Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the skills and knowledge to research and purchase fashion products for use in the development of fashion designs.

Application of the Unit 

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 

Employability Skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

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.

RANGE STATEMENT 

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