Apparel Industry In Bangladesh Research Articles

Lean implementation barriers in the apparel industry in Bangladesh

Purpose In the highly competitive business landscape, manufacturing firms need to adopt an effective manufacturing strategy to attain a successful world-class manufacturing status. Over the past few decades, the lean manufacturing (LM) approach has gained recognition as one of the foremost strategies for enhancing performance. However, the implementation of LM poses significant challenges due to several barriers. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the primary barriers to lean implementation within the apparel industry. Design/methodology/approach This paper used an exploratory study approach, using a three-part structured questionnaire to assess the level of agreement on different lean barriers. The measurement of these barriers was conducted using a five-point Likert scale. Empirical data were collected from 177 apparel companies located in Bangladesh. Findings The findings of the research highlight that the primary obstacles to implementing LI include a lack of understanding of the lean manufacturing system (LMS), the manufacturing process, the company culture and resistance from employees. Research limitations/implications This paper could potentially limit the generalizability of this research, as it exclusively examines a single manufacturing sector – the apparel industry. Practical implications This paper will help practitioners in finding solutions to resolve discrepancies between current manufacturing practices and the LMS. Originality/value This paper fulfills an identified need to examine the extent of lean adoption within the apparel industry of Bangladesh.

Enhancing Sewing Quality in the Apparel Industry of Bangladesh through 5S and PDCA: A Minimization Approach for Defects

Enhancing Sewing Quality in the Apparel Industry of Bangladesh through 5S and PDCA: A Minimization Approach for Defects

An integrated approach to explore the barriers to lean manufacturing in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic: implications for sustainability

PurposeThe apparel industry of Bangladesh is rethinking lean manufacturing (LM) deployment because of the challenges imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to COVID-19, LM implementation in the apparel industry has become more difficult. Thus, the purpose of this study is to explore the barriers to implementing LM practices in the apparel industry of Bangladesh in the context of COVID-19 pandemic.Design/methodology/approachFor evaluating the barriers, an integrated framework that combines the Delphi method and fuzzy total interpretive structural modeling (TISM) has been designed. The application of fuzzy TISM has resulted in a structured hierarchical relationship model of the barriers with driving and driven power.FindingsThe findings reveal that “lack of synchronization of lean planning with strategic planning”, “lack of proper understanding of lean concept” and “low priority from the top management” are the three top most important barriers of LM implementation in apparel industry.Practical implicationsThese findings will help the apparel industry to formulate strategy for implementing the LM practices successfully. The proposed model is expected to contribute to the sustainable development goals (SDGs) such as Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12); Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8); Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (SDG 9) via resilient strategies.Originality/valueThis study is one of few initial efforts to investigate LM implementation barriers during the COVID-19 epidemic in a real-world setting.

Impact of Human Resource Management (HRM) Practice on Employee’s Performance: A Case Study on Textile and Apparel Industry of Bangladesh

Impact of Human Resource Management (HRM) Practice on Employee’s Performance: A Case Study on Textile and Apparel Industry of Bangladesh

IR 4.0 in the Apparel Industry of Bangladesh: Prospects and Challenges.

Over the past decade, the world has been heading towards the fourth industrial revolution, with many countries adopting the latest innovations and technological upgrades, which essentially are meant to meet the growing demands of consumers in every sector of an economy. The research first reviewed the existing theories and concepts regarding IR4.0 and then utilized the “Industry 4.0 Readiness” model of Impulse Industry 4.0-Readiness of the Association of Germany’s Engineering Industry (Verband Deutscher Maschinen- und Anlagenbau) as the guiding framework for devising an original, suitable, readiness model to evaluate 135 RMG factories (big, medium and small) in Bangladesh. A mixed methodology approach is followed in the research, implying the utilization of both quantitative and qualitative tools. This exploratory research focused on how companies make use of technological tools and methodologies and how they are prepared to adopt the massive changes, brought forward by IR 4.0. Based on this study’s findings, apparel companies should focus more on using technologies such as AI, Sensors, ERP, SMV, GSD, Big Data, Cloud, M2M communication, etc. to boost Bangladesh’s global competitiveness. In addition, respondents believed that digital transformation could create a smart factory to optimize the manufacturing system, and it has a very substantial impact on industry 4.0. Furthermore, this exploratory study exposed that the apparel industries of Bangladesh are encountering major challenges in IR 4.0 strategy design and equipment organization to aid IR 4.0 demands.

Linking entrepreneurial orientation with export performance: mediation effects of multiple differentiation strategies

PurposeThis study aims to examine the effect of entrepreneurial orientation (EO) on the export performance of apparel small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and the role of multiple differentiation strategy as a mediation effect between their relationships. It has also investigated the moderation impact of export market category between EO and performance relationship. The multiple differentiation strategy comprises the product (PDD), customer (CTD), service (SVD) and brand (BDD) differentiations.Design/methodology/approachA cross-sectional survey was carried out by providing a questionnaire to senior managers and owners of the apparel SMEs from the developed and developing markets exporters. The primary data of 550 was treated by the partial least squares-structural equation modelling) technique for final analysis.FindingsThe study revealed EO’s positive and significant effect on SMEs’ export performance. The study has found the mediation effect of product, customer and brand differentiation strategies between EO and export performance relationships from the mediation analysis. In contrast, service differentiation has found no mediation effect. However, the moderation effect (export market category) has revealed an insignificant effect between EO and performance association.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings of this study are based on one country data analysis. This study has been conducted in the SMEs of the apparel industry in Bangladesh, considering only owners and senior-level managers of the firms.Originality/valueThis research has drawn the attention of managers/owners to EO and multiple differentiation strategies enhancing export performance from the developing country context, such as Bangladesh. Multiple differentiation as a competitive strategy is the pioneer application of mediating effect between EO and export performance relationships. Moreover, this research has investigated the effect of the export market category as a moderator. Dearth research has applied the export market category to investigate the moderation effect between EO-performance models. Therefore, current research has theoretical and practical contributions to the international entrepreneurship and strategic management literature.

Sustainable Development of Apparel Industry in Bangladesh: A Critical Review

Bangladesh’s apparel industry has become the country’s economic foundation. The textile and apparel employees especially over four million people. In this major industrial sector, it is critical to encourage sustainability. When the apparel market and corporations focus on environmentally friendly products, Bangladesh’s textile and apparel sectors remain far behind, putting the country at risk of losing market share. It is right of passage to implement techniques and a long-term strategy to sustainability. Bangladeshi apparel industries are currently facing significant issues in terms of labor conditions. In garment manufacturers, fires are a common occurrence. Thousands of workers have perished because of these dangers. Due to Bangladesh’s fire and safety difficulties, several foreign purchasers have already opted not to do business with the country again. Furthermore, workers receive the world’s lowest pay, which leaves them dissatisfied and frequently results in conflicts and violence during protests poor wages. This study is conveyed based on theoretical, analytical, and statistical aspects. The goal of this study is to represent the overall picture of sustainability in the apparel industry in Bangladesh. This study illustrates on using a life cycle approach to assessing manufactured products for environmental indicators to attain sustainability, fast fashion, government policy of sustainability, new method and material of garments and compare with the lifestyle of Europe against Bangladesh. This paper investigated Bangladesh’s garment industry’s working environment, fire, and safety hazards, and made suggestions for important environmental and sustainability activities. This study is helpful to all the people because sustainability is the main concern in a day.

Coping with the COVID-19 pandemic: evidence from the apparel industry in Bangladesh and China

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to understand the impact of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic on the global textile and apparel supply chain from the perspectives of industry professionals within the two leading production countries: Bangladesh and China.Design/methodology/approachApplying the theory of dynamic capabilities, a qualitative research design was employed using interviews with a total of 33 apparel industry practitioners, 15 in Bangladesh and 18 in China.FindingsFindings indicate that four factors primarily impacted the extent to which COVID-19 disrupted a firm's supply chain: firm size, channel diversification, sourcing method and product type. Viewed through the lens of the theory of dynamic capabilities, findings point to the need for firms to address the challenges brought about by supply chain disruptions by creating opportunities.Originality/valueIt is important to understand the impact of COVID-19 in real time and within the two largest textile and apparel–producing countries globally, as they have borne much of the brunt of the supply chain disruptions brought on by COVID-19. This empirical study makes contributions to the apparel supply chain literature as it provides an in-depth investigation of what textile and apparel firms in China and Bangladesh have learned from the COVID-19 experience to better prepare for future unexpected global events.

IR 4.0 Readiness of Apparel Industry in Bangladesh

Innovation and technological advancement are crucial for the apparel industry, particularly in manufacturing, made-to-order items, and customer requirements. This industry has become one of the most critical aspects of Bangladesh's industrialization process. However, businesses now strategically drive a series of changes, both from an organizational productivity perspective and a technologically supportive one. Industry 4.0 has significant potential to swap the business and manufacturing processes. Although perceptible advancement has been made in the practice of Industry 4.0 technologies and innovation in the manufacturing industries in industrialized countries, there is hesitation about the readiness of competitive businesses and manufacturing industries in developing countries like Bangladesh to adopt Industry 4.0. This study investigates the Bangladeshi apparel Industry's preparedness to implement Industry 4.0. A mixed-methods strategy has been implemented to evaluate the Bangladesh garment sector's readiness. The quantitative information was gathered through an online survey backed by a questionnaire instrument and quantitative methods of the Impulse Foundation of the Mechanical Engineering Industry Association (Verband Deutscher Maschinen- und Anlagenbau-VDMA). Furthermore, the qualitative data was taken through key informant interviews (KIIs). This exploratory research focused on how companies use technological tools and methodologies and how prepared to adopt the massive changes brought forward by IR 4.0. Based on this study's findings, apparel companies should use technologies such as ERP, Big Data, Cloud, M2M Communication to boost Bangladesh's global competitiveness. In addition, respondents believed that digital transformation could create a smart factory to optimize the manufacturing system, which has a very substantial impact on industry 4.0. Moreover, this exploratory study revealed that Bangladesh's garment companies face significant difficulties in IR 4.0 strategy design and equipment organization to meet IR 4.0 expectations. It is also revealed in this research that skills related to Industry 4.0 exist in hands in Bangladesh. Therefore, further research is needed to discover more features of Industry 4.0 adoption and skilled employee prerequisites.

Managing relational practices for performance improvement in a complex supply chain network: the mediating roles of proactive and reactive resilience in apparel industry of Bangladesh

PurposeGrounding on relational view and contingent resource-based views, the authors investigate the conditional indirect effect of Supply Chain Relational Practices (SCRPs) on supply chain performance (SCP) through proactive and reactive supply chain resilience (SCRE) capabilities at different levels of network complexity (NC).Design/methodology/approachThe authors adopt an “exploratory sequential mixed methods design” combining the qualitative and quantitative approaches under a positivist paradigm. The qualitative method is primarily used to contextualize and develop better measurements of the factors and variables using content analysis of the field studies. This then informs the quantitative phase which conducts a questionnaire survey among the apparel manufacturing firms in Bangladesh. The authors analyzed the quantitative data using Partial Least Square based Structural Equation Modelling. The authors also used PROCESS integrated regression analysis to test conditional indirect effects.FindingsOur research findings indicate that the indirect effect of SCRPs on SCP through proactive and reactive SCRE is positive and significant. It also finds that the conditional indirect effect is high at higher NC.Practical implicationsThe results have immense practical implications as it proposes to enhance relational practices in order to develop SCRE as a contingent resource to mitigate disruptions. This will also help the supply chain (SC) managers to work through smoothly at different levels of supply chain NC and improve SCP.Originality/valueExtant literature does not provide a deeper understanding of the impact of SCRPs on SCP, while SCRE and NC influence the link. Therefore, investigation of the conditional direct and indirect effect of SCRPs on SCP through proactive and reactive SCRE at different levels of NC is novel in SC management literature.

Factors affecting blockchain adoption in apparel supply chains: does sustainability-oriented supplier development play a moderating role?

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate the factors affecting the intention to adopt blockchain technology (BT) in operations and supply chain and to explore the moderating role of sustainability-oriented supplier development on the effects studied.Design/methodology/approachThe authors developed a conceptual framework based on the integration of technology-organization-environment (TOE) framework and diffusion of innovation (DOI) theory along with several strands of the literature in supply chain management and information systems. Drawing on survey data from 412 supply firms, a novel model using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was empirically tested in the context of the apparel industry of Bangladesh – the world's second-largest apparel supplier nation.FindingsThe findings supported the theoretical framework developed. In particular, the findings suggested that supplier firms' intention to adopt blockchain in supply chains is influenced by relative advantage, compatibility, perceived trust, top management considerations, absorptive capacity, information sharing and collaborative culture, and trading partners' influence. However, regulatory support is yet to play a significant role in blockchain adoption behaviour. The findings also suggest that supplier development for sustainability significantly moderates the relationship between the several drivers' (e.g. relative advantage, compatibility, top management considerations and trading partners' influence) effects on blockchain adoption.Practical implicationsThe findings could help in developing an enabling environment for introducing blockchain-based apparel operations and supply chains.Originality/valueThe study contributes to and expands the embryonic research stream of sustainable supply chain management and BT. In particular, the paper provides neoteric evidence on how supplier development towards achieving sustainability moderates the effects of organizational, technological, and environmental drivers on the intention to adopt BT.

Supply chain relational capital for sustainability through governance: the moderating effect of network complexity

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the conditional direct and indirect effects of supply chain relational capital (RC) on supply chain sustainability via sustainability governance.Design/methodology/approachIn line with the study’s aims, a quantitative survey-based approach was adopted. This study uses a random sample of 272 manufacturing firms from the apparel industry in Bangladesh. This study assesses the measurement model using partial least square-based structural equation modelling and test the proposed hypotheses using the Hayes PROCESS.FindingsThe results reveal that the indirect effect of supply chain RC on supply chain sustainability via sustainability governance is significant. While at low levels of network complexity (NC), the conditional indirect effect of supply chain RC on supply chain sustainability via sustainability governance is significant, this study finds that such indirect effects are insignificant at high levels of NC. This study further shows that NC positively moderates the relationship between supply chain RC and supply chain sustainability.Originality/valueWhile previous studies have demonstrated the role of RC in adopting sustainability practice, this study explores this link further by investigating the conditional direct and indirect effects of supply chain relational capital on supply chain sustainability via sustainability governance.

Human resource development 4.0 (HRD 4.0) in the apparel industry of Bangladesh: a theoretical framework and future research directions

PurposeThe transition from Industry 3.0 to the fourth industrial revolution was a big jump that created a vacuum in many developing countries. Drawing upon institutional theory and resource-based view theory, the current study proposes a theoretical model linking the institutional pressures and resources (workforce skills) in context to the apparel industry of Bangladesh.Design/methodology/approachThis study adopts a qualitative approach involving 20 semi-structured interviews, followed by thematic analysis using NVivo 12 software. The researchers impose both deductive and inductive thematic analysis to generate themes. The data analysis involves various stages applying the phenomenological approaches.FindingsInstitutional pressures (coercive) positively influences the workforce skills (technical and managerial) in the fourth industrial revolution in Bangladesh apparel manufacturing industry; institutional pressures (normative) is positively related to the workforce skills (technical and managerial) in 4IR in Bangladesh apparel manufacturing industry; institutional pressures (mimetic) has shown a positive association with the workforce skills (technical and managerial) in 4IR in Bangladesh apparel manufacturing industry; workforce skills (technical and managerial) are positively influencing the development of human resource capabilities in fourth industrial revolution in Bangladesh apparel manufacturing industry.Originality/valueThis paper is the first of its kind to offer a thematic analysis on human resource development 4.0 in the apparel industry of Bangladesh. The study provides an understanding of the role of institutional pressure on workforce skill development and the adoption of 4IR technology.

Apparel industry of Bangladesh and customer-based brand equity in developing consumers' purchase decision

Apparel industry of Bangladesh and customer-based brand equity in developing consumers' purchase decision

Apparel industry of Bangladesh and customer-based brand equity in developing consumers' purchase decision

Apparel industry of Bangladesh and customer-based brand equity in developing consumers' purchase decision

Skill and knowledge requirements of entry-level logistics professionals in the apparel industry of Bangladesh: an importance-expertise matrix analysis

ABSTRACT This paper provides an assessment of the skills needed for entry-level logistics professionals in Bangladesh’s apparel industry and suggests the critical skill areas that require improvement. Two studies were conducted to get the responses from supply chain and logistics professionals who have direct interactions with entry-level logistics professionals in the workplace. In study 1, an Importance-Expertise Matrix (IEM) analysis was conducted to provide an assessment of the relative importance and expertise of 40 skill items and investigate the skill gaps. The results reveal that 27.5% of the skill items have a noticeable gap between their importance and expertise level, indicating further improvement is needed. In Study 2, a qualitative approach was used, and the findings reinforced those of Study 1 and offered new and important information about skill and knowledge requirements amid the COVID-19 pandemic. This research offers implications for the apparel industry, academia, policymakers, and training agencies in Bangladesh.

The standalone and resource-bundling effects of government and nongovernment institutional support on early internationalizing firms’ performance

PurposeThis study aims to analyze the individual and joint effects of institutional support by government and nongovernment institutions on early internationalizing firms’ (EIFs) performance. It also investigated the moderating impact of firm age and size on the institutional support-firms’ export performance relationships.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from 705 EIFs in the apparel industry of Bangladesh and analyzed with hierarchical regression.FindingsThe positive influence of institutional support on exporting firms’ financial performance is stronger for the joint effect of government and nongovernment assistance than the individual impact. Firms’ size positively moderates the impact of individual government and nongovernment assistance, while age positively moderates their resource-bundling effect.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings suggest the necessity of integrating resources from diverse but complementary sources of institutional support for superior export performance. The findings also show the presence of the liability of smallness and liability of newness in the standalone and joint influence of institutional support, respectively.Practical implicationsFirms need to bundle resources obtained from the government (unrequited) and nongovernment (reciprocal) institutional support to overcome the liability of smallness they might encounter while availing of support from only one source.Originality/valueDistinguishing between government and nongovernment institutional support, this paper sheds light on exporting firms’ resource-bundling mechanism for these two sources of support in the backdrop of an emerging economy. It also offers fresh insights into the critical role of the liabilities of newness and smallness in early internationalization, especially with regard to the home-country institutional environment.

Exploring Skill Requirements of Local and Multinational Companies for Entry Level Marketing Professionals in the Apparel Industry in a Developing Country

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study is to offer an ‘employability skill index” for entry-level marketing professionals in the apparel industry and compare the skill requirements of local and multinational companies (MNCs). The study applies Structural Equation Modeling approach for index development. Primary data were collected through a structured questionnaire from 1082 managers of 18 local and 16 MNCs operating in the apparel industry in Bangladesh. Convergent and discriminant validities of the proposed index were tested. The research revealed a six-dimensional 22-item skill index with significant differences in skill requirements between local and MNCs. The skills MNCs prioritized are major courses taken, research-based internship, written communication skills, and English language ability. Local companies, on the other hand, put preferences on experience, team building ability, network skill, and effective listening. The literature review revealed that there is a lack of quantitative studies to offer employability skills for entry-level marketing managers in the apparel industry in the South Asia region. Therefore, the current study is original and adds significant value to the literature. The proposed skill index can help the universities to design their courses accordingly to increase the employability of marketing graduates in the apparel industry.

Impacts and Possible Responses Related to COVID-19 in the Textile and Apparel Industry of Bangladesh

This research work was intended to analyze the unleashed issues related to apparel trade during COVID-19 pandemic & made an attempt to find the best possible responses to uphold marketing campaigns during & after the pandemic situation. Apparel industries in Asia, the largest global hub of both the textile & apparel import-export trade have been severally damaged by the COVID-19. Over the last one year, the global community had already realized the fact that how pandemic situation disrupted the supply chain management of textile, apparel & fashion manufacturing industries throughout the world. Bangladesh, one of the top ranked garments exporter countries have been facing the burning bridges, due to the scarcity of raw materials & gradual cancellation export orders. The contribution of the apparel industry is more significant for the socioeconomic growth of a 3rd world countries like Bangladesh, just because apparel contributes almost 84% of its total export income with the involvement of 4.5 million people approximately. The following research paper conveys a three-fold story. In the very beginning portion, there are some reviews & analysis of the overall scenarios of the COVID-19 pandemic with presence of several business reports, academic journals, market research, manufacture's opinions & stakeholders' strategies. The second phase of the research work forecasts the possible responses need to be projected during & after the pandemic situation. Finally, this study predicts an ideal footprint to cope up with similar sort of situations in the future.

Cross-sector collaboration and nonprofit boundary work for female workers in developing countries: evidence from Bangladesh

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to shed new light on the way the cross-sector collaboration (CSC) process can foster gender-focused sustainability initiatives to improve female workers’ conditions in developing countries. The study does so by introducing and examining the influence of nonprofit boundary work during the CSC process.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on thirty-four interviews and qualitative fieldwork. It draws on a case analysis of a regional CSC between multiple organizations operating locally in the apparel industry of Bangladesh, a developing country.FindingsScaffolding work in the CSC formation stage – performed by development agency implementers who construe boundaries – and sensitization work in the CSC implementation stage – performed by a non-governmental organization (NGO) implementers who blur and expand boundaries – emerge as two conceptual categories of nonprofit boundary work. This allows NGO implementers to identify and enable the agency of sustainability envoys or socially privileged individuals who capitalize on their social credentials to support female workers in the factory and in the community.Originality/valueThe study offers novel insights into the CSC process. It contributes to the CSC literature and the literature on boundary work, with a focus on gender-focused sustainability initiatives for female workers in developing countries.