Liberal Arts and Human Sciences

Apparel, Housing, and Resource Management

Student with dressmaker dummieswww.ahrm.vt.edu/

LuAnn R. Gaskill, Head
Residential Property Management Advisory Board Professor: R.C. Goss
International Textile and Apparel Association Fellow: M.J.T. Norton
Professors: J.O. Beamish, L.R. Gaskill, R.C. Goss, M.J.T. Norton, K. Parrott
Associate Professors: H.I. Chen-Yu, J.M. Emmel, D.H., Kincade, I.E. Leech, R.H. Lytton, S. Schofield-Tomschin
Assistant Professors: C.R. Hayhoe, J. Kim, A. White


Overview

  • The mission of the Department of Apparel, Housing, and Resource Management is to improve quality of life for individuals, families, and the broader community by creating and extending knowledge in apparel, housing, and resource management. We apply business, consumer and design perspectives to teaching and learning, research, and outreach.
  • The AHRM Department includes three areas of program concentration--Apparel, Housing, and Resource Management. The following statements briefly describe the program concentrations.
Apparel focuses on the domestic and international concerns of consumers in relation to apparel and textiles and of manufacturers and retailers of those products. Basic to these concerns are social, cultural, political, economic, and technological factors that affect consumer satisfaction with apparel and other textile products. The program prepares students for careers in business and government services through required courses that build essential knowledge and skills relevant to the design, production, marketing, distribution, and use of apparel and textile products. The program includes options in Apparel Design and Merchandising Management.
Housing focuses on the residential environment, especially planning, design, marketing and management. Required courses emphasize both human and business factors, including current issues and practices, which influence the environment of housing. Field work experiences and professional contacts supplement students' course work in housing, business, residential design, and related subjects. The program prepares students for careers in property management, the kitchen and bath industries, and other businesses and agencies involved in the design, development and management of housing. The program includes options in Housing (newly proposed) and Residential Property Management.
Resource Management focuses on the principles and processes involved in recognition, creation and allocation of human and material resources to foster well-being. Consumer studies courses build students' knowledge of households in the dual roles of consumers and producers in a global market affected by government policy, and enable students to analyze issues from the consumer, business, and government perspectives. The program prepares students for careers in consumer affairs, human resources, marketing and sales, and business management. Family financial management courses focus on the financial planning processes and products to help households establish and reach goals. The program prepares students for careers in financial planning and the related industries of insurance, investments, banking, or credit. The Resource Management program includes options in Consumer Studies and Family Financial Management.
TOP

Housing - Residential Property Management

Career Advisor: R. C. Goss
  • The residential property management option was developed in 1985 in response to industry demand for more and better trained professionals in the housing industry. Graduates in this option have diverse career possibilities as managers of residential properties. Many opportunities are available with state and local housing agencies, corporations, insurance companies, trust companies, and banks. The profession of housing/property management, which is becoming increasingly technical and professional, provides excellent potential for advancement.
  • This option offers students the unique opportunity to combine the human and business factors of property management. In addition to the university and the college core curricula, students take courses in housing, business, and other related areas. Field trips and professional contacts are provided to familiarize students with the environment of residential property management as well as current trends and practices. Students gain valuable experience through on-the-job training by participating in field work experiences with property management companies. Scholarships are available for qualified students.
  • A minor is offered in this option. Specific requirements may be obtained in the department office.
Required:
AHRM 2614 Introductory Household Equipment
AHRM 2404 Consumer Rights
AHRM 2504 Resource Management for Individuals and Families
AHRM 3604 Family Housing
AHRM 3614 Maintenance for Property Managers
AHRM 3675-3676 Residential Property Management
AHRM 4604 Energy and the Environment
AHRM 4664 Universal Design
AHRM 4674 Managing and Marketing Housing for Later Life
AHRM 4684 Advanced Property Management
AHRM 4694 Contemporary Issues in Property Management
AHRM 4964 Field Study
AHRM 4984 Managing Real Estate as an Investment
ACIS 1504 Introduction to Business Information Systems
ACIS 2004 Survey of Accounting
ECON 2005-2006 Principles of Economics
FIN 3104 Introduction to Finance
MGT 3304 Management Theory and Leadership Practice
MKTG 3104 Marketing Management
UAP 4744 Principles of Real Estate
TOP

