scholarly journals Technological and non-technological trends in fashion eco-innovations

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Laura Ferranty Mac Lennan ◽  
Eliane Fernandes Tiago ◽  
Cristina Espinheira Costa Pereira
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Global Reporting Initiative ◽  
Fashion Industry ◽  
Cotton Production ◽  
Content Type ◽  
External Stakeholders ◽  
Current Scenario ◽  
Production Technologies ◽  
Sustainability Reports ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe fashion industry is diverse and demands a high amount of resources and labor for its operation. It has powerful tools that can positively impact the environment and society as a whole. In this sense, it becomes necessary for fashion to adopt sustainable strategies quickly. One way would be the adoption of eco-innovations by companies in the sector. The objective of this research is to identify the main eco-innovation initiatives carried out by companies in the fashion sector and to verify what the trend is in the sector in relation to the types of eco-innovation, whether technological or non-technological in nature.Design/methodology/approachTo meet the objective, the sector’s sustainability reports are analyzed based on the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) initiative. The method used to treat the data is content analysis. The authors chose to use the GRI-G4 and GRI-Standards versions of the GRI structure, as they include topics relevant to its stakeholders. The analysis based on these criteria considers 18 reports prepared by four companies (Cia Hering, Grupo Malwee, Dudalina and Lojas Renner).FindingsFrom the data analysis, it was noticed that eco-innovations of technological trends prevail in Brazilian fashion, in the first place, those of process (24.56%), followed by eco-innovations of product (10.53%). The pressure exerted by internal or external stakeholders will be fueled by the current scenario of sustainable development, positively influencing the adoption of eco-innovation. This characteristic can be attributed to the fashion sector, since technological eco-innovations overlap with non-technological ones in all the years that make up the analysis.Research limitations/implicationsAs limitations of this research, it is worth mentioning the availability of GRIs in the fashion sector. Even considering it a step forward, noting that larger companies support the adoption of these reports, it is important to highlight that only four companies make up the available database (Cia Hering, Lojas Renner, Dudalina and Malwee). From the adoption of the dissemination of sustainability reports by other organizations, the base could be expanded.Practical implicationsFrom this study, practical questions emerge that can contribute to managers and companies in the Brazilian fashion sector. Initially, the focus on eco-innovations is predominantly related to the technological component, with an emphasis on process eco-innovations. In this sense, business actions seek to resolve the accusations normally attributed to the sector, such as the adoption of unsustainable practices. For example, in cotton production, firms use large amounts of pesticides and water, despite the sector being accused of not taking proper responsibility regarding sustainability related issues.Social implicationsInvestment in eco-innovations indicates a positive attitude and change resulting from pressure and the need to return the market to society’s demands for more sustainable production technologies with less environmental impact.Originality/valueA originalidade do estudo se dá na sistematização de um modelo de análise de GRIs aplicado para mensurar eco inovações na moda. Por meio da metodologia aplicada é possível ressaltar que eco inovações de tendência tecnológica prevalecem no setor, primeiramente em processos e logo em produtos.

To disclose or not to disclose? Fashion brands' strategies for transparency in sustainability reporting

