Indian Garment Industry Research Articles

Environmental Awareness Toward Issues and Challenges of Sustainable Consumerism in the Indian Apparel Industry

This confirmatory study focused on studying the attitude and behavior as well as environmental awareness towards sustainable consumerism. The study also aimed to check if accountability on the part of brands and the government could enhance sustainability in the apparel industry. An empirical inquiry was conducted with 396 respondents, considering they are consumers with purchasing power. The collected data were analyzed using correlation and descriptive analysis. Based on the findings, consumers’ apparel use and brand accountability are positively associated. At the same time, it was found that the attitude and behavior of consumers are the least essential determinants for sustainable apparel consumption. This might imply that their optimistic outlook may not always translate into real purchase behavior, which is consistent with earlier studies. The results of this research provide a foundation for a better comprehension of the many factors, including the sustainability of a clothing brand or product, which may affect consumer behavior. This approach could help the fashion industry develop practical strategies and alter how people think about and utilize apparel in the future.

The challenges to circular economy in the Indian apparel industry: a qualitative study

Purpose In recent years, researchers and practitioners have paid a great deal of attention to the circular economy (CE) due to its potential social and environmental benefits. However, limited attention has been devoted in the literature to studying the barriers to CE implementation in the apparel retail industry in emerging and developing nations besides China. Consequently, the purpose of this paper is to analyse the barriers to implementing CE in the Indian garment retail market. Design/methodology/approach This exploratory study uses a comprehensive literature analysis to identify the micro-level impediments to CE adoption in India's garment retail industry. The study aims to identify these barriers using a Delphi process, consisting of three stages. The first stage involves literature reviews and expert opinions, while the second and third stages involve survey methods with 14 industry professionals and academics. The use of the two primary data sources allows for triangulation of the data, which improves the validity of the findings and enables broader conclusions to be drawn from the results. Findings This study indicates that the top three challenges to implementing CE principles in the Indian apparel retail industry are “standards and regulation barriers” (84%), “strategic barriers” (82%) and “supply chain management and technology barriers” (79%). Strategies for overcoming these obstacles include gaining top management support, coordinating supply chain components, training and employee motivation. Research limitations/implications This study considers only Indian apparel retail industry, and the practical implications could potentially limit the study to emerging Asian economies. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first research of its type to explore CE obstacles at the organizational level in the Indian garment retail business. Thus, it contributes to a greater understanding of the topic and enables practitioners to develop effective policies and business strategies for CE and sustainability.

Impact of Covid-19 on the Indian Garment Industry

This research aims to examine the impact of COVID-19 on the Indian garment industry. The research methodology involves a literature review of academic studies, government reports, and industry publications, along with survey research conducted through secondary data. The findings of this research suggest that the Indian garment industry has been significantly affected by the pandemic, with declining exports, production, and employment. The use of tables, charts, and graphs provides a clear and concise presentation of the data, highlighting the implications of the findings for the industry. The research highlights the need for policy interventions to support the industry's recovery, such as financial assistance, labor reforms, and digital transformation. Overall, this research provides insights into the challenges and opportunities facing the Indian garment industry in the post-pandemic era. The findings of this research highlight the need for policymakers to support the Indian garment industry in its recovery from the pandemic. The industry requires policy interventions to address its financial, labor, and digital challenges. Financial assistance in the form of grants, loans, and tax breaks could help the industry overcome its liquidity constraints. Labor reforms could make the industry more flexible and competitive. Finally, investments in digital technologies, training, and infrastructure could help the industry improve its efficiency, resilience, and competitiveness. Overall, this research provides insights into the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Indian garment industry, highlighting its challenges and opportunities. The use of tables, charts, and graphs helps to provide a clear and concise presentation of the data, while the literature review and survey provide a comprehensive understanding of the industry's situation. This research can inform policymakers, industry stakeholders, and academics interested in the Indian garment industry and its response to the pandemic.

Post-colonial structure of the Indian garment industry and its role in maintaining the precarity of women workers

ABSTRACT Neoliberal policies and decentralization of production activities in developing countries have been blamed for the ever-increasing precarity of labor in India since the late twentieth century. Precarious labor, however, had long been a characteristic feature of the Indian garment industry before it actively participated in neoliberal global garment trade in the 1970s and 1980s. This study examines policies that shaped the Indian garment industry in the post-colonial period from 1947 and their effects on production, employment patterns, and women’s work. It employs the Indian Government’s official industry censuses and employment survey reports. Accordingly, the policy of small-scale garment production was backed by benevolent aims of reviving traditional Indian crafts and maximizing employment. However, it yielded a fragmented industrial structure and a pool of precarious labor from a poverty-stricken population. Gender-based social stereotypes further enabled a socio-economically disempowered female workforce. The neoliberal policies that gained ground with the industry’s increasing export orientation exacerbated the precarious working conditions rooted in indigenous policy-making and social mindset. Locating labor precarity and women’s vulnerability within this complex mesh of local and global factors offers an improved framework for testing how neoliberal policies maneuver them to influence production and employment patterns in today’s garment industry.

Study on HRM Practices in Indian Apparel Industry and the Factors Impacting the Performance of Apparel Enterprises

Study on HRM Practices in Indian Apparel Industry and the Factors Impacting the Performance of Apparel Enterprises

A STUDY OF DIGITAL LITERACY AND ITS IMPORTANCE FOR THE INDIAN APPAREL INDUSTRY

This exploratory study is based on an integrative literature review approach to determine the origin of the term digital literacy, its evolution, and its various theoretical conceptualizations as done by researchers since its inception. It is also aimed to study the significance and utility of digital literacy for the Indian apparel industry. A review of the extant literature on digital literacy brings out some popular theoretical models and frameworks based on its significance and use. Yet, since each of these models is somewhat different from the other, UNESCO carried out a cross-national mapping of these frameworks from multiple countries across various geographical regions and income levels to come to a common framework and definition of digital literacy. However, some researchers feel that the meaning of digital competence will keep varying due to the rapidly changing technology and society. So, an established definition of digital literacy may not remain relevant with time. Similarly, to find out the significance of digital literacy in the Indian apparel industry, a review of some popular research papers on apparel industry digitization has been considered. The Indian apparel industry's current level of digitization and potential scope for further digital transformations have also been discussed and examined in this paper. Just as the term digital literacy is still evolving, so is the case with its significance and application, both in India and abroad. Initially, it was seen as a major tool to enhance productivity. However, now its application seems important in multiple areas of the fashion business. Digital literacy is more of a tool now to holistically improve our general living.

Quality of work life of employees working in the Indian garment industry

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to identify the level of quality of work life (QWL) of employees working in the Garment industries using a validated scale.Design/methodology/approachSurvey methods were used for this study. A questionnaire was designed to collect the data and information, and it is validated through exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis.FindingsThe majority of employees are not satisfied with the present status of QWL in garment units. Followings are the predominant components, which influence the QWL of employees compensation and rewards; job security; grievance handling; work environment; training and development; job nature; satisfaction in job; facilities and relation and cooperation.Originality/valueThe study was conducted in 133 garment industries where sample responses were obtained from 851 workers working in Indian Garment industries. In the competitive business environment, retaining a talented workforce is one of the big challenges to the organization. An unsatisfied employee is the first enemy of the organization, it is the prime task of the employers to keep the workforce at a satisfying level, otherwise, it will lead to employee turnover, performance and productivity. This paper helps to identify and quantify the components of the quality of work-life of employees if employers address these components job satisfaction level of employees will increase; therefore, our results will help the HR managers and policymakers to take appropriate decisions to enhance QWL.

