Evidence-based development of a strategy for Canadian apparel SMEs

2015 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 299-314 ◽  
Author(s):  
Constantine Campaniaris ◽  
Richard Murray ◽  
Steven Hayes ◽  
Michael Jeffrey
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Apparel Industry ◽  
Analytical Framework ◽  
Trade Liberalisation ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Open Communication ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Strategic Response ◽  
Apparel Companies ◽  
Experience Survey

Purpose – The Canadian apparel industry has long been challenged by imports from low-wage countries while its exports have declined since their height in 2002. This situation was exacerbated with trade liberalisation, which started in January 2005. Data from Industry Canada and a number of studies, amongst which those of the Apparel Human Resources Council (AHRC), showing the adverse effects of trade liberalisation since the phasing out of the multi-fibre agreement in 2005, the lack of competitive advantage for Canada as an apparel manufacturing nation and the subsequent rapid decline of its apparel industry, pointed to the need for a strategic response from the Canadian apparel industry, particularly from small to medium-sized enterprises. A study conducted for the AHRC of the Federal Government of Canada outlined a number of strategies that Canadian apparel companies could pursue, focusing on elements other than manufacturing in the traditional apparel value chain. These strategies seemed to suggest the implementation of a cluster approach where greater cooperation between suppliers would be required throughout the supply chain with a focus on functional expertise and relationships. The purpose of this paper is to determine whether a cluster strategy is being applied or if indeed it is applicable to Canada’s apparel companies. Design/methodology/approach – A literature search, was undertaken to find the options available for the organisation of SMEs so that: an analytical framework could be created from the various theories and concepts that; would enable the evidence-based selection of an option or options suitable for adoption by Canadian apparel SMEs, to assist them to be more effective than stand-alone enterprises. Data were collected from case studies of Canadian apparel companies, an Experience Survey (conducted through face-to-face interviews with the directors of the AHRC, the Canadian Apparel Federation, Industry Canada, and Canadian retail and apparel supply executives) and from the responses to an online questionnaire sent to Canadian apparel suppliers. The data were subjected to examination using the analytical framework to determine whether the evidence existed on which to base a cluster-based strategic response to competition from overseas apparel suppliers, or whether one of the alternative options might be a more suitable match with the Canadian apparel business environment. Findings – Neither the case studies nor the Experience Survey revealed sufficient evidence of open communication or of cooperation among suppliers in areas that would fortify horizontal clustering amongst apparel SMEs, such as the sharing of labour, market research or supply chain management; similar findings emerged from the online questionnaire sent to Canadian apparel suppliers, which showed little evidence favouring cluster development as a strategic response for the Canadian apparel supply industry. The research also showed that industrialists, experts and government advisors all recognised that, beginning with trade liberalisation in 2005, there had been a transformation of the Canadian apparel industry from a manufacturing to a service industry with the retailers taking much stronger control of the supply chain than before, which, taken together with the lack of open communication or cooperation among apparel suppliers gives rise to conditions which favour collaboration over clustering. Originality/value – The paper provides a firm evidence base upon which to develop a different strategy for Canadian SMEs than the cluster approach that has been proposed to date. The findings reported in this paper show that Canadian apparel industry leaders, government and industry-led support organisations, retailers and suppliers all recognise that the type of open communication or of cooperation among suppliers in areas that would fortify horizontal clustering amongst apparel SMEs, such as the sharing of labour, market research or supply chain management does not occur to a sufficient extent to support the adoption of a cluster strategy by the Canadian apparel sector (although it may be applicable in Quebec). Canadian retailers have now taken the leading role in the supplier/retailer relationship. Any future strategy will need to take account of this repositioning of retailers and be centred upon vertical relationships between individual apparel suppliers and retailers.

