Clothing Company Research Articles

Hedging weather risk and coordinating supply chains

The sales of many products can be influenced by weather conditions, positively or negatively. For the manufacturers in question, one of their entrepreneurial risks is to incur lower than expected sales because of adverse weather conditions. The variability of weather conditions is expected to continue to rise because of climate change. Manufacturers can choose to do nothing and suffer the financial consequences, or transfer the weather risk partly or wholly to others. This paper presents an approach to transfer weather risks to risk takers and reduce sales volatility using weather index-based financial instruments. In our approach, the risk of adverse weather conditions is calculated on the basis of adverse conditions observed in the past. We do not use forecasts of weather conditions. We illustrate our action design with case studies of three companies: a company manufacturing automotive replacement parts, a clothing company and a company producing of sunscreen products. We demonstrate its efficiency in reducing cash-flow uncertainty and potential losses caused by adverse weather, and in influencing sales to the next tier.

Ergonomic assessment of working postures in clothing sector with scientific observation methods

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to comparatively examine the personnel working in the clothing sector by examining them in three different methods in order to determine the working postures, identification of the stress factors of musculoskeletal system and the exposures depending on the working postures. Methods used in the study, REBA (Hignett and McAtamney, 2000), Ovako Working Posture Analyzing System (OWAS) (Karhu et al., 1977) and PLIBEL (Kemmlert, 1995) are the scientific observation-based methods. Within the scope of this study, the working stations and the working postures of the operators who work in the clothing sector were examined and their movements that could cause harm to the body were examined and in conclusion some suggestions were suggested to prevent these movements.Design/methodology/approachDue to the standard unit of times in clothing sector are short and the work done is very repetitive, 30 min recording was thought as enough for each operator examined. These recorded videos were then divided into 30 s photographs to obtain the poses of the operators’ working postures. In the scope of the research, first, the PLIBEL observation form was filled as the PLIBEL method is more general one. According to the working postures, the body regions which are damaged or can be damaged were identified and the PLIBEL form was filled in the consideration of the risk factors in the form (Malchaire 2011). In addition, the photographs were also analyzed with REBA and OWAS methods for having more quantitative and detailed results.FindingsThe working postures of the operators who work in the cutting, sewing, ironing, quality control and packaging departments of six clothing companies were examined in the scope of this research with PLIBEL, REBA and OWAS methods in terms of ergonomy. The results belonging to each department were given separately. REBA and OWAS methods have been applied in order to investigate the working postures in more detail due to the lack of providing numerical data of the PLIBEL method. The reliability of the study has been approved with obtaining the similar results from the REBA and OWAS methods. According to Table VIII, both of the methods show that all the departments in question need ergonomic arrangements. It was analyzed that the cutting department is in the first place which needs ergonomic arrangement immediately (REBA %90.58, OWAS %87.69).Practical implicationsThis study is composed of 65 operators who have experience between 5 and 22 years and in the age range of 22–43 working in the cutting, sewing, ironing, quality control and packaging departments in eight different clothing companies. These 65 operators were recorded by video camera during their work. The recording time were selected randomly. The movements of operators during their own work have been taken into consideration.Originality/valueThis paper indicates the usability of the PLIBEL, OWAS and REBA methods in clothing sector. Using these methods in clothing sectors states the value and the originality of this paper.

Patagonia vs. Trump

This article explores the federal-court lawsuit that the Patagonia clothing company has brought against President Donald Trump, which challenges Trump’s reduction of the once-massive Bears Ears National Monument in Utah. It is odd for a company like Patagonia to bring a suit like this, and this article examines whether Patagonia has standing to do so. The article argues that Patagonia does not have standing to sue either for itself or, in a representative capacity, for its employees and the athletes that it sponsors. In making that argument, the article advances two broader ones. It argues, first, that the U.S. Supreme Court should clarify Havens Realty Corp. v. Coleman, the main decision on which Patagonia will rely in asserting standing to sue for itself. Contrary to the lower federal courts’ understanding, Havens does not apply to suits, like Patagonia’s, that seek to vindicate “public rights.” This argument draws upon Justice Thomas’s significant but under-examined concurrence in Spokeo v. Robins. The article also argues that the Court should revisit the main decision on which Patagonia will rely in asserting associational standing, Hunt v. Washington State Apple Advertising Comm’n. The test that the Court articulated for associational standing in Hunt is anomalous, unprecedented, and fails to ensure that a plaintiff-organization will adequately represents its constituents. The article argues that the Court should repudiate the Hunt test and instead require the plaintiff-organization in every case to show that it can adequately represent the constituents on whom its standing rests. A plaintiff-organization should, however, be able to meet this requirement presumptively by proving that it has the indicia of a traditional voluntary membership association that were identified in Hunt.

Penerapan Metoda Six Sigma DMAIC untuk Mengurangi Cacat Pakaian 514 (Studi Kasus di CV Jaya Reksa Manggala)

<em>CV Jaya Reksa Manggala (JRM) is one of clothing company. With increasing competition in this clothing company, the companies are required to keep improving the quality of clothing products. One of the important things in quality is reduction of product defects. One of the proven methods of quality improvement is the Six Sigma DMAIC method, which is a continous improvement method that aims to achieve the best quality. One of the products of CV JRM which is still have a lot of defects is 514 products. From the initial data obtained, DPMO value for process I and II for 514 products is 10,768.52 and 27,341.42 with sigma level 3.79 and 3.43. The steps undertaken in this Six Sigma DMAIC method include define, measure, analyze, implementation and control. Several proposed improvements were then made to reduce the problem of these defects and from the data at the control stage, the DPMO values of processes I and II became 2,941.76 and 1,812.69 with sigma levels of 4.25 and 4.41. From this result it can be said that with Six Sigma DMAIC method, there is improvement of quality for product 514 at CV JRM. </em>

O compartilhamento do conhecimento em uma empresa do setor do vestuário localizada na cidade de Criciúma, SC a partir do processo de sucessão familiar

The succession process is essential for family businesses to remain competitive in the environment they are inserted. In this sense, the sharing of knowledge becomes important so that knowledge is passed from one generation to another. Thus, the present study aimed to analyze the sharing of knowledge in the succession process of a family-owned clothing company that has been in the market for twenty-seven years. Regarding the ends, the research was classified as descriptive and as to means, a case study. The data were collected through a structured interview conducted in the company with the successor and predecessor of the company. In the results we identified that knowledge was shared before, during and after the succession process, and that the same occurs until the present day within the business environment as the predecessor still holds a position in the company.

Application of fuzzy technique for closed loop decision in clothing value chain

Increasing concern over the environment has encouraged consumer and industry to think about the huge amount of discarded clothes. This study has considered four methods: direct reuse, up-cycling, down-cycling and incineration to close the loop of clothing value chain. Three factors (material, economy and technology) affecting closed loop decision have been identified. These factors have a different degree of influences on the decision making the process of closed loop clothing value chain. Research data has been collected from the reverse logistic experts from clothing industry. The fuzzy technique has been used to quantify the response of experts. Findings have been analysed with the help of analytic hierarchy process technique. The material factor is found to dominating factor in the closed loop decisions over economy and technology. Up-cycling and direct reuse emerged to be the best alternatives in the current scenario. The clothing companies may replicate this approach of developing hierarchy model to choose best alternatives for the closed loop value chain.

基于Flexsim的L服装公司配送流程仿真优化研究

基于Flexsim的L服装公司配送流程仿真优化研究

Marketing challenges experienced by small-to-medium enterprises over formal clothing industries in Harare, Zimbabwe

small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) are faced with a myriad of competitive business organisations which are broadly categorised as formal industries. These organisations exhibit varying marketing strategies to remain viable, survive and to be a going concern. This study investigated marketing strategies employed by clothing entrepreneurs in the SMEs over big formal clothing companies in Harare, Zimbabwe. The study sought to understand why customers prefer to buy from small clothing entrepreneurs over big clothing entrepreneurs. Non-probability sampling and purposive sampling techniques were adopted and a total of 75 entrepreneurs constituted the research participants. A post-positivism research philosophy was adopted, and a combination of questionnaires and open-ended interviews were the research instruments of choice. The study found that small clothing manufactures in Harare are increasingly becoming competitive in their marketing strategies as compared to rigid large formal clothing companies. The study found that, large companies need to implement creative and decisive marketing strategies and catch up with the prevailing winning marketing strategic practices suitable for the Zimbabwean economic environment. The study found that legal and illegal imported clothes (mainly from Mozambique) are threatening the viability and sustainability of Harare clothing manufacturers. It is therefore recommended that the Zimbabwean government needs to capacitate the small-scale clothing manufacturers, curb illegal smuggling of clothes from Mozambique and fight anti-competitive practices of large clothing manufacturers. Small-scale clothing manufacturers are contributing to employment creation in Harare and Zimbabwe at large.