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Iva Jestratijevic ◽  
James Ohisei Uanhoro ◽  
Rachel Creighton
Keyword(s):  
Quantitative Study ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Sustainability Reporting ◽  
Strategic Thinking ◽  
Fashion Industry ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Strategic Disclosure ◽  
Sustainability Disclosure ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe purpose of this quantitative study is to identify disclosure strategies for transparency in sustainability reporting to support strategic thinking around transparency in the fashion industry. This research has two specific research objectives: to capture progress towards greater transparency across sustainability reporting areas, across fashion brands and years, and to identify strategic approaches for transparency in sustainability reporting by revealing common patterns in business disclosure.Design/methodology/approachThe authors cross-sectionally analyzed secondary data using four consecutive Fashion Transparency Indices (2017–2020). Brands' strategies for transparency in sustainability reporting were examined through the stakeholder theory lens.FindingsFindings confirm the presence of four approaches to disclosure: measurable, ambiguous, policy-only and secretive strategy. The disclosure was disproportionally distributed between 30% brands as transparency leaders and 70% brands as transparency laggards. The most transparent brands were not necessarily those rated highest by the index but those whose progress toward transparency was traceable over the years.Research limitations/implicationsThe study has overcome the limitation of the verifiability approach, supporting the requirement for diachronic and strategic disclosure assessments.Practical implicationsAs most brands hesitantly disclose sustainability information, stakeholders cannot know whether business policies equate to more than a corporate wish list. If there is no inspection for mandatory business disclosure, and if there is no penalty for disclosure violations, some fashion retailers will continue to generate profits while operating in an uncompliant and “opaque” manner.Originality/valueThe framing of disclosure strategies for transparency in sustainability reporting is the first scholarly effort to investigate diachronically sustainability disclosure among a big sample of major fashion brands.

Blockchain basics

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Reading Time ◽  
Global Scale ◽  
Fashion Industry ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sustainable Supply Chains ◽  
Blockchain Technology ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings Sustainable supply chains in the fashion industry are under pressure to become more resilient and ubiquitous. Blockchain technology may be the key to implementing transparency on a global scale. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives, strategists and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

scholarly journals An analysis of a structured benchmarking project

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (5) ◽  
pp. 1431-1450 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmad Abdullah Al Nuseirat ◽  
Zeyad Mohammad El Kahlout ◽  
Ahmed Abbas ◽  
Dotun Adebanjo ◽  
Prattana Punnakitikashem ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Academic Research ◽  
Case Study Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
External Stakeholders ◽  
Study Methodology ◽  
Project Data ◽  
First Time ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate a benchmarking project carried out by the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) as part of a structured benchmarking initiative. The project was based on the TRADE benchmarking methodology and this paper examines the tools, activities and outcomes that relate to each stage of the adopted methodology. Design/methodology/approach This study is based on case study methodology. Data were collected from various sources including analysis of project reports written by DEWA’s benchmarking team reporting on their activities during the project. Data were also collected from four project presentations given at different stages of the project. In addition, the research team held three meetings with the DEWA benchmarking team at different stages of the benchmarking project. Findings The results show the key challenges and successes faced during each stage of the benchmarking project. It indicates the actions taken to overcome the challenges and the role played by internal and external stakeholders in facilitating the success of the benchmarking project. Practical implications The study presents information that would guide organisations that wish to carry out a benchmarking project – and particularly those implementing benchmarking for the first time. The study provides a summary of the key lessons learnt by DEWA’s benchmarking team as a guide for other organisations. Originality/value Academic research has not adequately examined and analysed the stage-by-stage elements of a benchmarking project from the perspective of the implementing organisation. This study addresses this gap by detailing and analysing the experiences of a benchmarking project by tracking the stage-by-stage activities of the benchmarking team.

Organizational learning through informal ties

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 40-42
Keyword(s):  
Informal Learning ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Reading Time ◽  
Learning Opportunities ◽  
Social Mechanisms ◽  
Content Type ◽  
External Stakeholders ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings Informal learning ties posses scope to play a substantial role in the development of professionals. Creating such ties with different key internal and external stakeholders provides a valuable source of learning opportunities. Different social mechanisms can influence network creation and enhance the quality of learning that emerges as a result. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

A framework for procurement process re-engineering in Industry 4.0

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shubham Tripathi ◽  
Manish Gupta
Keyword(s):  
Industry 4.0 ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Procurement Process ◽  
New Process ◽  
Current Scenario ◽  
Human Effort ◽  
Crucial Part ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Systematic Framework

