Apparel Production &
Merchandising
Level: Undergraduate
Duration: Three years
What is it?
A multidisciplinary framework of study that emphasizes on intensive theoretical and applied training in core areas of production complimenting with merchandising, textiles and computer application. The undergraduate program allows for a broad intake of intermediate-level students from diverse backgrounds to gain basic concepts and knowledge in core technical subjects, business, and allied studies- related to eventual specialization of production management; and train them in advanced, comprehensive practical skills and techniques employed for specialized applications in apparel production. It also ensures that each professional, although specifically qualified for specialism area of apparel production, is also able to interact competently in other non-specialized areas of functioning necessary for an effective manager as well as a merchandiser.
Who is it for?
Self-motivated individuals with skills of professionalism, looking to develop both their career prospects and their intellectual potential in a specialist aspect of apparel production and merchandise handling on their natural abilities and skills.
Course Content
The 3-year Diploma in Apparel Production & Merchandising will be across three levels:
Year One
The first year provides inputs at a basic level; the students are introduced to basic construction & technical subjects. It emphasizes the importance of Quality sewing, Pattern Making & Construction, Textiles, Computer Skills, Production and Machinery skills. The emphasis of the two semesters is on understanding the basic concepts of Garmenting in an apparel organization & understanding of their merchandise handling. Other than that the students also develop sensitivity for Textile science & gain skills to start understanding how a fabric is made.
Year Two
Year two, aims to promote technical expertise, further honing the elementary skills into a deeper analysis of how an apparel organization runs. Subjects like business management, merchandising system, accounting and financial management, Operational Research and Marketing / Consumer behavior give a holistic view to an Organization Functioning. It also introduces the students to the various commercial aspects of the apparel industry through MIS and CAD /CAM. The students are introduced to Grading. Advanced Garment Construction and Fabric Study in various processing techniques. A mature approach & independent working gives the students an insight into real work environment.
Year Three
The final year focuses on self-study under tutorial guidance, for an independent experience of the students through Awareness of Quality Control and measures, Development of human resources for organizational effectiveness, Material Management & its link to manufacturing costing, latest apparel production engineering techniques and Plant design & Layout. The students undertake an 8-week industrial internship, which provides them with hands on practical work experience, & an opportunity to consolidate and practice their classroom learning. The internship experience enables the students to learn real life work environment, constraints of the industry, cost effectiveness, time management and team work. The students analyze, evaluate & synthesize the taught aspects of the program to culminate the year in 12 weeks Final Dissertation Project which includes an Extensive Research on any one defined problem or gap area prevailing in the garment industry and its logical solution. The findings are presented to a jury panel comprising of learned and experienced professionals, where in the students defend their project conclusions.
Future Prospects
Graduates of Diploma in Apparel Production & Merchandising have an acknowledged advantage in the employment market, obtaining work in a wide range of vocational and academic fields related to apparel. They will be in a position to gain employment as innovators within the broad field of Production and Merchandising, and may identify with a large corporate company or alternatively chose to build their own identity by setting up their own production house. Further employment opportunities include that of a Merchandiser, Quality executive, Production Executive, Production Managers, Pre Production Planning Executive and many others which have tremendous scope of growth.
What are we looking for?
Individuals, who can respond to challengers, are responsive, and show a keen awareness of current issues in aspects of Apparel Manufacturing. We aim to recruit students who demonstrate a high level of commitment and energy, a will to strive for success, a strong urge to be an active contributor to the highly competitive Apparel industry.