Delineating Design Leaders: A Framework of Design Management Roles in Fashion Retail. Issue 2 (11th March 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Miller, Karen; Moultrie, James
• Is Part Of: Creativity and innovation management. Volume 22:Issue 2(2013)
• Page Start: 161
• Page End: 176
• Publication Date: 2013-03-11
• Subjects: Creative ability in business -- Periodicals; Organizational change -- Periodicals; 658.57; 658
• DOI: 10.1111/caim.12024
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0963-1690

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <p>Design management is widely acknowledged as important in optimizing the contribution of design in organizations, especially where survival in turbulent industries such as fashion retail depends upon design for differentiation, value engineering and an agile response. However, design management in this industry has received scant attention, in spite of the sector's degree of design intensity. This paper seeks to redress this imbalance with interview‐based case studies in seven leading UK‐based international retailers, by investigating design management activities. The results reveal design management is composed of two distinct cohorts, with <italic>true</italic> design leaders privileged by formal design education and extensive design experience and others we term 'managers of design'. From these findings we provide a framework, which more accurately depicts the roles of design management in this dynamic industry, thereby helping to develop understanding in both academic and practical contexts.</p> </abstract>