An investigation into apparel and textile supply chain developments

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Massey, M.L., 2000. An investigation into apparel and textile supply chain developments. PhD, Nottingham Trent University.

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Abstract

This thesis explores the important and evolving concept of Supply Chain Management with particular respect to the apparel industry. This is a relatively recent management concept which attempts to view products from conception to consumption. Since it is so contemporary, research and literature surrounding the concept tends to be sparse. In addition, the literature tends to focus on supply chains within an organization or only segments of an entire supply chain. This thesis aims to address this gap by considering supply chains in entirety, across organizational and national boundaries, including people and policies as well as processes.

The approach taken in this thesis was to consider the development and management of supply chains within two very different market environments; the relatively slow- moving and derivative nature of the automotive market, and the fast-moving consumer goods in the highly innovative environment of apparel and textiles. The research focuses on the characteristics surrounding product development in the two environments. As a frame of reference and to facilitate structure, the research concentrates on three core units of investigation: networks and relationships, environment and organizational ecology and, finally, learning and systems. Three case studies are developed from within the apparel and textiles sector. The case studies were selected as a cross-section of the sector and each affords differing approaches and information regarding product development and innovation, as well as supply chain complexity. In order to balance the research, reference and comparison is often made to the well-documented automotive sector.

This thesis concludes that an holistic approach is critical to the future development of supply chains. The major output of the research is a model that recognizes the importance of this holistic approach to any survival strategy. The model highlights the importance of a balance between three critical factors in a rapidly changing business environment: socio-technical systems; people and policies; and key processes.

Item Type:

Thesis

Creators:

Massey, M.L.

Date:

2000

ISBN:

9781369315837

Identifiers: