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By taking the textile and apparel value-added exports data of 43 economies as the research sample, the social network analysis method is used to measure the global textile and apparel value-added exports network structure. The results show that the world textile and apparel value-added trade network is uneven, China has the widest range of trading partners, and the breadth of trading partners is growing over time. Germany and Italy have a stronger ability to control trade among other economies, and China's ability to control trade with other economies is generally average, but the gap between China and Germany or Italy has narrowed significantly. China's core degree has risen sharply. The trade networks are concentrated in a small number of core zone countries. The small group located in China is characterized by contraction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to assess the skill and knowledge areas emphasised in a sample of US-based undergraduate apparel merchandising programs, as well as the pedagogical strategies utilised to motivate student professional development and competence. Utilising a content analysis, 18 articles were systematically reviewed through the lens of the apparel merchandising competency framework. Overall, based on the sample articles and the apparel merchandising competency (AMC) framework, educators are aligned with identified’ must-have’ skills and knowledge areas. In addition, results showed ‘new’ skills and knowledge areas that are also important for apparel merchandising curriculum and students’ preparation for textile and apparel industry responsibilities. This exploration contributed to a limited area of research regarding apparel merchandising students’ professional development and industry preparation based on identified necessary skills and knowledge areas. Implications are suggested for curriculum development, instruction and apparel merchandising students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China's digital economy exceeded 50 trillion yuan in 2022 accounting for 41. 5 percent of GDP. As the main focus of the development of the digital economy the digital transformation of enterprises is the in-depth integration of digital technology and production methods which contributes to reshaping an enterprise's business model and enhancing its innovation capability and has a positive impact on both enterprise value and enterprise performance. The textile and apparel industry as a traditional manufacturing industry in China is one of the important pillar industries of China's national economy. The digital economy can empower textile and apparel enterprises and gradually promote the digital transformation of enterprises which is of great significance to achieving the high-quality development of the textile and apparel industry and the sustainable development of enterprises. However at present the digital transformation of textile and apparel enterprises lacks theoretical and empirical guidance. The digital transformation path and the impact of digital transformation on enterprise value have not yet been clarified. Therefore based on the theoretical foundation of previous literature this paper takes textile and apparel enterprises as the research object and empirically studies the relationship between digital transformation and the enterprise value of textile and apparel enterprises. It aims to deeply analyze and explore the mechanism of the impact of the digital transformation of textile and apparel enterprises on enterprise value so as to provide ideas and suggestions for the digital transformation of textile and apparel enterprises and the improvement of enterprise value. Firstly this paper divided the digital transformation of textile and apparel enterprises into four dimensions based on TOE Technology-Organization-Environment theory including strategic leadership organizational empowerment technology driving and environmental support. By summarizing the previous literature the theoretical assumptions between the above dimensions and enterprise value were proposed. Secondly enterprise value was taken as an explanatory variable and Tobin's Q was selected to measure the level of enterprise value. The four dimensions of digital transformation of textile and apparel enterprises were taken as explanatory variables and the measurement indexes of the four dimensions were selected respectively. Moreover the entropy value method was used to assign weights to the measurement indicators to quantify the digital transformation of textile and apparel enterprises. Enterprise size asset-liability ratio and the ratio of cash to total assets were used as control variables. The theoretical model between the explained variables explanatory variables and control variables was constructed to test the impact of the digital transformation of textile and apparel enterprises on enterprise value. Thirdly the textile and apparel enterprises were screened from the A-share listed companies in Shanghai Exchanges and Shenzhen Exchanges and the annual data of the enterprises from 2017 to 2021 were selected as the initial sample. The initial samples were preprocessed and finally 61 textile and apparel enterprises were chosen containing annual panel data with a total of 305 observations from 2017 to 2021. The data were analyzed by standardization and descriptive statistics. According