Apparel

  • The field of clothing and textiles addresses the domestic and international concerns of apparel and textile manufacturers and retailers and their consumers. Basic to these concerns are the social, economic, technological, and cultural factors affecting consumer acceptance and use of apparel and textile products and the effects of those products on the near environment.
  • Programs prepare students for careers in business, industry, and governmental services. University and program core courses are intended to provide students with a broad liberal education as well as with knowledge and skills basic to the understanding of the design, production, marketing, distribution, and use of apparel and textile products.
  • Options within the curriculum allow students to develop depth in a specific area of the field. The two options offered are apparel design and merchandising management.
Required for all Apparel Students:
AHRM 1204 Clothing and People
AHRM 1224 Basic Apparel Assembly
AHRM 2204 Introduction to Textiles
AHRM 2214 Apparel Textiles Lab
AHRM 2264 Introduction to the Fashion Industry
AHRM 2404 Consumer Rights
AHRM 2984 Introduction to CAD in Clothing and Textiles
AHRM 3214 Apparel Quality Evaluation
AHRM 4204 Introduction to Textile Evaluation
AHRM 4214 Economics of the Textile and Apparel Industry
AHRM 4224 Fashion Analysis and Communication
ECON 2005-2006 Principles of Economics
MKTG 3104 Marketing Management
SOC 1004
or PSYC 2004
Introductory Sociology
Introductory Psychology
Select one of the following courses:
ACIS 1504 Intro to Business Information Systems
COMM 2004 Public Speaking
ENGL 3764 Technical Writing

Apparel Design

Career Advisor: S. Schofield-Tomschin
  • Students specializing in apparel design may be employed as designers, stylists, patternmakers, or production managers for diverse types of fashion and special-use apparel and accessories. Courses within the option provide students with experience in advanced garment assembly, pattern grading and garment fit, pattern making, draping, two- and three-dimensional designing, fashion illustration, and industrial sewing techniques. Supporting courses from art and business provide a foundation for this option.
Required for Apparel Design students:
AHRM 2014 Advanced Apparel Assembly
AHRM 2024 Apparel Structure and Fit
AHRM 2984 Fashion Illustration
AHRM 3014 Advanced Patternmaking
AHRM 4014 Senior Studio
AHRM 4024 Portfolio
AHRM 4034 History of Costume

Merchandising Management

Career Advisor: D. Kincade

  • Students specializing in merchandising management may find employment with apparel or textiles manufacturers or with various types of retailers or fashion media. Management training programs are offered by many companies and lead to such positions as buyers, fashion coordinators, merchandise managers, store managers, product development managers, and display personnel.
  • Courses provide information regarding production, promotion, and distribution of apparel and textile products including merchandise selection and assortment, costing and price strategies, store planning, personnel management, and consumer buying behavior. Supporting courses in business, art, marketing management, and communications provide a foundation for this option.
Required for Merchandising Management students:
ACIS 2004 Survey of Accounting
AHRM 3104 Fashion Retailing Concepts
AHRM 3124 Clothing Behavior Patterns
MGT 3304 Management Theory & Leadership Practice
AHRM 4984 Merchandising Strategies
Nine credit hours in one of the following areas:
Production Management
Promotions Management
Retail Management
TOP

