The unit applies to the research of national or international fashion themes and styles, location of fashion design outlets and purchasing of products to use in the development of designs and fashion directions. Purchases may be to inspire new designs or assist in demonstrating ideas to meet a client design brief.

Purchasing skills covered by this unit include the ability to identify emerging styles and themes, recognise development opportunities and select designs according to the design needs of a product range or label. Purchasing is conducted on overseas location with a requirement to research and locate fashion design outlets and suppliers.

Work may be conducted in small to large scale enterprises and may involve individual and team-related activities.

The application of this unit is according to OHS practices of the enterprise and workplace practices, which may include:

requirements prescribed by legislation, awards agreements and conditions of employment

standard operating procedures

work instructions

oral, written and visual communication

quality practices, including responsibility for maintenance of own work quality and contribution to quality improvement of team or section output

housekeeping

tasks related to environmental protection, waste disposal, pollution control, and recycling

This unit requires skills in planning and organising and problem solving to determine purchasing arrangements to achieve purchasing objectives. Communication skills are used to present purchases and themes and complete documentation.

Prerequisites

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1 Clarify purchasing objectives

1.1 Criteria for selecting design purchases are established.

1.2 Client or enterprise design needs and interests are identified.

1.3 Purchasing budget is confirmed.

1.4 Purchasing destination is established.

2 Prepare for purchasing trip

2.1 National or international trends are researched.

2.2 Fashion design outlets and suppliers are identified.

2.3 Preliminary purchasing itinerary is planned.

2.4 International monetary system, language and purchasing practices are identified where relevant.

3 Purchase designs

3.1 Themes, styles and trends are researched and tested during purchasing trips.

3.2 Purchasing outlets and suppliers are confirmed and located.

3.3 Production and supply opportunities are assessed.

3.4 Purchases are made to meet purchasing objectives.

3.5 Design opportunities outside of set objectives are identified and acted upon.

4 Present design purchases

4.1 Purchases are prepared for presentation to client or appropriate enterprise personnel.

4.2 Storyboards and inspiration boards are developed to convey themes and design concepts.

4.3 Purchases are presented to encourage adoption of ideas and concepts for further development.

5 Maintain records

5.1 Findings and outcomes of purchasing trips are documented.

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Demonstrates knowledge of:

principles and concepts of design

characteristics of target market

enterprise purchasing procedures and criteria

research tools for locating fashion outlets

relevant OHS legislation, regulatory requirements and codes of practice

OHS practices, including hazard identification and control measures

quality practices

workplace practices

recording and reporting practices

Demonstrates skills to:

interpret and use data from a range of sources

make purchasing decisions

communicate effectively with others in Australia and overseas

conduct active research

recognise design opportunities

read, interpret and follow information on work specifications, standard operating procedures and work instructions, and other reference material

maintain accurate records

communicate within the workplace

sequence operations

meet specifications

clarify and check task-related information

carry out work according to OHS practices

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Critical aspects of evidence

Demonstrates skills and knowledge to:

identify and locate fashion outlets

identify design themes and trends

make cost-effective purchases

conduct active research

present purchasing findings

liaise with industry contacts

maintain accurate records

Consistency in performance

Consistently applies skills and knowledge when:

organising work

completing tasks

identifying improvements

using workplace practices

using OHS practices

recording and reporting accidents and incidents

assessing operational readiness of equipment used and work processes

recognising and adapting to cultural differences in the workplace, including modes of behaviour and interactions

completing work systematically with attention to detail without damage to goods and equipment

Resource implications

Access is required to real or appropriately simulated situations, including work areas, materials and equipment, and to information on workplace practices and OHS practices.

Context for assessment

Assessment may occur on the job or in an appropriately simulated environment.

Interdependent assessment

This unit may be assessed independently or in combination with other relevant units.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the Performance Criteria, is detailed below. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs if the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.

Legislative/regulatory requirements

All work must comply with relevant Federal and State or Territory legislative or regulatory requirements.

Design needs and interests may include:

fabric style

colours

themes

season range

target market

emerging trends

cost points

ability to be replicated

appropriateness for design label

OHS practices

OHS practices must include hazard identification and control, risk assessment and implementation of risk reduction measures specific to the tasks described by this unit and may include:

manual handling techniques

standard operating procedures

personal protective equipment

safe materials handling

taking of rest breaks

ergonomic arrangement of workplaces

following marked walkways

safe storage of equipment

housekeeping

reporting accidents and incidents

other OHS practices relevant to the job and enterprise

Sector

Fashion Design and Technology

This unit contains employability skills.