A Study on the new business strategies for the Indian apparel industry post-covid-19 pandemic

The covid-19 pandemic has disrupted enormous businesses across the globe to an extent none had ever imagined. There is no doubt about the slowdown of various businesses; however, covid was a boon to a few industries worldwide. The textile and apparel industry is one such industry where the covid-19 pandemic is both a boon and a bane. Many of these industries got shut down during the pandemic, but few managed to survive and grow during and after the post-covid-19 pandemic. The Indian apparel industry was also a victim of the pandemic, but not for a prolonged time. Few industries tried ways to overcome the struggle and successfully devised new strategies that kept them forward through the years. Thus, to understand and implement the new strategies, it is essential to get past the scenario that led to the formation of these strategies. Objective: This study highlights the scenario of the Indian apparel industry Post- Multifibre Agreement (MFA) regime that led to its success along with the existing challenges and conditions at that time, which helped in formulating the strategies followed before the covid disruption. Insights from the past studies would help in understanding and implementing the new strategies that would fit aptly in this new post covid period. The study is mostly based on data gathered from secondary sources and industry inputs from various export firms at the management level.

Impact of the ATC on the performance and productivity of Indian apparel manufacturing

PurposeThis paper aims to study the productivity growth in the Indian apparel industry in aggregate over the period 1995–2015 and compare the performance of the Indian apparel industry during the decade of the Agreement on Textiles and Clothing (ATC) and the decade post its expiry.Design/methodology/approachThe aggregate productivity performance has been studied using the technique of growth accounting and the translog index. A comparison of industry performance has also been made by analysing data. The data has been collated from Annual Survey of Industries reports, CMIE Economic Outlook and CMIE Industry Outlook databases.FindingsThe apparel industry has seen significant growth in terms of all industry variables and exports. However, the growth in exports is much lower than the growth in other industry variables related to output and input. While there is productivity improvement in aggregate over the study period, the quantum is low. Total factor productivity growth is positive and higher for the period post the ATC.Originality/valueTo the best of the author’s knowledge, there has been no such recent study comparing performance and productivity in Indian apparel manufacturing during and after the expiry of the ATC.

Indian apparel industry impressions of recent and current sustainable practices

The objective of this paper is to increase a better understanding that how business models evolve to include more environmentally friendly solutions and sustainability in the apparel industry. This study has been reviewed by focusing on what forms a more sustainable model for the apparel industry can be generated from a firm level, the purpose of this paper is to show and explore difficulties and opportunities for a sustainable business model development in the apparel industry The study demonstrates that adopting a business model that incorporates more sustainability which has both benefits and challenges.

The Role of Technology in Increasing Competitiveness: An Examination of the Indian Garment Clusters

In this article, we examine the Indian garment industry to examine the effect of clusters on the sales of this industry. The data has been collected through a primary survey in five garments clusters in India. The variable that is significant in explaining sales in most equations is technology proxied by imported machinery. It has been argued that inter-firm linkages and linkages between firms, service providers and institutions are crucial for competitiveness and this is best achieved through a cluster. Studies on clusters have shown that some clusters have been able to deepen their inter-firm division of labour, raise their competitiveness and break into international markets. The development of the cluster in India has followed the ‘top-down’ approach and the natural process through which linkages are developed are yet to occur in most clusters. JEL Codes: F14, L67, L23

Market Size estimation of Domestic Apparel Retail in India using Predictive Analytics

The ensuing research aims at estimating the future market size of domestic Indian apparel industry. The study is based on secondary data and uses longitudinal study design. Univariate time series data is used in this study and annual retail sales data, collected from reliable secondary sources, for the period 2000 to 2019 forms the basis of generating predictive models. Owing to the available number of observations in the dataset, the researchers have considered Holt’s exponential smoothing method for the purpose of model generation and making forecasts. The absence of seasonal component in the time series data suggests the use of double exponential smoothing technique which includes effects of trend only. The analysis begins with the forecast of nineteen years with various combination of the coefficients, namely, α and β values and then deviation computed from the actual data. The deviation or the error estimates, namely MSE, MAPE, and MAD have been used to identify the best model in the present research study. The paper concludes with the actual forecasts for the next three years, 2020 till 2022 using the best model, i.e. the model which has resulted in minimum error. To the best of the knowledge of the researchers, this present study makes a maiden attempt to use Holt`s method at an individual level to predict the future market size of the second largest retail industry in India. Apart from the scholarly contribution, the researchers anticipate this study outcome likely to act as an aid to the apparel marketers for their future planning.