Resource Management

Consumer Studies
Career Advisor: I. Leech
  • The consumer studies option prepares students to enter a variety of careers in the public and private sectors. Central to these careers is the ability to analyze issues and problems from the perspectives of consumers, business, and government. Students learn to reasonably advocate consumer interests and to help consumers improve their well-being. They develop fundamental skills that are used to resolve problems faced by consumers in the market place and the work place.
  • Graduates enter careers related to consumer affairs, marketing and sales, business management, and human resources. Required courses build a thorough understanding of households in the dual roles of producers and consumers that function within an international economic marketplace affected by government policy and regulation. Students study current events to track changing conditions and public policy. Additional courses develop skills for effectively processing and conveying information. A choice of controlled electives enables a student to tailor study to consumer business management, consumer public relations, consumer financial services, consumer housing counseling, or consumer health promotion.
  • Consumer Studies students are provided a variety of learning experiences on- and off-campus. Through involvement with student professional associations, as well as relevant state and national organizations, students can develop leadership and organizational skills and network with active professionals. There are opportunities to relate classroom learning to the "real world" with projects and visits with industry, legislators, and regulators. An individualized study experience, typically an internship related to personal career interests, is required.
Required:
ACIS 1504 Introduction to Business Information Systems
AHRM 2304 Family Financial Management
AHRM 2404 Consumer Rights
AHRM 2504 Resource Management for Individuals and Families
AHRM 4314 Debtor-Creditor Relationships
AHRM 4404 Consumer Protection
AHRM 4414 Professionalism in Consumer Affairs
AHRM 4964, 4974, 4994 Individual Study
COMM 2004 Public Speaking
ECON 2005-2006 Principles of Economics
ENGL 3764 Technical Writing
HD 3004
or HD 3324
Human Development II
Family Relationships
MGT 3304 Management Theory and Leadership Practice
MKTG 3104 Marketing Management
STAT 3604 Statistics for the Social Sciences
Twenty one credit hours in one of the following areas:
Consumer Business Management
Consumer Public Relations
Consumer Financial Services
Consumer Housing Counseling
Consumer Health Promotion Family Financial Management
TOP

Family Financial Management

Career Advisor: R. H. Lytton
  • The family financial management option prepares well-trained professionals to help households establish and reach personal and financial goals through management of financial resources. Comprehensive financial plans include cash flow and debt management, as well as plans for taxes, insurance, investments, retirement, and estate transfer. Whereas financial planners help households capitalize on financial opportunities, financial counselors provide debt crisis management and budgeting advice to those who may be experiencing problems managing their personal finances.
  • The option provides graduates with the requisite course work to pursue industry licensure and professional designations. Graduates are employed in financial planning practices, as well as such ancillary industries as banking, insurance, investments, retirement plan administration, or credit. Diverse career possibilities are also available for students interested in financial counseling.
  • Family financial management students are provided a variety of learning experiences on- and off-campus. Opportunities for self-development exist with student professional associations as well as relevant state and national organizations. Field trips and professional networking opportunities are utilized to familiarize students with the current trends and practices in the financial services industry. Students gain valuable work experience through required field study, or internship placement, with financial service firms. Scholarships are available for qualified students.
Required:
ACIS 1504 Introduction to Business Information Systems
ACIS 2115-2116 Principles of Accounting
ACIS 4314 Income Tax
AHRM 2304 Family Financial Management
AHRM 2404 Consumer Rights
AHRM 2504 Resource Management for Individuals and Families
AHRM 3314 Analytical Technology in Family Financial Management
AHRM 3604
or AHRM 4984
Family Housing
Managing Real Estate as an Investment
AHRM 4314 Debtor-Creditor Relationships
AHRM 4324 Financial Counseling
AHRM 4334 Financial Counseling Applications
AHRM 4964 Field Study
AHRM 4984 Family Retirement & Employee Benefit Planning
ECON 2005-2006 Principles of Economics
ENGL 3764 Technical Writing
HD 3004
or HD 3324
Human Development II
Family Relationships
FIN 3055 Legal Environment of Business
FIN 3104 Introduction to Finance
FIN 3204 Risk and Insurance
FIN 3304
or FIN 4414
Survey of Investments
Investment Analysis & Equity Markets
FIN 4004 Wills, Trusts and Estates
STAT 3604 Statistics for the Social Sciences

Satisfactory Progress

Residential Property Management: For satisfactory progress toward a degree, the following courses must be completed by the time the student has attempted 72 semester hours:
ENGL 1105-1106; ECON 2005-2006; 6 hours of Natural Science; 6 hours of University Core approved Humanities; MATH 1015-1016.

