Knitwear Industry Research Articles

Skill mapping of production workforce in small scale knitwear units of Ludhiana

The Indian Knitwear industry has an overwhelming contribution in the GDP of the country. Small firms are an important source of employment in India and employ a sizable share of the labour force. Ludhiana Knitwear Industry is very versatile and is manufacturing various types of products. The production workforce plays an important role in determining the quality and quantity of products being made hence, the present research is focused to find out the existing skill sets and skill gaps in production workforce of ten small scale knitwear units of Ludhiana. Data collected from 150 respondents reveal that the production labour was uneducated and lacked vocational qualification, machine knowledge and self understanding of the work. The skill gaps existed in areas pertaining to qualification, efficiency and machine knowledge.

Readymade Garment Industry in Bangladesh: Growth, Contribution and Challenges

Based on secondary data, the study is intended to draw the scenario of RMG industry in Bangladesh, especially the growth, contribution, and challenges. RMG industry has been functioning in Bangladesh since long as a catalyst for sustainable development and growth of the country. It is the largest exporting industry in Bangladesh that has experienced tremendous growth during the last 25 years. It provided more than five million direct jobs, 16 percent of GDP, and more than 81 percent of foreign exchange earnings in FY2013-2014. The Knitwear industry is adding up to 75% value, which opens up enormous potential for foreign and domestic investors to spend in the areas of spinning, weaving, sewing, packaging, and accessories manufacturing. Despite the stupendous growth of the RMG industry, and its bright prospects, challenges are still there. In order to address the challenges, a number of collaborative and coordinated steps should be initiated. Along with establishing sound infrastructure, skill manpower, improved productivity, enhanced market access, market diversification, access to finance at competitive interest rate, and establishment of secured special industrial zones are crying need for the industry. Moreover, to grab and retain the sweet fruits of RMG a positive branding should be continued.

Using Key “Blue Ocean” Tools for Strategy Rethinking of a SME: A Case from the Bulgarian Knitwear Industry

Abstract The purpose of the article is to explore opportunities for rethinking the strategy of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) using the “Blue Ocean” concept and its inherent value innovation paradigm as an alternative to the traditional competitive strategy rationale. The paper also highlights important aspects of analytical tools of a relatively less known practice for Bulgaria, such as the “Strategy Canvas”, the “Four Actions Framework”, the “Eliminate-Reduce-Raise-Create Grid” and the “Six Paths Framework”, and shows how to apply them when analysing and creating a new and uncontested market space. Special attention is paid to the possibilities concerning the practical use of the described tools in a leading SME from the Bulgarian knitwear industry.

Specialized in Sportswear—Transformations of the Generic Knitwear Industry in Post-War Denmark

This paper addresses the process of specialization within the textile and fashion industry. The cases originate from the region of Central Jutland where a geographical cluster of textile industries developed on the foundation of generic knitwear manufacturers. The post-war period was characterized by increased diversity in production. Specialization in general is a change of focus based on existing capacities and motivators. Being located in a cluster plays a vital role in terms of a shared understanding of the challenges for the industry. However, the process must be viewed within its historical context. The fast development in the concepts of fashions and personal style in the 1950s and 1960s forced companies to choose between target groups. Specialization in sportswear depended on social networks. The owners’ own interests and participation in sports resulted in personal knowledge and knowing the right people in the world of sports. These personal contacts helped in building up business relations and developing new products. Furthermore, the appearance of sportswear manufacturers in the post-war period coincided with the rise of mass communications.

Isomorphic pressures of Cluster Institutions on ERP adoption: A study in SME cluster of Indian knitwear industry

The demand for more productivity, cost efficiency and the competition has forced the knitwear garments cluster to adopt technologies such as ERP. The knitwear garment industry acts as a cluster and possesses unique characteristics. The industrial clusters experience an institutional isomorphic pressure that forces them to be homogeneous and adopt similar technologies. The study is proposed to answer the question that with the external pressure on them, how absorptive capacity does play a role in ERP adoption. A conceptual model was developed for the study and a survey was conducted among the knitwear garment firms. The data was analysed using structural equation modelling technique. To test the mediation effect, direct, indirect and total effects of the variables were calculated using the AMOS software. The results show that there is a direct influence of isomorphic pressure on ERP adoption and the absorptive capacity mediates in such a way that it complements the institutional forces in ERP adoption. The implication of the study is discussed and finally the paper concludes with the limitations of the study and the future direction for further research.

