An examination of the systems by which public and private sector organizations plan, price, promote, and distribute goods and services in response to changing consumer needs and wants. Note: This course may not be taken for credit subsequent to receiving credit in AGEC*4370 or HAFA*3080.

Designed to increase visual awareness and recognition of natural and planned design elements in the environment. Investigation of the roles of designers and an understanding of design as an applied process that responds to human needs.

A survey of the basic processes in the production of clothing. Industry structure, consumption and government policy are reviewed. The objective of the laboratory is to provide background for, and experience with, product analysis and product evaluation.

A survey course covering natural and synthetic fibres, yarns and fabric construction, dyes and finishes. Brief discussion of textile testing and specifications for end use. Analysis of market forces guiding development of new textiles.

A general survey of the developing residential environment in the modern community. The social, psychological, economic, physical and political dimensions of housing and urban development are included.

Introduces the concepts and principles of information acquisition, manipulation and management as relevant to organizational decision-making. Provides experience in the applications of information technology as practised in organizations. Note: Students with credit for this course may not proceed to CIS*1000.

An introductory course designed to meet the professional needs of those in teaching, counselling and community service, as well as personal goals in financial management. (Also offered through distance education format.)

A review of major high technology events and their utilization in product development processes; the positive and negative impact of these technologies on consumers and their life styles will be emphasized.

An analysis of how current and planned textile products attempt to reflect consumer needs. Issues discussed will include fibre/fabric finish performance criteria for specific end uses and how government or user specifications impact on textile production.

An examination of the economic, social, cultural, and psychological factors which influence consumer behaviour with respect to products and services.

An overview of the impact of the residential environment upon lifestyles at various stages in the life cycle. Topics include the effect of neighbourhood and dwelling design upon children, seniors and the economically and physically handicapped. Consideration will be given to the development of behaviorally based design guidelines.

Examines housing finance activity from the standpoint of the role of individual decision units - lenders, borrowers, developers and investors. The magnitude of the funds such units provide; the sources of such funds; the nature and form of the funding instruments and the methods of allocating funds at an institutional level will be reviewed. The mathematics of real estate financing is included in order to explore the issues related to developing instruments and loan underwriting. The objectives and impact of government regulation on financing activities of individual decision units will be explored.

Lectures will include general concepts and expectations of quality assurance from consumer, government, managerial and technological points of view and discuss the relationship of national and international groups concerned with quality assurance. Seminars apply concepts to selected products and services.

An examination of the management of distribution systems for consumer products and services. Topics include operational and management aspects of retailing, wholesaling, importing/exporting, transportation, and inventory management.

Examines the concepts, principles and practices for consumer, market and product development research processes. Topics include research problem definition, research objectives, research design, measurement, sampling methods, execution and research management, analysis and interpretation, and report writing.

Course introduces students to statutory and common law concerning business and consumer transactions. An overview of the laws of contracts and torts forms the basis of business and producer/consumer relationships. Discussion topics include sale of goods and consumer protection legislation; debtor-creditor relations; competition law; intellectual property rights and manufacturers' product liability.

A micro analysis of the patterns of resource use pursued by the household as conditions inside and outside the household change. Students are expected to possess or develop facility with the calculus of multivariable functions, constrained optimization, and multiple regression analysis.

The product development process for clothing is studied, including fashion theory and design, production and sourcing within the context of globalization of the apparel industry. International markets and distribution channels are examined from the perspectives of industry, government and consumers.

Course provides an in-depth treatment of information processing research and theories as they relate to consumer judgement and choice. Components of theory addressed include: attention and perception, motivation, processing capacity, encoding and memory storage, retrieval and decision processes. Applications to marketplace policy and strategy are discussed.

The course examines applications of macro and micro economic theory to the consumption process. Students are expected to possess or develop facility with calculus and multiple regression analysis.

Concepts of communication and management as practised by private and public sector organizations. Communication management principles are applied to the design and evaluation of communication programs.

Lecture-discussion or seminar on a selected topic or area of specialization related to housing to be conducted by faculty with special interests or expertise in the area. Students should confirm with the department prior to course selection what topic(s), if any, will be offered during specific semesters.

This course deals primarily with property management in the residential and commercial sectors although some reference will be made to retail, industrial and mixed use complex management. Property management activities will be dealt with relating to legal, interpersonal, maintenance, accounting and administrative functions.

An independent investigation of a pertinent topic in consumer studies. Registration requires departmental approval.

Major course components include: new product strategy formulation, the role of technical and market research, the analysis of opportunities, management of development processes, product launches, government and regulatory controls.

Examination of changing economic, political, financial, and social power as determinants of relationships among and the roles played by consumers, businesses, and governments in the evolution of capitalistic democracies; the impact of power and the absence of power on employment, real incomes, income distribution, consumer attitudes, education systems, and the capacity of governments to govern.

This course focuses on the decision-making role of the marketing manager who is responsible for formulating the strategic marketing plan. The theory of selecting market target(s) for the firm's product and/or services and the development of the marketing mix (product, price, promotion, distribution) with the aid of market research and computerized information systems is covered.

The study of marketing in global context with specific emphasis on the strategic implications of marketing in different country cultures. Included are the global marketing environment and the competitive challenges and opportunities confronting today's international marketers, the cultural environment of global marketing, the assessment of global market opportunities and the development of global marketing strategies.

This course deals with the development, redevelopment and renewal of housing services within the context of organization decision- making systems. Students will design a program and implementation strategy to address a housing issue. The interrelations among the social aspects of housing, public policy, construction industry capabilities and financing mechanisms are considered. Both public and private delivery systems will be examined.

The course deals with the basic principles of real estate appraising, the emphasis being on residential real estate. The approaches employed to determine value as it relates to the requirements set by lending institutions and other clients will be dealt with. Legal, ethical and financial aspects will also be covered in the course.

Lays out the legal principles which guide the expanding and changing body of law dealing with housing and real estate development and forms of occupancy; statutory and regulatory matters are explored.

Examines both substantive and jurisdictional policy and program development at the federal, provincial and local levels. The policy making process will be reviewed as well as policy and program evaluation techniques. The emphasis is on Canada although comparisons with other countries will be discussed.

The development and construction sectors of the housing industry will be examined from both the structural and process perspectives in order to develop an understanding of how the industry adapts and how organizations operate. The course will focus on Canadian residential housing industry organizations and related agencies.

Lecture-discussion or seminar on a selected topic in consumer studies to be conducted by faculty with expertise in the area. Students should check with the department to determine what topic, if any, will be offered during a specific semester.

Prerequisites will be indicated by the department when the course is offered.

Same description as COST*4910.

The practicum provides supervised experience in applying the concepts and principles of consumer studies to contemporary issues in areas such as consumer finance, consumer policy, housing, product standards and quality assurance.