Aplicação do desdobramento da função qualidade para o desenvolvimento de vestuário infantil

Com os consumidores cada vez mais exigentes e a constante concorrência, as organizações necessitam aprimorar-se para atender as necessidades dos clientes. Neste contexto, encontram-se as indústrias têxteis e de vestuário, que tem sentido fortemente os efeitos da competição global, tendo que responder rapidamente às mudanças de estação e moda. O Desdobramento da Função Qualidade (ou QFD - Quality Function Deployment) apresenta-se como um diferencial para o desenvolvimento de produtos, pois proporciona que as percepções da qualidade dos clientes estejam contidas no produto. Nesse sentido, o presente trabalho tem como objetivo demonstrar uma aplicação do QFD no desenvolvimento de vestuário infantil, visto a grande importância do setor têxtil e de vestuário na economia nacional, bem como a grande participação do segmento infantil nesse setor. Um modelo conceitual do QFD com quatro matrizes foi criado e aplicado para o desenvolvimento de uma peça de vestuário infantil. Os resultados da aplicação mostram a grande importância atribuída pelos clientes à segurança e ao conforto. As matrizes relacionaram as qualidades exigidas ao desenvolvimento da peça e do molde, as especificações técnicas das matérias-primas e aos parâmetros do processo de produção, mostrando a influência desses elementos na qualidade do produto final requerida pelo cliente. Concluiu-se que o modelo conceitual desenvolvido mostrou a relação das qualidades exigidas com as etapas de desenvolvimento e produção do produto. Finalmente, considera-se que aplicações desse tipo podem ser usadas em outros tipos de vestuário.

Análise do processo de produção em uma empresa de confecção sob o ponto de vista da simulação computacional

Uma das principais preocupações das organizações é a melhoria dos processos produtivos. Para se manterem no mercado precisam ser competitivas e devem melhorar permanentemente seus processos. Tendo em vista essa necessidade, este trabalho teve como objetivo analisar, por meio de técnicas de simulação computacional, o processo de produção de uma pequena empresa de confecção localizada na cidade de Aparecida de Goiânia, Goiás. Foi utilizado o software Arena® para avaliar o tempo médio que os sutiãs Skin permaneceram em fila em cada etapa de produção, assim como também foi observado o tempo médio gasto para execução da tarefa em cada estágio. Trata-se de pesquisa científica, quantitativa e qualitativa. Segundo seus objetivos, apresenta caráter descritivo e explicativo, visando aprofundar o conhecimento da realidade, utilizando o estudo de caso para a coleta de dados. Foram criados dois possíveis cenários para a empresa, para efeito de comparação com o cenário atual. Chegou-se a conclusão de que, atualmente, a produção de sutiãs na empresa corre com uma boa fluidez, porém deve-se tomar cuidado com a formação de filas extensas nos setores de corte e preparação.

Agency Costs of Clothing Companies with Famous Brand

Agency Costs of Clothing Companies with Famous Brand

الإتجاهات الحدیثة فی إدارة المخزون و أثرها على کفاءة أداء إدارة سلاسل التورید فی المنظمات الصناعیة : دراسة میدانیة فی قطاع صناعة الغزل و التسبیح المصری

الملخص: إتجهت العديد من المنظمات إلى محاولة إحداث الدمج والتکامل بين إدارة سلاسل التوريد وبرامج تکنولوجيا المعلومات في محاولة منها لتحسين کفاءة وأداء إدارة سلاسل التوريد الخاصة بها، ولعل من أهم الأساليب والإتجاهات الحديثة المستخدمة في إدارة حرکة المواد والمخزون داخل إدارة سلاسل التوريد والمعتمدة على برمجيات تکنولوجيا المعلومات هو نظام تخطيط الإحتياجات من المواد .MRP) Material requirement planning system) وفي إطار ما سبق فإن هذه الدراسة تهدف إلى دراسة إمکانية تطبيق نظام تخطيط الإحتياجات من المواد لإدارة حرکة المواد والرقابة على المخزون داخل إدارة سلاسل التوريد الخاصة بشرکات قطاع الغزل والنسيج والملابس الجاهزة في قطاع الأعمال العام المصري، وأثر ذلک على أداء شرکات قطاع الغزل والنسيج والملابس الجاهزة في قطاع الأعمال العام المصري. Abstract: several organizations started trying to integrate the SCM with the IT software packages in an attempt to enhance the efficiency and performance of their respective supply chains. One of the most vital and newly used approaches in the SCM, which fully utilizes the IT software packages, is the MRP.Based on the previous, this research aims at testing the possibility of implementing MRP in order to manage the flow of the materials and monitor the storage in the SCM of the textile and ready-made clothing companies in the Egyptian Public Business sector.