Economic Conditions of Migrant Workers Engaged in Knitwear Industry: A Study in Tiruppur District, Tamilnadu

Migration in Tiruppur is more because it is an industrial area with good job opportunities paying good salary which has continuous flow of income, and sophisticated urban life. Migrant worker from knit wear industry in Tiruppur district are facing many economic problems in day to day life by their staying place and occupational place. Keeping this view, the present study makes an attempt to study the economic aspects of migrant workers engaged in knitwear industry in Tiruppur district of Tamilnadu. The required data for this study were selected from 120 migrant workers engaged in knit-wear industry to get a sample of 30 migrants comprising 15 male and 15 female from each of these four wards giving an area sample of Tiruppur District. It was found that the migrant workers engaged mainly were technically singer, and non-technically helper. Most of the workers worked on an average of 60 to 80 hours per week, and three-fourth of the respondent had saving habits. Better income was found to be thrust pull factor in the destination area as against poverty and debt as push factors in the place of birth. Better work opportunities, long term work contract and family pressure were positively associated with their move to Tiruppur indicating an increase in these variables towards economic satisfaction of the migrant workers. It may be suggested that the workers may be provided equal opportunities for their overall upliftment including education and career development of their children with the help of available and innovative workers’ welfare policies.

Impediments and measures for enhancement of women participation in Knitwear industry

Impediments and measures for enhancement of women participation in Knitwear industry

Assessment of Attributes of Supply Value Chain in Circular Knitwear Industry of Ludhiana

The knitwear industry has been neglected in terms of supply chain management research. There have been major changes in the industry, particularly with global sourcing and high levels of price competition. This research assesses the various attributes of supply chain to understand the level of support available to the knitwear industry of Ludhiana and to identify the areas where there is dire requirement for improvement. Interview schedule method was used to collect data from twelve knitwear manufacturing firms regarding the status of support services available in the knitwear cluster. It was revealed that the support services in the field of finance, technology and quality management are abundantly available in the knitwear cluster of Ludhiana and there is healthy competition among stakeholders who have good understanding of market and its ever changing status. The major areas of concern were the factors affecting pricing policies like import duties on raw material, cost of power, labour cost in terms of gross salaries and the manpower quality in terms of skilled workmen, competent managers and the training facilities for skill up gradation of employees.

Impact Assessment of Skill Development Programme For Rural Women in District Ludhiana

The present study was designed to assess the impact of skill development trainings rendered with the help of local knitwear industry with a twin objective of solving the skilled labour deficit by providing training to local labour pool and for empowering rural women. The respondents for the study were selected by purposive sampling technique and consisted of rural women who showed interest in taking such training at the time of baseline survey. A total sample size of 90 respondents was selected through a purposive sampling technique at three locations. The training was provided through a modular training program on industrial machines as per the requirement of the industry. The data for benefits received by the rural women and the impact assessment was gathered through an interview schedule method and analyzed thoroughly. The study revealed that the trainings provided by industry were considered useful by 76 per cent of rural women and it empowered them in certain areas as decision making, selfreliance and confidence building. Though the training contributed a lot in empowering women still the impact on income generation was at satisfactory level. Opportunity of employment and need based training was a major factor behind the success of skill development initiative.

Analytical Study on Employee's Conflicts, Its Effects and the Prospective Solutions in Knitwear Industry of Faisalabad

The conflict at workplace may appear due to the differences in opinions and choices between two or more employees which is a common phenomenon in mass intensive manufacturing industry. The purpose of the current research study is to chalk out the reasons and the effects of employee conflicts at the workplace in knitwear industry and that how it can be detrimental with severe consequences in terms of impaired productivity and also to suggest the prospective solutions. While carrying out research primary data was collected from the managers, middle managers and lower level managers working in knitwear industries. The questionnaire technique was used as a research tool to collect the primary data. The data obtained from this research was analyzed statistically by using SPSS package and interpreted as recommendations and suggestions. Crocbatch alpha, chi square, descriptive statistics tests were applied to measure the association of variables. The results of research study revealed that attitude variable had highly significant effect; whereas communication and HR Policies variables were found having significant effects.

Structural analysis and work profile of workers in Knitwear industry of Ludhiana

The knitwear industry of Ludhiana has the potential to provide employment to approximately four lakh workers as skilled or unskilled workforce. The general aim of the present paper was to analyze the structure of knitwear industry in Ludhiana and explore the working conditions in the knitwear industry. The concept of contractual labour prevails in the industry and the market is well diversified ranging from USA, Europe, Middle East countries to a range of domestic and institutional buyers. The major manufacturing section was the stitching area as of the total workers in a unit, 59 per cent of the workers were employed here. The majority of the firms were not providing any formal training to the workers for skill development. The average order quantity ranges from 1500–3000 pieces per style and the lead time taken by factories for order execution ranges from 60–90 days.

The Effect of Globalization and WTO on Small Enterprises in Developing Countries: Strengthening Systemic Thinking and Regional Innovation System

Globalisation and WTO have adversely influenced small enterprises, especially in the developing countries. The promotion and protection of such enterprises by the public policy of providing reservation and subsidy etc have lost their relevance. It has raised questions relating to survival and competitiveness of small enterprises. The paper argues that there is a need for systemic thinking and a holistic view of the whole situation. An analysis of small enterprises in a regional context will be helpful to understand their problems and providing solutions. The paper first presents the concept of systemic thinking and regional innovation systems. Then, case of the evolution of knitwear industry in Ludhiana district of India from an agglomeration of firms to Apparel Park is discussed. The case study demonstrates the role of systemic thinking and development of clusters in context of regional innovation system. Finally, concluding observations are presented.

Integration into a Global Production Network: Impacts on Labour in Tiruppur's Rural Hinterlands

This paper focuses on the impact of a global production network on the local economy in which production is located, with a particular focus on labour. The network concerned involves knitwear production in Tiruppur, southern India. This has transformed the region surrounding Tiruppur as well as the town, as knitwear production has spread into the countryside. Many of those previously employed in agriculture have moved into knitwear manufacturing and associated activities. This paper uses data collected over a 30-year period in villages located 25–30 km north-west of Tiruppur to show how the local rural economy has changed as the knitwear sector has expanded. The knitwear industry has provided direct employment to a large number of people from less well-placed households, which now commute to work, and it has also pushed up wages in agriculture and other occupations, including those who are not directly related to the knitwear sector. Importantly, the impacts of the expansion of knitwear production have been highly differentiated: access to new opportunities in knitwear has been structured by gender, caste and age. The state has also played an important role. The paper draws attention to the significant effect on the local economy of welfare measures such as subsidised food and the national rural employment guarantee scheme.

Willingness to pay for managerial training: A case from the knitwear industry in Northern Vietnam

Managerial capital has received attention in recent years as one of the major determinants for enterprise productivity, growth, and longevity. While recent empirical studies make it clear that training intervention can improve the management level, it remains unclear why the managers had not made efforts to obtain these basic knowledge. To test the hypothesis that the reason lies in low valuation for obtaining knowledge, we conduct experimental training programs for the managers of SMEs in a knitwear cluster in rural town in Vietnam. We find that the demand for these training was indeed low prior to training, but increased greatly with own learning experience, and that those with a higher prior demand tended to benefit more from the training.

The Metamorphosis of the 'Emilian Model': A First Assessment

The Italian productive system has traditionally built its strengths on the performance of its well-known 'industrial districts' made up of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) located in a single town or area within a region: the proposition holds true, in particular, for a region like Emilia-Romagna. It follows that, if we want to understand the roots of the 'Emilian model metamorphosis', we need to cast light on what is new in the industrial districts. The question that now arises is: are they the same as they were in the 1960s through the 1980s or are they changing? And if they are changing, how is the change occurring? In order to understand this, we will use for a first assessment a case study: the Carpi’s industrial district. The second part of the papers aims to analyze the development paths of one of Italy's most famous industrial districts over the last two decades (from the very end of the 1980s to mid-2000s). The focus of the study is on Carpi's clothing and knitwear industry, with the purpose of analyzing the rise of a new generation of medium-sized enterprises, which we label as the 'new elite'. The analysis tries to shed light on the strategies that allow this new elite of firms to successfully face the challenges posed by an increasingly competitive international environment. In doing so, the study pays particular attention to product-innovation strategies (i.e., product differentiation, brand development, etc.), examining empirical evidence from within the district and analyzing a number of Carpi-based successful firms. Drawing on the parallels with the models presented in both R. Prodi [1966] and S. Brusco [1982], and taking into account the new wave of globalization described by R. Baldwin [2006] and J. Sutton [2007], the paper concludes with some recommendations for Industrial policy (e.g.,, increased investment in R&D and higher education) and sketches a possible evolutionary course for the 'Emilian model'.

