Bangladesh Readymade Garments Research Articles

ORGANIZATIONAL EFFECTIVENESS FOR ACCOUNTING IN-FORMATION SYSTEM PRACTICE: A STUDY ON SOME SELECT-ED READY-MADE GARMENTS FACTORIES OF CHATTOGRAM IN BANGLADESH

In today's rapidly evolving global business environment, implementing Accounting Information Systems (AIS) effectively is essential for improving financial reporting accuracy and operational efficiency. Despite its importance, the relationship between AIS practices and organizational effectiveness remains insufficiently explored, particularly within Bangladesh's ready-made garments (RMG) industry. This study aims to examine the impact of AIS on organizational effectiveness within the RMG sector of Chattogram, Bangladesh. Data were collected from 400 respondents using a purposive sampling method, with responses measured on a five-point Likert scale. The study evaluated AIS across multiple dimensions, including financial reporting accuracy, timeliness of decision-making, data security, ease of accessibility, regulatory compliance, and user satisfaction. Organizational effectiveness was assessed in terms of cost efficiency, integration with other systems, decision support, adaptability to change, training and support, innovation, and system upgrades. Factor analysis was performed to validate the data, and reliability was tested through Cronbach's Alpha. A structural equation model (SEM) was developed using IBM SPSS AMOS 22 to analyze the relationship between AIS and organizational effectiveness, ensuring that the model met convergent and discriminant validity requirements. The results revealed a significant positive relationship between AIS practices and organizational effectiveness. AIS contributed to improved decision-making, enhanced financial reporting accuracy, streamlined operational processes, and greater overall efficiency. These findings underscore AIS's crucial role in promoting organizational success within the RMG sector, highlighting its potential to boost performance, productivity, and overall effectiveness.

Does 4IR and Covid 19 Effect The Quality of Work Life and Living Standard of Women Workers? Evidence from Selected RMG Firms in Bangladesh

Purposes The study's main objective is to find out the impact of the fourth industrial revolution and covid-19 on women workers of selected Ready-Made Garments (RMG) sector in Bangladesh. Methodology This study mainly followed a quantitative research approach with survey study. Total 18 garments (case) has been chosen randomly from DSE listed RMG firm based on access priority. Sample size for survey study has been determined by statistical method is 384. But this study consider total (15*27) = 405. Data have been collected from selected respondents (women workers) using structured questionnaire. Findings The study reveals that women workers in the RMG sector exhibit a remarkable lack of anxiety about their work-life quality, largely due to their experience and resilience in handling the challenges of their profession. It highlights the adaptability of these workers and underscores the importance of targeted support and interventions to promote sustainable livelihoods and better working conditions amid persistent challenges. Implications The study's findings can inform policymakers about the specific challenges faced by women workers in the RMG sector due to the convergence of 4IR and the COVID-19 pandemic. Originality/Value this study's originality and value lie in its intersectional analysis, empirical evidence, contextual specificity, practical implications, and contributions to knowledge, all of which enrich our understanding of the complex dynamics shaping the lives of women workers in Bangladesh's RMG sector amidst the challenges of 4IR and COVID-19. Limitations The study's findings may be limited by the scope of the selected RMG firms and the sample size of women workers included in the research. While efforts were made to ensure diversity within the sample, the findings may not be representative of all women workers in the RMG sector in Bangladesh, limiting the generalizability of the results.

Impact of Exchange Rate Regime Change on Bangladesh RMG Exports to the USA and the EU

Abstract Bangladesh adopted floating exchange rate system in May 2003. After that regime change, the country has faced a relatively higher volatility of nominal exchange rate than previous regime. Economic theories on volatility suggests that trade flow is adversely affected in response of fluctuation of the exchange rate. Bangladesh is the second largest readymade garments (RMG) exporter in the world and it is the main export product of the country. In this research, Difference in Difference (DID) model introduced by Card and Krueger (1994) is used for the yearly data of 1983 to 2022 to discern this impact of volatility on the RMG exports of Bangladesh. The result shows that RMG exports is negatively affected due to the exchange rate volatility and the estimated figure shows that on Bangladesh‘s average RMG exports has been lessened to the USA and EU regions by US$1.04 billion and 1.02 billion, respectively, owing to the volatility incurred by the regime change. Therefore, as volatility obviously has hindered RMG exports, the central bank of Bangladesh should stay alert to avoid high volatility of the nominal exchange rate to keep the RMG exports flow uninterrupted.

QFD-based optimization model for mitigating sustainable supply chain management adoption challenges for Bangladeshi RMG industries

In response to heightened pressures from regulatory mandates, global competition, and evolving customer expectations, industries worldwide are compelled to prioritize environmental initiatives, often at the expense of economic considerations. The research gap addressed in this study is the lack of a comprehensive, data-driven optimization model for effectively mitigating sustainable supply chain management adoption challenges specific to the Bangladeshi Readymade Garments (RMG) industry. While previous studies often relied on single techniques, this research proposes a novel AHP integrated QFD-based MILP optimization model. This innovative approach empowers Bangladeshi RMG industries to make data-driven decisions for prioritizing sustainability challenges and selecting cost-effective mitigation strategies to promote the integration of sustainability initiatives within the sector. The study identifies and prioritizes 25 sustainable supply chain management adoption challenges and proposes 16 mitigation strategies. The model emphasizes the critical interplay between sustainability performance and implementation costs, achieving a sustainability performance score of 0.4511 while effectively implementing 12 out of 16 strategies within the expected budget. The optimal solution incorporates green strategies, technology integration, and aspects of Industry 5.0, demonstrating a holistic approach to sustainable supply chain management. The findings are crucial for Bangladeshi RMG industries aiming for global market competitiveness and contribute significantly to the academic field by introducing a robust, data-driven decisions for sustainable supply chain optimization. The implications extend beyond the RMG sector, offering a replicable model for other industries and regions facing similar sustainability challenges.

The Impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution on Female Workers in the Ready-made Garments and Textile Industry, Bangladesh

This research investigates how the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) has affected female employees in Bangladesh’s Ready-made Garments (RMG) and textile industries. Using a qualitative methodological approach, data from eight interviews and one unstructured focus group with female employees and industry stakeholders were gathered. Additionally, five key informant interviews were conducted with industry experts. Analysis of these data revealed that female workers in the RMG and textile industries perceive a threat to their employment due to the declining value of their current skills in the market. The study also suggests that transitioning to new jobs or finding alternative employment will be a challenge without adequate training and support from the government and industry authorities to equip these workers with skills relevant to 4IR-based occupations. The study concludes that enhancing these workers’ preparedness through reskilling and upskilling initiatives is crucial. Furthermore, the study recommends that the relevant authorities devise and implement comprehensive policies addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by 4IR, especially for female workers in the RMG and textile sectors in Bangladesh. The findings of this study will be beneficial to Governments beyond Bangladesh, policymakers, industry owners, professionals, female workers and other stakeholders in this sector.

Economic Resilience and Gender Empowerment: A Post-Pandemic Analysis of Bangladesh's Ready-Made Garment Sector

Economic Resilience and Gender Empowerment: A Post-Pandemic Analysis of Bangladesh's Ready-Made Garment Sector

Impact of factory certifications on firm resources: a quantitative content analysis of the Bangladeshi readymade garments (RMG) industry

Purpose This study aims to investigate the association between certifications in the Bangladeshi readymade garment (RMG) sector and diverse firm resources, contributing to Bangladesh’s competitive advantage. Design/methodology/approach The study conducted a quantitative content analysis of 366 Bangladeshi RMG firm websites, using Barney’s (1991) resource-based theory (RBT) framework. Pearson correlation and linear regression analyses were used to explore the research questions. Findings The findings reveal significant positive impacts of certifications on all firm resource categories (physical, human, organizational knowledge and learning, general organizational and financial) under the RBT framework. Certifications correlate positively with resources, from small to medium, and with various factors, though some negative correlations were identified. Research limitations/implications The study improves comprehension of apparel manufacturers’ certifications and their association with firm resources, offering valuable insights for stakeholders on long-term competitive advantages. Yet, limitations should be considered, including size-dependent variations and reliance on self-reported website data. Originality/value This study represents a pioneering effort, concentrating on Bangladesh’s RMG sector and offering a unique perspective on the implications of certifications for firm resources within emerging economies.

Role of participation committee in developing workplace condition, safety and welfare services in Ready-Made Garment Industry of Bangladesh

An abstract is a summary of entire paper should be written in Cambria with font size- 10. The Ready-Made Garment (RMG) industry in Bangladesh plays a crucial role in the country's economy. Nonetheless, it frequently encounters challenges concerning workplace conditions, safety standards, and welfare services. This study investigates the participation committee's (PC) role in ensuring sustainable working conditions, workplace safety, and welfare within Bangladesh's RMG industry. Employing a qualitative research approach, the study conducted interviews with 30 respondents using semi-structured questions and employed a convenient sampling technique to select participants. The findings reveal that the participation committee has notably enhanced workplace safety in the RMG industry. Through active involvement, the committee has fostered improved communication between management and employees, leading to better working conditions, the eradication of labor rights neglect, and strengthened enforcement of national employment and labor regulations. The paper concludes by stressing the necessity for collaborative efforts involving stakeholders at various levels to consistently enhance workplace conditions, safety standards, and welfare services in Bangladesh's Ready-Made Garment industry. Originality in a study on participation committees in Bangladesh's ready-to-garment industry lies in presenting innovative approaches, methods, or insights, addressing literature gaps, or exploring uncharted territories, thus enhancing welfare services and workplace health and safety.

Managerial ethical decision-making in export-oriented readymade garment units: mediating roles of attitude and moral obligation

Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine the factors that affect managers’ ethical decision-making in export-oriented readymade garments in Bangladesh. Design/methodology/approach This is an empirical study based on the quantitative approach undertaking a cross-sectional survey method where a convenience sampling technique was applied. The analysis was done using partial least square structural equation model applying Smart-PLS version 3.0. Findings This study confirmed that all the components of cognitive appraisal processes, including perceived severity, perceived vulnerability, response efficacy and self-efficacy, have a significant influence on attitude. Attitude, in turn, mediates the relationship between these variables and the behavioural intention of ethical practice, except for perceived vulnerability. Besides, moral obligation is found to mediate the relationship between attitude, self-efficacy and the behavioural intention of ethical decision-making. The study also found that ethical climate and subjective norms have a direct influence on behavioural intention. Furthermore, behavioural intention, ethical climate and self-efficacy are positively related to actual decision-making behaviour. However, this study did not find any direct effect of subjective norms on moral obligation. Practical implications The organization should include an emphasis on building ethical culture and setting an ethical code of conduct within the organization to sustain ethical practice within employees. However, the practitioner should work on enhancing self-efficacy to curb unethical practices by individuals. Originality/value This research contributes to the management of garments manufacturers by a practical and theoretical understanding of what influences the ethical behavioural decision-making process. Valuable guidelines are provided on the ethical decision-making process in the garments manufacturing companies for future researchers.

Unleashing the power of manufacturing flexibility: enhancing performance in Bangladesh's ready-made garment industry

PurposeThis research aims to investigate how manufacturing flexibility can address the challenges of an ever-changing and unpredictable business environment in Bangladesh’s labor-intensive ready-made garment (RMG) industry, which is underserved and situated in a developing country.Design/methodology/approachUsing Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modeling, this study empirically evaluated the relationships between manufacturing flexibility, environmental uncertainty and firm performance. The analysis utilized 320 survey responses from potential RMG experts, representing 95 organizations.FindingsThe study achieved a decision-making model for implementing manufacturing flexibility in the RMG industry of Bangladesh with acceptable model fit criterion. The research pinpointed that workforce flexibility plays the maximum mediating among different types of manufacturing in coping with demand and supply uncertainty in the RMG sector.Research limitations/implicationsThe study made valuable contributions to theoretical and practical knowledge in the context of manufacturing flexibility in Bangladesh’s RMG and other underserved labor-intensive sectors in developing economies. It suggests that managers should shift from defensive and risky business strategies to more aggressive and proactive approaches by utilizing workforce flexibility resources adaptively to enhance manufacturing capabilities and align with dynamic market demand. Additionally, the study offers recommendations for future research to build upon its findings.Originality/valueThis study is unique in its approach because it presents a decision model for implementing manufacturing flexibility in a labor-intensive industry in a developing economy, specifically the RMG industry in Bangladesh, whereas previous research has primarily focused on high-tech industries in developed economies.

Improving changeover techniques in apparel manufacturing through single minute exchange of die: implications for benchmarking

PurposeBangladesh's ready-made garment (RMG) industry plays a vital role in the economic growth of this country. As the global trend in the fashion market has introduced a high-mix, low-volume ordering style, manufacturers are facing an increased number of changeovers in their production systems. However, most of the Bangladeshi RMG manufacturers are not yet ready to respond to such small orders and to improve the flexibility of their production systems. Consequently, the industry is falling behind in global market competition. Thus, this study aims to advance the current performance of RMG manufacturing operations to respond to the fast-fashion industry's challenges effectively using quick changeover.Design/methodology/approachIn this study, a Single-Minute Exchange of Dies (SMED) is applied to attain quick changeover following the best practices of lean manufacturing.FindingsThis study examined the performance of the SMED technique to reduce changeover time in two case organisations. The changeover time was reduced by 70.76% from 434.56 min to 127.08 min and 42.12% from 2,664 min to 1,542 min for the case organisations, respectively. The results of this study show that companies require improved changeover times to address the demand for high-mix, low-volume orders.Originality/valueThis study will certainly guide practitioners of the RMG industry to adopt SMED to reduce changeover time to meet small batch production.

Steam Boilers in Ready-Made Garments Industry in Bangladesh: Existing Scenario and Scope for Development

Bangladesh's Ready-Made Garments (RMG) industry, historically prone to hazards including boiler explosions with numerous fatalities, has prompted the RMG Sustainability Council (RSC) to initiate boiler safety inspections. This study addresses the lack of empirical data on boiler operations in RMG factories, focusing on operational scenarios, risk factors, and remediation strategies. Conducted from March 2021 to March 2023, structured visual inspections across 1386 RMG factories assessed 2204 boilers. Key findings reveal that 34.99% of factories predominantly use a single boiler, 91.24% of boilers are government-registered, and the majority are imported (63.29%) with a steam generation capacity below 1,000 kg/hr (59.75%). Additionally, 63.11% were manufactured between 2010 and 2019, 79.63% burn fossil fuels, 54.60% are vertically oriented, and 82% use softened feedwater. The study also identifies 32 external risk factors across 11 categories, providing insights for decision-makers to enhance boiler operation safety and sustainability. By leveraging this inspection data, the research aims to bridge the empirical gap and offer a comprehensive understanding of the existing challenges in RMG boiler operations. Journal of Engineering Science 14(2), 2023, 89-105

Advancing Sustainable Practices in the Bangladeshi Ready-Made Garments Industry: A Systematic Review and Future Research Avenues in Green Human Resource Management

This paper focuses on Green Human Resource Management in the Bangladeshi Ready Made Garments industry. It is claimed that the concept of GHRM fits in the Bangladeshi RMG industry context, especially in aspects such as HRM, sustainability, environmental management, green management, and corporate social responsibility (CSR). However, there is a paucity of researcher that has suggested potential research avenues by focusing on GHRM in the early mentioned industry context. To address this gap in literature and to fully understand and develop further knowledge on GHRM, this paper contextualizes the notion of GHRM in the context of export-oriented small, medium, and large firms predominantly in the RMG industry in all five geo-political regions in Bangladesh to offer a comprehensive future research avenues. Systematically reviewing 57 papers, this paper has provided a comprehensive overview of different aspects of the Bangladeshi RMG industry and the extent of GHRM practices implementation there. The review has revealed six contextual gaps for the potential researchers in the relevant field. The originality of this paper lies in the fact that it has highlighted the GHRM research gaps in the Bangladeshi RMG industry context which is found absent in the literature.

Assessing compliance with International Labor Organization convention No. 100 in Bangladesh's ready-made garments industry for sustainable development goals

Assessing compliance with International Labor Organization convention No. 100 in Bangladesh's ready-made garments industry for sustainable development goals

Analysing the Technological Foundations Shaping the Structural Features of Supply Chain Networks in the Bangladeshi Ready-Made Garment Industry

Analysing the Technological Foundations Shaping the Structural Features of Supply Chain Networks in the Bangladeshi Ready-Made Garment Industry

Mandatory adoption of technology: Can UTAUT2 model capture managers behavioral intention?

In Bangladeshi ready-made garment (RMG) and textile sectors, technology-driven compliance standards are primarily imported directly from foreign buyers' corporate social responsibility (CSR) where managers do not have enough scope of involvement, engagement, or active authority. They neither have selection freedom nor adoption willingness. The aim of this exploratory research is to understand managers' perceptions around accepting these imposed technology-driven compliance standards in the name of safety through an empirical study of the RMG sector in Bangladesh. We have used the extended framework of the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT2) model with certain modifications. After analyzing data through structural equation modeling (SEM), a modified theoretical framework was revealed to capture managers' behavioral intention toward a complex technological system that does not automatically arise from self-willingness; rather it is mandatory acceptance. Based on this knowledge, we recommend that the UTAUT2 model be extended and revised to capture this kind of mandatory adoption of technology. The findings of this research can provide deep and effective knowledge and experience to international buyers in the RMG sector, global supply chain members, RMG factory owners, and government policymakers.

Unveiling The Shadows: Exploring Money Laundering Mechanisms In Bangladesh's RMG Sector

This study examines the intricate web of money laundering in Bangladesh's Readymade Garments (RMG) sector, a vital industry for the nation's economy. Utilizing two ethically sound focus group discussions (FGDs) with various stakeholders, including RMG representatives, labour leaders, legal experts, and law enforcement officers, the study was conducted in Gazipur, a significant centre for garment manufacturing in Bangladesh. The findings highlight the multifaceted nature of prevalent money laundering strategies in the RMG industries. Notable techniques include trade-based money laundering, smurfing and structuring, false invoicing, shell companies, offshore accounts, cost manipulation, informal value transfer systems (IVTS), and real estate investments. This research sheds light on the concealed financial complexities of the RMG industry, highlighting the need for vigilant regulatory measures and industry-wide awareness.

Identification of benefits from Integrated Management Systems (IMS) to achieve Sustainability: A Systematic Literature Review

In the pursuit of sustainable development within Bangladesh's Readymade Garment (RMG) sector, this study undertakes an analysis of the substantial advantages of deploying an Integrated Management System (IMS). Focusing on ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, OSHAS 18001:2007, and SA 8000:2014, the research illuminates the pivotal role of IMS in the context of this vital industry. The research methodology involved searching Google Scholar, Emerald, and Elsevier databases for IMS benefits from 2005 to 2022. Key IMS advantages were assessed through a questionnaire distributed to 248 representatives from 16 Bangladeshi RMG industry companies, resulting in 197 usable responses. The findings of this study reveal five major benefits of IMS in Bangladesh's RMG sector: improved resource utilization, reduced error and risk percentages, enhanced business sustainability, improved teamwork, and a reduction in duplications. This research offers both theoretical and practical implications. The study contributes to the literature by systematically reviewing IMS advantages and encourages managers to consider IMS for their organizations. Additionally, it provides valuable insights for decision-makers in formulating effective plans for IMS implementation, particularly in resource-constrained environments. Notably, this study holds significance due to its relatively unique focus on the major benefits of IMS implementation and can serve as a valuable guideline for IMS implementation in the RMG sector of developing countries.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) In Garment Design: Opportunities And Challenges In The Ready-made Garments (RMG) Sector of Bangladesh

This study looks at the pros and cons of using artificial intelligence (AI) in planning ready-made garments in Bangladesh's Gazipur district, where the garment industry is booming. Twenty designers from different institutions using AI and traditional software tools to create attires were involved in the study. The results show that applying AI to the field comes with both opportunities and challenges. AI has made garment creation more efficient, less expensive, more productive, more customizable, better at predicting trends, and more sustainable. However, it raises issues such as job loss, quality control, data privacy, dependence on technology, and ethical questions. This study shows how important it is to take a balanced approach to adopting AI, considering its possible benefits while addressing its risks, so that Bangladesh's ready-made garment industry can continue to grow and thrive.

Prevalence and risk factors of physical and psychological health among readymade garment workers in Bangladesh

ABSTRACT Objective. Poor health outcomes of Bangladeshi readymade garment (RMG) workers tend to be associated with a variety of occupational factors. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of, and risk factors associated with, the physical and psychological health outcomes of Bangladeshi RMG workers. Methods. Responses to a cross-sectional survey from a convenience sample of 411 adult Bangladeshi RMG workers (mean age = 26.24 years; SD 6.40 years; female = 80%) were analysed using bivariate and multivariate (logistic regression models) analyses. Results. More than half of the participants reported headaches (61.6%) and colds/flu (51.3%), followed by fever (37.2%), diarrhoea (32.8%), bodily pain (29.9%) and respiratory infections (20.9%). For psychological health, stress (69.1%), anxiety (66.2%) and boredom (64.5%) were most prevalent, followed by sleeplessness (51.3%), depression (48.2%) and fear (34.3%). RMG workers from the factories located in Chattogram (a peripheral region compared to Dhaka) reported poorer physical and psychological health outcomes than those working in factories in Dhaka (the capital city of Bangladesh). Overall, compared to males, female RMG workers were more likely to be vulnerable to both physical and psychological health outcomes. Conclusion. Improvement in workplace conditions and safety programmes is needed to safeguard the overall health outcomes of Bangladeshi RMG workers.