Apparel--Apparel Design and Merchandising Management: For satisfactory progress toward a degree, the following courses must be completed by the time 72 hours have been completed:

ENGL 1105-1106, ECON 2005-2006, PHYS, BIOL or CHEM (from approved University Core), MATH 1015-1016 or 1525-1526; AHRM 1204, 1224, 2264, 2204, 2214, 2024, 2254; ACIS 1504 or CS 1004; SOC 1004 or PSYC 2004; ART 1024 or 1034; ACIS 2004.

Consumer Studies: For satisfactory progress toward a degree, the following courses must be completed by the time the student has attempted 72 semester hours:

ENGL 1105-1106; ECON 2005-2006; 6 hours of Natural Science; 6 hours of University Core approved Humanities; MATH 1015-1016.

Family Financial Management: For satisfactory progress toward a degree, the following courses must be completed by the time the student has attempted 72 semester hours:

ENGL 1105-1106; ECON 2005-2006; 6 hours of Natural Science; 6 hours of University Core approved Humanities; MATH 1015-1016; AHRM 2504, 2304, and 2404.

TOP

Course Descriptions (AHRM)

1224: BASIC APPAREL ASSEMBLY
Application of principles and concepts used in the assembly of basic apparel products. The relationship between garment quality and factors of time, construction techniques and resources. (1H,6L,3C)

2014: ADVANCED APPAREL ASSEMBLY
Application of principles and concepts of advanced apparel assembly to finished products. Prototype development and advanced dressmaking techniques applied to clothing for men, women, and children. (1H,4L,3C)

2024: APPAREL STRUCTURE AND FIT
Mastery of fitting and alteration concepts. Understanding of the principles and methods used in garment structure and design. (1H,6L,3C)

2204: INTRODUCTION TO TEXTILES
Structure, properties and basic production of textiles and textile components: natural and manufactured fibers; yarns; woven, knit, non woven fabrics; mechanical and chemical finishes; colorants and coloration methods. Influence on performance of apparel and interior textile products. Sophomore standing and one semester (lecture and lab) of university core requirement in Scientific Reasoning and Discovery is required. (3H,3C)

2214: APPAREL TEXTILES LABORATORY
Identification and characterization of textiles and textile components including: fabrics, finishes and coloration. Influence of these structural parameters on performance of apparel textiles. (3L,1C)

2224: INTERIOR TEXTILES LABORATORY
Identification and characterization of textiles and textile components used in draperies, upholstery, and carpets. Performance testing of interior textiles to determine suitability for a selected interior. (2L,1C)

2244: FOOD & CLOTHING: CULTURAL TRADITIONS, CONFLICTS & POSSIBILITIES
Survey or basic ideas underlying values and cultural traditions expressed in food and clothing. Ethical perspectives in Western and Non-Western schools of thought. Application to issues involving food and clothings, such as product liability, food and clothing safety, animal rights and the use of fur, labor sweatshops, sourcing of inputs, endangered species, rain forests, consumer sovereignty, freedom and economic justice. Sophomore stand is required. (3H,3C)

2254: IDEA DEVELOPMENT AND CREATIVITY IN APPAREL DESIGN
The development of an idea through the design process generated by creativity. Clothing applications will be used as examples. The design process is framed by needs assessment, prototype development, and evaluation. The development of the student's creative abilities will be emphasized. Hands-on experience with writing up an idea and creative exercises. No technical skills necessary. Professional designers of wearables will present their designs and discuss their processes. (2H,2L,3C)

2264: INTRODUCTION TO THE FASHION INDUSTRY
Organization and operation of producers and distributors and of career opportunities in the fashion industry. Basic principles governing fashion movement and change. (3H,3C)

2304: FAMILY FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
Overview of family financial management. Analysis of financial situations of individuals and families; assessment of needs for cash and credit management, insurance, tax savings, and investments; introduction to components of a comprehensive family financial plan. (3H,3C)