Sustainable developments in knitting

The global community is aware that policies and practices regarding human consumption of resources need to change. Sustainability is a dominant factor within government policies worldwide. A recent report compiled on behalf of the European Union identified clothing and textiles as key industries in terms of reducing environmental impact. In response to this report, the UK Government devised the clothing roadmap to investigate sustainable developments within these industries. Sustainable design was identified as one area for improvement. This paper acknowledges that the clothing supply chains are not transparent. Consumers can purchase garments produced from organic and eco fibres since labelling identifies the raw material sources. However, it is less straightforward to purchase garments produced using sustainable technologies since processing information is not displayed at the point of sale. This paper investigates sustainability within the knitwear industry and challenges the view that textile manufacturing industries are significant contributors to energy consumption.

Competitive Groups as Cognitive Communities: The Case of Scottish Knitwear Manufacturers Revisited

In this paper we reflect on the contribution of our 1989 article ‘Competitive Groups as Cognitive Communities: The Case of Scottish Knitwear Manufacturers’. We begin by recalling our backgrounds and motivations as collaborators on the project, and then discuss recent developments in the Scottish Borders knitwear industry. Noting that the industry has suffered continual decline in the twenty years since we published our paper, we suggest that the case still raises issues that remain open questions in the field despite the significant efforts by management researchers in recent years to understand the sources of industrial decline and revitalization. We outline what we feel are gaps in the existing literature and then end with the suggestion that these gaps are likely to be addressed only through multidisciplinary research that integrates resource, power, and cognitive theories of industrial dynamics.

니트 캐드 프로그램을 활용한 니트디자인 프로세스 적용 방안

The knitwear industry requires ways to satisfy a changing environment. This study suggests a knitwear design process using a knit CAD program. Such a process needs to implement a CAD system that develops a sufficient knit design system to advance the knitwear industry in both planning and manufacturing. In order to contextualize this research, this study reviewed the current state and problems of the knitwear industry and the market, and investigated the actual condition in which the CAD system is used in knit design by CAD system service providers. The findings of the study are as follows: First, All brands had individual ways to reduce the amount of lead-time. The knit designers pointed out that any given sample product is made in the form of a swatch; after the knitting step and prior to the manufacturing process. In women's wear brands, basting was inserted into the production process in order to reduce the amount of sample losses. Second, a CAD program enables the uses of swatches to see the adequacy of yams, textures, and style that simulate the completed style. Third, this study examined the efficiency of knit design process conducted by the knit design CAD system based on expert assessments, showing that the use of a knit CAD program in commercial knit design proved to be more efficient than in previous models.

PROFITABILITY AND DIVERSITY AMONG KNITWEAR‐PRODUCING FIRMS IN BANGLADESH: THE PROSPECTS OF A LABOR‐INTENSIVE INDUSTRY IN A LEAST DEVELOPED COUNTRY

This paper assesses the profitability and productivity of the knitwear industry in Bangladesh taking into account the sector's role in poverty reduction. Using firm‐level data collected in 2001, rate of return and total factor productivity were used to gauge the extent and determinants of the profitability of the industry. In addition, stochastic frontier analysis was used to assess variability in productivity. The estimation results indicate high profitability of the knitwear firms on average. In Bangladesh, the dynamic development of the industry has entailed great diversity in efficiency in comparison with the garment industries of other developing countries. Although there is a significant scale effect in profitability and productivity, no supporting evidence was found for the positive impact on competitiveness of industrial upgrading in terms of usage of expensive machinery, vertical integration, and industrial agglomeration.

Quality Management in Pakistan's Knitwear Industry

ABSTRACT Although quality is a critical success factor for all types of business, its salience is to be driven home in Pakistan's business environment in general and its export-oriented business segment in Pakistan in particular. As a first part of this effort, we chose to study quality management in Pakistan's knitwear industry, whose combined share with readymade garments in Pakistan's total exports rose to 16.7% by 1997/1998. We mailed a postal self-completion questionnaire to 59 members of the Pakistan Knitwear and Sweaters Exporters Association. The response rate was 29%. It was found that Pakistan's knitwear industry was in various stages of development in quality management, with greater concentration in the quality inspection mode. Although there are attempts to graduate to quality assurance and beyond, it was found that considerable distance has yet to be traversed before Pakistan's knitwear industry acquires a quality philosophy as a part of its overall business approach industrywide. As part of a statistical test, however, advanced quality management concepts were found applicable in Pakistan, although the application is currently limited. These concepts must gain in popularity.