Readymade Garments Research Articles

Behind the Seam: Addressing Workplace GBV in the RMG Sector of Bangladesh

Gender-based violence (GBV) at workplaces undermines decent work standards, and female workers are the primary victims in the Ready-Made Garments (RMG) industries of Bangladesh. The Violence and Harassment Convention 2019 (Convention no. 190) addresses workplace GBV with strict compliance requirements. The qualitative research examines the scope of C.190 in eliminating GBV from the RMG industries of Bangladesh. It analyses national measures against workplace GBV from primary data, such as relevant laws, policies and judicial decisions. It also evaluates RMG workers’ access to judicial and quasi-judicial remedies using secondary data from journal articles, books, newspapers, and reports. Finally, it examines the scope of C.190 to eradicate GBV from RMG industries. Findings reveal limited access to justice by female workers and employers’ non-compliance with laws. C.190 mandates government action to amend current legislation, ensuring accessible remedies and employers’ compliance. The ratification of C.190 can significantly enhance legal protection for RMG workers in Bangladesh. Dhaka University Law Journal, 2024, 35 (1), 193-216

An Analysis of Safety and Security Management in the Ready-Made Garment (RMG) Sectors in Bangladesh

The ready-made garments (RMG) sector significantly contributes to Bangladesh’s developed foreign currency reserve. However, ensuring the safety and security of the large number of RMG workers in this sector remains a critical concern. Currently, there are numerous obstacles standing in the way of enhancing safety and security management in Bangladesh’s ready-made garment (RMG) industry. To enhance safety and security management, it is necessary to examine workers’ beliefs and habits, the level of management’s involvement, and any gaps in the regulatory framework to establish a solid foundation in the workplace. Numerous examples demonstrate how the lack of an appropriate safety and security management system contributes to accidents, resulting in a significant number of worker fatalities. The safety and security conditions of the ready-made garment (RMG) industries in Bangladesh have been the subject of global concern as a result of these incidents. This article focused on the role of regulatory reform in fostering a safe management work environment, examining the perspectives of workers, employers, and government regulatory bodies. The main objectives of this study are to conduct an analysis of the safety and security management of the ready-made garment (RMG) sectors in Bangladesh, with a particular emphasis on management engagement and government authorization. The study employed qualitative methods to gather primary and secondary data, and then analysed this data to derive recommendations for enhancing safety and security management in Bangladesh’s ready-made garment (RMG) sector. Through the implementation of workers’ self-efficacy and the improvement of collaboration between workers, employers, and the government in the RMG sectors of Bangladesh, the findings of the study have the potential to contribute to managerial change that is both successful and efficient.

Employee’s compensation satisfaction and turnover intention in readymade garment industry: which role associated to organisational commitment

Employee’s compensation satisfaction and turnover intention in readymade garment industry: which role associated to organisational commitment

Big data analytics capability and supply chain sustainability: analyzing the moderating role of green supply chain management practices

PurposeThis research develops a theoretical framework to understand the role of big data analytics capability (BDAC) in enhancing supply chain sustainability and examines the moderating effect of green supply chain management (GSCM) practices on this relationship.Design/methodology/approachGuided by the dynamic capability view (DCV), we formulated a theoretical model and research hypotheses. We used partial least square-based structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to analyze data collected from 159 survey responses from Bangladeshi ready-made garments (RMG).FindingsThe statistical analysis revealed that BDAC positively impacts all three dimensions of supply chain sustainability: economic, social and environmental. Additionally, GSCM practices significantly moderate the relationship between BDAC and supply chain sustainability.Research limitations/implicationsThis study makes unique contributions to the operations and supply chain management literature by providing empirical evidence and theoretical insights that extend beyond the focus on single sustainability dimensions. The findings offer valuable guidelines for policymakers and managers to enhance supply chain sustainability through BDAC and GSCM practices.Originality/valueThis study advances the current understanding of supply chain sustainability by integrating BDAC with GSCM practices. It is among the first to empirically investigate the combined effects of BDAC on the three dimensions of sustainability – economic, social and environmental – while also exploring the moderating role of GSCM practices. By employing the DCV, this research offers a robust theoretical framework highlighting the dynamic interplay between technological and environmental capabilities in achieving sustainable supply chain performance.