to the results of descriptive statistics it can be observed that part of the data has a wide range of polarity which indicates that there are obvious differences in the level of digital transformation of textile and apparel enterprises. In order to ensure the robustness of the subsequent analysis this article carried out logarithmic processing of the data. Finally Stata software was used to carry out the Hausman test on the model and the random effect model was used to carry out regression analysis and test the proposed theoretical assumptions. This study focuses on textile and apparel enterprises and divides the dimensions of digital transformation of textile and apparel enterprises enriches the research perspective of digital transformation of enterprises and empirically explores the impact of specific dimensions of digital transformation on enterprise value. The results of the study demonstrate that organizational empowerment technology driving and environmental support of textile and apparel companies have a significant positive impact on enterprise value. The effects on enterprise value in descending order are environmental support technology driving and organizational empowerment. Strategic leadership has no significant effect on enterprise value of textile and apparel enterprises. The above conclusions can provide theoretical guidance for the digital transformation of textile and apparel enterprises and provide targeted suggestions for accelerating the digital transformation of enterprises and increasing enterprise value. In future research the sample size can be further expanded. At the same time the digital transformation of textile and apparel enterprises in different regions of China can be compared and analyzed to understand the advantages and shortcomings of the development of textile and apparel enterprises in China. It is necessary to conduct a more profound and comprehensive discussion on the impact of digital transformation of textile and apparel enterprises on enterprise value by combining with questionnaire research and other methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The textile and apparel (fashion) industry has been influenced by developments in societal socio-cultural and economic structures. Due to a change in people’s preferences from economic functionality to supra-functionality beyond economic value, the fashion industry is at the forefront of digitalization. The growing digitalization in the fashion industry corresponds to digital fashion, which can satisfy the rapid shift in consumers’ preferences. This paper explores the evolving con-cept of innovations in digital fashion in the textile and apparel industry. Specifically, it centers on the evaluation of Amazon’s digital fashion initiatives, which have made the platform the United States’ top fashion retailer. An analysis of the business model of Amazon’s digital fashion business showed that with the advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) powered by advanced Amazon Web Services (AWS), Amazon has introduced novel digital solutions for the fashion industry, such as advanced digital fashions (ADFs), on-demand manufacturing, neo-luxury, and, ultimately, cloud-based digital fashion platforms, that is, a supra-omnichannel, where all stakeholders are integrated, and their activities are visible in real time. This can be attributed to the learning orchestration externality strategy. This study concludes that with the advancement of digital innovations, Amazon has fused a self-propagating function that advances digital solutions. This study shows that Amazon is the largest R&D company. Its R&D process is based on users’ knowledge gained by their participation through AWS-driven ICT tools. This promotes a culture of experimentation in the development of user-driven innovations. Such innovations have further advanced the functionality of AWS in data analysis and business solutions. This dynamism promotes the development of soft innovation resources and revenue streams. These endeavors are demonstrated in a model, and their reliability is validated through an empirical analysis focused on the emergence of ADF solutions. Therefore, based on an analysis of the development trajectories of Amazon’s digital fashion technologies, such as ADFs, on-demand manufacturing, and neo-luxury, insightful suggestions and a framework for solutions beyond e-commerce are provided.

Abstract Practices in the textile and apparel industry (TAI) have led to numerous environmental and social problems, which have prompted extensive research on the sustainable development of the textile and apparel industry (SDTAI). This paper presents a comprehensive and quantitative analysis of the status quo in the SDTAI domain using scientometrics. From 1987 to 2019, the Web of Science core collection databases (SCI and SSCI) included 863 journal articles related to SDTAI, and our analysis results were as follows: (1) 60 critical research keywords occur in the knowledge base; (2) four research hotspots were identified; (3) five themes constituted the main knowledge area; and (4) based on the knowledge base, research hotspot, and knowledge domain, the knowledge structure consisted of nine subjects and five systems. This paper proposes a knowledge roadmap that can be helpful for practitioners and academicians to better understand the current sustainable development status and trends in the TAI.

Copyright of Advanced Textile Technology is the property of Zhejiang Sci-Tech University Magazines and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Cotton Textile Technology is the property of Cotton Textile Technology Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Practices in the textile and apparel industry (TAI) have led to numerous environmental and social problems, which have prompted extensive research on the sustainable development of the textile and apparel industry (SDTAI). This paper presents a comprehensive and quantitative analysis of the status quo in the SDTAI domain using scientometrics. From 1987 to 2019, the Web of Science core collection databases (SCI and SSCI) included 863 journal articles related to SDTAI, and our analysis results were as follows: (1) 60 critical research keywords occur in the knowledge base; (2) four research hotspots were identified; (3) five themes constituted the main knowledge area; and (4) based on the knowledge base, research hotspot, and knowledge domain, the knowledge structure consisted of nine subjects and five systems. This paper proposes a knowledge roadmap that can be helpful for practitioners and academicians to better understand the current sustainable development status and trends in the TAI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is to analyze the participation in the global textile and apparel value chain with special attention, first, to the case of three dynamic and interrelated economies (Mexico, the United States, and China); and second, to a general approach to a larger sample of countries through the analysis of trade in value added. From the descriptive analysis, a high domestic share in each country's exports is found. However, China is the leading exporter in the industry, accounting for around a third of the domestic value added in the global textile final demand. An econometric estimation has also been carried out to observe the effects of tariffs, FDI, and labor costs on the total and backward participation in the textile GVC. In this case, the sample has been extended to 39 developed and 22 developing countries. The results reveal tariff protection as a determinant of the degree of participation of the sector, especially when backward participation and developing economies are considered. However, FDI and labor costs only show the expected results in the case of developing countries. This may be due to the different tasks performed by developing economies (primarily manufacturing) versus developed economies (branding, design) within the sector's value chain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The textiles and apparel industry is a major contributor to economic development while at the same time being one of the most polluting industries due to its lengthy supply chain and resource intensive production operations. To address these sustainability challenges, digitalization is seen as one of the potential solutions. Using the lens of sustainability and digitalization in Supply Chain Management (SCM), this paper analyses the sustainability and digitalization status of Dutch textile and apparel firms. We used a mixed methodology of quantitative text mining of 94 Dutch textile and apparel firms as well as qualitative thematic and coding analysis of experts' views and opinions on sustainability and digitalization in the Dutch textiles and apparel industry. Quantitative analysis of website data shows that Dutch textile and apparel firms predominantly communicate the environmental, to a lesser extent social, and least of all economic sustainability factors. Keyword analysis also shows that the use of technological keyword indicators is less prominent, while certain technologies such as IoT, sensors and blockchain correlate mostly to environmental sustainability factors. Moreover, qualitative analysis reveals that to address sustainability via digitalization, it is important to link sustainability goals to Key Performance Indicators, which requires data for traceability. We recommend firms to: (1) re-evaluate their business models and assess the extent traceability can be incorporated in their sustainability strategy; (2) enhance stakeholder collaboration within and outside the supply chain to utilize traceability; and (3) proactively use traceability information to improve transparency and accountability to meet legal requirements and address greenwashing. This study contributes to literature by showing the importance of traceability for (a) linking sustainability and digitalization in SCM, b) achieving the ultimate goals of transparency and accountability, and c) predicting demand and supply to address overproduction and waste in the textiles and apparel sector. • This study analyses the sustainability and digitalization status of Dutch textile and apparel firms. • Firms predominantly communicate environmental, followed by social and least of all economics sustainability, in their websites. • To address sustainability via digitalization, it is important to link sustainability goals to Key Performance Indicators. • Traceability data can improve transparency and accountability, as well as predictability of demand and supply in the chain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digital printing technology (DPT) represents a core innovation that is currently revolutionizing the global decorated apparel market by automating the printing process, facilitating customization, and reducing energy costs and production lead time. However, the fundamental understanding of the emerging DPT market remains unexplored due to its novelty. This study aims to identify DPT diffusion patterns over the past decade in the U.S. market and establish a predictive user profile employing social media-based analytics along with data mining and traditional statistical modeling. A proxy variable is used to measure likely adoption which reflects an S-shaped diffusion curve consistent with Diffusion of Innovations Theory. Additionally, the outcome profile suggests that likely DPT adopters reside in locations that reflect higher levels of education (bachelor's degrees or higher), relatively young populations (i.e. between 19–34 years of age), proportionately higher incomes generated from art and design occupations, but with lower household annual incomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of China Textile Leader is the property of China Textile Information Center and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The aim of this paper is to analyze the participation in the global textile and apparel value chain with special attention, first, to the case of three dynamic and interrelated economies (Mexico, the United States, and China); and second, to a general approach to a larger sample of countries through the analysis of trade in value added. From the descriptive analysis, a high domestic share in each country’s exports is found. However, China is the leading exporter in the industry, accounting for around a third of the domestic value added in the global textile final demand. An econometric estimation has also been carried out to observe the effects of tariffs, FDI, and labor costs on the total and backward participation in the textile GVC. In this case, the sample has been extended to 39 developed and 22 developing countries. The results reveal tariff protection as a determinant of the degree of participation of the sector, especially when backward participation and developing economies are considered. However, FDI and labor costs only show the expected results in the case of developing countries. This may be due to the different tasks performed by developing economies (primarily manufacturing) versus developed economies (branding, design) within the sector’s value chain.

The clothing consumption in the USA has been increasing exponentially in the last two decades. This increase in consumption has also expanded the fashion retailing business in the USA. For the last few years, there have been different claims and counterclaims on whether reshoring initiatives will rise or decline. A group of people thinks that the reshoring trend has taken a reverse turn and declined gradually. In contrast, another group has stated that the increased offshore production costs and growing demand of 'Made-in-USA' products among American retailers and consumers have elevated the reshoring movement in the USA. Academic and market research investigations revealed that recently reshoring of the textile and apparel manufacturing industry has significantly impacted the retail industry as well as the overall economy through creating myriad job opportunities. This comparative position paper supports the promising growth of reshoring of the textile and apparel manufacturing industry in the USA based on the dissection of claims and counterclaims. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Within the moral responsibility theory of corporate sustainability (MRCS) framework (Ha-Brookshire in J Bus Ethics, 2015. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-015-2847-2), the study examined 86 sustainability reports from top performing textile and apparel companies in China to explore their perceptions and sustainability capability implications. Content analysis of their sustainability reports was conducted to analyze whether each company (a) perceives sustainability as a perfect duty or not, (b) has clear goals toward sustainability or not, and (c) has well-defined structures toward sustainability goals or not. Results show that 66 of the 86 reports described sustainability as a perfect duty to fulfill; 11 described as an imperfect duty, and 9 described no opinions about sustainability. Of the 66 reports, 19 explicitly showed clear goals and the evidence of organizational structures toward such goals, leading us to categorize them as truly sustainable corporations as Ha-Brookshire (2015) described. Of the 66, 43 lacked clear sustainability goals, leading us to categorize them as occasionally sustainable corporations as described by Ha-Brookshire (2015). Other firms were also categorized within the MRCS framework. Findings show a spectrum of Chinese textile and apparel companies’ sustainability capability from the moral responsibility perspective.

The goal of this research is to acknowledge the elements which hinder or facilitate the transition from linear to the circular economy in the textile and apparel sector in Romania by identifying current and desired interactions among the ecosystem’s stakeholders. Two strands of literature, one on circular economy and one on the textile and apparel sector, provide the theoretical background for this research. Currently, the way we design, produce, and use clothing has drawbacks that are becoming increasingly clear. The circular economy principles have the potential to transform the way textiles are produced, consumed and disposed of. More and more social entrepreneurs are pioneering the future of the apparel industry by offering sustainable solutions to tackling systemic problems. However, their efforts have to be elevated and amplified, as such to pave the way for creating business models that allow for both economic performance and social impact. A comprehensive mapping of ongoing activities and stakeholders in the textile and apparel sector in Romania is required to understand the roadblocks to industry transformation in the context of moving toward circular economy and to implement envisioned sustainable solutions. In the paper we used a database of 27 stakeholders, developed by applying the snowball method, to investigate current and future interactions between the main actors who operate in the textile and apparel sector. To meet its research objectives, the paper employed a phenomenological research design and built upon a workshop activity. First, we designed an online survey to understand the profile and knowledge of the circular economy of the stakeholders included in our database. Second, we employed the world café method to understand in depth the level of knowledge of the actors who attended the workshop on the circular economy in the textile and apparel sector. Third, we used the structural systemic constellations method in assessing the stakeholders’ current and future desired interactions. Last, we formulated conclusions and recommendations about future research needed to deepen the understanding of the circular economy in the textile and apparel sector. Findings showed that there is a vicious circle of different actions feeding isolation and preventing collaboration among stakeholders. Also, we found that there is a lack of collaborative spaces where stakeholders can meet, connect and explore the various opportunities to collaborate, and a lack of general awareness on “circular economy and textile and apparel” and its mechanisms. The intended audiences of the research are decision-makers and practitioners in the textile and apparel sector, as well as researchers focused on the circular economy.

This study explored the export behaviors of the U.S. textile and apparel (T&A) manufacturers and related affecting factors. Based on a logistic regression analysis of the 122 U.S. T&A manufacturers collected from the Office of Textiles and Apparel (OTEXA) 'Made in the USA' database, the study finds that the product category and the size of the firm were both statistically significant factors that affected the U.S. T&A manufacturer's likelihood of engaged in exports. The result of contingency analysis also shows that Western Hemisphere was a preferred export destination for the U.S. T&A manufacturers than other regions in the world. The findings of the study significantly enhanced our understanding of the export behaviors of the U.S. T&A manufacturers and the state of the U.S. T&A industry in today's global economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of China Textile Leader is the property of China Textile Information Center and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of China Textile Leader is the property of China Textile Information Center and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract The emergence of 3D printing technology in the fashion industries has led to a rapidly growing attention and discussion on its coming impacts, novel approaches and those relevant challenges involved in its supply chain integration. The purpose of this conceptual study is to examine the potential impacts and challenges of integrating Direct Digital Manufacturing methods, specifically 3D printing (3DP), in the fashion industry. To recognize and organize such integration, we first examine the nature of Direct digital manufacturing (DDM) in contrast to traditional manufacturing approaches. After that, a conceptual model applied to DDM integrated fashion industry was then proposed to address this change. With respect to 3DP, four areas of its direct and indirect impacts were prudently examined, which were primarily put on (1) design and product development, (2) sourcing and manufacturing, (3) retail, distribution and consumer, as well as (4) the sustainability optimization. The potential challenges of integrating 3DP, which ultimately leads to the DDM paradigm, in each of these areas were also evaluated. Beyond the identified impacts and challenges, this proposed conceptual model ultimately aims to help lay the groundwork, explore future research topics and curricula for the fashion field integrating DDM, focusing on the 3DP technology.

The goal of this research is to acknowledge the elements which hinder or facilitate the transition from linear to the circular economy in the textile and apparel sector in Romania by identifying current and desired interactions among the ecosystem's stakeholders. Two strands of literature, one on circular economy and one on the textile and apparel sector, provide the theoretical background for this research. Currently, the way we design, produce, and use clothing has drawbacks that are becoming increasingly clear. The circular economy principles have the potential to transform the way textiles are produced, consumed and disposed of. More and more social entrepreneurs are pioneering the future of the apparel industry by offering sustainable solutions to tackling systemic problems. However, their efforts have to be elevated and amplified, as such to pave the way for creating business models that allow for both economic performance and social impact. A comprehensive mapping of ongoing activities and stakeholders in the textile and apparel sector in Romania is required to understand the roadblocks to industry transformation in the context of moving toward circular economy and to implement envisioned sustainable solutions. In the paper we used a database of 27 stakeholders, developed by applying the snowball method, to investigate current and future interactions between the main actors who operate in the textile and apparel sector. To meet its research objectives, the paper employed a phenomenological research design and built upon a workshop activity. First, we designed an online survey to understand the profile and knowledge of the circular economy of the stakeholders included in our database. Second, we employed the world café method to understand in depth the level of knowledge of the actors who attended the workshop on the circular economy in the textile and apparel sector. Third, we used the structural systemic constellations method in assessing the stakeholders' current and future desired interactions. Last, we formulated conclusions and recommendations about future research needed to deepen the understanding of the circular economy in the textile and apparel sector. Findings showed that there is a vicious circle of different actions feeding isolation and preventing collaboration among stakeholders. Also, we found that there is a lack of collaborative spaces where stakeholders can meet, connect and explore the various opportunities to collaborate, and a lack of general awareness on "circular economy and textile and apparel" and its mechanisms. The intended audiences of the research are decision-makers and practitioners in the textile and apparel sector, as well as researchers focused on the circular economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study