PurposeThis review has two purposes: (1) to systematically analyse the literature on export competitiveness (EC) and (2) to provide an overview of various determinants and the methodological trends in the subject field, making it possible to develop a roadmap for future researchers.Design/methodology/approachThe systematic literature review (SLR) method was employed in this paper. The authors have covered three decades of research articles published in Scopus listed journals between 1991 and 2020. The determinants of EC are synthesized and widely used theories, and methodologies are identified and classified. The authors have also provided directions for future research.FindingsThe key determinants identified are labour and capital productivity, labour costs, exchange and real effective exchange rate (REER), domestic gross domestic product (GDP), trade liberalization and barriers. The findings reveal that EC is now a scientific measure, since the studies in this subject field have moved towards measuring EC and its determinants.Originality/valueThere has been no comprehensive review in this area exploring the theories, context, constructs and methodologies until now. Therefore, this review provides deep insights into the topic and also offers a unified picture of the subject field.

Purpose This study aims to examine whether export competitiveness (EC) in the two groups of the Indian textile industry i.e. “textiles” and “textile products” group differ. Design/methodology/approach The study examines how exchange rate (ER), real effective exchange rate (REER) and EC of both the groups are related in the long run over the period 1991-1992 to 2018-2019 using Granger causality test and Johansen and Juselius co-integration test. Findings The study confirms that EC is a challenge that needs to be addressed to sustain in the international market, as the volatile trend can be found for EC in both groups. The econometric framework shedding light on both groups of the textile industry suggest that select determinants have different relationships with the EC for two groups. The findings of the Granger causality test reveal that the presence of unidirectional causality running from ER to EC in the case of both the groups. Also, the select variables are found to be co-integrated in the long run. However, in the case of REER, no causality is found running from REER to EC. Originality/value ER is a vital determinant of EC and exporters can sustain competitiveness in global markets by reducing their profit mark-up in the face of an appreciating currency.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the skill mapping process in a manufacturing organization and to examine its relationship with the select performance indicators, such as quality and defects. This paper also explores the role of the supervisor in the whole process of skill mapping of the blue-collar employees. Design/methodology/approach The study uses a case-based approach and the company selected is Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd, Swaraj Division, located in Phase 4, Industrial Area, Mohali (Punjab). The qualitative aspect of the paper is based on ten semi-structured interviews of the senior-level managers. These interviews are conducted in order to understand the role of the supervisor in skill mapping process and its relationship with the organizational performance. The quantitative aspect is based on the regression analysis to find out the impact of skill index on select performance indicators. Findings The results of the study indicate that the role of the supervisor in performance appraisal is very important in the whole process of skill mapping. Swaraj is an example where a robust skill mapping process for blue-collar employees have supported the business in improving the skill of employees and consequently supporting the business to perform well on key deliverables, such as better quality and less defects. The select variables are inter-correlated and variations in the select organizational performance indicators (production and defects) are due to variations in the skill index of the blue-collar employees in the manufacturing organization. The performance indicators of the manufacturing organization in terms of manufacturing defects have declined and also the production has increased, which is a good indicator for the organization. Practical implications The present study is of interest to researchers who are trying to understand the system for skill mapping and utilization of appraisal inputs in improving organizational performance. Originality/value To the authors’ best knowledge, this paper is one of the first to address the skill mapping process in a manufacturing organization especially for the blue-collar employees.

The most important factor impacting the export competitiveness (EC) of an industry is productivity trends. One such significant variable of productivity can be labour productivity (LP). The purpose of this article is to examine the relationship between LP and EC for the Indian textile industry in the post-liberalization period, that is, from 1991 to 2015. The present study uses Johansen and Juselius test for examining the co-integration between select variables and reveals the long-run relationship between the select variables for Indian textile industry. The study uses Granger causality test to explain the direction of causation between the select variables for the analysis. The results of the present study show the absence of feedback effects among the variables, and only unidirectional causality is found. The result of the Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) reveals that there is no long-run or short-run causality running from independent variable to dependent variable. The diagnostic tests are performed, and the result indicates that the model has the property of goodness of fit. The study recommends that the productivity-based wages policy should be implemented by textile firms.

The study of consumer buying behaviour is essential for marketers to understand the key elements such as what is purchased, from where it is purchased, the quantity of purchase, how much money is spent and other related variables affecting buying behaviour. The purpose of this article is to assess the consumer buying behaviour for apparels. The study makes substantial effort to recognize the variables which affect decision of apparel purchase among youth. