Empowering Fashion Merchandising Students with Data Analytics Skills

Workshop 4 - Empowering Fashion Merchandising Students with Data Analytics Skills

This workshop presents a USDA-funded project (Grant #2023-7003-38678) designed to help educators develop data analytics and visualization proficiencies using real-world merchandising and consumer datasets to prepare undergraduate students for entry-level positions in the fashion industry.  Participants will be introduced to free, classroom-ready teaching modules that guide students through analyzing industry-specific data ― such as sales data and CRM data ― using Excel and Power BI. Participants will gain access to instructional materials, sample datasets, codebooks, and excel templates, along with practical strategies for assessing student learning outcomes. The session includes hands-on practice, Q&A, and guidance on adapting the modules to fit diverse course formats or skill levels.

Presenters:

• Li Zhao, University of Missouri
• Caroline Kopot, University of Missouri
• Catherine Sun, Illinois State University