quantitatively evaluated how tariff elimination and reduction of non-tariff barriers under the Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (T-TIP) could affect the textile and apparel (T&A) industry in the European Union (EU). Based on the Global Trade Analysis Project (GTAP) model, the study finds that: first, T-TIP’s trade creation effect will expand the EU-U.S. intra-industry trade for textiles. Meanwhile, T-TIP will significantly expand EU’s apparel exports to the United States. Second, trade T-TIP’s trade diversion effect will affect T&A exports from non-member suppliers to the T-TIP region negatively, including Asia’s T&A exports to the U.S. and EU and Turkey’s T&A exports to the EU. Third, T-TIP will affect the intra-region T&A trade in the EU region negatively but in a limited way. Findings of this study augment our understanding of the T&A-specific sectoral impact of T-TIP and provide valuable inputs supporting the T-TIP negotiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emergence of 3D printing technology in the fashion industries has led to a rapidly growing attention and discussion on its coming impacts, novel approaches and those relevant challenges involved in its supply chain integration. The purpose of this conceptual study is to examine the potential impacts and challenges of integrating Direct Digital Manufacturing methods, specifically 3D printing (3DP), in the fashion industry. To recognize and organize such integration, we first examine the nature of Direct digital manufacturing (DDM) in contrast to traditional manufacturing approaches. After that, a conceptual model applied to DDM integrated fashion industry was then proposed to address this change. With respect to 3DP, four areas of its direct and indirect impacts were prudently examined, which were primarily put on (1) design and product development, (2) sourcing and manufacturing, (3) retail, distribution and consumer, as well as (4) the sustainability optimization. The potential challenges of integrating 3DP, which ultimately leads to the DDM paradigm, in each of these areas were also evaluated. Beyond the identified impacts and challenges, this proposed conceptual model ultimately aims to help lay the groundwork, explore future research topics and curricula for the fashion field integrating DDM, focusing on the 3DP technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of SDU Journal of Engineering Sciences & Design / Mühendislik Bilimleri ve Tasarım Dergisi is the property of Journal of Engineering Sciences & Design and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of China Textile Leader is the property of China Textile Information Center and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Wool Textile Journal is the property of National Wool Textile Science & Technology Information Center and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of China Textile Leader is the property of China Textile Information Center and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Modern organizations face more and more challenges in today's globalizing markets. Many textile firms operate collaboratively as a globally-networked virtual team to sustain their competitiveness. How to select and utilize a diversity of information and communication technologies (ICTs) to facilitate collaboration among these textile virtual teams is a critical issue to these enterprises. This paper explores the criteria of ICT adoption in collaboration processes from both theoretical and practical perspectives. First, ICTs theories of telecommunications are reviewed to conclude background knowledge and examine contextual requirements for ICTs. We find that the conveyance of social cues, the ability of fostering member involvement and coordinating interruptions, and the user-friendly interface of communication technology are crucial to the remote collaboration among textile firms. Second, empirical in-depth interviews with 20 practitioners in textile and apparel companies are conducted. Then, combining the findings, we discuss the features of primary ICTs adopted in practice at present. We recommend six essential facets in ICTs adoption during textile virtual team communication (i.e. synchronicity, medium richness, connectedness, disruptiveness, ease of use, and cost). We also suggest how these ICTs can be deployed in line with organizational and individual factors to facilitate textile virtual collaboration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the last decade of the 20th and first decade of the 21st century the economies of the United States and China became "joined-at-the-hip" in a manner that, while beneficial to both at the time, today is potentially dangerous to global financial stability and unsustainable for the future. This condition, called the Triffin Dilemma, requires a rebalancing of the U.S./Chinese economies one-to-the-other. This action brings into focus the rapid growth of technology, the resulting effects on labor employment and the distribution of wealth, and the need to incorporate these issues in a joint U.S./Chinese optimization process. A player in the rebalancing process will be the textile and apparel industries of the U.S. and China. This economic rebalancing from the view of U.S. and Chinese textile and apparel product supply chains is the focus of this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On the product basis and sectoral basis, one of the most important indicators which is able to use in order to measure of export competitiveness (comparative advantages) in global markets of countries is "revealed comparative advantage indexes". Revealed comparative advantage index of a country for a product is often measured by the product's share in the country's exports in relation to its share in world trade. The index of RCA (called as Balassa Index or Vollrath Index), is used to measure the relative importance of a product in a country's export composition relative to that products's relative importance in world trade. If a country's Balassa Index of RCA for an industry exceeds 1 the country is said to have a comparative advantage in industry in question, since this industry is more important for the country's exports than for the exports of the reference countries and vice versa. In this study, between the years 1993-2009, it is intended to determine the international competitiveness in Turkey's export of textile and apparel sector. In this context, SITC Rev3 4 digit basis, revealed comparative advantage indexes were calculated with reference to 59 product group of textile sector and 37 product group of apparel sector. Balassa Index, Vollrath Index and Export-Import Rate Index used in the calculation of RCA indexes. The results of aforementioned index point that 43 pcs of export of sub-product group of textile sector have competitive advantage and that 34 pcs of export of sub-product group of apparel sector have competitive advantage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is an empirical evaluation of the impact of the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS) on China's textile and apparel (T&A) exports to the United States, with special focus on potential trade diversion effects of the agreement. On the basis of estimated export similarity index and trade elasticity of substitution values for T&A products of China and South Korea, trade diversion caused by the KORUS is predicted to most strongly affect China's apparel exports (in HS Chapters 60-63). The KORUS may also affect China's exports in other T&A categories (in HS Chapters 51, 52, 56, 57 and 59), but results suggest the effects will be limited. This study contributes to understanding the T&A-specific sectoral impacts of the KORUS and suggests a need to reconsider the competitiveness of China's T&A exports in the era following elimination in 2005 of Multi-Fiber Arrangement quantitative trade restrictions. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Given the heightened concerns and awareness among US consumers regarding imported product safety issues, as well as today's businesses' strong involvement with product safety assurance, it is imperative for family and consumer science educators to understand issues surrounding the safety of consumer products. This study analysed product recall data from the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) specific to infant and children's products. The results indicated a high proportion of recalls from China as well as a high number of deaths/injuries related to strangulation, lead paint or falls. Commonly recalled products included hooded sweatshirts with drawstrings, baby cribs and children's jewellery. Educators in the textile and apparel field may want to incorporate information on the US CPSC, safety standards and various hazard types into their curriculum. Knowledge of potential hazards of these products would help students be better prepared for the future workforce. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ongoing restructuring of the global textile and apparel industry brings renewed attention to processes of industrial upgrading as mechanisms of adjustment to volatile market conditions. This literature has however focused largely on external drivers of adjustment: notably, the 'disciplining' pressures of trade liberalization, insertion of firms within global value chains, the role of foreign buyers, global standards and preferential trade agreements in shaping export performance. I use the case of Indian apparel, and the history of its recent export growth, to highlight the domestic dimensions of export competitiveness. I argue that the role of the state, contradictory institutional legacies of India's Import Substitution Industrialization, contested shifts within local regulatory regimes and the changing structure of the domestic market were of central importance to shaping the incorporation of a shielded industry into the global economy and the nature of its export trajectory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eco-labelling application is an important feature for those textile and apparel firms which place importance on the environment and health. Nowadays the usage of an eco-label has become a necessity for firms due to customers' demands. In this paper we will examine the structures concerning eco-labels in EU countries that Turkey is aiming to integrate, which involving important studies and regulations; we will also give information on similar studies carried out in Turkey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]