Progress 09/01/10 to 08/31/14
Outputs
Target Audience: There were two target audiences: Students enrolled in Apparel Merchandising,Textiles and marketing. These are the students who enroll in the classes and who perform all aspects of operating the business. The second target is the vendors. Thus far, most of the vendors have come from Baton Rouge and surrounding areas. This year, more vendors have come from the New Orleans areas and the southern part of the State. So that this project has a state-wide impact, greater efforts will be made to attract vendors from the northern and central part of the State. Vendor demographics include the spectrum of African American and Caucasian; male and female; and young and old, with the majority being college age and slightly older. Changes/Problems: Vendor turnover was the major problem. It was difficult to retain vendors from one year to the next. In that the class associated with the project began to be offered only once yearly (in the Spring semester, rather than each semester), it was difficult to retain the vendors in the interim. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? As previously stated, Southern Niche and Southern's Small Business Development Center (SBDC) worked with individuals who wanted to take their hobbies to the next level--that of establishing an actual business. Individuals who had expressed interest in starting a business (not just being a hobbyist who sold their creations) had been directed to Southern University's SBDC. The SBDC offered a series of business seminars such as Mastering the C's of Lending (Cash Flow and Credit); Credit Alert-Understanding Personal and Business Credit, Writing a Business Plan, etc. These business trainings are ongoing. Students and faculty were trained on the use of the credit card machine initially. The POS arrived in Spring 2012. Students and faculty were trained on it. Training continued in Summer 2012 when a new group of students enrolled in the class. Training was on-going as each new class arrived. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Results have been disseminated informally through networking with professional colleagues and with individuals locally. In addition, the PI participated by presenting a posterin the NIFA Project Directors Conference in 2012. In addition, the PI shared the progress of the project annually at the 1890 Council of Administrators in Family and Consumer Sciences meetings (which are held just prior to the APLU meetings) and at the Council of Administrators in FCS meeting in 2014. Findings were also presented at the 17th Biennial Research Symposium of the Association of 1890 Research Directors in Jacksonville, FL in 2013. The store and its merchandise wereadvertised on the Southern Digest (Southern University Student's newspaper) and on the Southern University and A & M College website. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Objective 1 was achieved. The retail store-laboratory (RSL), Southern Niche, opened in Fall 2011. Southern Niche is housed in Pinkie E. Thrift Hall in what had been seldom used space in the west wing of the building. The University provided the staff to renovate the room and adjacent space. USDA Facilities Funds were used to purchase a security system to thwart store shrinkage. Southern Niche opened in October 2011. The date was selected becauSe it was homecoming weekend and there would be much foot traffic on campus that weekend. The location was chosen to create "a destination area" in the Family and Consumer Sciences Building. LaCumba Cafe, the restaurant managed by Human Nutrition and Food students, is just a few doors down from Southern Niche. Housing Southern Niche in the west wing near laCumba Cafe utilizes one of the basic principles of retailing: "location, location, location." Objective 2 was achieved. Yet, it is ongoing throughout the life of Southern Niche. Students were trained for leadership positions in retail merchandising and related fields. Southern Niche is run by students who are enrolled in FCSC 464 Internship. A state-of-the-art Point of Sale (POS) System was purchased and students and faculty were trained by the vendor on use of the POS System initially. Afterwards, training was on-going with each new class through the "train-the-trainer" approach. Students from the previous classes--as well as faculty and staff--trained students in later classes on use of the POS System. Students were involved in all aspects of the RSL. Concepts learned in their merchandising and business classes were put into practice. Skills utilized included pricing, sourcing, visual merchandising, personal selling, human resources and advertising. Objective 3 was achieved. yet, it will be ongoing. Most of the merchandise sold in Southern Niche was on consignment. This retail method will continue to be used. Merchandising serves as a "test" to identify merchandise with broad-based appeal. Southern Niche also bought some merchandise outright based on surveys done of what students wanted to buy. Southern Niche continued to partner with the University's Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to develop and strengthen its sources.The Director of the SBDC has been a collaborator on the RSL. The SBDC and Southern Niche worked with individuals who wanted to take their hobbies to the next level--that of establishing a full service business. Individuals who had expressed interest in starting a business had been directed to Southern University's SBDC. The SBDC offered a series of business seminars such as Mastering the C's of Lending (Cash Flow and Credit); Credit Alert-Understanding Personal and Business Credit, Writing a Business Plan, etc.