PurposeProcurement is a crucial part of supply chain management, consistently becoming a strategic vantage point in global competition. The industry 4.0 paradigm is transforming supply chains to smarter systems, giving rise to the concept of procurement 4.0. A systematic framework to transform in current scenario is crucial.Design/methodology/approachThis study brings together these current researches to propose a redesigned procurement process by combining several technologies. A BPR approach is taken to present the new process and its merits are discussed.FindingsA re-designed procurement framework is proposed. Radical improvements of cost, cycle time, human effort, degree of automation, traceability, information availability and uncertainty are achievable with the proposed framework.Practical implicationsThe proposed re-engineered process addresses the visualization barrier for managers. The proposed framework is grounded on BPR which provides a generic ground for developing redesign exercise along with the visualization of new process.Originality/valueThere is literature discussing implementation, impact and advantages of individual and combination of technologies on procurement process but lacks visualization of the transformed process combining these technologies.

scholarly journals Analysis of Brazilian fashion sectorial brand identity

2018 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 291-314 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marina Toledo de Arruda Lourenção ◽  
Janaina de Moura Engracia Giraldi ◽  
Vish Maheshwari
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Brand Image ◽  
Brand Identity ◽  
Fashion Industry ◽  
External Market ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Great Divergence ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of the present study is to propose identifying similar characteristics and managerial actions of the sector brand identity elements among the associations that compound the Brasil Fashion System (BFS) brand. Design/methodology/approach An exploratory qualitative research was developed through in-depth interviews conducted with associations of the Brazilian fashion sector. Findings The results indicate that there are characteristics of the elements of brand identity that are similar between the associations that compound the BFS brand. However, there are also several distinct characteristics among them, which makes it difficult, in large part, to consolidate the brand identity of the Brazilian fashion industry abroad. Research limitations/implications Moreover, it was indicated that for sectorial brand cases with a great divergence among brand partners, the creation of sub-sectorial brand specific for each partner could bring better results, as in this way, brands could be created with more suitable attributes for each partner, which will better suit their target audiences. Practical implications A practical contribution is also obtained, as the study can help in elaborating upon improvements for the sectorial brands that represent a large partners group. Originality/value An empirical evidence of how to identify common attributes between sectorial brand partners was presented to have a consolidated brand image in the external market.

Value creation attempts via photographs in sustainability reporting: a legitimacy theory perspective

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Irshad Ali ◽  
Sumit Lodhia ◽  
Anil K. Narayan
Keyword(s):  
Value Creation ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Sustainability Reporting ◽  
Legitimacy Theory ◽  
Systematic Method ◽  
Content Type ◽  
A Value ◽  
Sustainability Reports ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the use of legitimacy strategies via the usage of photographic disclosures in sustainability reporting as an attempt towards creating value. Design/methodology/approach This study used visual content analysis to identify disclosure trends and value creation themes from sustainability-related photographs in the annual and sustainability reports of Fonterra Co-operative Group over a ten-year period. The findings were interpreted using legitimacy theory. Findings The findings show a significant increase in the usage of photographs to legitimise and reinforce the organisation’s sustainability messages. The photographs are dominated by images signalling to stakeholders’ positive sustainability messages, as a systematic method for managing stakeholder expectations to maintain, gain and even repair legitimacy. A majority of photographs have supporting textual narrative, which could be construed as an attempt by the company to make their sustainability messages explicit and provide greater legitimacy of activities and performance with the ultimate aim of enhancing organisational value. Research limitations/implications This study contributes towards an in-depth understanding of attempts at seeking legitimacy and creating organisational value through the systematic usage of photographic disclosures in sustainability reporting. Practical implications This study has the potential to inform stakeholders on linkages between sustainability photographs, value creation and legitimacy. It can help inform and assist report preparers, designers and users on the potential of photographs as a substantive medium to manage legitimacy in sustainability reporting. Originality/value This paper adds to the scant literature on the growing use of photographs as a value adding apparatus in sustainability reporting. This paper also extends the applicability of legitimacy theory to visual disclosure and suggests that legitimacy can be systematically sought to create value.

