The World Wide Web: An International Textile And Apparel Marketing Tool

A major goal of most university programs is to encourage students to capitalize on the entire sequence of professional courses while becoming familiar with the tools necessary for communicating in the global arena. One such tool is the World Wide Web. Many apparel related companies have formed on-line sourcing networks that can be accessed through the World Wide Web to serve as a sourcing and advertising tool for domestic and international markets. Students in textiles and apparel had an opportunity to participate in a special topics course that allowed them to start with a design of an apparel product and implement their ideas by marketing it to international audiences via the Web. The students were highly motivated to put considerable time and energy into the design and implementation of the project. They experienced firsthand how employees must interact and communicate professionally, stay focused on the goals of the company, make decisions quickly, and keep current with technology if they are going to be competitive in this fast changing industry.