scholarly journals Fashion 4.0. Innovating fashion industry through digital transformation

2018 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 352-369 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paola Bertola ◽  
Jose Teunissen
Keyword(s):  
Industrial Revolution ◽  
Apparel Industry ◽  
Digital Transformation ◽  
Fashion Industry ◽  
Specific Domain ◽  
Broad Perspective ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Fourth Industrial Revolution ◽  
Textile And Apparel ◽  
Textile And Apparel Industry

Purpose The on-going transition of societies and economies toward different organizational paradigms deeply informed by digital technologies is at the very center of current debates, involving scholars and impacting on a broad context of disciplines, ranging from humanities to science and technology. Therefore, the so-called “Fourth Industrial Revolution” has been described as a model where new modes of production and consumption will dramatically transform all major industrial systems; it has been targeted by many governmental plans as a goal for a sustainable future. While general frameworks describing 4.0 paradigm are codified and accessible, implementation strategies and their implications on specific local and sectorial systems are largely unexplored. Starting from this assumption, this paper aims to provide insights on the current state of the art and major trends of the “Fourth Industrial Revolution”, possibly identifying its impacts on the textile and apparel industry. Design/methodology/approach From a methodological standpoint, the study approaches the topic from the perspective of fashion domain experts which can contribute, with a positioning essay, to better understanding Industry 4.0 (I4.0) implementation within their specific domain. This experts’ perspective is enriched by several descriptive case studies (Yin, 1984) offering examples and insights on possible implementation of I4.0 solutions in fashion industry, also showing the potential of a design driven perspective. Findings Starting from a synthesis of I4.0 framework and principles, the paper aims at showing their impacts on business units, processes and components within the specific context of the fashion industry. Through emerging evidences detected by experts’ domain perspective and exemplified by several descriptive cases, it offers a comprehensive overview of the potential implications of the Forth Industrial Revolution on this specific business. The picture drafted clearly shows how digital transformation, properly driven, could reshape the fashion industry into a more sustainable and truly customer-driven business. But, it also underlines criticalities and slowness of adoption by traditional established brands and companies. As a result, being focused on on-going phenomena, highly unexplored, it shows possible trajectories, enabling an effective transformation of textile and apparel industry embracing the I4.0 paradigm. Originality/value The paper has a broad perspective and could offer insights to different audiences, which could effectively contribute to a positive transition, to scholars and academics, who might want to better address the implementation of I4.0 model into real economic and social context, focusing on medium – long-term implications and showing innovation pathways which are still unexplored, second to practitioners, who are usually immersed into strict silos of competences and business functions and can start to build new bridges and interconnection within the system, taking advantages of I4.0 potential, finally to policy-makers who can better shape development frameworks targeted to specific industries whose features require peculiar approaches and actions.

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.

Digital transformation: “jobocolypse” or empowerment?

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zeynep Hizir
Keyword(s):  
Human Resources ◽  
Crucial Role ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Industrial Revolution ◽  
Digital Transformation ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Fourth Industrial Revolution ◽  
Industry Research ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyse the impact of digital transformation on jobs and to assess whether or not the so-called Fourth Industrial Revolution will lead to mass redundancies. The piece also looks at the role human resources (HR) departments will have to play in the implementation of, and response to, digital transformation within the workplace. Design/methodology/approach This paper combines research based on media articles, a parliamentary report and wider digital transformation industry research. The author looks to explain what digital transformation is, deconstruct misconceptions around digital transformation, assess the true evidence-based impact of digital transformation on jobs and advise HR departments on the impact of digital transformation within the workplace. Findings This piece finds that there remains a considerable degree of misunderstanding and many misconceptions around digital transformation and that while digital transformation will lead to the loss of some jobs, it will also lead to the change of existing ones and creation of new ones. Furthermore, this piece finds that HR departments will play a crucial role in the implementation of digital transformation, but that they too will need to pivot and adjust to new workplace realities as a result. Originality/value Many HR departments face confusion and misconceptions around the impact of digital transformation on the workforce, and there also remains concern among many employers that technology will replace their jobs. This piece seeks to dispel the myths and paint a clearer picture to both HR departments and employees around the impact of digital transformation.

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.

Human resource development 4.0 (HRD 4.0) in the apparel industry of Bangladesh: a theoretical framework and future research directions

2022 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shafiqul Alam ◽  
Pavitra Dhamija
Keyword(s):  
Human Resource ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Manufacturing Industry ◽  
Industrial Revolution ◽  
Apparel Industry ◽  
Institutional Pressures ◽  
Apparel Manufacturing ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Fourth Industrial Revolution ◽  
Workforce Skills

PurposeThe transition from Industry 3.0 to the fourth industrial revolution was a big jump that created a vacuum in many developing countries. Drawing upon institutional theory and resource-based view theory, the current study proposes a theoretical model linking the institutional pressures and resources (workforce skills) in context to the apparel industry of Bangladesh.Design/methodology/approachThis study adopts a qualitative approach involving 20 semi-structured interviews, followed by thematic analysis using NVivo 12 software. The researchers impose both deductive and inductive thematic analysis to generate themes. The data analysis involves various stages applying the phenomenological approaches.FindingsInstitutional pressures (coercive) positively influences the workforce skills (technical and managerial) in the fourth industrial revolution in Bangladesh apparel manufacturing industry; institutional pressures (normative) is positively related to the workforce skills (technical and managerial) in 4IR in Bangladesh apparel manufacturing industry; institutional pressures (mimetic) has shown a positive association with the workforce skills (technical and managerial) in 4IR in Bangladesh apparel manufacturing industry; workforce skills (technical and managerial) are positively influencing the development of human resource capabilities in fourth industrial revolution in Bangladesh apparel manufacturing industry.Originality/valueThis paper is the first of its kind to offer a thematic analysis on human resource development 4.0 in the apparel industry of Bangladesh. The study provides an understanding of the role of institutional pressure on workforce skill development and the adoption of 4IR technology.

Lean Six Sigma applications in the textile industry: a case study

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 210-224 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruth Dede Adikorley ◽  
Lori Rothenberg ◽  
Aaron Guillory
Keyword(s):  
Six Sigma ◽  
Textile Industry ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Apparel Industry ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Strategic Partnerships ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Textile And Apparel ◽  
Textile And Apparel Industry

Purpose The purpose of this study is to explore Lean Six Sigma (LSS) project and program success in the textile and apparel industry. This paper presents depictions of LSS implementations and the resulting economic impact for a textile company. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative approach consisting of a single descriptive case study and project document reviews was used. This method provided an in-depth view into what LSS means for one medium-sized global textile company and how it has proven important to the company’s success. Findings Three successful projects, two on changeover time reduction and one on metal contamination, were completed. Additional findings from this study suggest that strategic partnerships with other high-performing companies and storytelling are two critical success factors. Also, it is critical for management to convey a clear vision for LSS that can be operationalized within a company for successful deployment of LSS textile projects. Research limitations/implications The findings from this case study cannot be generalized. Originality/value The literature on LSS in small- and medium-sized businesses is limited. The literature on the use of LSS in the textile and apparel industry is even more limited. This paper shows various processes within the textile complex where LSS has been deployed successfully, yielding economic impacts. By using qualitative methods, the value of strategic partnerships, storytelling and a vision was seen.

Supplier selection in small- and medium-sized firms

2016 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 166-186 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jin Su ◽  
Vidyaranya B. Gargeya
Keyword(s):  
South Carolina ◽  
Customer Satisfaction ◽  
Supplier Selection ◽  
Apparel Industry ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Customer Service Level ◽  
The Us ◽  
Textile And Apparel ◽  
Textile And Apparel Industry

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to empirically examine supplier selection among small- and medium-sized firms in the US textile and apparel industry. For small- and medium-sized firms, one powerful method of improving the firm’s competitiveness in the dynamic business environment is through strategic approach of supplier selection, which emphasizes supplier’s contributions to the total product and to overall customer satisfaction. Design/methodology/approach Empirical survey-based research methodology was implemented and data were collected from small and medium firms in textile and apparel business in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, California, and New York which are the major areas of the US textile and apparel industry. Findings This study demonstrates the supplier selection practices of the small- and medium-sized firms in the US textile and apparel industry and their perceptions of supply market and supplier evaluation systems. Results indicate that supplier selection criteria impact firm performance in different ways. Small- and medium-sized firms carry out supplier selection based on product quality, supplier responsiveness, and strategic consideration which positively impact overall customer service level and overall customer satisfaction. Originality/value This paper focuses on supply chain management practices, specifically the supplier selection issue in small- and medium-sized firms in the textile and apparel industry.

The Important Role of the Designer

AATCC Review ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 32-40
Author(s):  
Belinda Carp
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Issues ◽  
Apparel Industry ◽  
Minimal Amount ◽  
Fashion Industry ◽  
Sustainable Supply Chain ◽  
Strategic Plans ◽  
Textile And Apparel ◽  
Durable Products ◽  
Textile And Apparel Industry

This was the sound advice given by British designer Vivienne Westwood, when she was asked in 2018 about ethical and environmental issues in the fashion industry. It remains equally valid in 2020 and will continue to be the ethical code by which we should shop in the future. People in the textile and apparel industry are well aware of their responsibility to create a more sustainable supply chain, to reduce waste in production processes, and to recycle materials whenever possible. And much of the responsibility for these activities starts with the design team—groups of unsung heroes who have to juggle budgets, logistics, strategic plans, technology, aesthetics, functionality, and so much more. Designing goods for sustainability can mean many things—including: • designing high quality, durable products; • designing products that can be disassembled easily at their end-of-life, so that the materials and components can be easily recycled; • designing products which are made from organic, biodegradable, reclaimed or recycled materials and components; • designing products which generate a minimal amount of waste and pollution during their manufacture; • designing products which can be manufactured using machinery that can run on renewable energy, and consume a minimal amount of water; and • choosing manufacturing locations and distribution methods to minimize carbon emissions.

