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Achieving economic sustainability in the garment manufacturing industry necessitates the implementation of several strategic measures. Basic strategies like adoption of automation, utilization of sustainable energy sources, diversification of markets and products, enhancement of supply chain resilience, etc. lead to the attainment of economic sustainability in the garment manufacturing industry. Additionally, the underlying component of these strategies for ensuring economic sustainability is the minimization of process waste, which can be effectively achieved through the application of lean manufacturing principles, specifically targeting the elimination of Muri, Mura, and Muda. This strategic commitment ensures business longevity amid evolving industrial landscapes, fostering innovation and competitiveness. In emerging economies like Bangladesh, pinpointing precise approaches to reduce waste is vital. This study explores into Muri, Mura, and Muda in the RMG sector, utilizing Pareto analysis, Fuzzy theory, Total Interpretative Structural Modeling (TISM), and Matriced’ Impacts Cruoses Multiplication Applique an un Classement (MICMAC) analysis. After the initial identification of 21 (twenty) factors, Pareto analysis pinpointed the primary 16 (sixteen) factors. Subsequently, these factors underwent analysis through fuzzy TISM and fuzzy MICMAC. The results highlighted ‘‘Demand variation’’, ‘‘Supplier variation’’, ‘‘Workforce variation’’, and ‘‘Energy supply variation’’ as the most crucial factors. The novelty of this study lies in exploring Muri and Mura factors in correlation with Muda employing the existing hybrid and effective methodology that combines Pareto analysis, Fuzzy MICMAC, and Fuzzy TISM methodologies. It offers fresh perspectives on their significance for economic sustainability in the garment sector. Prior research has not explored this integrated approach to reduce process waste by addressing Muri and Mura factors in emerging economies’ garment industries. This research is poised to significantly impact waste reduction in the RMG sector, enhancing competitiveness, appealing to environmentally conscious consumers, and ensuring industry standards adherence essential for sustained success. The contribution of this research is grounded in helping the practitioners and entrepreneurs in developing nations make strategic choices that will lead to the RMG sector’s resilience and, ultimately, economic sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This research explores the contribution of Blockchain Technology and Industry 5.0 in driving sustainability within Bangladeshi Ready-Made Garments (RMG) industry, with a focus on alignment with key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The study employs Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) and fuzzy Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) methods to identify and analyze 14 critical synergies that can drive sustainability. The ISM analysis categorizes the synergies into independent, dependent, and linkage variables, providing insights into their roles and significance within the system. Fuzzy DEMATEL further refines this understanding by evaluating the direct and indirect relationships among the linkage synergies. Key findings reveal the importance of synergies such as reverse logistics and recycling, supply chain collaboration & visibility and ethical practices in driving sustainability. This research contributes by offering a detailed analysis of how the synergy between Blockchain technology and Industry 5.0 can enhance sustainability practices in the RMG industry, providing actionable insights into the technological transformation of supply chain dynamics in support of global sustainability targets.

This research explores the contribution of Blockchain Technology and Industry 5.0 in driving sustainability within Bangladeshi Ready-Made Garments (RMG) industry, with a focus on alignment with key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The study employs Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) and fuzzy Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) methods to identify and analyze 14 critical synergies that can drive sustainability. The ISM analysis categorizes the synergies into independent, dependent, and linkage variables, providing insights into their roles and significance within the system. Fuzzy DEMATEL further refines this understanding by evaluating the direct and indirect relationships among the linkage synergies. Key findings reveal the importance of synergies such as reverse logistics and recycling, supply chain collaboration & visibility and ethical practices in driving sustainability. This research contributes by offering a detailed analysis of how the synergy between Blockchain technology and Industry 5.0 can enhance sustainability practices in the RMG industry, providing actionable insights into the technological transformation of supply chain dynamics in support of global sustainability targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to impact the responsible management practices of factories in the Ready-Made Garment (RMG) sector in Bangladesh. Collaborative research with our main partner - the BGMEA University for Fashion and Technology (BUFT) - on responsible management has contributed to the embedding of ethical practices in the RMG sector. More specifically, in a first stage of this program, the collaborative knowledge development is ingrained in the degree and executive education programs of BUFT - impacting about a quarter of the professionals entering the RMG sector in Bangladesh - and has informed the practices and policies of professional bodies, such as BGMEA in Bangladesh, MODINT in the Netherlands and the International Apparel Federation (IAF). Furthermore, in a second stage of this program, research on sustainability hot spots in the RMG value chain has influenced decision-making of the European Committee in relation to their sustainability policies. It substantially advanced the understanding of how European non-development policies and regulations aimed at private and public market actors contribute to or undermine sustainable development policies. The project delivered practical tools and innovative regulatory reform proposals with substantial potential for greater policy-coherence for development, thereby contributing to an integral approach focusing on a shift towards responsibility.