Cross-sectional observation of self-medication pattern among readymade garment workers in southern Bangladesh and their knowledge and practice towards antibiotic self-medication

ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess the prevalence of self-medication practices and explore knowledge and practices related to antibiotic use among readymade garment (RMG) workers in Bangladesh.Study designThis large-scale cross-sectional survey was conducted among garment workers in three different garment factories in Chattogram, Bangladesh.MethodsData were collected from 1743 participants, using a pretested semi-structured questionnaire. Descriptive and regression analyses were performed to examine sociodemographic factors, medication patterns, and antibiotic knowledge and practices among the workers.ResultsA significant proportion of the participants (42.4%) only had a primary level of education and majority (80.3%) were not engaged in lifestyle habits such as smoking, drinking alcohol, or chewing betel leaves (80.3%). Cough, cold, and fever were the most reported health complications (66.0%). Most of the participants obtained their medications from pharmacies (66.4%). Self-medication was reported by 93.4% of them, with 55.9% practiced it thinking the disease was not severe. Poor knowledge and practice levels about antibiotics were observed. Gender and educational background influenced the participants' knowledge, while the presence of common diseases affected the practice score.ConclusionThe study demonstrated a high prevalence of self-medication practices among garment workers in Bangladesh, particularly with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The findings suggest developing interventions to improve knowledge and practices related to antibiotic use and promote responsible self-medication practices among garment workers to mitigate potential risks and adverse effects.

An Ethical Sustainability Model for the Ready-Made Garments Enterprises in Bangladesh

The primary purpose of this study is to assess the policies that affect the ethics of business and draw recommendations for an ethical and sustainable policy for the improvement of Business Sustainability in Bangladesh’s RMG sector. The RMG sector is crucial to Bangladesh’s economy, being the backbone and providing the highest export earnings. A PST (Purposive Sampling Technique) was used to collect the data by conducting self-administered surveys completed by 279 participants from 20 RMG companies situated in five different areas. The potentials and perspectives given in the feedback are practical in terms of ethics and the present tendencies in the field. The research shows a strong positive link between an ECC (Ethical Code of Conduct) and BS (Business Sustainability) (r = 0. 256) and an even more substantial correlation for CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) (r = 0. 355). Ethical leadership also demonstrates a positive relationship with business sustainability (r = 0.282). Additionally, there is a weaker but still positive connection exists between BS and NG (New Governance) (r = 0. 168). Such findings highlight the importance of ethical business regulation since it can be instrumental in enhancing Bangladesh RMG firms’ sustainability. Managers, who play a critical role in this process, are particularly important in retaining experienced employees and promoting ethical practices. This study underscores the need for robust ethical frameworks to ensure the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of the RMG industry in Bangladesh. Bangladeshi enterprises participating in such RMG industry must imitate sustainable studies in their operations to gain a competitive benefit in the market and develop sustainable value propositions.

Blockchain Technology and Industry 5.0 synergy for sustainable development in RMG industries: an ISM and fuzzy DEMATEL approach

This research explores the contribution of Blockchain Technology and Industry 5.0 in driving sustainability within Bangladeshi Ready-Made Garments (RMG) industry, with a focus on alignment with key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The study employs Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) and fuzzy Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) methods to identify and analyze 14 critical synergies that can drive sustainability. The ISM analysis categorizes the synergies into independent, dependent, and linkage variables, providing insights into their roles and significance within the system. Fuzzy DEMATEL further refines this understanding by evaluating the direct and indirect relationships among the linkage synergies. Key findings reveal the importance of synergies such as reverse logistics and recycling, supply chain collaboration & visibility and ethical practices in driving sustainability. This research contributes by offering a detailed analysis of how the synergy between Blockchain technology and Industry 5.0 can enhance sustainability practices in the RMG industry, providing actionable insights into the technological transformation of supply chain dynamics in support of global sustainability targets.

Investigation of the energy consumption and emission for a readymade garment production and assessment of the saving potential

Investigation of the energy consumption and emission for a readymade garment production and assessment of the saving potential

Enhancing energy efficiency in Bangladesh’s readymade garment sector: the untapped potential of LED lighting retrofits

Purpose Previous studies emphasized the substantial energy-saving potential of light emitting diode (LED) lighting systems, especially in the clothing industry. However, the specific quantification of energy conservation potential in industrial factories, particularly in Bangladesh’s readymade garment (RMG) sector, remains unexplored. The purpose of this study is to investigate the potential energy savings and efficiency improvements of lighting systems in Bangladesh’s RMG sector using LED technology. Design/methodology/approach Understanding and optimizing energy consumption is crucial in the RMG sector because this sector contributes significantly to the country’s export earnings. For this, an RMG factory was surveyed and possible lighting system retrofitting was estimated and compared. Findings The adoption of energy-efficient lighting options, particularly LED, could decrease the current lighting energy usage from 15% to 7.5% in Bangladesh. First, this study reveals, that the reduction of annual energy consumption was determined to be 18,220 kWh due to the retrofitting of the lighting system with LED tube. Second, it conducts real-time measurements to assess the suitability of in-building lighting systems, providing insights into the current scenario. Lastly, it evaluates the economic and environmental benefits of the proposed lighting system in the RMG industries. Due to the retrofitting of the lighting system, the reduction of equivalent CO2 gas emissions was found to be 119.896 tCO2. Originality/value For the first time, this study explored the potential for enhancing energy-efficient lighting system design through retrofitting in the RMG industry, with a focus on Bangladesh. By addressing these aspects, this study aims to contribute to the advancement of energy efficiency and conservation efforts in the RMG sector, ultimately fostering sustainable industrial development in Bangladesh and beyond.

The Perception and Approach of Bangladeshi Ready-made Garment Factory in the Current Context of Digital Marketing

As a catalyst, digital marketing promotes consumer interaction, recognition of the brand, and broadening company growth. Since the Bangladesh Ready-made garment sector makes a significant contribution to the economy of the country and engagement in the international market, the primary purposes of the study-the current scenario and perception of textile factories regarding digital marketing were analyzed using convenience sampling in a mixed-method approach and a self-made questionnaire, data from 29 factories. Descriptive statistics explored the factory's full consciousness of the effectiveness of digital marketing, but implementation and updates were slow and had limited benefits. It also attempts to develop hypotheses to observe which variables have a relationship with the factory’s initiative in digital marketing, and the Fisher exact test was applied. The odds ratio had helped for better interpretation, and most of the factories accepted that investment in digital marketing was worthy due to its cost effectiveness. Now the capabilities of digitalization are a matter of consideration, though sometimes factories are offered digital marketing from their suppliers, and then it’s easy to apply it to their buyers. Ultimately, building partnerships with technically sound companies and developing diversified items can help managers, owners, and stakeholders prosper in their worldwide business growth.

The effects of compensation, organizational commitment, and job satisfaction on work productivity: Evidence from readymade garments industry in an emerging economy

Despite noticeable research interest, the labor-intensive Readymade Garments (RMG) industry has rarely been studied from the perspective of workers’ productivity. Additionally, previous studies already generalized that rewards and organizational commitment lead to employee productivity. However, extant research focused on the RMG industry of Bangladesh, which consists of a different socio-cultural, economic, and political environment, as well as profusion dependency on unskilled labor with an abundance supply of it, hardly considered job satisfaction as a factor that may affect the dynamics of compensations or rewards, commitment, and employee productivity. To address this research gap, this study analyzes the spillover effect of compensation, organizational commitment, and job satisfaction on work productivity in Bangladesh’s readymade garments (RMG) industry. Besides, it delves into the analysis of job satisfaction as a mediator among these relationships. We examined the proposed model by analysing cross-sectional survey data from 475 respondents using the partial least squares-structural equation model in Smart PLS 4.0. The findings show that higher compensation and organizational commitment levels lead to higher levels of job satisfaction, leading to greater productivity. This research also discovered that job satisfaction is a mediator between compensation and productivity and commitment and productivity, respectively. Results further show that increased organizational commitment and competitive wages are the two keyways to boost job satisfaction and productivity in the RMG industry. Relying on the findings, this study outlines pathways for organizational policymakers to improve employee productivity in the labor-intensive industry in developing countries.

Awareness of productivity quality requirements in ready-made garment factories and its impact on customer satisfaction (an applied study in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia)

Awareness of productivity quality requirements in ready-made garment factories and its impact on customer satisfaction (an applied study in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia)

Knowledge and Preventive Practice of Urinary Tract Infection among Bangladeshi Female Ready-made Garments Worker

Ready-made garments (RMG) are Bangladesh’s largest export earner sector, with 800,000 workers, including two-thirds of females. Female RMG workers suffer from various illnesses, including urinary tract infections (UTI), but data is scars related it in Bangladesh. Therefore, the study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and preventive practice of UTI among female RMG workers. Method: This cross-section survey was conducted to evaluate the knowledge and preventive practice of UTI among female RMG workers. Using convenient sampling technique, we collected 351 data between February to April 2021 from two RMG. Data were analysed by using Statistical Package Social Science (SPSS) software version 23. Descriptive statistics was conducted using frequencies and proportions. Chi-square test was used to determine the association between dependent and independent variables. Linear regression and Pearson co-relation was used to determine the association between knowledge and practice. Results: Of 351 participants, 22% had good knowledge and 33% were in good practice. The study found a statistically significant correlation between knowledge level of UTI and participants’ age, education, residence, family size, parents’ education and occupation (p<0.05). Similarly, participants’ education, marital status, residence, family size, parents’ education and occupation were significantly correlated with practice level of female RMG workers towards UTI (p<0.05). Furthermore, participants who received health-related training had good knowledge and practice of UTI. Conclusion: Female RMG workers’ sociodemographic variables were significantly correlated with their knowledge and practice of UTI. Training on health-related issues was significantly associated with good knowledge and practice of UTI. It’s urgent to keep female RMG workers aware of health-related issues and easily accessible health care. EWMCJ Vol. 12, No. 1&2, January-July 2024: 50-59

The Impact of HRM Practices on Employee Performance: A Study on Readymade Garments Sector in Bangladesh

This study explores the impact of Human Resource Management (HRM) practices on employee performance in the Readymade Garments (RMG) sector of Bangladesh, employing qualitative data collection methods to gain in-depth insights. As the RMG sector plays a pivotal role in Bangladesh’s economy, understanding how HRM practices influence employee performance is essential for organizational growth and effectiveness. Data were collected through semi- structured interviews with HR managers, team leaders, and employees from various RMG firms, as well as focus group discussions. The research focused on key HRM practices including recruitment and selection, training and development, performance appraisal, compensation and benefits, and employee relations. These practices were examined to understand their perceived impact on employee performance, such as job satisfaction, productivity and motivation. The qualitative analysis reveals that effective recruitment and selection practices are crucial in aligning employee skills with job requirements, leading to higher performance levels. Comprehensive training programs are valued for enhancing skills and boosting confidence, which positively affects productivity. Transparent and fair performance appraisals are seen as motivating employees and fostering a sense of achievement. Competitive compensation and supportive employee relations contribute to job satisfaction and commitment, driving overall performance. The findings indicate that while HRM practices in the RMG sector are generally effective, there are areas for improvement. This research provides actionable insights for HR professionals and organizational leaders aiming to improve performance outcomes in the RMG sector.

Threads of insight: Exploring the narrative of online reviews (2002–22) in the apparel industry through bibliometrics

Online reviews have become crucial in research and consumer decision-making, providing insights into customer perspectives on products and services. In today’s digital age, they are an essential tool for retailers to engage with their customers. This is particularly true in the apparel industry, where understanding consumer satisfaction and preferences is key to crafting effective marketing strategies. Despite the abundance of literature on the impact of online reviews on consumer evaluations of ready-made garments, there has been limited scientific analysis of this extensive body of work. This bibliometric study utilizes performance analysis and science mapping to rigorously examine the body of literature on online reviews. Performance analysis assesses the quality and quantity of various scientific contributions using a suite of bibliometric indicators, such as publication trends, leading authors and journals, and the most influential publications. To complement this, science mapping is employed to elucidate the broader intellectual, social and conceptual frameworks of the field, providing a holistic view of its fundamental dynamics that performance analysis alone cannot offer. We analysed 161 articles published between 2002 and 2022, selected via targeted keywords from the Scopus database. The data was processed using VOSviewer (1.6.20) and Biblioshiny, a web-based platform powered by the R-package Bibliometrix 4.1. This study not only delves into the historical and current states of the literature but also identifies and discusses future research agendas in online reviews within the apparel industry.