The development of an apparel industry business model for Canada

2015 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 328-342 ◽  
Author(s):  
Constantine Campaniaris ◽  
Richard Murray ◽  
Steven Hayes ◽  
Michael Jeffrey
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Business Model ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Apparel Industry ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Collaborative Partnerships ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Leading Role ◽  
Experience Survey

Purpose – Earlier attempts to develop a strategy for the apparel industry in Canada to counter the adverse effects of trade liberalisation on Canadian apparel suppliers have been based on the concept of clustering. However, despite the support from government-supported industry bodies, clustering has not been forthcoming and this situation has created a pressing need for the development of an alternative to the clustering strategy. A study by the Canadian Apparel Human Resources Council offered up several different strategies including clustering, that the Canadian apparel industry might pursue, but these have not been taken up. Evidence gained from government reports on the industry and its performance, industry case studies, an experience survey and questionnaire reported earlier, leads to a radically different alternative with a more direct relationship between Canadian apparel suppliers and retailer. The purpose of this paper is to report and construct an evidence-based collaborative strategy together with its accompanying apparel industry business model. Design/methodology/approach – The evidence gained from case studies of Canadian apparel businesses, a secondary data search, an experience survey and an online questionnaire has been followed and combined with retailer requirements from apparel suppliers. Findings – The information gained from apparel industry representatives, government sources and industry reports has enabled step-by-step construction of an evidence-based business model centred on the formation of collaborative partnerships between apparel suppliers and retailers. Originality/value – The model reflects the fact that Canadian apparel retailers have taken the leading role in the supplier/retailer relationship and shows how Canadian apparel suppliers might better position themselves to combat competition from offshore suppliers through the formation of closer links with retail partners. It points not only to a requirement for Canadian apparel suppliers to become integrated into their retail partner’s retail management systems and technology, but also demonstrates the need for the formation of strong alliances through collaborative partnerships between supplier and retailer to address the needs of the apparel market.

“Do it this way, not that way”: An exploration of Chinese workplace conflicts

2017 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 202-221 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yijia Guo ◽  
Ioana A. Cionea
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Context ◽  
Alternative Interpretation ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Open Communication ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Organizational Contexts ◽  
Working Adults ◽  
Workplace Conflicts ◽  
Workplace Experience ◽  
Emic Perspective

Purpose This paper aims to examine the occurrence and management of conflict in Chinese organizations, from an emic perspective. The authors provide an in-depth understanding of Chinese working adults’ lived experiences regarding workplace conflicts. Design/methodology/approach The study is a qualitative one, consisting of open-ended questionnaires administered to 55 Chinese nationals who worked in governmental, public or international organizations in China. A thematic analysis of the answers was conducted. Findings Chinese participants adopted a normative mental model that defined their preferred “way of doing” things. A skillful balance was expected in conflict management that incorporated integrated open communication and strategic silence. Chinese working adults emphasized maturity in the workplace and the recognition of shared goals. Research limitations/implications The online questionnaire format may have constrained participants’ responses. Also, the data were collected from various organizational contexts, but there were not enough participants from each type of organization so that comparisons between institutions could be made. Practical implications The results could help expatriate populations better prepare their lives abroad in China. Also, the findings could aid organizational or management consultants who work closely with Chinese partners. Social implications The findings enhance our understanding of how Chinese working adults deal with workplace conflicts and the circumstances in which conflicts arise in the workplace, which also reflected the social and cultural contexts of the Chinese workplace experience. Originality/value This study provides an alternative interpretation of workplace conflicts and their management in China that is anchored in the unique organizational and national cultural context. They constitute the base for future development of culture-based explanations of Chinese organizational conflict behaviors.

Sustainability topic trends in the textile and apparel industry: a text mining-based magazine article analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jitong Li ◽  
Karen K. Leonas
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Text Mining ◽  
Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Implementation Process ◽  
Apparel Industry ◽  
Sustainable Supply Chain ◽  
Sustainable Practices ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Textile And Apparel ◽  
Textile And Apparel Industry

