Apparel Manufacturing Sector Research Articles

Exploring the barriers to implement industrial symbiosis in the apparel manufacturing industry: Implications for sustainable development

Industrial symbiosis, a promising approach for sustainable industrial practices, has garnered attention in recent days for its ability to enhance resource efficiency, minimize waste, and preserve the environment through collaborative exchanges among industries. In emerging economies like Bangladesh, integrating industrial symbiosis in the manufacturing industries offers the potential to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability. However, this integration encounters various barriers that complicate the implementation. Despite research on industrial symbiosis in robust economies, studies on emerging and developed economies are still scarce. To date, no research has yet investigated the barriers hindering the performance of industrial symbiosis in the Bangladeshi apparel manufacturing sector. To address this gap, this study integrates the Bayes theorem and the Best-Worst Method to identify and prioritize barriers to the Bangladeshi apparel manufacturing sector. From extensive literature reviews and expert validation, 17 barriers were identified. Findings reveal the “lack of technology and infrastructure readiness” as the most significant barrier, followed by “lack of inter-company cooperation” and “lack of management support”. Conquering these barriers empowers emerging economies to fortify the apparel manufacturing sector's resilience, resource efficiency, and environmental performance while fostering sustainable development via circular economy practices. This study is expected to guide policymakers and stakeholders in crafting targeted strategies for promoting steady growth and sustainable development in the apparel manufacturing sector of emerging economies like Bangladesh.

Investigating the role of relational factors on buyer-supplier relationship commitment to enhance firm performance through supply chain integration

PurposeThis study assesses how relational factors and buyer-supplier relationship commitment (BSRC) influence supply chain integration (SCI) and firm performance in Bangladesh's apparel manufacturing sector. Firm performance includes operational performance and innovation performance.Design/methodology/approachGrounded in the social exchange theory, a survey data-based structural equation modeling (SEM) approach is applied. Based on two experts and four executives' opinions and an in-depth literature review, 28 measurement items were identified in the close-ended questionnaire design. Further, 144 valid questionnaires from the manufacturer-supplier dyads in Bangladesh were collected and used for SEM analysis.FindingsOur study reveals that relational factors positively influence BSRC. BSRC directly impacts SCI, operational, and innovation performance, whereas SCI is significantly related to operational and innovation performance. Besides, SCI mediates the two relationships: BSRC and operational performance; and BSRC and innovation performance.Originality/valueOur results contribute to the literature and offer a new way to understand relationships that connect relational factors of BSRC, BSRC, and outcomes not only by examining the focal firm but also by examining its dyadic supplier partner separately. Separate assessment in the dyad displays some similar and dissimilar results. Moreover, we suggest practical implications for managers to enhance firm performance by focusing on the significance of linking relational factors, BSRC, and SCI.

Integration of digital lean principles and line balancing in apparel manufacturing

Purpose: The integration of digitalization into the apparel manufacturing sector has become a strategic imperative, providing companies with a unique competitive edge. This study explores the application of ITEX PMD, an Internet of Things (IoT) data collection device, and evaluates the ITEX digital line balancing program within the context of digital lean management. By leveraging real-time data tracking, big data utilization, and advanced data analysis techniques, companies aim to enhance flexibility, agility, and operational efficiency in their manufacturing processes. Design/methodology/approach: This research delves into operational definitions for men's hoody sweatshirts, detailing the types of machines used, specifying standard task times, and elucidating the precedence relations of operations. The study utilizes ITEX PMD as a real-time production data collection device, generating periodic line reports through the associated software program. Findings: The ITEX digital line balancing program shows promise in assisting shop floor managers to optimize sewing lines with efficiency and seamlessness, contributing to overall operational excellence. The program provides another layer of visibility into the factory, reducing non-value-added activities, and improving efficiency. The ITEX Soft algorithm facilitates an ideal assembly line layout, ensuring a balanced workload among workstations, aligned with the continuous flow principle in the sewing line. Originality/value: This shop floor and software solution not only enhance visibility but also offer a practical means to reduce non-value-added activities, thereby improving overall efficiency. The ITEX Soft algorithm emerges as a valuable tool, contributing to a more balanced workload among workstations and optimizing assembly line layout. This study sheds light on the potential of digital lean principles in reshaping manufacturing processes and fostering operational excellence in the apparel industry.

DRIVING SUPPLY CHAIN FINANCE ADOPTION: EXPLORING THE INTERPLAY OF INNOVATION CAPABILITIES AND MARKET RESPONSE

The potential for enhanced performance within the textile and apparel sector has the capacity to bolster the competitiveness of Indonesia's industry. This study examines the impact of innovation capability and market responsiveness on the adoption of supply chain financing through supply chain integration in the textile and apparel manufacturing sector in Indonesia. A sample of one hundred thirty-five managers from textile and apparel manufacturing companies was selected using random sampling methodology. Subsequently, the collected data was subjected to analysis using SmartPLS 3.0 software. The empirical findings suggest a positive relationship between the ability to innovate and the ability to respond to market dynamics, and the likelihood of adopting supply chain financing. The research findings has the capability to provide significant insights to managers operating within the textile and apparel manufacturing industry in Indonesia, so helping them to improve business performance and strengthen their competitive advantage.

Implementing Total Quality Management Principles in The Apparel Manufacturing Sector: Ghana in Perspective

This study focused on understanding the implementation of TQM in the apparel manufacturing sector. Due to the lack of TQM studies in Ghana and especially in the apparel manufacturing business, there was a need to conduct a study to reposition the operational strategies in the apparel sector in Ghana.A mixed-method approach was employed to attain valid, reliable and reproducible conclusions. The population focused on apparel manufacturing firms in Ghana. Questionnaires and interviews were employed to gather data.The key findings indicate that the fundamental obstacle to implementing TQM was the lack of knowledge and misunderstanding of TQM principles and their benefits by both owners and workers alike, as well as outdated technology and poor infrastructure. Again, in the context of Ghana, financial constraints posed a significant challenge.

Evaluating barriers to sustainable boiler operation in the apparel manufacturing industry: Implications for mitigating operational hazards in the emerging economies.

The efficiency with which conventional boilers perform, in terms of sustainability, is affected by a variety of factors. Unsustainable boiler operating practices are still surprisingly frequent in developing countries, resulting in environmental liabilities and catastrophic accidents. It is a serious problem in developing countries like Bangladesh, where boilers are utilized extensively in the apparel manufacturing sector. However, no research has yet examined the challenges or barriers associated with sustainable boiler operation in the apparel manufacturing sector. This study, thereby, utilizes an integrated MCDM approach, combining the fuzzy theory and the decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) method, to identify, prioritize, and explore the relations among the barriers to sustainable boiler operation in the apparel manufacturing industry, from an emerging economy perspective. The barriers were initially identified from the literature and a visual survey of 127 factories. After expert validation, thirteen barriers were finally selected to be analyzed utilizing the fuzzy DEMATEL method. The study findings revealed that 'Absence of water treatment facilities', 'Fossil fuel burning and GHG emissions', and 'Excessive consumption of groundwater' are the three most prominent barriers to sustainable boiler operation. The cause-effect relations among the barriers suggest that 'Inadequate compliance with safety and hazard regulations' is the most influential and 'Fossil fuel burning and GHG emissions' is the most influenced barrier. This study is expected to guide the managers and policymakers of the apparel manufacturing sector in successfully overcoming the barriers to sustainable boiler operation, thus mitigating the operational hazards and achieving the sustainable development goals (SDGs).

Can garment production survive in a developed economy in the 21st century? A study of “Made in Ireland”

Purpose Given the heated academic and policy debate regarding the fate of garment manufacturing in a high-wage developed economy in the 21st century, this study aims to explore the production and export strategies of apparel “Made in Ireland.” Design/methodology/approach A logistic regression analysis of 4,000 apparel items at the stock keeping unit (SKU) level sold in the market from January 2018 to December 2021 was conducted to evaluate the production and export strategy of apparel “Made in Ireland” versus foreign-made imported items sold in Ireland. Findings The statistical results showed that Ireland’s apparel manufacturing sector survived the market competition by leveraging non-price competing factors, such as distinct product assortment, cultural heritage, history and traditional craftsmanship. Originality/value The findings challenged the conclusions of the classic trade and economic development theories regarding the trajectory of the garment manufacturing sector and called for a rethink about the strategies for expanding garment manufacturing in a high-wage developed country in today’s global economy.

Developing a Practical Nomological Framework on Cyber loafing and Job performance for the Global Apparel Manufacturing Sector by Identifying Research Gaps

The purpose of this article is to identify current research gaps on cyber loafing and job performance in the apparel manufacturing sector and to develop a Nomological framework for the same. This review adopted Callahan’s (2014) Six W’s and “Five C” characteristics proposed for systematic reviews. This review enclosed articles from 2002 to 2022 in the field of cyber loafing and job performance. Altogether 252 articles were reviewed and a sample of the most relevant are noted herein. The review has recognized three major gaps related to cyber loafing and job performance in the apparel manufacturing sector. Theories used are conservation of resources and social exchange that are linked to cyber loafing and job performance respectively. This review is limited to highlighting gaps that exist in the extant research and to the development of a Nomological framework. However, there is an extensive scope for testing this model empirically in global apparel manufacturing contexts and it is especially valuable where apparel manufacturing is an industry that contributes to the national economy. The identification of gaps and the model developed is an important contribution to future investigations on cyber loafing and job performance in the selected sector as it is linked to the fashion industry globally. This review contributes to the existing body of knowledge on human resources management (HRM) as cyber loafing is a phenomenon that is said to impact employee performance negatively.

Implementing Total Quality Management Principles in The Apparel Manufacturing Sector: Ghana in Perspective

Implementing Total Quality Management Principles in The Apparel Manufacturing Sector: Ghana in Perspective

Uncovering the circular economy potential of industrial waste in Sri Lanka (case study from textile industrial - fabric waste)

A comprehensive survey was undertaken to examine the production of fabric waste in the apparel manufacturing sector of Sri Lanka. The primary objective was to assess the composition, quantities, and potential economic value of the fabric waste generated within this sector. This investigation involved 120 carefully selected industries, and data collection was facilitated through a structured questionnaire. Additionally, on-site visits were conducted at random to verify the provided data. The total amount of fabric waste generated by these industries in 2022 was determined to be 28,745.3 tons, with the overall production reaching 288,456.6 tons. This waste predominantly consisted of fabric leftovers, accounting for approximately 88.3% of the total, while the remaining portion comprised yarn leftovers. The fabric leftovers were further categorized based on their material composition, with polyester accounting for 24.5%, nylon 25%, cotton 20%, and mixed material 30.5%. The prevalent methods employed for managing fabric waste were recycling (35.5%), reuse (5%), co-processing (35%), incineration (10.5%), open dumping (12%), and other methods (2%). The findings of this study reveal that around 60% of the fabric waste could be incorporated back into the material cycle with an estimated economic value of approximately USD 12.74 at present.

Impact of Green Procurement on Purchasing Performance (Special reference to the Apparel Manufacturing Industry in Sri Lanka)

This study will explore the impact of green procurement on purchasing by special reference to the ap-parel manufacturing industry in Sri Lanka. In order to achieve the stated purpose, the researcher devel-oped three research questions, three research objectives, and three hypotheses. Based on institutional theory and natural resource-based view theory, this study constructs a theoretical framework to clarify the mechanisms underlying the relationship between variables. Utilizing a sample of two hundred and fifty-two Sri Lankan professionals from the large-scaled apparel manufacturing sector, a structural model is outlined and tested using structural equation modeling (SEM). The study results demonstrate that green procurement has a positive and significant impact on purchasing performance. Further, the survey result recommended that the relationship between product-based green procurement and pro-cess-based green procurement on purchasing performance was positive and statistically signifi-cant. Consequently, organizations striving to achieve better purchasing performance should focus more on executing green procurement practices. These two kinds of procurement capabilities present two facets of a firm’s practice on green procurement, which complements rather than substitutes each other. The measurements developed in this study can capture the different aspects of purchasing perfor-mance, thus not only enabling use by practitioners to identify the immediate outcomes of it but also to understand its impacts on organizational performance.

Designing for circularity: sustainable pathways for Australian fashion small to medium enterprises

PurposeAustralians consume twice the global average of textiles and are deeply engaged in a linear take/make/waste fashion model. Furthermore the Australian fashion sector has some unique supply chain complications of geographical distances, sparse population and fragmentation in processing and manufacturing. This research aims to examine how Australian fashion small to medium enterprises (SMEs) are overcoming these challenges to run fashion businesses built around core principles of product stewardship (PS) and circularity.Design/methodology/approachSMEs make up 88% of the Australian apparel manufacturing sector. This qualitative exploratory study included in-depth interviews with three Australian fashion SMEs engaged in circular design practice, and a focus group of 10 Western Australian fashion advocates of sustainability. Analytic coding and analysis of the data developed eight distinct themes.FindingsThis study examines the barriers to circular economy (CE) that exist in the Australian fashion sector, and maps the practice of Australian SMEs with circular business models in overcoming these barriers. In CE innovation, Australian SMEs may have an advantage over larger fashion companies with more unwieldy structures. Employing design-thinking strategies, Australian SMEs with a foundation of PS and circular purpose are creating new systems of viable closed-loop business models and design processes.Originality/valueThe themes from this research contribute to the limited literature on circular innovation examples that link CE theory with practice in the fashion sector. The model for circularity maps the practice of three SMEs built around core principles of PS and circularity in overcoming the barriers to CE in an Australian context, and may be used as a visual tool in education and understanding.

Impact of Employee Value Proposition on Employee Retention: A conceptual paper

Apparel export that brings larger export income to Sri Lanka, facing a challenge of the highest employee turnover within industries that have led to high-level replacement cost, training cost as well as low productivity, low quality, and customer dissatisfactions. In this Context, Employer Branding has been a strategic reaction towards attracting prospective employees and retaining them, through managing ‘Employee Value Proposition’ (EVP). This study aimed to develop a conceptual model to show how EVP contributes to employees’ Intention to Retention (IR) through Employer Brand Equity (EBE) in leading empirical research. A targeted literature review was used as the methodology. As findings, this study established relationships between the EVP and the EBE, EBE, and IR, and EVP and IR, with the consideration of demographic factors as moderators. The findings implicate in conducting empirical research that contributes to explain reasons for higher-level employee turnover and find effective solutions. It is recommended to implement solutions for higher employee turnover issues in the apparel manufacturing sector in Sri Lanka, not just based on monetary rewards, but the overall value proposition, that employees expect, based on scientific research.

Validation of innovative work behaviour scale: Indian apparel manufacturing sector

The pervasive business competition in the last decade has compelled researchers to continuously focus on the measurement of innovative work behaviour (IWB). It is also vital to comprehend the employees’ IWB, as their activities/actions are of critical significance for constant improvement and innovation in the organisations. Understanding the concept and development of the theories on IWB, along with the measurement of IWB, is a prerequisite for developing models for enhancing IWB knowledge. With this backdrop, the present study seeks to test five different factorial structures of IWB on a sample of 372 employees working in Indian apparel manufacturing organisations. The data was collected through survey method in two phases (sample 1 = 192 employees and sample 2 = 180 employees) and were analysed for dimensionality and validity of IWB scale. The analysis of psychometric properties of scale revealed the reliability and validity of the correlated five -factor model and high order model of IWB consisting of 20 items. Moreover, the findings indicate the feasibility of IWB in measuring work behaviour related to innovation in the Indian apparel sector, which is a novel contribution in the field. The results can help employees and organisations to measure, evaluate and promote various dimensions or stages of IWB. Also, they can understand how to really practice innovation in the organisational environment of the apparel sector. In this way, by offering valuable insights into the dimensions of IWB, this study contributes to individual behavioural aspects of innovation research, informing theoretical models using data-driven information.

The outlook for modern slavery in the apparel sector in a post-lockdown economy

PurposeThis paper argues that the closures will cause regressive rather than progressive modern slavery shifts as the necessity of survival prevails over addressing modern slavery risks within supply chains.Design/methodology/approachIn the spring of 2020, global clothing retailers were advised or ordered to close physical stores due to lockdown measures of the COVID-19 pandemic and many supply chains temporarily halted production. This paper explains how pre-pandemic modern slavery advancements will be detrimentally affected as a result of societal lockdowns and apparel retail closures around the world.FindingsTwo consequences of lockdowns are highlighted, which will have negative implications on modern slavery progress. These are the exploitation of vulnerable people, which includes higher exploitation of those already involved in modern slavery and increased risk of exploitation for those susceptible to being drawn (back) into modern slavery and; the need for repetition of previous work completed by external stakeholders or in some cases, a better alternative.Practical implicationsThe pandemic itself causes friction between immediate response solutions and long-term modern slavery goals.Social implicationsIn response to modern slavery drivers, governments may need to fill governance gaps, to control the power of corporations and to reconsider migration regulation.Originality/valueThe COVID-19 lockdowns and subsequent supply chain disruptions were unforeseen. This paper argues that there are significant negative effects on the developments in modern slavery eradication made in the past 10 years. As businesses struggled for basic survival, the apparel manufacturing sector has been detrimentally affected as upstream labourers are now at higher risk from the increased likelihood of modern slavery violations.

Use of Cotton Apparel Waste as an Energy Source for Biomass Boilers: A Feasibility Study

The steady growth of the Sri Lankan apparel manufacturing sector over the last three decades has resulted in generating large amount of solid apparel waste. Currently, it is a massive environmental and financial burden of the sector. As a solution, few apparel manufacturers have initiated using apparel waste, specifically the cotton apparel waste for biomass boilers. The apparel sector as one of the major thermal energy consumers, they consider it as a possible solution not only for the apparel waste disposal issue, but also for the challenge of getting continuous supply of firewood for the boilers. However, the promotion of such a solution throughout the apparel industry is impractical without a feasibility study in terms of social, environmental, financial, legal and technical aspects over its mechanism. Therefore, this research focused to identify the feasibility of using cotton apparel waste for biomass boilers as an energy source. Towards this aim, a qualitative research approach was followed involving the case study strategy. Basically, two cases were selected and analysed the feasibility of using cotton waste for boilers under pre-determined feasibility criteria in detail. Data collection for the case study was done through a document survey and expert interviews. Findings revealed the entire feasibility of environmental, financial, legal and technical aspects and in overall it can be concluded that the use of cotton apparel waste for biomass boilers as an energy source is feasible. Accordingly, this study provides insights into making decisions on managing both waste disposal and heat energy requirement issues of the apparel factories.

A Novel Metaphor Concerning the Terminology of Open Innovation

The prime objective of the research was to determine how the apparel manufacturing sector is embracing digitization and its leaders are preparing for the digital age? so we wanted to find out what type of leadership style is needed for digital leadership. The present study used a sample of 50 RMG companies. We investigated relationships between three variables, Internet od Things, use of digitization-automation, use of smart phones and apps. Further, the variables’ influence on digitization has been assessed through multiple factors leading to digitization by allotment of weightage for each factor. The findings in this paper supports two variables; use of automized digital machines and internet of things being significant whereas, use of smartphones and apps is insignificant. It implies that preparation for leading in the digital age remains limited which require change oriented leadership behavior at all levels. Limitations of the paper include the data which is specific to Bangladesh RMG industry, therefore it cannot be generalized, further the economic meltdown due to COVID-19 pandemic might have influenced the results. The paper’s prime contribution is based on the assessment of predictor variables and their influence that it makes in providing leadership in the digital age which demand change oriented behavior of leaders.

Digital Leadership: The Perspectives of the Apparel Manufacturing

The prime objective of the research was to determine how the apparel manufacturing sector is embracing digitization and its leaders are preparing for the digital age? so we wanted to find out what type of leadership style is needed for digital leadership. The present study used a sample of 50 RMG companies. We investigated relationships between three variables, Internet od Things, use of digitization-automation, use of smart phones and apps. Further, the variables’ influence on digitization has been assessed through multiple factors leading to digitization by allotment of weightage for each factor. The findings in this paper supports two variables; use of automized digital machines and internet of things being significant whereas, use of smartphones and apps is insignificant. It implies that preparation for leading in the digital age remains limited which require change oriented leadership behavior at all levels. Limitations of the paper include the data which is specific to Bangladesh RMG industry, therefore it cannot be generalized, further the economic meltdown due to COVID-19 pandemic might have influenced the results. The paper’s prime contribution is based on the assessment of predictor variables and their influence that it makes in providing leadership in the digital age which demand change oriented behavior of leaders.

Direct and moderation effects on U.S. apparel manufacturers’ engagement in network ties

PURPOSE: Firms do not continue and prosper purely on their own individual endeavors, as each firm is influenced by the activities of others, and thus direct and indirect relationships shape the firm’s strategic management. These relationships form the tactics by which knowledge and other strategically important resources are accessed and created. Forming and maintaining ties among members of a network have been the subject of numerous research studies in the social, economic, and business literature. Our work is framed by the resource-based view of the firm perspective along with social capital theory and its shared constructs in network theory. Prior findings suggest that networking ties are strategic actions generated for firm growth and continuance. The ties may be short-term or develop into long-term relationships. The intent of this research is to fill some of the gaps in interorganizational networking strategy by analyzing five antecedents that have been suggested in the literature as individually associated with entrepreneurs’ engagement in network ties. In this way, our work provides another research avenue for examining networking’s contribution to strategic management. We hypothesized positive connections to entrepreneurs’ engagement in network ties from antecedents involving the firm’s knowledge absorptive capacity, business goals, entrepreneurial orientation, social interactions, and support from their environment. METHODOLOGY: In our quantitative approach, we tested our proposed macrolevel direct and moderating connections through an online survey of 125 U.S. apparel manufacturing firms. The apparel manufacturing sector in the U.S., as in many countries, has struggled with multiple disrupting factors contributing to the sector’s decline in firm continuance. FINDINGS: The results from OLS regression analyses support our hypothesized connections in that each of the five antecedents significantly contributed to entrepreneurs’ engagement in network ties; however, when all five were collectively examined only absorptive capacity, social interaction, and business goals were significant (R2 = 0.58). Further examination of moderation effects found the entrepreneurs’ perceptions of a supportive environment to modify both entrepreneurial orientation and business goals. RESEARCH AND PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The effects of a supportive environment on business goals’ relationship with network ties were greater when perceptions of a supportive environment decreased, while the effects of a supportive environment on entrepreneurship orientation’s relationship with network ties were greater when perceptions of a supportive environment increased suggesting further study of U.S. entrepreneurs’ perceptions of their environments. Entrepreneurs’ interested in building domestic and international supply chain ties may find network ties provide one solution for adapting the firm’s resources for global competitiveness. Future studies may direct attention to other industry sectors or countries for replication with larger sample sizes as we recognize the limitations to generalizability and scale refinement due to our limited sample size. ORIGINALITY AND VALUE: The examination of five constructs to shed light on how an organization’s decisions may relate to engaging in networks and provides theoretical as well as practical implications that contribute to the larger organizational system framework.

Building apparel manufacturing competitiveness through policy–a system dynamics approach

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the role of Government via its industrial policy aimed at building competitiveness in apparel manufacturing in a developing country.Design/methodology/approachA conceptual framework that proposes the causal relationships between policies and competitiveness is applied to the apparel manufacturing sector in Trinidad and Tobago. The study utilises primary data from interviews and observations, and secondary data sources inclusive of industry and fashion companies reports. Data analysis of four vertical policies is performed via the use of system dynamics modelling and simulation.FindingsThe four vertical policies were found to impact three interrelated elements in the apparel manufacturing sector: the market, apparel products and productive resources. Policies that intentionally focussed on improving market attractiveness benefited wide segments of the industry. However, policies that focussed on product and resource attractiveness that were designed as direct support for selected firms had a lower impact on overall industry competitiveness than those that had an industry-wide focus.Research limitations/implicationsA single industry in a small developing island state limits the generalisability of the research findings. Additionally, non-reporting of export data and aggregation of industry data limits the conclusions that can be drawn regarding the impact of the vertical policies on the apparel industry. 10; 10;Practical implicationsPolicy-makers should consider the scope of the vertical policies in terms of the number of firms in the industry to benefit, and the need for complementary horizontal policies for creating enabling environments for competitiveness.Originality/valueThe paper proposes a conceptual framework to capture relationships between vertical policy and competitiveness.