scholarly journals Exploring the spectrum of fashion rental

2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 455-469 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amira Mukendi ◽  
Claudia Elisabeth Henninger
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Important Implication ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Viable Alternative ◽  
Fashion Industry ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Consumer Perspectives ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeCurrently, fashion rental is suggested as being a way to bring about sustainability in the fashion industry. Although there has been some success for brands in this space, as of yet fashion rental remains a niche form of consumption. This study aims to uncover consumer perspectives of fashion rental to identify opportunities for developing a fashion rental business that meets the needs of current consumers.Design/methodology/approachThis is a qualitative study utilising semi-structured interviews combined with brainstorming and drawing exercises. Interviews were conducted with 17 women and three men.FindingsFindings indicate that considerations around fashion rentals are utilitarian in nature focussing on functional benefits rather than more hedonistic ones. A spectrum of products that people would be most interested in renting is given.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough the study invited male and female participants, the sample is more female-heavy, which may reflect the fact that women tend to be more open to alternative modes of consumption.Practical implicationsAn important implication is that asking consumers to rent clothing requires a significant change in mindset. Brands need to ensure that their services “make sense” for the consumer to consider it as a viable alternative to purchasing new clothing.Originality/valueThis paper proposes a spectrum of fashion items that consumers may be interested in renting; this aims to help brands develop services that meet consumer needs.

The sustainable company: looking at goals for people, planet and profits

2016 ◽  
Vol 37 (6) ◽  
pp. 28-38 ◽  
Author(s):  
Timothy B. Palmer ◽  
David J. Flanagan
Keyword(s):  
Strategic Management ◽  
Goal Setting ◽  
Natural Environment ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Large Firms ◽  
Bottom Line ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Common Goals ◽  
Sustainability Reports ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to explore the landscape of sustainability goals set by large firms. Design/methodology/approach Sustainability reports were content analyzed using the triple bottom line framework. Findings This study identified 389 goals among 22 firms. The most common goals focused on the natural environment. On average, the firms list 18 sustainability goals. These included an average of eight “planet” goals, seven “people” goals and three “overarching” goals. Practical implications This research should be useful to sustainability professionals who are setting goals for their firms and seek to understand the current landscape of goals set by large firms. Originality/value Although previous research has analyzed the content of sustainability reports, this is the first paper to explore sustainability goals. Given the importance of goal setting in strategic management, this paper fills an important gap in the intersection between sustainability and strategy.

scholarly journals IMC, social media and UK fashion micro-organisations

2017 ◽  
Vol 51 (3) ◽  
pp. 668-691 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudia Elisabeth Henninger ◽  
Panayiota J. Alevizou ◽  
Caroline J. Oates
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Integrated Marketing Communications ◽  
Fashion Industry ◽  
Integrated Marketing ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Online Platforms ◽  
Use Of Social Media ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to analyse the practical applicability of integrated marketing communications (IMC) to micro-organisations operating in the UK’s fashion industry, focusing specifically on the use of online platforms. Design/methodology/approach Qualitative methodological tools including semi-structured interviews, semiotics, Twitterfeed and Facebook analysis are used to examine to what extent micro-organisations apply IMC. Findings The findings suggest that these micro-organisations have a limited understanding of IMC. Although they utilise various channels, including social media, there is a disconnect between reaching the audience, understanding their needs and linking these aspects. External factors influence the use of various communication channels, leading to further fragmentation of sent messages. Research limitations/implications This research focuses on five micro-organisations within the fashion industry and thus may be seen as limited in nature. Whilst implications of the findings are discussed in terms of their impact to the wider industry and other sectors, this needs to be further researched. Practical implications Micro-organisations are underdeveloped in terms of both IMC and social media and require practical advice. Originality/value This study investigates two under-researched areas, IMC in micro-organisations and the use of social media within IMC, thereby moving forward our understanding of IMC in practice.

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