2404: CONSUMER RIGHTS
Changing role of consumers in American society from the perspective of the consumer interest. Consumers' legal and moral rights, responsibilities and means for successfully obtaining redress of grievances. Processes of government regulation and policy making that affect consumers. Current consumer problems and issues in such areas as ripoffs and frauds, food, health care, product safety, banking, credit, housing, insurance and investments. (3H,3C)

2504: RESOURCE MANAGEMENT FOR INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES
Introduction to resource management concepts and theories with application to personal and family life goals. (3H,3C)

2604: HOUSE PLANNING
Principles of housing design in relation to individual and family needs and preferences. Visual presentation of floor plans and selected elevations of an original house design with emphasis on flexibility, circulation, and site orientation. (1H,4L,3C)

2614: INTRODUCTORY HOUSEHOLD EQUIPMENT
Elementary principles underlying selection, use, care, and arrangement of the appliances and tools used in household production tasks. (2H,2L,3C)

2964: FIELD STUDY
Variable credit course.

2974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.

2984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.

3014: ADVANCED PATTERNMAKING
Advanced principles and techniques of flat pattern apparel structures. Illustration of apparel structures on the fashion figure. Construction of an original design. Must have prerequisites or equivalent. (1H,4L,3C)

3104: FASHION RETAILING CONCEPTS
Detailed investigation and analysis of the fundamentals of fashion merchandising concepts emphasizing problem solving at the retail level. (3H,3C)

3124: CLOTHING BEHAVIOR PATTERNS
The study of clothing behavior of individuals in relationship to their needs, values, attitudes, interests, and self-concepts. The roles of clothing and appearance in communication and social interaction. (3H,3C)

3214: APPAREL QUALITY EVALUATION
Study of quality ready-to-wear apparel and factors that influence variations in the aesthetic and functional performance of the end product, including consumer perceptions and expectations, manufacturing processes and trends, and the physical components of the garment. (3H,3C)

3314: ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUES IN FAMILY FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
Case studies to provide analytical training in resolving budgeting and debt problems and maximizing financial opportunities. A family's total financial resources, income and wealth taxes, risk management, and investments are evaluated and analyzed using calculators and computer software. (3H,3C)

3464: APPALACHIAN COMMUNITIES
The concept of community in Appalachia using a multidisciplinary approach and experiential learning. Interrelationships among geographically, culturally, and socially constituted communities, public policy, and human development. 2000-level course in any cross-listing department is required. (2H,3L,3C)

3604: FAMILY HOUSING
An overview of housing as it relates to consumer needs, values, norms, and constraints. Includes structural and tenure alternatives, financial and legal considerations, house design and energy considerations, and future directions in housing. Government aspects focus on the history of federal involvement in housing, major housing programs, role of state and local government, and current housing issues and policies. (3H,3C)

3675-3676: RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
3675:Role and process of housing management; role, rights and responsibilities of managers and residents, competencies necessary for managing residential properties, social services, legal considerations, and marketing the property. 3676:Operation and management of residential properties. Examination of financial aspects of residential property management including budgeting and purchasing decisions, management plans, and operations manuals. Maintenance: construction plans and specifications, interior and exterior maintenance, electrical and plumbing systems, landscaping. (3H,3C)

3954: STUDY ABROAD
Variable credit course.

4014: SENIOR STUDIO
Principles and techniques of pattern design through the draping method. (1H,6L,3C)

4024: PORTFOLIO
The development and production of a professional design portfolio. (1H,3L,2C)

4034: HISTORY OF COSTUME
A study of costume which people of various cultures have worn throughout history. (3H,3C)

4044: PATTERN GRADING
Conceptual understanding and implementation of grading techniques, used in apparel engineering, for increasing and decreasing a standard size pattern to a range of sizes. Computer applications. Grading of an original design. (1H,4L,3C)

4204: INTRODUCTION TO TEXTILE EVALUATION
Analysis of the performance properties of fabrics. Importance of evaluation to product development, quality control, and specification of care requirements. (2H,3L,3C)

4214: ECONOMICS OF THE TEXTILE AND APPAREL INDUSTRY
Study of the various segments of the textile and apparel industry. Analysis of the market structure and functioning of each segment and of factors currently affecting the industry. Pre: 2204, ECON 2006. (3H,3C)

