Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2025

Course Code: BUSM6695C

Course Title: Research and analyse textile materials

School: 515T Creative Industries

Campus: Brunswick Campus

Program: C4434 - Certificate IV in Textile Design and Technology

Course Contact: Betty Kanzurovski

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 9232

Course Contact Email: betty.kanzurovski@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Lucy Adam

lucy.adam@rmit.edu.au

 

Nominal Hours: 80

Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites

Nil

Course Description

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to research and analyse textile materials and to make recommendations about their use in a business context. It includes the analysis of different aspects of materials such as fibre properties, quality, construction processes, finish and end use with a focus on establishing the ethical, sustainability, design and production implications of findings for business activities.

This unit applies to individuals working independently or within broad guidelines.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

MSTGN5018 Research and analyse textile materials

Element:

1. Establish research scope

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Establish research objectives that reflect business requirements 1.2 Establish criteria for materials to be researched and proposed research scope 1.3 Develop research plan that identifies materials to be researched

Element:

2. Complete research

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Source and analyse information about textiles and determine fibre properties, qualities, aesthetic and performance characteristics 2.2 Establish the sustainability of materials through investigation of complete lifecycle 2.3 Identify current and emerging materials construction processes 2.4 Investigate new and emerging textiles and textile processing techniques 2.5 Research both global and domestic trends in materials and their business implications 2.6 Identify routine and non-routine tests to gather data on textile materials and products 2.7 Determine care and end-use considerations for materials 2.8 Establish textile factors that influence quality of finished products

Element:

3. Analyse research findings

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Analyse research findings against research objectives and criteria, and prioritise according to significance for business activities 3.2 Take into account sustainability, intellectual property and ethical practice considerations to select findings with most potential 3.3 Analyse features and benefits, and disadvantages or risks, of selected findings 3.4 Prepare research report that summarises key findings and makes recommendations to meet business requirements

Learning Outcomes


Refer to Elements/Performance Criteria


Details of Learning Activities

The learning mode for this course is face-to-face.  The course is delivered on the Brunswick Campus.
In this course, you will participate in the following learning activities:

  • class exercises to review discussions/lectures
  • analysis/critique of relevant reading and visual material
  • presentations
  • group discussion
  • research
  • independent project based work
  • group activities/projects


Teaching Schedule

WKs

  

Class Content 

  

Assessment due:

  

1

  

Defining sustainability & sustainable consumption 

Introduction to unit, course guide, assessment requirements.

Define what you think sustainability is. Definitions are presented to class by groups. 

Watch – The story of stuff

  

 

  

2

  

Big picture and future thinking  

What’s driving sustainability? International and local agendas

Group activity – envision the future. Probable and preferable, discuss individual views and values with class

  

 

  

3

  

Ethics in fashion and textiles 

Ethics & Fashion Production a Global Perspective 

Human rights and workers’ rights

Fairtrade principles, CSR models, People, Planet, Profit, Cradle to Cradle principles, Product stewardship.

  

 

  

4

  

Life cycle assessment and thinking.  In small groups conduct life cycle assessments on different items.

  

 

  

5

  

Identify resource use in own area: List all resources you use in your work area, describe, how they are used, in what quantities, consider waste and disposal. 

Visualisation activity: How does sustainability work in your industry?

  

 

  

6

  

Greenwashing – how does greenwashing work in fashion and textile industries.

Examples, group discussions, reading.

  

TASK 1 DUE

  

7

  

Introduction to task 2. Re-purposing, adapting, upcycling to create textile/fashion products and writing an action plan

  

 

  

8

  

Re-purposing, adapting, upcycling to create textile/fashion products

  

 

  

9

  

Re-purposing, adapting, upcycling to create textile/fashion products.

 

  

 

  

10

  

Action plan - develop an action plan for your own work area (an existing or hypothetical future textile or fashion or enterprise). Research an existing fashion and textile action plan, sustainability goals or commitments, investigate RMIT’s sustainability initiatives

  

 

  

11

  

Action plan - develop an action plan for your own work area (an existing or hypothetical future textile or fashion or enterprise). Research an existing fashion and textile action plan, sustainability goals or commitments, investigate RMIT’s sustainability initiatives

  

TASK 2 DUE

  

12

  

Action plan presentations.