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This research study has highlighted the key challenges of export competitiveness and puts forth viable solutions for improvements in the readymade garments (RMG) industry to improve market share internationally. Pakistan is a developing country, therefore, defining industry challenges and their possible resolutions have become a very important topic in the business environment of the nation. This article presents the results of a qualitative research study, with primary data collected through an open-ended questionnaire as well as with the interviews of 134 middle and senior marketing managers with 5 to 18 years’ experience. The respondents come from readymade garments production units located in Faisalabad, Pakistan. Porter’s Diamond theory was used with this research study to seek ways of gaining competitive advantages and improving export competitiveness in international markets. With focusing on the factor of conditions (basic and specialized resources), it is identified 100 percent of the responses highlighted the energy crisis as a severe challenge along with the other issues. As for demand conditions, 44 percent of responses highlighted the lack of their own brands. In firm strategy, structure and rivalry, 78 percent of responses identified that the international competition is a great challenge. In related and supporting industries, 70 percent of responses highlighted the lack of innovation, and 90 percent of responses agreed that government policies were key. This study has also sought to provide a number of resolutions to these issues, e.g. the government should develop employee training and development centres, research and development institutes, along with collaboration with financial institutions to obtain funding. This research study has important theoretical and practical implications for several types of industry managers, associations, as well as research and development institutions.

The purpose of this study was to examine the impacts of supply chain management (SCM) practices on competitive advantages among Bangladeshi apparel manufacturers. Using a quantitative approach, data were collected from apparel manufacturers in Bangladesh via an online survey. The SCM practices were conceptualized as a multi-dimensional construct to include strategic supplier partnership, customer relationship, information sharing, and process integration. The competitive advantages (CA) in 4 performance areas, cost, quality, delivery, and flexibility, were assessed. A total of 117 responses were analyzed. Findings included that (a) strategic supplier partnership and process integration practices were moderately related to quality CA, (b) information sharing was significantly related to delivery CA, and (c) information sharing was also significantly related to flexibility CA. The results indicate that certain dimensions of SCM practices have positive impacts on certain competitive advantages. The results suggest that implementing targeted SCM practices could achieve differentiation in a certain performance area. Given that most Bangladeshi apparel manufacturers have focused on the low-price strategy, the results provide them an opportunity to advance their competitiveness in the global market. This study is the first quantitative study that addresses SCM practice in the apparel industry in lower-middle income country. The results not only confirmed the multidimensionality of the SCM practices but also found their differential impacts across the areas of CA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research study has highlighted the key challenges of export competitiveness and puts forth viable solutions for improvements in the readymade garments (RMG) industry to improve market share internationally. Pakistan is a developing country, therefore, defining industry challenges and their possible resolutions have become a very important topic in the business environment of the nation. This article presents the results of a qualitative research study, with primary data collected through an open-ended questionnaire as well as with the interviews of 134 middle and senior marketing managers with 5 to 18 years' experience. The respondents come from readymade garments production units located in Faisalabad, Pakistan. Porter's Diamond theory was used with this research study to seek ways of gaining competitive advantages and improving export competitiveness in international markets. With focusing on the factor of conditions (basic and specialized resources), it is identified 100 percent of the responses highlighted the energy crisis as a severe challenge along with the other issues. As for demand conditions, 44 percent of responses highlighted the lack of their own brands. In firm strategy, structure and rivalry, 78 percent of responses identified that the international competition is a great challenge. In related and supporting industries, 70 percent of responses highlighted the lack of innovation, and 90 percent of responses agreed that government policies were key. This study has also sought to provide a number of resolutions to these issues, e.g. the government should develop employee training and development centres, research and development institutes, along with collaboration with financial institutions to obtain funding. This research study has important theoretical and practical implications for several types of industry managers, associations, as well as research and development institutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]