2026/27 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

DESN2014 Fashion Management: Issues & Strategies

20 Credits Class Size: 350

Module manager: Joanna Blanco-Velo
Email: j.m.blanco-velo@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2026/27

Module replaces

DESN2248 Strategic Fashion Management

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

This module will expose and examine the complexities of global fashion supply chains and global fashion value chains. Lecture content, independent research and case study analysis will help you explore and question the key drivers of managerial decision making in the fashion industry and examine the knowledge and skills required to propose actions that may contribute to transformational change.

Objectives

This module aims to develop your knowledge and understanding of the key drivers of the contemporary fashion industry. Lecture content and case study analysis will expose you to the barriers to and opportunities for the transformative change required to drive more sustainable managerial decision making in global fashion contexts.

1. To provide you with the opportunity to explore, collate and critically examine a body of literature in order to expose a set of issues in the fashion industry and related ‘calls to action’. 
2. To enhance your ability to critically evaluate a body of literature and use findings to propose and justify a set of actions for fashion business personnel. 
3. To facilitate deeper understanding of the key drivers of managerial decision making and strategy within fashion business contexts.
4. To encourage the questioning and challenge of reported barriers to transformative change in the global fashion industry.

To achieve Objectives 1 and 2, the development of a research file will make visible your research process and approach to note taking. You will receive formative feedback / guidance on your process.

To achieve Objectives 3 & 4, case study analysis and related seminar discussion will guide the development of a questioning approach to analysis and challenge of research findings

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes:

1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the key drivers of strategic decision making within fashion business contexts.
2. Identify and critically examine barriers to and opportunities for transformational change in global fashion supply chains and global fashion value chains.
3. Propose and justify a set of actions that could help to drive transformative change in the management of global fashion business.

Skills Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:

4. Identify, gather and critically evaluate information from a range of valid sources to propose action for change.
5: Apply effective communication skills to present a coherent proposal for transformative change.

Syllabus

Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module

Teaching Methods

Delivery type Number Length hours Student hours
Supervision 2 0.5 1
Lecture 7 1 7
Practical 4 2 8
Seminar 5 1 5
Independent online learning hours 18
Private study hours 161
Total Contact hours 21
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) 200

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

In mid-term of Semester 1, students will submit an outline draft for the summative assignment along with a link to their research file. Seminars and practical sessions will include activities to enable students to review personal progress. Students also have access to the ML’s office hours to support further guidance.

Methods of Assessment

Coursework
Assessment type Notes % of formal assessment
Coursework Portfolio 100
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) 100

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading List

Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list

Last updated: 30/04/2026

Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team