Individual customizable in-store textile production

The target of every company is to satisfy customer demands. Especially the clothing industry has to serve individual customer requirements. Textile products always have been and still are the defining attributes of people’s appearance. Consumer’s demands towards commercial clothing companies have been changing rapidly during the recent years. Two global megatrends have supported this change: Individualization and digitalization. Individualization created demand for frequent collection changes, while still keeping availability high. Digitalization supported the quick distribution of new trends and forced a higher amount of request during peak periods. This paper outlines how a highly individual and customizable fashion product can be produced in a store environment. It focuses on the conceptual design, taking into account the interdisciplinary approach combining production technology with IT-systems, but also addresses the economical challenge with help of a value stream analysis.

KAJIAN STRATEGI BRANDING CLOTHING UNKL347

Nowadays the success of a product to penetrate the market its not determined only by physical excellence, functions, pricing and the distribution aspects of the product. Amidst of myriad similar products offered to the consumer, now the key to conquest the competition is also determined by the branding strategy; that is the strategy of implanting the brand into consumer's mind. Because whenever confronted by many options, consumer is inclined to choose the brand that they know, trust and prefer.Regarding the brand building or branding, in 1996 occurred an exceptional phenomenon in Bandung City: UNKL347 a local clothing company was acknowledged to have a solid brand and compete against reputable international and regional brands. This occurrence raised inquisitions about how UNKL347 achieved its branding and perception in consumer's mind.So in order to comprehend this occurrence, a qualitative and case study methodology is employed. Information is investigated through an in-depth interview to UNKL347's principals, a structured interview to some purposive sampling of consumers and by documents observation. The analytical process is using an interactive method so the data's compilation is structured, comprehensible and its interconnectedness is constructed.The result or conclusion is there are some key factors which determined UNKL347's branding strategy achievement: that UNKL347 is unintentionally implementing branding strategy which is unconventional and even contradictory with conventional branding strategy, nevertheless the brand is conceived by personal recommendations among its consumers. This findings are expected to become as reference for brand building strategy in similar case and for a specific consumers / prospects.

Integrated multi-site aggregate production-pricing planning in a two-echelon supply chain with multiple demand classes

• Studying an aggregate production-pricing problem with multiple demand classes. • Developing a new demand response function with cannibalization. • Determining optimal price gaps in multi-channel retailing. • Involving a convexification strategy based on convex hulls in the solution algorithm. • Investigating sensitivity of objective function to leakage rates. This paper proposes a production and differential pricing decision model in a two-echelon supply chain that involves a demand from two or more market segments. In this framework, the retailer is allowed to set different prices during the planning horizon. While integrated production-marketing management has been a key research issue in supply chain management for a long time, little attention has been given to set prices and marketing expenditures in integrated multi-site (parallel) manufacturing systems and multiple demand classes. Generally, the presence of multiple demand classes induced by different market segments may impose demand leakage and then change production plan and ordering policies throughout the supply chain system. To tackle this problem, this paper develops a novel approach in order to provide an optimal aggregate production and marketing plan by interconnecting the sales channels of the retailer and demand. A non-linear model is established to determine optimal price differentiation, marketing expenditures and production plans of manufacturing sites in a multi-period, multi-product and multi-sale channels production planning problem by maximizing total profit of the supply chain. To handle the model and obtain solutions, we propose an efficient analytical model based upon convex hulls. Finally, we apply the proposed procedure to a clothing company in order to show usefulness and significance of the model and solution method.

Leveraging environmental sustainability for competitive advantage in the Italian Clothing and Leather sector

ABSTRACTThe present study analyses how the elements of a corporate environmental management system (environmental strategy, environmental management practices (EMPs) and business competitiveness) are connected for the creation of competitive advantage in clothing and leather companies, strongly affected by sustainability issues. The research was conducted through an online survey submitted to Italian companies. A structural equation modelling approach was employed to test the hypothesised model. Results indicate that the implementation of sustainable product and process practices have positive impacts on company’s business competitiveness. Moreover, companies having a greater integration of sustainable practices in their competitive strategy show advantages in terms of brand value, employees’ retention and access to capital. The most important stakeholders involved in the definition of an environmental strategy are suppliers and companies’ employees. Focusing the attention on the business competitiveness impacts of EMPs, companies that have a production plant abroad show greater competitiveness impacts.