4224: FASHION ANALYSIS AND COMMUNICATION
Analysis of factors influencing fashion change and acceptance. Application of effective promotional activities to trade, national, and retail levels of fashion merchandising. Senior standing required. (3H,3C)

4244: NEW YORK FASHION STUDY TOUR
Integrative study of methods of operating at all levels within the fashion industry. Special emphasis on design, merchandising, and promotional activities. Seminars on campus and at pre-arranged appointments during a five-day stay in New York. Apparel Design major; Junior standing. Twelve hours of apparel design courses (3H,3C)

4254: TEXTILE PRODUCTION PROCESSES
Analysis of textile production processes will include focus on a particular aspect of production for each individual. Field work will be conducted at textile manufacturing plants. (2H,3L,3C)

4314: DEBTOR-CREDITOR RELATIONSHIPS
Examination of legal and operational aspects of debtor-creditor relationship from the perspective of businesses and debtors. Overview of the types of credit, access to credit, factors contributing to debt problems, and alternatives available for resolution. Focus on collection processes of federal and state bankruptcy laws and regulations. (3H,3C)

4324: FINANCIAL COUNSELING
Examination of debt and budgeting problems affecting families. Utilizes a problem-solving approach. Includes financial counseling strategies for coping with financial crises and becoming proactive in family financial management. (3H,3C)

4334: FINANCIAL COUNSELING APPLICATIONS
Examination of family financial opportunities affecting individuals over their life cycle with emphasis on risk management and capital accumulation. Utilizes a case analysis approach applying the processes and procedures of family financial management planning. (3H,3C)

4404: CONSUMER PROTECTION
Analysis of the effectiveness of consumer protection efforts. Examination of government laws, regulations, and agencies at the federal, state, and local levels, as well as the effectiveness of both business and private consumer protection efforts. (3H,3C)

4414: PROFESSIONALISM IN CONSUMER AFFAIRS
Roles, functions and responsibilities of consumer affairs professionals employed in business, government, and non-profit public/consumer interest organizations. Professional advocacy within employing organizations, managing consumer complaint handling systems and major consumer and career issues are analyzed. (3H,3C)

4504: ADVANCED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
Theory and principles of the systems approach to resource management. Application to family problems of special life cycle or resource situations. (3H,3C)

4604: HOUSING, ENERGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT
A study of the development and management of sustainable housing, emphasizing energy and environmental resource efficiency. (3H,3C)

4614: ADVANCED HOUSEHOLD EQUIPMENT
Measurement of household appliance performance. Emphasis is on analysis of consumer problems using the scientific method and standard measurement techniques. Students also gain experiences in writing technical reports and responses to consumers. (1H,4L,3C)

4624: ADV KITCHEN/BATH DESIGN
Principles of planning, design and evaluation of residential kitchen and bathrooms, in relation to the total house plan. Emphasis on planning principles and technical requirements with attention to functional use of the spaces to meet the needs of people. (2H,2L,3C)

4664: UNIVERSAL DESIGN
Evaluation and design of commercial and residential environments with consideration for accessibility, adaptation, safety, and support of the user(s). (1H,1L,2C)

4674: HOUSING MANAGEMENT FOR THE ELDERLY
Shelter and supportive services and managerial processes for the elderly, including financial planning, legal technicalities, and response to changing needs of elderly residents. (2H,2C)

4684: ADVANCED PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
Property management considerations associated with condominiums, cooperatives, office and retail space as they relate to leases and negotiations, maintenance and marketing practices, and legal and fiduciary responsibilities of the property manager; and use of computer-assisted property management software. (3H,3C)

4694: CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
Issues affecting the property manager, including multi-family housing design, career and professional decisions, and related decisions. The course culminates in the analysis of an apartment complex and development of a management plan. Senior standing in Residential Property Management or graduate standing is required. (3H,3C)

4964: FIELD STUDY
Variable credit course. X-grade allowed.

4974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.

4984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course. X-grade allowed.

4994: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Variable credit course.

TOP