Bangladesh Readymade Garments Research Articles

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Impact of Social Compliance on Conflict Management in the Readymade Garment Industry

In the global ready-made garment (RMG) market, there is intense competition. To combat ethical issues in the supply chain, vendors have created compliance regulatory standards. Suppliers must also monitor, enforce, and disclose compliance. Therefore, the global garment industry exerted pressure on suppliers from developing countries to implement a code of conduct (CoC) that emphasized social responsibility. The apparel industry has discovered that this Code of Conduct is a valuable instrument for monitoring the compliance activities of its suppliers. Compliance is essential to the prosperity of any RMG organization, according to studies. Studies indicate, however, that it fails in the apparel industry because purchasers may exert pressure on suppliers to prioritize cost savings over non-compliance. Also, demand places suppliers under unnecessary pressure. It cannot, therefore, be used in the fashion industry. Consequently, both positive and negative compliance studies inspired this study. This research is based on contingency theory. The findings of this study illuminate the significance of the connection between social compliance and labor instability in Bangladesh's RMG industry. This study also proposes that Bangladeshi textile companies should have normally utilized lean manufacturing techniques to increase output in accordance with new regulations, despite social compliance challenges. The data in this quantitative investigation were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). Simple random sampling was used to acquire data from 384 employees using survey techniques.

Analyzing the key barriers of adopting Industry 4.0 in Bangladesh’s ready-made garment industry: an emerging economy example

PurposeSince Industry 4.0 (I4.0) is a new idea in Bangladesh, this study supports I4.0 adoption. Companies struggle to implement I4.0 and fully profit from the fourth industrial revolution’s digital transformation due to its novelty. Although barriers to I4.0 adoption are thoroughly studied, the literature has hardly examined the many aspects that are crucial for I4.0 adoption in Bangladesh’s Ready-Made Garment (RMG) industry. So, the purpose of this study is to investigate the barriers of adopting I4.0 in relation to Bangladesh’s RMG industries to enhance the adoption of I4.0 by developing a framework. Ultimately, the goal of this research is to improve the adoption of I4.0 in Bangladesh.Design/methodology/approachThrough a comprehensive analysis of the existing research, this paper aims to reveal the barriers that must be overcome for I4.0 to be adopted. For evaluating those barriers, a decision analysis framework based on the combination of Delphi technique and Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) method has been developed. The use of DEMATEL has led to a ranking model of those barriers and a map of how the barriers are connected to each other.FindingsThe findings reveal that “I4.0 training”, “Lack of Motivation” and “Resistance to Change” are the most significant barriers for adopting Industry 4.0 in RMG sector of Bangladesh based on their prominence scores.Research limitations/implicationsThese findings will help the people who make decisions in the RMG industry of Bangladesh, such as company owners, managers and the executive body, come up with a plan for putting I4.0 practices into place successfully. The decision-making framework developed in this research can be utilized by the RMG industry of Bangladesh and other similar industries in developing countries to figure out how important each barrier is for them and how to get rid of them in order of importance.Originality/valueAs far as the authors are aware, there has not been a comprehensive study of the barriers inhibiting the adoption of I4.0 within the scope of Bangladeshi RMG industry. This work is the first to uncover these barriers and analyze them using the combination of Delphi technique and DEMATEL.

Impact of industry 4.0 technologies on sustainable supply chain performance: The mediating role of green supply chain management practices and circular economy

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Industry 4.0 technologies and sustainable supply chain practices gained momentum in building a modern and sustainable supply chain. The pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war presented challenges to emerging economies, emphasizing the need for advanced technologies to ensure continuity and improve performance. While previous studies have examined the direct impact of advanced technologies on performance, the integrated effects of these technologies and sustainable practices, as well as their mediating role between Industry 4.0 and sustainable supply chain performance, remain unexplored. To address this gap, a second-order hierarchical component model was developed and tested using partial least square-based structural equation modeling. Construct dimensions and measurement items were determined through literature review and expert input from Bangladesh's readymade garment industries. A survey collected data from experts and supply chain professionals in various readymade garment industries in Bangladesh. The findings indicate that the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies significantly and positively impacts sustainability performance. Additionally, green supply chain management and circular economy practices mediate the influence of Industry 4.0 technologies, contributing to sustainable supply chain performance. This study stands out as one of the few attempts to examine the impact of Industry 4.0 technologies on sustainable supply chain performance, specifically in the context of Bangladeshi readymade garment industries with the application of green supply chain management and circular economy practices. The valuable insights from this study will guide industrial managers and regulatory authorities in implementing advanced technologies and aligning manufacturing practices with sustainable approaches, thus promoting environmental and socio-economic performance.

Empowering workers’ involvement: Unveiling the dynamics of communication, recognition, productivity, and decision-making in the RMG sector

Purpose: This study investigates the relationship between workers' perspectives on communication, recognition, productivity, and their involvement in the Readymade Garment (RMG) sector policymaking. Research Methodology: A sample of 226 individuals from the RMG sector in Bangladesh was surveyed using a well-designed questionnaire. The data were examined, and the study's hypotheses were tested, using the statistical program SPSS V.25. In IBM SPSS, the chi-square test and other statistical techniques were used to examine the data. The study investigates the relationship between the independent variables, including communication, employee recognition, and productivity, and the dependent variable, worker perception, using a conceptual framework. Results: There is a positive and significant relationship between employees' perceptions of communication and their involvement in the decision-making process. The study also shows that there is a positive and significant association between workers' perceptions of employee recognition, productivity, and involvement in decision-making in Bangladesh's RMG industry. Additionally, the organization's decision-making process is significantly impacted by employee participation. Limitations: While many studies examined the workers’ participation in decision-making in the various sectors, only a few studies have focused on the RMG sectors to explore the effects of communication, employee recognition, and productivity on the workers’ participation in decision-making. Contributions: The study reveals that the organization’s total effectiveness is reflected in how deeply workers are involved in decision-making. The degree of involvement is a key determining element since encouraging people to engage instead of just dragging them along is essential for enhancing performance and ensuring commitment.

What Makes Bangladeshi RMG Suppliers Resilient in Global Apparel Supply Chain Management?

The global Readymade Garments (RMG) industry heavily relies on global supply chain management that aims to seek suppliers offering affordable, high-quality products delivered quickly. However, research on the factors influencing supplier selection in the RMG sector is scarce, and existing models fail to explain the paradox of rising exports in Bangladesh despite supply chain disruptions. This research strived to pervade this knowledge gap through a mixed-method empirical study on 66 international clothing brands. The findings reveal a two-step supplier selection process involving enlistment in a qualified supplier pool and subsequent allocation of work orders within the pool. Supplier competence and competitiveness are critical for enlistment and order qualification, while supplier relationship, competitiveness, and competence influence the selection of order winners. Notably, larger companies prioritize relationships in supplier selection. International RMG buying companies should focus on supplier competence factors to mitigate supply chain risks and maintain positive public relations. For the same reason, Bangladeshi policymakers should enforce compliance and help RMG suppliers to gain competencies.

Employability Skills in the Bangladeshi Readymade Garments Sector

Employability Skills in the Bangladeshi Readymade Garments Sector

Promoting technology innovation performance through high involvement HRM, technology adaptation and innovativeness

PurposeThis paper aims to examine how high involvement HRM (HIHRM), technology adaptation and innovativeness influence employees to respond to technology innovation performance – that is, radical innovation performance and incremental innovation performance – in distinct ways.Design/methodology/approachThe purposive judgmental sample technique is used to assess the perceptions of 545 IT employees in Bangladesh's ready-made garment (RMG) industry. The partial least square-structural equation modeling (SEM-PLS) method is applied to analyze and interpret the data.FindingsFindings of the analysis show that HIHRM, technology adaptation and innovativeness influence employees to exhibit technology innovation performance. Furthermore, both technology adaptation and innovativeness show the significant mediating effects between HIHRM and technology innovation performance.Practical implicationsFirst, this study’s findings contribute to HIHRM and technology innovation performance within the context of the resource-based theory. Second, the RMG organizations would acknowledge the role of HIHRM on employee technology adaptability and innovation capability in this regard. A future study might point to the models' ability to create the best work environments, which can help organizations to boost employee productivity through adaptation and innovation.Originality/valueThe study would offer a distinctive perspective on higher-order HIHRM and how they affect IT employees in RMG organizations in Bangladesh that could be approached in other labor-intensive and developing nations. This study also expands the research on technology adaptation and innovativeness by exploring the mediating roles between HIHRM and employee technology innovation performance in the organization.

Forecast of Apparel Export for Year 2025

Bangladesh's Ready-Made Garment Industry (RMG) holds a larger foreign exchange market share and has emerged as a potential financial player in the national economy. This industry earns around 84% of Bangladesh’s overall export and employs nearly 4.22 million workers. Bangladesh is currently the second-largest apparel exporter in the world after China. However, COVID-19, known as a pandemic, has recently been impacting the global economy. The RMG sector of Bangladesh was significantly affected by this phenomenon. Nonetheless, after the pandemic situation, RMG exports get a boost. The purpose of this article is to prepare a statistical database with information related to RMG to enhance the bright future of this sector and to forecast the total RMG export for 2025. In this study, data of previous RMG export is collected from the BGMEA website and forecasting is done with the linear regression method. The study shows that in 2025 RMG export will be nearly $70 billion. These results will help the stakeholders to take their due actions to meet the target.