Studija o mišićno-skeletnim poremećajima u industriji odeće

Indian Garment industry is one of the largest Asian industries. Studies show that occupational hazards can cause human, social, and economic losses. When the workers are made to work in ergonomically unacceptable workplaces, they become potent to Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD). Preventing the MSDs can help reduce absenteeism, and early retirement, improve productivity, and promote safety at the workplace. In this study, the risk of MSDs in the sewing operators was analyzed. Initially, data on the operators were collected through physical observations, interviews, and video footage. Analyzing the videos and physical observation of the operators, critical postures of the operators are chosen for the assessment. A systematic scoring method called Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) was used to assess a group of 43 operators. The results of the study stated that, among the 43 operators, 38 are in a medium risk level and 7 are in a higher risk level. The reasons for the risk levels included both individual and external factors. The resulting conclusions helped in understanding the risk and conveying better ergonomic intervention that can contribute to reducing the MSD in operators.

COVID-19 and supply chain risk mitigation: a case study from India

PurposeThis study prioritizes the supply chain risks (SCRs) and determines risk mitigation strategies (RMSs) for the Indian apparel industry to mitigate the shock of the COVID-19 pandemic disruption.Design/methodology/approachInitially, 23 SCRs within the apparel industry are identified through an extant literature review. Further, a fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (FAHP) is utilized to prioritize the SCRs considering the epidemic situations to understand the criticality of SCRs and determine appropriate RMSs to mitigate the shock of SCRs during COVID-19.FindingsThis study prioritized and ranked the SCRs within the Indian apparel industry based on their severity during the COVID-19 disruption. Results indicate that the demand uncertainty and pandemic disruption risks are the most critical. Based on the SCRs, the present work evaluated and suggested the flexibility and postponement mitigation strategies for the case under study.Research limitations/implicationsThis study has novel implications to the existing literature on supply chain risk management in the form of the FAHP framework. Supply chain practitioners from the other industrial sectors can extend the proposed FAHP framework to assess the SCRs and identify suitable mitigation strategies. The results aid the practitioners working in an apparel industry to benchmark and deploy the proposed RMSs in their firm.Originality/valueThe present study is a unique and earlier attempt to develop a quantitative framework using FAHP to evaluate and determine the risk mitigation strategy for managing the SCRs during the coronavirus epidemic.

Change in Consumer Behavior in Indian Apparel Industry Due to the Pandemic

Change in Consumer Behavior in Indian Apparel Industry Due to the Pandemic

Stage-wise responsiveness in supply chain: reference from the Indian garment industry

Stage-wise responsiveness in supply chain: reference from the Indian garment industry

Dynamics of a medium value consumer apparel supply chain key parameters

PurposeThis research presents a study on the supply chain process of an Indian apparel industry considering various parameters involved. The study aims to identify the main parameters to improve the supply chain process and develop a comprehensive structural relationship to rank them to streamline the apparel supply chain process and business environment.Design/methodology/approachThe team of five experts from this apparel industry was made to give scores to multiple parameters. The TOPSIS (Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution) technique is used to develop the model for eleven key parameters and then rank them.FindingsBased on the data analysis the planning, customer and warehouse storage have emerged as top three key parameters while the non-replenishment approach, push and pull strategy and manufacturing of the product are identified as the bottom three parameters from a hierarchy level. These parameters have been ranked based on their contributing attributes in this apparel supply chain process.Research limitations/implicationsThe study provides an overall ranking of parameters and the implications are in the direction of helping the industry to improve its supply chain performances rather than focus only on productivity. Further, the key parameters are identified as critical inputs and show that the firms are being more proactive and well prepared comprised of the industry.Originality/valueThe study indicates that the key parameters are identified by this apparel brand to improve its supply chain process. The key supply chain process involves planning, manufacturing, distribution, end customer and returns logistics of the goods, etc. So, this research also provides the focused parameters on the supply chain performance received by end customer from the supplier and rank them for effectiveness and improve their overall organizational performance. It also provides a critical observation of their supply chain process improvement which includes different brand uses, strategies and approaches.

Towards a feminist political economy of time: labour circulation, social reproduction & the ‘afterlife’ of cheap labour

This article explores ‘time’ as a crucial category of analysis shaping and shaped by the dynamics of exploitation and social reproduction across the global assembly line. Focusing on the Indian garment industry, the article develops a feminist political economy of time stressing the productive and reproductive temporalities of exploitation, which give rise to multiple forms of labour circulation, including early exit from industrial work. Then, the study places this early exit under the microscope, and analyses the ‘afterlife’ available to women workers outside the factory, which often involves a transition back to informal occupations. The narrative draws both on extensive knowledge of India’s garment sweatshops, and on the detailed analysis of twenty life histories of women former factory workers in Bengaluru. The investigation of the feminist political economy of time of the global assembly line developed here suggests the presence of a revolving door between industrial and informal work in the lives of the working classes. It disproves linear global industrial development narratives constructing industrial work as ‘better work’ and contributes to feminist IPE debates by illustrating how social reproduction – its rhythms, temporalities, and everyday necessities – concretely co-constitutes the world of work across the global economy.

A scale to measure organizational stress among women workers in the garment industry

PurposeStress has been a common phenomenon among the working professionals. The stress has been known to affect the job satisfaction level, health outcomes, affect burnout through the physiological, emotional, behavioral and cognitive processes resulting in to low performance. This study aims to identify the factors determining organizational stress among women workers in the garment industry in India and to develop and validate a contextual scale for organizational stress among women workers in the garment industry in India.Design/methodology/approachThis study consisted of women workers who were employed in garment manufacturing companies. The data has been collected through a structured questionnaire, which identifies the factors leading to stress. The respondents of the study included women workers employed in the garment manufacturing units in and around Bangalore. An exploratory factor analysis was conducted and the model fit was tested using confirmatory factor analysis.FindingsThe measurement scale for the organization stress of women workers in the garment industry was found to be highly reliable and valid for conducting the study in any Indian garment industry. The analysis identified the factors as follows: job-related factor, organization-related factor, social factor and personal factor.Research limitations/implicationsDue to limited access to the population, which is the women workers, the authors have not been able to collect a large sample data. The sample size is the limitation of the study.Practical implicationsOrganizational stress have has been shown to have a detrimental effect on the health and well-being of employees. Organizations need to step up their effort to integrate emotional well-being, conducive work environment, workloads and job responsibilities, social connectedness and job satisfaction with their efforts to support the physical health and mental health of the workers.Originality/valueThe study is one of its kind with a focus on women workers in the garment industry in India. The study highlights the factors that result in stress among women workers who have not been studied in past research studies. The strategies to cope with organizational stress in such a work requirement is different and very challenging, making it unique for practitioners.

The effect of buyers' power on suppliers' motivations in managing their compliance mechanisms: a study of Indian apparel export firms

PurposeThe aim of this study was to investigate how Multinational Enterprises (MNEs) enforce Code of Conduct (CoC) policies, as well as how they affect suppliers' motivation to engage them in managing CoC compliance mechanisms of monitoring, enforcement and transparency in the Indian apparel industry.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative survey was conducted using face-to-face surveys. Overall, 210 usable data points were collected and analyzed by use of structural equation modeling.FindingsStudy findings highlighted that hard power strategies currently used by MNEs in the apparel Indian market were primarily coercive in nature. A clear power imbalance between MNEs and suppliers from India was evident. Results suggested that when MNEs attempted to use their powerful position to advance compliance goals, higher level of CoC monitoring was required and suppliers were only extrinsically motivated. Lack of intrinsic motivation in suppliers' resulted in under-developed suppliers' transparency mechanisms. Therefore, findings suggested that MNEs should use hard powers consciously considering the long-term and unintended consequences.Originality/valueThe paper proposes a buyer-supplier power-motivation interaction model that clarifies what MNEs can do to motivate apparel suppliers to implement CoCs successfully in the apparel supply chain. This relationship has not previously been empirically tested.