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Scott, A. D., D. Y. Butler, and G. W. Namwamba. 2013. Building Capacity and Enhancing Economic Development through Experiential Learning in AMTX . Graduate Oral Competitive Presentation at the 17th Biennial Research Symposium of the Association of 1890 Research Directors, Jacksonville, Florida; April 7-10, 2013.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2012
Citation:
Butler, Doze. 2012. Building Capacity and Enhancing Economic Development through Experiential Learning in AMTX . Poster presentation, NIFA Project Director Conference in Huntsville, Alabama, September 16-19, 2012.
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Progress 09/01/12 to 08/31/13
Outputs
Target Audience: There are two target audiences: Students enrolled in Apparel Merchandising and Textiles and marketing. These are the students who enroll in the classes and who perform all aspects of operating the business. The second target is the vendors. Thus far, most of the vendors have come from Baton Rouge and surrounding areas. This year, more vendors have come from the New Orleans areas and the southern part of the State. So that this project has a state-wide impact, greater efforts will be made to attract vendors from the northern and central part of the State. Vendor demographics include the spectrum of African American and Caucasian; male and female; and young and old, with the majority being college age and slightly older. Changes/Problems: The key problem has been vendor turnover What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Students and faculty were trained on the use of the credit card machine initially. The POS arrived in Spring 2012. Students and faculty were trained on it. Training continued each semester as a new group of students enrolled in the class. Training is on-going as each new class arrives. During Spring 2011, six students enrolled in the class associated with the opening of the laboratory. During Summer 2011, two students enrolled. Seven students were enrolled in Fall 2011; 10 in Spring 2012; 3 in Summer 2012, 3 in Fall 2012; 10 in Spring 2013 and 8 in Spring 2014. Plans are underway for students enrolled in the Spring 2014 class to travel to Atlanta for a mini-study tour and training that will positively impact their work in Southern Niche How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Results have been disseminated in various ways: The PI participated in the Project Directors Conference in 2012. In addition, the PI has shared the progress of the project annually at the 1890 Council of Administrators in Family and Consumer Sciences meetings (which are held just prior to the APLU meetings) and at the recent Council of Administrators in Family and Consumer Sciences meeting in Grapevine, TX. Findings of the project was presented at the 17th Biennial Research Symposium of the Association of 1890 Researvh Directors, Jacksonville, Florida; April 7-10, 2013. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? The PI and others involved in the project will continue to engage in the activities detailed in the timeline for this project. Additional time is needed to fully implement Objectives 2 (increase human capital by training students for leadership positions in retail merchandising and related fields) and 3 (enhance economic development by strengthening the University’s linkages with small-scale entrepreneurs and other producers in the State). Achievement of Objective 2 is ongoing as each new class of students is trained for leadership positions in retailing and related fields. Achievement of Objective 3 will be the primary focus of the No-cost Extension, with continued work on Objective 2 as secondary. Currently, the majority of the merchandise sold in the RSL is on consignment. During the past year, students experimented with private label merchandise (scented soaps).Merchandise in the coming year, Southern Niche will continue offering merchandise on consignment that will serve as a “test” to identify merchandise with broad-based appeal. Southern Niche will also buy outright merchandise that has proven to be big sellers in previous semesters. Both of these activities will involve working with Southern University’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to develop and strengthen our sources. The Director of the SBDC has been a collaborator on the RSL project. Many of Southern Niche’s consignees are hobbyists. The SBDC and Southern Niche will continue to work with individuals who want to take their hobbies to the next level—that of establishing a business. Individuals who have expressed interest in starting a business have been directed to Southern’s SBDC. There, they have received assistance with their business plans, learned how to register the business through the Louisiana Secretary of State’s Office, received instruction on how to finance the start up, and received additional training vita to business success. Southern Niche will take a more active role in the follow-up of these activities. Additional vendors will be sought from an expanded area within the State. A greater variety of merchandise will be sourced as well. After the objectives of this project have been realized, it is the intent of this PI to seek funding that will support international sourcing of merchandise for the RSL. The PI of this project traveled to Haiti and Kenya some years ago. While there, she was impressed with the beautiful wood carvings, jewelry and other merchandise that were created by the citizens. To aid—even in a small way—economic development and to give students the opportunity to increase their cultural competence by sourcing merchandise internationally are among the future goals in the continuation of this project.