Title: Insights of apparel supply chain operations: a case study

Authors: Kamrul Ahsan, Abdullahil Azeem

Addresses: Department of Management, Faculty of Business and Law, Auckland University of Technology, Private Bag 92006, Auckland 1142, New Zealand. ' Department of Industrial and Production Engineering, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh

Abstract: Considering the important role of apparel manufacturers within the global chain, we conduct a research on the Bangladesh garments industry and focus on several important supply chain operational issues. The objectives are to analyse apparel supply chain matters such as new orders, raw materials supply, production processes and logistics related to finished goods delivery. We collect data for trade statistics, conduct structured interviews and send survey questionnaires to garment manufacturers. Analysis shows apparel manufacturers are striving for sustainable business growth. Manufacturers are working towards minimising longer lead time and focus more on issues such as environmental friendly manufacturing, child labour and health and safety in the workplace. We identify related supply chain practices influencing the industry, set guidelines for improvement and offer recommendations for sustainability.

Keywords: supply chain management; SCM; logistics; Bangladesh; apparel industry; apparel supply chains; garment industry; clothing industry; sustainability; sustainable development; lead times; environmentally friendly manufacturing; child labour; health and safety.

DOI: 10.1504/IJISM.2010.035759

International Journal of Integrated Supply Management, 2010 Vol.5 No.4, pp.322 - 343

Published online: 03 Oct 2010 *

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