Ready-made Garment Industry Research Articles

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.

Gender-Based Violence and Harassment in Bangladesh’s Ready-Made Garments (RMG) Industry: Exploring Workplace Well-Being Issues in Policy and Practice

Gender-based violence and harassment (GBVH) in the workplace are major issues that affect the work environment and employee well-being. These issues have received little attention from managers in the ready-made garments (RMG) factories or policymakers more generally in Bangladesh, despite the comprehensive approach to restructuring the industry following two devastating industrial accidents. This research examines the role played by RMG factory managers in eliminating gender-based violence and increasing positive work experiences and well-being in the workplace, and the policy initiatives from the government with the aim to stop workplace violence. The study uses qualitative methods—document analysis and semi-structured interviews. The findings reveal that measures to protect workers from GBVH are absent in employment regulation. Though there are high court directives on workplace harassment, these have not been implemented effectively. The findings show that women workers have faced longstanding GBVH, which has impacted their well-being. The increasing rate of women leaving RMG sector jobs reflects how women workers’ well-being issues have been disregarded within the factories.

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

Navigating Sustainability through Greenhouse Gas Emission Inventory: ESG Practices and Energy Shift in Bangladesh’s Textile and Readymade Garment Industries

As the world's demand for textiles and clothing rapidly increases, this industry's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are becoming a major environmental concern. Bangladesh, a key player in the global textile supply chain and one of the top producers, contributes significantly to these emissions. However, accessible data on activity and GHG emissions, crucial for researchers, the private sector, and policymakers in decision-making, is scarce. To address this gap, this study combines a detailed field survey with expert interviews to establish a comprehensive emission inventory. This inventory aims to identify hotspots and facilitate the adoption of effective mitigation strategies. Focusing on a prominent industrial zone's textile and readymade garments (RMG) industries, the research employs a mix of top-down and bottom-up approaches and follows the IPCC guidelines to develop a GHG emission inventory for 2022. The study evaluates various emission sources, including scope 1 (onsite fuel combustions), scope 2 (grid electricity usage), and scope 3 (waste and wastewater treatment). In the total emissions (6043.5 Gg CO2eq.), textile and RMG industries contribute 67.8% and 32.2%, respectively, with scope 1 emissions dominating at 85%. Notably, scope 2 emissions exhibit significant uncertainty (−10.4% to +11.9%), largely due to variations in national grid emission factors. This study forecasts GHG emissions until 2030, considering current trends (26 thousand Gg CO2 eq.). It also explores various energy mix scenarios, factoring in the depletion of existing natural gas reserves (ranging from 8 thousand to 33 thousand Gg CO2 eq.). This study delves into the impact of the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) system on industries' GHG emissions. Besides improving worldwide emission databases and identifying hotspots, this research aims to promote a sustainable transition in both Bangladesh and other developing textile manufacturing nations across the globe.

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.

Challenges and Prospects of Labour-Management Relations in the Export Oriented Ready-Made Garments (RMG) Industry: A Study in Bangladesh

The Ready-made Garments (RMG) industry is one of the most significant earning sectors in Bangladesh. It generates over 80% of the country’s total exports and provides employment opportunities for about 4.4 million people. However, the labor-management relations in this industry do not meet global standards. This research-based article focuses particularly on the labour-management relations in the RMG industry in Bangladesh. The study explains RMG workers employment and working conditions, the legal framework of labour-management relations, workers involvement with the trade unions and the existing dispute settlement and collective bargaining process in the RMG industry and their effectiveness Finally, the study finds out the opinions of the both workers and management on policy recommendations for ensuring labour-management relations in the RMG industry in Bangladesh.

Human Security and Employment Relations in the Ready-Made Garments Industries of Bangladesh: Perspective of Women Workers

Ready-Made Garment (RMG) is the largest export earning sector of Bangladesh and the second largest provider of RMG products in the world. The RMG industries generate more than eighty percent of the country’s total export by creating employment for nearly4.4 million people out of which more than eighty percent are women. The health, safety and working condition of workers in the RMG industry do not comply with global standards and in many of these factories, insecurity of women workers, faulty infrastructural standards, violation of labour law, labour exploitation by low wage and over work; remain matters of serious concern. Obviously, employment in the RMG industry has reduced the social exclusion of women in Bangladesh, but more analysis is required to know how the RMG industry enables the women worker to re-negotiate their roles in society. Therefore, the present article is an attempt to examine how the human security system in the RMG sector has influenced the women workers’ job satisfaction and employment relations in Bangladesh.

Unveiling the occurrence of COVID-19 in a diverse Bangladeshi population during the pandemic.

COVID-19 pandemic hit Bangladesh with relatively low intensity, unlike its neighbors India and European countries and USA. The present report included data of 8,480 individuals tested for COVID-19 RT-PCR of the workers and officials from readymade garments (RMG) industry in Chandra area in Gazipur. The present data looked into the clinic-demographic factors associated with the susceptibility of the condition. The data elucidated the susceptibility of the individuals to SARS-CoV-2 based on age, gender, pre-existing health conditions, and the presence of symptoms. It was observed that individuals aged over 60 had the highest rate of COVID-19 positivity, and men exhibited a higher infection rate compared to women. Regardless of age, fever and cough were the most frequently reported symptoms. Two-thirds of the individuals included in this report appeared to be asymptomatic carriers. The prevalence of comorbidities among individuals who tested positive for COVID-19 was notably higher, and this exhibited a gender-specific pattern. Although our study provides important epidemiological insights into the initial year of the pandemic among Bangladeshi populations, it can also add value for future drug and vaccine development. However, it is essential to acknowledge the limitations like - restriction of public movement, unavailability of vehicle yielding a selection bias, due to the lockdown conditions imposed owing to the pandemic and the diverse characteristics of the participants. The report emphasizes the significance of figuring out how age, gender, and underlying health conditions impact susceptibility to and transmission of COVID-19, thereby providing valuable insights for public health strategies and future research initiatives.

Factors Related to Workers' Engagement in Readymade Garment Industry of Bangladesh

Factors Related to Workers' Engagement in Readymade Garment Industry of Bangladesh

Analysing the Technological Foundations Shaping the Structural Features of Supply Chain Networks in the Bangladeshi Ready-Made Garment Industry

Analysing the Technological Foundations Shaping the Structural Features of Supply Chain Networks in the Bangladeshi Ready-Made Garment Industry

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

Navigating Supply Chain Complexity: Empirical Insights from the Developing Country Readymade Garments Industry

Purpose- The study aims to develop an efficient model to handle challenges of supply chain management in readymade garments industry. This paper illustrates the systematic literature reviews and experimental evidence-based study of readymade garments companies of a developing Asian country. The present study also finds the pattern for the healthy and sustained development of clothing enterprises. Design/methodology/approach- This paper illustrates the systematic literature reviews and experimental evidence-based study of readymade garments companies of a developing Asian country. The existing qualitative and quantitative studies were reviewed to find out the challenges in supply chain and the recommendable solutions are provided. The studies undertaken in Asian developing countries were only considered in this study. Findings- The innovation on supply chain management for readymade garments company in developing country will help enterprise to setup legal guidelines for smooth production process. The new innovative supply chain management has two characteristics, a balance of high efficiency and cost saving. Dual-source supply chain management, manufacturing outsourcing, and multi-supplier management are three elements of it. The ICT information management platform is a critical component in ensuring the supply chain flexibility of the clothing industry. Implications- Through the research of application and analysis of the innovative supply chain systems of readymade garment industry of Asian developing countries. It helps to setup guideline, and direction for the practical operation way of modern enterprise with innovative supply chain system knowledge and practice. Originality/value- All this relies on its unique and efficient supply chain management, this paper explains and analyzed innovative supply chain management. This paper also contributes by providing solution to overcome from the challenges of supply chain management in readymade garments industry. Paper Type- Research paper

The impact of firm downsizing on workers: Evidence from Ethiopia’s ready-made garment industry

We analyze matched employee–employer data from Ethiopia’s largest special economic zone during a period of downsizing pressure from the COVID-19 world import demand shock. We observe substantial job displacement during the shock peak, particularly for new hires. These largely female and rural-to-urban migrants persistently “fall off the employment ladder”, remaining unemployed both within and outside the zone even after employers have recovered from the shock. We observe high levels of urban-centered food insecurity and depression symptoms during the crisis peak, regardless of employment status. Our findings highlight the importance of social protection policies within export-oriented development strategies.

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.

Factors determining migration intentions in Bangladesh: from land to factory

PurposeThis article explores the migration intentions (MIs) embedded in population movements from rural to urban areas in Bangladesh. In this country, urban-centric development policies have made cities epicentres of commerce and industrialisation, offering significant employment and livelihood opportunities. This rapid transformation has generated several socio-psychological factors that are influencing the willingness of rural populations to migrate to cities for better jobs, lifestyles and services.Design/methodology/approachThe present study adopted the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) as a conceptual model to assess the behavioural and psychological factors underlying MIs.FindingsThe results of the structural equation modelling (SEM) indicate that MIs are mainly influenced by subjective norms (SN) and, to a lesser extent, attitudes towards migration (ATM) and perceived behavioural control (PBC).Originality/valueThe analysis drew on an original dataset built through interviews with migrants from rural areas employed in the ready-made garment (RMG) industry in four selective areas of the Metropolitan City of Chittagong.

State’s Obligation to Ratify ILO Conventions C155, C161 and C187: A Review of Bangladesh’s RMG Sector

Bangladesh has ratified several ILO conventions as a developing country, including some fundamental ones. However, in the dearth of adequate enforcement of Bangladesh Labour Act, 2006 (amended in 2013) and ILO conventions, Bangladesh’s Ready-made Garment (RMG) industry has faced appalling working conditions, leading to serious factory accidents like the Rana Plaza building collapse in 2013. Nevertheless, the study’s findings show that Bangladesh needs more political will to ratify the essential ILO Conventions C155, C161 and C187. These essential Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Conventions mandate states and organisations to follow international standards at the workplace. Therefore, this research study aims to explain why the ILO has significantly failed to persuade the Government of Bangladesh to ratify these three ILO OHS conventions and how this can be achieved through discussing this study and the recommendations derived from the data analysis.

Identifying the missing link between training and development and organizational performance: A mediated moderation approach

This study aims to examine the effect of training and development (TD) on organizational performance (OP), the parallel mediating effects of employee engagement (EE), employee commitment (EC), and employee retention (ER). The study also empirically tests the moderating role of performance appraisal (PA). A quantitative methodology was used to analyze the cross-sectional sample data collected from 500 workers in the ready-made garment (RMG) industry in Bangladesh through a simple random sampling technique. The data was analyzed using SPSS and PLS-SEM. The results indicated a significant positive effect of TD on OP. Additionally, EC, EE, and ER were found to mediate the relationship between TD and OP. Furthermore, the study revealed that PA moderated the associations between EE and OP, and ER and OP. These findings have important implications for managers, policymakers, factory owners, government officials, and RMG employees. The insights gained from this study can also help organizations to better understand the critical role that employee engagement, commitment, and retention play in translating training and development investments into improved organizational performance.