technology, Merchandising, Textile Design and Technology graduates. The program will have no direct link to RMIT s Research capability. However, it will form an important linkage program for the development of further PhD candidates within the School in conjunction with international strategic partners and national industry boosting its profile internationally. RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS The coordination and delivery of the proposed program will be managed by the School of Fashion & Textiles through the Postgraduate Program Coordinator. It is estimated that one additional staff member (or equivalent) will be required to assist with delivery. The School has the capability to develop and deliver all of the new courses. There will be no impact on the school structure and delivery can be conducted within the current infrastructure. Program Proposal, Cover page of Master Fashion & Technology - Final Copy.doc Page 2 of 4
Document No: [Secretariat use only] RISK MANAGEMENT This new program will draw upon current postgraduate courses offered in the DSC and Business as highlighted in the proposed program structure. Nine new courses have been developed for the program. New electives courses will only be offered when sufficient demand has been reached. In developing the program proposal the following industry and internal groups were approached: - Textile Fashion Industries of Australia - International Fibre Centre (IFC) - Program Advisory Committee of the School of Fashion & Textiles - Industry Advisory Group of the School of Fashion & Textiles - RMIT International - Brandix College Sri Lanka - NIFT India - IPG Agents (India, Thailand, Hong Kong and Malaysia) IMPACT Each group confirmed that there was a real need for a Masters Program that addressed the specialist skills that can allow a fashion & textiles professional to become a more effective leader or manager. The required skill set was described as the elements of an MBA, but contextualised within the fashion & textiles industry. The IFC felt that the experience of the Graduate Diploma in Manufacturing Operations (Textiles) has demonstrated a demand within Australia for postgraduate qualification within the fashion & textiles industry. However the Australian industry is small and the manufacturing focus is too narrow to attract a sustainable demand domestically only. Both International partners offered strong support for the proposal. They felt that the program would be of benefit to fashion & textiles players in developing countries that try to compete with China. IPG feedback suggests that Asian countries were rapidly developing a sound undergraduate capacity in fashion & textiles and that a Master by coursework within a western university should be attractive. RMIT International concurred and commented that the program should be by coursework. There are no current programs within RMIT University that will Program Proposal, Cover page of Master Fashion & Technology - Final Copy.doc Page 3 of 4
compete with this program. Document No: [Secretariat use only] The current Graduate Diploma in Manufacturing Operations (Textiles) GD144 will be discontinued. RESPONSIBILITY & COMMUNICATION Mr Keith Cowlishaw, Head of School, Fashion & Textiles & Dr Rajiv Padhye, Programs Manager, Fashion & Textiles RECOMMENDATION That the Programs Committee endorse the new program and recommend to Academic Board and Council for approval. Submitted by: Name: Grant Emerson Approved by: Name: Keith Cowlishaw Title: Program Coordinator, Bachelor of Applied Science, School of Fashion & Textiles Date: 23 rd March, 2007 Head, School of: Fashion & Textiles Date: 23 rd March, 2007 Program Proposal, Cover page of Master Fashion & Technology - Final Copy.doc Page 4 of 4
Program Guide and Template for Academic Registrar This template (including the program map) is required for: (Please tick applicable box) X new program change in existing program title (complete program details section only) international implementations of existing program changes in program length addition of exit points amendment to program structure 1. PROGRAM DETAILS Title Master of Fashion and Textiles Exit Points: Graduate Diploma in Fashion and Textiles and, Graduate Certificate in Fashion and Textiles Abbreviation MF&T RMIT Program Code {code registered on PeopleSoft for existing programs} Credit Points 144 Career Postgraduate Duration/length 1.5 years-3 Semester F/T, 3 years-6 Semesters P/T Campuses Brunswick, City Location Onshore Owning School 350H School of Fashion and Textiles Partnered offering / corporate client Not Applicable ASCED code: 10505 Fashion Design CRICOS code: (If known) {If delivered to onshore international students} Contact RMIT International to apply for a CRICOS code Proposed Introduction S1 2008 Contact Details Dr. Rajiv Padhye (rajiv.padhye@rmit.edu.au) 2. PROGRAM MAP The Master of Fashion and Textiles is offered both full time and part time. The program consists of six core courses of twelve credit points that have to be completed in conjunction with a number of electives that will allow you to achieve the 144 credit points required for the Master of Fashion and Textiles award. Part time students are required to complete at least one course per semester. The focus of the proposed program will be on the international fashion and textile industry. This industry is increasingly dominated by major multinationals. There is a need within developing countries to move beyond the first stages of fibre, yarn and fabric production to the development of competitive advantage through the application of fashion and textile design concepts, technology, brand development, quality and distribution. Graduates from R:\HOS\Masters\Program Guide Master of Fashion & Textiles, Final.doc Page 1 of 8 Last Updated: 11.4.07
the program will have developed skills and knowledge in the areas of: Global Markets, Supply Chain Structures and Business Management Issues, which are all contextualised within the fashion and textiles industry. 3. PROGRAM STRUCTURE The program is a full time Master degree over three semesters or part time over six semesters. There are three exit points - Graduate Certificate in Fashion and Textiles, Graduate Diploma in Fashion and Textiles and the Master of Fashion and Textiles. Semester One Semester Two Semester 3 Three Semesters (6 months) 2 Core Courses (6 months) 2 Core Courses (6 months) 2 Core Courses (18 months) 6 Core Courses (2x12 CP) (2x12 CP) (2x12 CP) (6x12 CP) 2 Elective Courses 2 Elective Courses 2 Elective Courses 6 Elective Courses (2x12 CP) (2x12 CP) (2x12 CP) (6x12 CP) 48 Credit Points 48 Credit Points 48 Credit Points 144 Credit Points Exit Point: Exit Point: Exit Point: Graduate Certificate in Graduate Diploma in Master of Fashion and Fashion and Textiles Fashion and Textiles Textiles Core Courses (12 Credit Points) BUSM 1162 Management 1 - Managing People GRAP 2010 Advanced Case Studies Fashion and Textiles GRAP 2015 Global Business Issues in Fashion & Textiles GRAP 2024 Research Methods (Fashion and Textiles) GRAP 2280 Innovation and Entrepreneurship (New Course) Advanced Textile Materials and New Technologies Electives: (12 Credit Points) Elective choice is subject to availability. Fashion and Textile Designers/Technologists and Merchandisers have the option of choosing six electives from the following disciplines: Design/Technology GRAP 2011 Production Management for Fashion & Textiles GRAP 2013 Product Development Strategies GRAP 2076 Design Management and Quality Systems (New Course) Trend Forecasting for Fashion and Textiles (New Course) CATD3 Computer Aided Fashion and Textile Design R:\HOS\Masters\Program Guide Master of Fashion & Textiles, Final.doc Page 2 of 8 Last Updated: 11.4.07
(New Course) Fashion and Textiles Arts and Culture (New Course) Master Pattern Engineering Management/Merchandising ACCT 2127 Accounting for Management Decisions BUSM 2427 Business Planning INTE 1032 e-commerce Development MKTG 1100 Marketing Management and Implementation (New Course) Distribution and Logistics for Fashion and Textiles (New Course) Fashion and Textiles Merchandising Management (New Course) Fashion and Textiles Retail Management Strategies Other (New Course) Major Project (24 credit points - offered only at Graduate Diploma level or above) 4. EXTERNAL ACCREDITATION AND INDUSTRY LINKS The program is not subject to external accreditation. However it is expected the program will be certified by the Textile Institute. 5. OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAM The Master of Fashion and Textiles has the following objectives: To provide a postgraduate level qualification that will build upon and add management expertise and knowledge for people pursuing a career in the fashion and textiles industry. To be relevant for industry practitioners involved in any segment of the fashion and textiles industry: Textile Designers, Textile Technologists, Fashion Technologists, Fashion Designers and those with a Fashion and Textiles Merchandising & Marketing background. To focus on the international fashion and textiles industry. To provide an understanding of the impact and implications of technology upon the fashion and textiles industry. 6. STATEMENT OF CAPABILITIES The RMIT Master of Fashion and Textiles is designed to produce a fashion and textile practitioner who has the potential and knowledge to succeed in the global market. The program has a strong emphasis on leadership and management within an international environment that is complemented by the enhancement of an existing skill base in Fashion and Textile Design, Fashion and Textile Technology or, Merchandising & Marketing. A blending of lectures and tutorials with industry case studies and work relevant projects allows you to combine theory and practice in a real work environment. The program develops both your generic and specific capabilities through the dissemination of knowledge and ideas that align with the current and future expectations of employers. R:\HOS\Masters\Program Guide Master of Fashion & Textiles, Final.doc Page 3 of 8 Last Updated: 11.4.07