  

 

  

13

  

Material Sustainability – assessment task 3

different fibres or fabrics, their sources, characteristics, care and end use

  

 

  

14

  

Material sustainability guide

Role and importance of detailed material knowledge, local or global trends in the use of sustainable textile materials and conduct in depth research on one fibre or material. Analyse findings and make recommendations to practices and processes which support sustainable practice.

  

 

  

15

  

Material sustainability guide

Role and importance of detailed material knowledge, local or global trends in the use of sustainable textile materials and conduct in depth research on one fibre or material. Analyse findings and make recommendations to practices and processes which support sustainable practice

  

TASK 3 DUE

  

16

  

Feedback and finalising assessments

  

 

  

*Please note: This planner is a guide only and may be subject to change 


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources

The University Library has extensive resources and provides subject specialist expertise, research advice, help with referencing and support through:


The Study Support Hub
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/study-support-hub

The learning Lab
https://learninglab.rmit.edu.au/#gsc.tab=0


Overview of Assessment

Assessment for this course is ongoing throughout the semester. Your knowledge and understanding of course content is assessed through participation in class exercises, oral/written presentations, and the application of learned skills and insights. Full assessment briefs will be provided and can be found on CANVAS.


Assessment Tasks

This unit of competency is clustered for assessment with MSTGN3018 Supportsustainable practice in apparel and textile design and production 

This course is assessed in accordance with competency-based assessment. To demonstrate competency in this course you will need to complete all the assessment to a satisfactory standard.

1. Sustainable practice journal - due week 6

2. Action plan - due week 11

3. Material sustainability - due week 15

You will receive feedback from the teacher at the conclusion of each assessment task.

Competency is achieved only if competency has been demonstrated within the standard enrolment period. Students are advised that they may be asked to personally demonstrate their assessment work to confirm aspects of competency not evidenced in class or through assessments.

Results for this course are delivered and assessed in accordance with competency-based assessment are:
CA: Competency Achieved
NYC: Not Yet Competent
DNS: Did not Submit for Assessment

If you have a long-term medical condition and/or disability, it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more.
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/support-and-facilities/student-support/equitable-learning-services
Your course assessment conforms to RMIT assessment principles, regulations, policies, procedures and instructions, which are available for review online:
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment


Assessment Matrix

The assessment matrix demonstrates alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant unit of competency.   These matrices are available through Program Administration if required.

Other Information

Please refer to the RMIT student page for extensive information about study support, assessment, extensions, appeals and a range of other matters: https://www.rmit.edu.au/students

Attendance:

Your learning experience will involve class-based teaching, discussion, demonstration and practical exercises

It is strongly advised that you attend all timetabled sessions. This will allow you to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring the maximum opportunity to complete this course successfully.

Assessment Feedback: 

You will receive spoken and written feedback on all your work.  Where relevant, this feedback will also include suggestions on how you can proceed to the next stage of developing your projects.

Student Progress:

Monitoring academic progress is an important enabling and proactive strategy designed to assist you in achieving your learning potential.
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/academic-progress

 

Adjustments to Assessment (eg. applying for an extension of time):

If you cannot complete any piece of assessment satisfactorily by the due date, you can apply for an adjustment to your assessment. RMIT University offers a range of adjustments designed to support you in your studies, including an extension of time to complete the assessment.

https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-results/adjustments-to-assessment

Academic Integrity and Plagiarism:

RMIT University has a strict policy on plagiarism and academic integrity. Please refer to the website for more information on this policy.
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-results/academic-integrity

Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning:

Credit transfer is the recognition of previously completed formal learning (an officially accredited qualification).

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an assessment process that allows you to demonstrate competence using the skills you have gained through experience in the workplace, voluntary work, informal or formal training or other life experiences.

Recognition of Current Competency (RCC) RCC applies only if you have previously successfully demonstrated competence in a unit of competency and now require to be reassessed to ensure that the competence is being maintained.

Please speak to your teacher if you wish to discuss applying for Credit Transfer, RPL, or RCC for the unit(s) of competency addressed in this course.
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/enrolment/apply-for-credit

Course Overview: Access Course Overview