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to (1) identify the sustainable practices developed by the textile and apparel industry and (2) investigate the gaps and opportunities in the sustainability implementation process by quantitively analyzing the sustainability topics and the relevant topic trends.Design/methodology/approachThis study employed text mining techniques. A total of 1,168 relevant magazine articles published from 2013 to 2020 were collected and then categorized according to their tones. In total, 36 topics were identified by reviewing the sustainability issues in the industry. The frequency of each topic mentioned in the articles and the correlation coefficients between topics' frequencies and published time were calculated. The results were used to examine if the three sustainability dimensions (environment, society, economy) were equally addressed and identify opportunities in the sustainability implementation process.FindingsThere were much fewer social and economic topics than environmental topics discussed in the articles. Additionally, there were not enough practices developed to reduce microfiber pollution, improve consumers' knowledge of sustainability, offset the carbon footprint, build a transparent, sustainable supply chain and avoid animal cruelty.Originality/valueThere is a lack of research focusing on the whole supply chain and sustainability when investigating sustainable practices and topic trends. This study fills a part of the gap. The results can be used by industrialists to identify sustainable practice opportunities and better manage their sustainable supply chains. Researchers can utilize the results to compare the topics in the industry with the topics studied in academia.

Xinjiang issues place US firms in a difficult position

2021 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Director General ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Labour Standards ◽  
Investment Agreement ◽  
Difficult Position ◽  
Forced Labour ◽  
Apparel Companies ◽  
Apparel Retailers

Significance Many are facing a combination of ethical and commercial dilemmas as China uses the commercial power of its domestic consumers to silence critics. Those targeted so far, mostly apparel retailers, have expressed concern about reports of forced labour by minority Uighurs in Xinjiang, where 20% of the world's cotton is produced. Impacts Upstream supply chain visibility in Xinjiang will remain opaque, even if downstream operations are sourced elsewhere. The WTO may take up the issue as its new director-general is keen to re-establish the agency's credibility. The EU's attempt to use its investment agreement with China to impose labour standards will be exposed as ineffectual. Viscose, of which Xinjiang produces 10-18% of global supply, may follow cotton as a 'forced labour' issue for apparel companies.

Relationship configurations in the apparel supply chain

2013 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 303-316 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ivy S.N. Chen ◽  
Patrick K.O. Fung
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Apparel Industry ◽  
Customer Relationships ◽  
Information Goods ◽  
Limited Sample ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Car Industry ◽  
Flow Of Information ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThis study aims to identify the types of relationships that intermediaries form with their suppliers and customers in the apparel supply chain and their implications for performance.Design/methodology/approachCluster analysis was conducted on the supplier and customer relationships of 90 trade intermediaries in the apparel industry.FindingsThree configurations were identified: moderately dependent relationships with suppliers and customers and moderate flexibility upstream; highly dependent relationships with suppliers and customers but low flexibility upstream; and relationships with suppliers and customers that are low in dependence. Performance of firms using these configurations differed. Firms that cultivated some dependence upstream and downstream performed best. Firms with highly dependent relationships with suppliers and customers but low flexibility upstream performed almost as well. This group was highly skilled in relationship management. Firms that maintained low dependence with suppliers and customers performed the worst.Research limitations/implicationsFindings were based on a limited sample of 90 firms. Relationship configurations may differ in other industries, e.g. car industry.Practical implicationsFor a supply chain to be effective, firms need to consider how they structure the relationships along the supply chain to facilitate the flow of information, goods and resources.Originality/valuePrior research has considered relationships as independent dyads. This study looks at tripartite relationships involving suppliers and customers in the supply chain.

Contingency factors and reshoring drivers in the textile and apparel industry

2018 ◽  
Vol 29 (6) ◽  
pp. 1025-1041 ◽  
Author(s):  
Megan E. Moore ◽  
Lori Rothenberg ◽  
Harry Moser
Keyword(s):  
Significant Relationship ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Apparel Industry ◽  
Skilled Workers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Us ◽  
Textile And Apparel ◽  
Apparel Companies ◽  
Textile And Apparel Industry

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between contingency factors and reshoring drivers in the US textile and apparel industry. Design/methodology/approach Secondary data on the reshoring drivers and contingency factors for 140 US textile and apparel companies are analyzed using analysis of proportions. Findings The findings show that total annual revenue is significantly related to the reshoring driver of skilled workforce. No significant relationships are present between reshoring drivers and the region of the world reshored from not the region of the USA from which a company operates. There is a significant relationship between market segment and the reshoring driver of manufacturing process. The US production category (reshored, FDI, or kept from offshoring) exhibits a significant relationship with sustainability-related and cost-related reshoring drivers. Quality is a significant driver for reshoring from 2010 to 2016, although decreasing as a reported reason over that time period. Research limitations/implications Limitations include a focus on one industry, the lack of information to investigate the differences between companies making captive or outsourced reshoring decisions, and the use of companies who publicly announced reshoring. Practical implications This study outlines the relationships between contingency factors and reshoring drivers. The results provide companies with information about resources that will be demand (e.g. skilled workers) as well as policies and regulations that may be developed to address concerns such as sustainability. Originality/value This study adds to the limited number of studies on the relationships between contingency factors and reshoring drivers and contributes to the quantitative research on reshoring drivers.

Exploring information sharing in the extended supply chain: an interdependence perspective

2015 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 455-470 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joakim Kembro ◽  
Kostas Selviaridis
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Supply Chains ◽  
Information Sharing ◽  
Demand Uncertainty ◽  
Analytical Framework ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Related Information ◽  
Market Shares ◽  
Shared Information ◽  
Meta Information

Purpose – This paper aims to empirically explore demand-related information sharing in the extended supply chain. Design/methodology/approach – Through a single, embedded case design, a range of methods are used to collect data from companies representing three different supply chain tiers, including focal company, first-tier suppliers and first-tier customers. The collected data are analysed through the theoretical lens of interdependence. Findings – The findings indicate that the supply chain actors adapt information sharing to the pooled, serial or reciprocal type of interdependence. Information sharing is thus increased with key dyadic partners representing, for example, unique offerings and high market shares as percentage of total expenditure/sales. The study also unearths several barriers to information sharing beyond dyadic ties, including problems related to dis-aggregated, misinterpreted and/or incomplete information. Research limitations/implications – The study empirically contributes to the existing literature by exploring information sharing in the extended supply chain and by suggesting different approaches to information sharing depending on the type and intensity of interdependence between supply chain partners. Further, the paper contributes to the existing literature on barriers of information sharing in supply chains by identifying barriers specific to multi-tier information sharing. “Meta-information” (i.e. information about the shared information) is needed to overcome some of the barriers of sharing information in cases of weak, pooled interdependencies in the supply chain. Practical implications – Similar to previous empirical research, this exploratory study indicates that companies, in general, refrain from sharing information beyond dyadic ties. Supply chain managers would instead mostly focus on stronger, reciprocal interdependencies and emphasise dyadic information sharing. To further guide managers, a demand profiling framework considering market share and demand uncertainty is presented. It may be interesting to engage in multi-tier information sharing in particular cases where strong interdependence exists between three or more partners. Originality/value – This study contributes to existing research on information sharing in supply chains by empirically studying information sharing in an extended supply chain, applying interdependence theory as its analytical framework and unearthing several barriers that are specific to multi-tier information sharing.

KPIs for performance measurement of e-fulfillment systems in multi-channel retailing

2019 ◽  
Vol 48 (1) ◽  
pp. 35-52 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gregory Bressolles ◽  
Gerald Lang
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Performance Indicators ◽  
Supply Chain Performance ◽  
Online Retailing ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Measurement Systems ◽  
Customer Expectation ◽  
Two Sectors ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to expand existing research on fulfillment systems for multi-channel retailers by combining analysis of customer expectation (CE) with economic performance (EP) aspects. Design/methodology/approach This exploratory study is based on a literature review of supply chain management and marketing combined with the results of an online questionnaire submitted to French and Chinese multi-channel retailers from two sectors. Findings The results enable the authors to identify 13 important key performance indicators (KPIs) used by multi-channel retailers for measuring e-fulfillment system performance and also to determine under which of the EP or CE criteria these KPIs might be linked. Research limitations/implications Although the sample size is limited, this research is intended to be exploratory, based on the practices of supply chain and marketing managers. Moreover, the results do not address interdependencies among the different KPIs. Practical implications E-fulfillment is a major challenge for multi-channel retailers; it is cost intensive and critical for customer satisfaction. The identified set of KPIs enables retailers to choose those relevant to their particular infrastructure. Originality/value A limited number of scholarly works have explored the operational implications of online retailing in terms of e-fulfillment in a multi-channel context. In order to manage such supply chains efficiently and effectively, traditional measures of supply chain performance need to be adapted. This study expands existing knowledge by developing measurement systems and metrics for the evaluation of supply chain performance in this context.