Technology Enabled Ready-Made Garments Supply Chain Management: a Literature Review

Technology Enabled Ready-Made Garments Supply Chain Management: a Literature Review

Revolutionising the ready-made garments firms in Bangladesh: strategies for transformative change towards sustainable product innovation

ABSTRACT Ready-Made Garments (RMG) firms, particularly in developing economies such as Bangladesh, struggles to integrate sustainability into its operations and product innovation. Limited supportive policies and institutions exacerbate this challenge, hindering the industry's ability to produce high-standard and globally competitive sustainable products. Drawing on case studies of Bangladesh’s RMG firms, this qualitative paper aims to identify potential strategies and commitments to drive transformative change in the RMG firms towards sustainable product innovation. It addresses the main questions on the drivers of transformative change in sustainable product innovation, as well as firm leadership responses to sustainable development. Key findings from key informant interviews (KII) and focus group discussions (FGD) indicate drivers and strategies for transformative change towards sustainable product innovation in five dimensions: sustainability practices, market demands, firms’ commitments and initiatives, policy and regulatory framework, and technology and innovation. The findings of the paper highlights policy insights and leadership roles that contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the crucial factors and guidelines for initiating transformative changes in the RMG firms towards sustainable products. Also, a framework with insights from stakeholders is developed based on the findings to provide leadership guidance and recommendations for companies in the RMG sector and other related industries.

Healthy eating behaviors and food consumption frequencies of retail workers.

Retail workers comprise millions of people, but little is known about their eating behaviors and food consumption patterns. To examine the healthy eating behaviors and food consumption frequencies of retail workers in shopping malls. The sample of this descriptive study consisted of 385 retail employees working in ready-made garment stores of shopping malls in Istanbul (42% of those eligible). A descriptive information form, the nutrition subscale of the Health-promoting Lifestyle Profile (HPLP), and the Food Consumption Frequency Survey were used as data collection tools. It was determined that more than half of the participants skipped breakfast and other meals and consumed fast food and packaged and acidic drinks five to six days a week. The mean score of the participants on the HPLP-nutrition subscale was determined to be 11.79±3.29. The retail workers in shopping malls were found to have insufficient healthy eating behaviors, a low frequency of healthy food consumption, and a high level of fast-food consumption. Maintaining healthy eating habits is crucial for the health of employees. It is necessary for workplaces to take steps to help their employees become aware of and practice healthy eating. Workplaces should also be encouraged to provide healthy food options for their employees.

Prevalent Workplace Sexual Abuse of Ready-Made Garments Female Workers in Bangladesh: Understanding the Pseudo Dynamics of This Offence from Socio-Criminological Perspective

Safe workplace for women is a matter of great concern, even with the increasing rate of their participation in the economic sphere of Bangladesh. In spite of extensive empirical research focusing on infectious crime as sexual harassment across various spheres of human existence, even in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, sexual harassment remains a painstaking global thorn in the flesh. Though the prevalence of sexual harassment is at its peak, a significant proportion of society normalizes this as a custom and manifests it by keeping silent about sexual harassment against RMG female workers. The primary objective of this study is to understand the victims' experiences and the major factors behind the sexual harassment at ready-made garment factories in Bangladesh. This study utilizes qualitative research methodology employing purposive snowball sampling of 20 working women and 5 KII in-depth interviews, aiming to delve into the underlying factors of this behavior from a socio-criminological perspectives.

Bangladesh Trade Policy: Evolution, Current State, Future Directions

Trade policy is not a static phenomenon. In Bangladesh, the trade policy regime has evolved over the five decades since independence. The first two decades were lost decades as trade policy simply reflected a legacy of the past inward-looking import-substituting policy of pre-independent Bangladesh. Radical changes in trade policy and market orientation occurred during the 1990s, earning Bangladesh the moniker of “globaliser”. But liberalising policies soon gave way to resurgence of protection through high tariffs and para-tariffs. Trade policy dualism emerged with readymade garment (RMG) exports accorded a free trade channel while non-RMG exports operated under a highly restrictive and protectionist trade regime, which characterises the current state of trade policy. Given the evolving landscape of international trade, geopolitical fragmentation, creeping deglobalisation, and rising populism have been shaping global trade for nearly a decade. These could present potential challenges as well as some opportunities for Bangladesh’s future growth trajectory. As China+1 geopolynomics takes hold as a de-risking alternative to China-sourcing, our RMG industry is well placed to absorb part of the redirected additional demand given its wage competitiveness, underutilised production capacities, and capable swift-footed first-generation entrepreneurs.