Avaliação da Hering S.A.

O caso apresenta o estudo sobre as decisões reais de investimento e de avaliação de empresa. A Hering S.A. é uma empresa de vestuário listada na BM&FBovespa. Por meio de informações públicas e artigos de jornais detalhados no texto, este caso (i) permite que os alunos analisem as decisões de investimento tomadas pelos grandes investidores que adquiriram ações ordinárias da empresa, ao mesmo tempo que (ii) oferece ao aluno o desafio de formular as premissas necessárias para avaliar a empresa com base em informações públicas como demonstrações contábeis, indicadores macroeconômicos e outras variáveis de mercado. O resultado obtido pelo aluno poderá ser confrontado na sala de aula para possível discussão sobre (i) as premissas utilizadas e (ii) os preços das ações calculados. Esta discussão pode explicitar os vieses decorrentes da motivação dos avaliadores na medida em que diferentes premissas podem ter sido adotadas e motivadas por diferentes interesses (comprador, vendedor, etc.).

Reflexões Empíricas Sobre a Dimensão Social da Sustentabilidade em Cadeias de Suprimento: O que Precisa Mudar?

In recent years, several world scandals have been triggered in relation to human rights abuse, involving various supply chain members. About this question, this study aims to identify the application of social aspects in supply chains of a Brazilian clothing company. Therefore, a desk research was done from a qualitative approach according to three criteria for collection, which are: social discourse, social action, and social practice. The results show that the company has been showing concerns about the social dimension, focused on the supply chain. However, the deepening of discussions is encouraged so as to enhance their social performance, still inconsistent, and therefore contribute to the integration of sustainability in the supply chain.

Style and substance: a case study of the expansion of mature business-to-business relationships in the Italian clothing industry

PurposeThis paper aims to propose a model of the determinants of the expansion of mature business-to-business relationships in the downstream channel of the Italian clothing industry. The authors investigate the role of both economic and social determinants of retail buyers’ intentions to expand their relationships with a seller.Design/methodology/approachThe empirical analysis is based on surveys of more than 150 retail buyers in mature relationships with a major clothing company. This context offers a unique opportunity to explore the interplay between the need for stable relationships and the need to continuously innovate to satisfy consumer demand, given rapidly changing tastes and styles, which can inhibit relationship expansion.FindingsBuyers’ intentions to expand relationships are primarily determined by the absence of a formal agreement with the seller. Perceptions of a seller’s goodwill seem to overshadow the detrimental effects of two likely sources of opportunism in the clothing industry: demand uncertainty and the availability of alternative suppliers. Findings also provide evidence of a substitutive effect of formal control and trust in mature business relationships.Originality/valueThe authors provide insights into the dynamics of mature business relationships with a focus on expansion, rather than just the propensity for relational continuity, and they show how the interplay of transaction costs and social dimensions leads to this expansion. The authors also provide empirical evidence of a context, the clothing industry, where downstream relationships represent an important source of competitive advantage.

CUSTOMER RETENTION IN FASHION E-TAILING: FACILITATORS AND BARRIERS

The Internet has changed the way consumers gather information and shop. An increasingly competitive market calls for new marketing approaches to attract customers to the companies’ online stores. The aim of the present article is to understand what facilitates and what creates barriers to prioritizing repeat customers. Further, the article discusses repurchasing among young female online fashion shoppers and how these consumers can be retained. Two research questions are addressed: 1. What facilitates repurchasing among online fashion consumers, and why? 2. What creates barriers to re-purchasing among online fashion consumers, and why? In order to gain deeper knowledge of how e-tailers work with customer retention, we conducted a pilot study that included representatives from two clothing companies, as well as an expert interview with an analyst at the company Stroede Ralto. Then two focus groups consisting of young female online shoppers were formed. Results from the focus groups show that several companies use frequent e-mail advertising and targeted advertising on other websites to retain customers and facilitate re-purchasing. All participants found these features annoying rather than helpful. Moreover, the help functions provided in an online store played a major role in facilitating the purchasing, and shopping carts were appreciated as they enable customers to easily view and add items and obtain price information. We discovered that the consumers did most of their shopping on websites they found esthetically appealing and inspiring and that they would often return to these websites for inspiration or to browse. The article further provides advice to managers regarding how to retain customers.