Developing an analytical framework to assess the uncertainty and flexibility mismatches across the supply chain

2014 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 362-391 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sajad Fayezi ◽  
Ambika Zutshi ◽  
Andrew O’Loughlin
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Manufacturing Sector ◽  
Analytical Framework ◽  
Comprehensive Overview ◽  
Two Phase ◽  
Chain Flexibility ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Systematic Assessment ◽  
Analytical Process ◽  
Supply Chain Flexibility

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to discuss how decisions regarding organisational flexibility can be improved through targeted resource allocation, by focusing on the supply chain's level of uncertainty exposure. Specifically, the issue of where and in what ways flexibility has been incorporated across the organisation's supply chain is addressed. Design/methodology/approach – A two-phase methodology design based on literature review and case study was used. Using 83 journal articles in the areas of uncertainty and flexibility an analytical process for assessing uncertainty-flexibility mismatches was developed. Furthermore, results from ten interviews with senior/middle managers within the Australian manufacturing sector were used to provide preliminary insights on the usefulness and importance of the analytical process and its relationship with organisational practice. Findings – The paper emphasises the importance of having a systematic and encompassing view of uncertainty-flexibility mismatches across the supply chain, as well as the significance of socio-technical engagement. The paper both conceptually and empirically illustrates how, using a structured analytical process, flexibility requirements across the supply, process, control and demand segments of a supply chain might be assessed. A four-step analytical process was accordingly developed and, its application, usefulness and importance discussed using empirical data. Practical implications – The analytical process presented in this paper can assist managers to obtain a comprehensive overview of supply chain flexibility when dealing with situations involving uncertainty. This can facilitate and improve their decision-making with respect to prioritising attention on identified flexibility gaps in order to ensure stability of their performance. Originality/value – The paper presents a supply chain-wide discussion on the difficulties that uncertainty brings to organisations, and how organisational flexibility might serve to moderate those challenges for supply chain management. It discusses how to identify the flexibility gap and proposes an original analytical process for systematic assessment of uncertainty-flexibility mismatches.

Measuring and managing sustainability performance of supply chains

2014 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 232-241 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefan Schaltegger ◽  
Roger Burritt
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Performance Measurement ◽  
Supply Chains ◽  
Conceptual Development ◽  
Analytical Framework ◽  
Sustainable Supply Chain ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sustainability Performance ◽  
Management Approaches ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to discuss what a fully sustainable supply chain might look like and the consequences that can be drawn from this view. Also, it develops a practical approach towards sustainability supply chain performance measurement and management. The paper develops an analytical framework for the assessment of approaches for the measurement and management of sustainability performance of supply chains (SPSCs). Little research has been conducted on the issues, existing methods and possible approaches to measure and manage SPSCs. Design/methodology/approach – Literature review and conceptual development of framework. Findings – The paper develops an analytical framework for the assessment of approaches for the measurement and management of SPSCs. Existing approaches discussed in the vein of improving supply chains and increasing recycling are examined in the light of our framework, and areas to extend the research on sustainability performance measurement and management are identified. Research limitations/implications – Opportunities for extension of research on sustainability performance measurement and management of supply chains are identified. Practical implications – The framework offers help to managers in their choice of sustainability performance measurement and management approaches. Originality/value – The paper provides a structured overview of sustainability performance measurement and management literature and approaches to supply chain management. The framework proposed provides a foundation for further research.

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