Upon completion of this program, you will have acquired the following core capabilities: Problem Solving: - an ability to identify, organise and, analyse relevant information, research alternatives using appropriate methodology, reason logically and present sound conclusions. Leadership & Management: - to be able to take a strategic perspective to plan, effectively manage the implementation of and prioritise new directions. Globalisation: - a capacity to identify, analyse and manage emergent global issues and their impact on the Fashion and Textiles industry. Entrepreneurial: - to take the initiative and facilitate innovative practices within a Fashion and Textiles organisation. Technology: - an ability to recognise and apply relevant advanced technologies within a Fashion and Textiles organisation. Communication: - to be able to effectively communicate in a variety of contexts, modes and work with cultural differences in an appropriate manner. 7. AN APPROACH TO TEACHING AND LEARNING (INCLUDING A STATEMENT ON ASSESSMENT) The program is designed to be delivered using lectures and tutorials in conjunction with projects, team activities and work integrated learning. There will be three distinctive approaches to learning and teaching. Flexible Learning Strategies: a range of teaching and learning techniques including electronic learning and interactive learning will be employed. The objective is to create an environment that can allow you to question, discuss and optimise your own learning. A number of the courses have been developed for on-line delivery. These courses will allow self directed learning to support classroom activity. Action learning: small groups or teams will work together to complete an assigned project or task. Action learning will allow you to collect, analyse data and make decisions on a specific issue with your group that simulate a work place experience. Projects (assignments): these may be based on case study scenarios, specific problems, real world applications of theory in practice, business simulations and research. In most cases this will be an individual exercise that will allow you to research and analyse an issue and apply the skill sets you have been developing. R:\HOS\Masters\Program Guide Master of Fashion & Textiles, Final.doc Page 4 of 8 Last Updated: 11.4.07
Assessment: Assessment throughout the Master of Fashion and Textiles is an integral part of the learning process. Assessment feedback will allow you the opportunity to reflect upon your capabilities and identify opportunities for further learning. The details of assessment in each course are listed within the Course Guides. Assessment varies between courses but will include one or more of the following assessment modes: Formal examination Assignment and projects and, Formal presentations 8. ARTICULATION AND PATHWAYS There are no formal articulation arrangements with other RMIT programs involving credit or guaranteed entry. However, it is envisaged that some students will enter the program via a pathway from RMIT undergraduate programs including the Bachelor of Applied Science (Textile Technology), (Fashion Technology), (Fashion and Textiles Merchandising), the Bachelor of Arts (Textile Design) and the Bachelor of Design (Fashion). 9. ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS Applicants must have a bachelor degree from a recognised tertiary institution and/or significant professional practice within the fashion and textiles industry. Typically professional experience is at least five years practice. International Students: English Language: - IELTS- 6.5 (no band less than 6.0) 10. LIBRARY, IT AND SPECIALIST RESOURCES All courses have a well developed range of indicative texts, references and electronic resources that provide you with relevant and up to date learning and research support. Upon commencing the program you will be given, during orientation, an introduction to the library support systems and the substantial electronic databases within the libraries. All courses will have established Distributed Learning System (DLS) sites in which course information is provided. R:\HOS\Masters\Program Guide Master of Fashion & Textiles, Final.doc Page 5 of 8 Last Updated: 11.4.07
11. STUDENT EXPENSES AND CHARGES IN ADDITION TO FEES Course fees are payable at the commencement of each semester and are reviewed by the University annually. Any fees that are additional to program fees, may be levied according to any special arrangements for course delivery including: intensive delivery workshops and any costs associated with accommodation and travel related to study tours. PROGRAM TRANSITION PLAN Not applicable 12. COURSE DESCRIPTIONS Attachments: - Course Guides Part A - HE Course Form R:\HOS\Masters\Program Guide Master of Fashion & Textiles, Final.doc Page 6 of 8 Last Updated: 11.4.07
Program Capability Map Capability CORE BUSM 1162 Management 1 Managing People GRAP 2010 Advanced Case Studies in Fashion & Textiles GRAP 2015 Global Business Issues in Fashion and Textiles GRAP 2024 Research Methods (Fashion and Textiles) GRAP 2280 Innovation and Entrepreneurship Advanced Textile Materials and New Technologies ELECTIVES GRAP 2011 Production Management for Fashion and Textiles GRAP 2013 Product Development Strategies GRAP 2076 Design Management and Quality Systems Trend Forecasting for Fashion & Textiles CATD3- Computer Aided Fashion & Textiles Design Fashion & Textiles Arts and Culture Master Pattern Engineering ACCT 2127 Accounting for Management Decisions BUSM 2427 Business Planning INTE 1032 E-Commerce Development MKTG 1100 Marketing Management and Implementation Problem Solving Leadership and Management Globalisation Entrepreneurial Technology Communication R:\HOS\Masters\Program Guide Master of Fashion & Textiles, Final.doc Page 7 of 8 Last Updated: 11.4.07
Capability Distribution and Logistics for Fashion and Textiles Fashion & Textiles Merchandising Management Fashion and Textile Retail Management Strategies Major Project Problem Solving Leadership and Management Globalisation Entrepreneurial Technology Communication R:\HOS\Masters\Program Guide Master of Fashion & Textiles, Final.doc Page 8 of 8 Last Updated: 11.4.07