Comparative advantage of Ethiopian textile and apparel industry

2019 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 244-256
Author(s):  
Merertu Wakuma Rundassa ◽  
Daniel Kitaw Azene ◽  
Eshetie Berhan
Keyword(s):  
Comparative Advantage ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Apparel Industry ◽  
Theoretical Background ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Related Data ◽  
Textile And Apparel ◽  
The Government ◽  
Industrialization Policy ◽  
Textile And Apparel Industry

Purpose Ethiopia’s economy is primarily based on agriculture, but starting form 2010, the government has been determined to diversify the exports with a priority set for strategic sectors like light manufacturing in which textile and apparel manufacturing industries are included. The purpose of this paper is to measure the comparative advantages of the Ethiopian textile and apparel industry using the revealed comparative advantage (RCA) in the period from 2007 to 2016. Design/methodology/approach For the purpose of the paper, secondary data were collected from the UN comtrade site, and related data sources were cited in the literature review for the purpose of triangulation (cross-checking of the analysis with theoretical background). From the theoretical background, the two indices of RCA (Balassa index and Lafay index) were used for the evaluation of the industries’ competitive advantage and to identify which industry (textiles or apparel) was of more importance in the country. Findings The findings of the study showed that Ethiopia was more competitive in the textile sector. However, and with reference to the Lafay index, the country has been focusing on apparel sector, because of the opportunities for job creation. Research limitations/implications For the purpose of this study, secondary data were used and the general conclusions are limited to the corresponding sources of data. Practical implications Because of the labor-intensive nature, the textile and apparel sector has been one of the areas promoted by the Ethiopian Government in its industrialization policy. The finding of this paper can be used by policy makers to evaluate the competitiveness of the country. Social implications The findings can be used to assess social upgrading issues in the textile and apparel sector. Originality/value The work is the first of its kind in the sector as well as the country.

An overview of textile and apparel business advances in Ethiopia

2018 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 212-223 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karan Khurana
Keyword(s):  
Primary Source ◽  
Apparel Industry ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Textile And Apparel ◽  
The World ◽  
The Government ◽  
Clear Idea ◽  
Textile And Apparel Industry ◽  
Future Business ◽  
Made In

Purpose One of the oldest civilizations of Africa, Ethiopia is today at the advent of industrialization in various business sectors. Agriculture being a primary source of income (50 per cent of the GDP) is now transforming into more dynamic and new sectors. Textile and apparel is one of the sectors that has received a lot of attention from the government and the objective is to become sourcing destinations of the world. The purpose of the paper is to provide an overview of the current advances to the stakeholders, academia and industry from concept to the consumer. The aim of the paper is to present a transition of advances made in textile and apparel business that the country has made in the past decade and also to examine the potential of the consumer for this country. The consumer in the country is young and brings a lot of novel opportunities for textile and apparel industry. Design/methodology/approach This analysis is an empirical journey of the author’s research in academia and textile and apparel industry in Ethiopia. Findings This paper establishes a connection between the stakeholders, academia, industry and beneficiaries of this business so that it could become a guideline for future business investors. It also highlights the problems within this sector and provides a clear idea for domestic companies to compete with global competitors in terms of upcoming future business trends. Originality/value Presently, in the atmosphere of fashion and textiles, there is air about Ethiopia being the next manufacturing hub of the world in Africa. However, no academic literature is available which summarizes the opportunities and tasks in this industry, and this paper caters to the need of the hour.

Ultra-fast fashion risks eroding sustainability gains

2021 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Sustainability ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Raw Materials ◽  
Apparel Industry ◽  
Fast Fashion ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Textile Waste ◽  
The Us ◽  
Textile And Apparel ◽  
Textile And Apparel Industry

Significance Brands in this segment of the textile and apparel industry such as the Chinese Shein and the US Fashion Nova saw their profits grow sharply as consumers cut spending and shopped online. This has raised concerns about the environmental sustainability of their business models. Impacts Regulation, such as sanctions against the use of unsustainable raw materials such as polyester, would help reduce the carbon footprint. Regulators have yet to curb misleading or false advertising for products incorrectly sold as ‘sustainable’. Civil society pressure will rise for policies to regulate the disposal of clothing and textile waste shipments.

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