Computer Aided Instruction

The fashion merchandising curriculum is geared towards the business aspect of fashion. FM majors are provided with experiences to strengthen their computer and merchandise math competencies. In both the merchandising and business courses FM students gain exposure to various business-related computer applications to enhance understanding of the financial aspect of store merchandising.

In a merchandising computer lab, senior level students develop expertise in merchandise planning using microcomputers and spreadsheet applications such as Excel. Here Excel is used as a tool for developing the retail math skills required to solve problems and to analyze the effectiveness of store merchandising.

In addition, industry-standard merchandising planning systems such as Arthur and Arthur Rapid are used to teach students about the multi-dimensional aspect of merchandise planning and the
methodology of planning by time, product and location. For a complete and current listing of the technology and how it is used in all FASH courses, refer to Computer Applications in Fashion Courses.