CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1. BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Mathematics has always been given special attention in school as the nature of the subject is related to many other fields and disciplines. Moreover, students’ mathematics achievement has often been the focus and is seen as a critical global issue in many countries.

Besides being perceived as a tough subject, problems in mathematics learning has also been related to the lack of regulation skills among students in learning math. Self-regulation is a broad construct which covers before, during and after phases learning.

Self-regulation in learning is related to the 21th century of learning competency (Wolters, 2010) thus students who are not regulated will face difficulty to overcome the obstructions or challenges they face while learning.

Fashion marketing and merchandising involves a multitude of processes through which a new fashion product progresses after it has been finalized by its designer to be available in large quantities and in demand by consumers (Buttle, 1993).

From the design process to manufacturing for the global market, and onward to vendors, retailers, and consumers, the merchandising/marketing workforce is increasingly dependent on mathematics-related skills and knowledge (Garrett, 2008).

In most instances, these skills are simple computations and applications of mathematics that are addressed early in one’s education. Current fashion marketing and fashion merchandising (FMM) students must be prepared for a different society and workforce than those of previous generations (Sproles, 1981).

Personnel with mathematics expertise will have a greater impact and level of success in the workplace than their counterparts with weak mathematics capabilities (Breiner, Harkness, Johnson & Koehler, 2012). Secondary schools, community colleges, and four-year institutes across the United States should revitalize current mathematics competencies to meet students’ evolving needs to remain competitive in the global marketplace (Business Higher Education Forum, 2011).

The Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) (Kelly, Nord, Jenkins, Chan, & Kastberg, 2012) reported that the United States (U.S.) fell far below its worldwide contemporaries in mathematics. Among the thirty-four member countries of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the U.S.

performed below average in mathematics and was ranked 27th (Kelly et al., 2012).

In addition, U.S. students demonstrated weaknesses in performing mathematical tasks that required higher cognitive demands, such as translating real-world situations into mathematical terms and interpreting the mathematical aspects (Kelly et al., 2012). This report provides evidence that U.S. schools are not adequately preparing students for future retail and industry positions as well as studies at the university level.

Currently, producers and retailers in the fashion industries are faced with the challenge of doing more with less (Baker, 2004). Fashion marketers and merchandisers need to possess a requisite understanding of the construction of manufactured items and manufacturing processes to determine the types of suitable materials along with the estimation of material costs and how best to package and deliver items once produced (Borin & Metcalf, 2010).

The title of “merchandiser” makes one think of money, implying that one must or should be knowledgeable of monetary mathematics (LeaGreenwood, 1997; 1998). Mathematics in the fields of marketing and merchandising is an absolute essential skill. Therefore, it is important for curricula in FMM programs to integrate key mathematics concepts within the marketing and merchandising acumen (Hines & Bruce, 2007).

The basic concepts and overall knowledge of mathematics in business will provide problem solving abilities to face challenges present in industry (Chandler, 1962). Emphasis on FMM is to make certain the right product is delivered to the customer at the right time, at the right price, in the right place, and in the right quantity (Jackson & Shaw, 2000). Mathematics is a tool that helps one accomplish all of these factors successfully.

1. STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Mathematics is related to fashion through geometry and symmetry. So, mathematics is not just a subject in school. Math can apply to many things in our (daily) life style. Some outfits are cut in a specific way and designed for a particular type of body. The measurements of the model and the clothing need to coincide.

Having known all of these, so many fashion designers are careless about taking mathematics serious as this could be of help to them in the fashion industry.  Additionally, competitive pressure from peers and friends also contributes to anxiety in learning mathematics let alone applying it in the fashion designing. Finally, several researches have been carried out on the use of mathematics in costume design and construction but not even a single research has been carried out on the application of mathematics in fashion design.

1. AIM AND OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The main aim and objectives of the study is to examine the application of mathematics in fashion design. Other specific objectives of the study include;

1. to determine the effect of the application of mathematics on fashion design.
2. to determine the factors affecting the application of mathematics in fashion design.
3. to determine the relationship between mathematics and fashion design.
4. to proffer possible solutions to the problems.
   1. RESEARCH QUESTIONS

1.     What is the effect of the application of mathematics on fashion design?

2.     What are the factors affecting the application of mathematics in fashion design?

3.     What is the relationship between mathematics and fashion design?

4.     What are the possible solutions to the problems?

1. RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS

Ho:  Mathematics application has no significant effect on fashion design.

Hi:   Mathematics application has a significant effect on fashion design.

1. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The study on the application of mathematics in fashion will be of immense benefit in the sense that it will educate fashion designers on the use of math-based computer programs to help manipulate flat garment patterns into three-dimensional shapes.

Flat sketches of garments must be mathematically accurate. They are then paired with the measurement specs and given to the factory to produce the garments. Without knowledge of math, designers would not be able to draft garment patterns.

It will also enable them to know that mathematics is also used when creating trim pages for the factory. Designers use trim pages to tell factories the number of trims needed for each garment.

Any errors in arithmetic can result in huge cost overruns. Designers need a particularly good sense and understanding of geometry to successfully create three-dimensional patterns.

They also need to be able to add fractions in their heads easily since most patterns are measured out in 1/8-inch increments. Being able to manipulate calculations regarding area is also important when it comes to designing how patterns should be laid out on fabric. Math is used to calculate the amount needed to spend for fabric, thread and various other items needed in the fashion industry. Finally, the study will contribute to the body of existing literature and knowledge to this field of study and basis for further research.

1. SCOPE OF THE STUDY

The study on study on the application of mathematics is limited to fashion design.

1. LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

Time Constraints: One the challenges experienced by the researcher is the issue of time; the research will simultaneously engage in departmental activities like seminars and attendance to lectures. But the researcher was able to meet up with the deadline for the submission of the project.

Financial Constraints: Every research work needs funding; however lack of adequate funds might affect the speed of the researcher in getting materials for completion of the project.

1. DEFINITION OF TERMS

Application:    The action of putting something into operation.

Mathematics:  The abstract science of number, quantity, and space, either as abstract concepts (pure mathematics), or as applied to other disciplines such as physics and engineering (applied mathematics).

Fashion:  A popular or the latest style of clothing, hair, decoration, or behaviour.

Design:    A decorative pattern.