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Students updated the original Needs Assessment Survey and distributed it to members of the university community to determine demand (categories of merchandise to be sold in the store laboratory, the price shoppers would be willing to pay, the most desirable hours of operation). A little used room in the Family and Consumer Sciences building was converted into the retail store laboratory (RSL). The University provided the staff to renovate the room. Facilities funds were used to purchase a security system to thwart store shrinkage. The newest laboratory in the Division of Family and Consumer Sciences opened on Friday, 28 October 2011. This date was selected because it was homecoming weekend and there would be a great deal of foot traffic on campus those two days (28 and 29). So far, nearly 2,000 people have visitedthe RSL. A total of thirty-three students have completed their internships or field experiences in the RSL (7, Fall 2011; 10, Spring 2012; 3, Summer 2012; 3, Fall 2012; 10, Spring 2013 and 8, Spring 2014). One hundred and nine vendors have sold their merchandise in the RSL. (One hundred and forty-one have been interviewed.) Students are learning what it takes to start a business. They have been involved in all aspects of opening the RSL. Concepts learned in their merchandising and business classes are being put into practice. Skills utilized include pricing, sourcing, visual merchandising, personal selling and advertising. During Spring 2011, six students enrolled in the class associated with the opening of the laboratory. During Summer 2011, two students enrolled. Seven students were enrolled in Fall 2011; 10 in Spring 2012; 3 in Summer 2012, 3 in Fall 2012 and 10 in Spring 2013. The most immediate outcome is a more knowledgeable and better trained students. This is already evident. To successfully run the RSL, students have had to draw upon the knowledge gained in previous classes. This has been met with an impressive level of success. Another major outcome of the project is that the AMTX program is positioned to provide a relevant, realistic learning opportunity for students in AMTX and business for years to come. Students are getting better management training as a result of participation in Southern Niche. Yet another outcome is the positive impact the project is having on the small-scale entrepreneurs/vendors who provide merchandise for the SN. During the past year, project leaders have worked with Southern University’s Small Business Development Center to inform our vendors about topics vital to their success in growing their businesses. These topics included: Credit Alert-Understanding Personal and Business Credit; Mastering the C’s of Lending (Cash Flow and Credit); Small Business Educational Services Kick-off; Franchising—No French Fries on this Menu; Business Certification Training; 2013 Small Business Educational Series; and Writing a Business Plan. As a result, these emerging entrepreneurs/vendors are more motivated and knowledgeable on how to run their businesses. Long term outcomes are also two-fold: the Louisiana economy will be healthier because a better (human) product is in the workforce. In addition, the state’s economy will be healthier because of the increased dollars generated by the small-scale entrepreneurs.
Publications
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Progress 09/01/11 to 08/31/12
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Students developed a needs assessment survey and distributed it to members of the university community to determine demand (categories of merchandise to be sold in the store laboratory, the price shoppers would be willing to pay, the most desirable hours of operation). A little used room in the Family and Consumer Sciences building was converted into the retail store laboratory (RSL). The University provided the staff to renovate the room. Facilities funds were used to purchase a security system to thwart store shrinkage. The newest laboratory in the Division of Family and Consumer Sciences opened on Friday, 28 October 2011. This date was selected because it was homecoming weekend and there would be a great deal of foot traffic on campus those two days (28 and 29). So far, nearly 175 people have shopped in the RSL. A total of twenty students have completed/ are completing their internships or field experiences in the RSL (7, Fall 2011; 10, Spring 2012; 3, Summer 2012). Forty-five vendors have sold their merchandise in the RSL. (Fifty-eight have been interviewed.) Students and faculty were trained on the use of the credit card machine initially. The POS arrived in Spring 2012. Students and faculty were trained on it. Training continued in Summer 2012 when a new group of students enrolled in the class. Training is on-going as each new class arrives. During Spring 2011, six students enrolled in the class associated with the opening of the laboratory. During Summer 2011, two students enrolled. Seven students were enrolled in Fall 2011; 10 in Spring 2012; and 3 in Summer 2012. The project director made a poster presentation of this project at the 2012 NIFA Project Director Conference in Huntsville, Alabama, September 16-19, 2012. Additionally, the store and its merchandise have been advertised on the Southern Digest (Southern University Student's newspaper) and on the University's website. PARTICIPANTS: Not relevant to this project. TARGET AUDIENCES: There are two target audiences: Students enrolled in Apparel Merchandising and Textiles and marketing. These are the students who enroll in the classes and who perform all aspects of operating the business. The second target is the vendors. Thus far, vendors have come primarily from the Baton Rouge area. So that this project has a state-wide impact, greater efforts will be made to attract vendors from the New Orleans area, the northwestern, northeastern, southwestern and central part of the state. Vendor demographics include the spectrum of African American and Caucasian; male and female; and young and old, with the majority being college age and slightly older. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
Students are learning what it takes to start a business. They have been involved in all aspects of opening the RSL. Concepts learned in their merchandising and business classes are being put into practices. Skills utilized include pricing, sourcing, visual merchandising, personal selling and advertising. The most immediate outcome is a more knowledgeable and better trained student. This is already evident. To successfully run the RSL, students have had to draw upon the knowledge gained in previous classes. This has been met with an impressive level of success. Another major outcome of the project is that the AMTX program is positioned to provide a relevant, realistic learning opportunity for students in AMTX and business for years to come. Yet another outcome is the positive impact the project is having on he small-scale entrepreneurs who provide merchandise for the RSL. They are more motivated and knowledgeable on how to run a consignment business. Long term outcomes are also two-fold: the Louisiana economy will be healthier because a better (human) product is in the workforce. In addition, the state's economy will be healthier because of the increased dollars generated by the small-scale entrepreneurs. A total of 20 students gained experience in the project by completing their internships or field experiences in the RSL (7, Fall 2011; 10, Spring 2012; 3, Summer 2012). Forty-five vendors have sold their merchandise in the RSL. (Fifty-eight have been interviewed.)
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 09/01/10 to 08/31/11
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Students developed a needs assessment survey and distributed it to members of the university community to determine demand (categories of merchandise to be sold in the store laboratory, the price shoppers would be willing to pay, the most desirable hours of operation). A little used room in the Family and Consumer Sciences building was converted into the retail store laboratory (RSL). The University provided the staff to renovate the room. Facilities funds were used to purchase a security system to thwart store shrinkage. The newest laboratory in the Division of Family and Consumer Sciences opened on Friday, 28 October 2011. This date was selected because it was homecoming weekend and there would be a great deal of foot traffic on campus those two days (28 and 29). So far, nearly 175 people have shopped in the RSL. Currently, seven students are completing their internships or field experiences in the RSL. Nine small-scale entrepreneurs are currently selling their merchandise in the store laboratory. Two additional vendors are being interviewed by the students to potentially sell merchandise in the store laboratory. Products: Various documents have been developed: Employee manual, consignment form, store logo, marketing and other promotional materials. PARTICIPANTS: Students and faculty were trained on how to conduct business at the store and on the use of the credit card machine. (The point of sale POS system is on order, but has not arrived. Students will be trained on it later.) Also, the small-scale entrepreneurs have attended an orientation on how to use the store. During Spring 2011, six students enrolled in the class associated with the opening of the laboratory. During Summer 2011, two students enrolled. Currently, seven students are enrolled and are gaining knowledge and skills through experiential learning. TARGET AUDIENCES: There are two target audiences: Students enrolled in Apparel Merchandising and Textiles and marketing. These are the students who will enroll in the class and who will perform all aspects of operating a business. The second target is the small-scale entrepreneurs. Thus far, all of the vendors have come from the Baton Rouge area. So that this project has a state-wide impact, greater efforts will be made to attract vendors from the New Orleans area, the northwestern, northeastern, southwestern and central part of the state. All of the current vendors are ethnic minorities and women. A collaborator on the project has been Southern University's Small Business Development Center (SBDC). The Director's role is to work with individuals who want to take their hobby to the next level starting a business. Individuals who have expressed interest in starting a business have been directed to Southern's SBDC. There, they have received assistance with their business plans, learned how to register the business through the LA Secretary of State's office, received instruction on how to finance the start up, and related information. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: There have been major delays to the start of the project. First of all, the PI didn't find out until December 2010 that all of the information requested by the grantor had been received and accepted. The information was submitted to the Office of Sponsored Programs on the Southern University campus, but no one contacted the PI. The biggest hurdle seems to be Southern University processes and procedures. It took well over a month to get an account number. This delay created a domino effect. It delayed the hiring of the coordinator and the start of all of the activities of the coordinator. The coordinator finally came on board in April just in time for the Finance Office to shut down purchasing activities so that the office could close its books for the 2010 to 2011 year. It was not until September before progress could resume (i.e. purchasing equipment and merchandise); thus, the delay in the grand opening.
Impacts
Although the RSL has been opened less than a month, students have already learned about what it takes to start a business. They have been involved in all aspects of opening the RSL. Concepts learned in their merchandising and business classes are being put into practices. Skills utilized include pricing, sourcing, visual merchandising, personal selling and advertising. In addition, the small-scale entrepreneurs have become extremely motivated. The success of the grand opening weekend increased their motivation. Students have been encouraging the vendors on production techniques and working with them on trends and forecasting to aid them in selecting colors for their products. Students in the class are also working with other students who want to become vendors in the store in 2012.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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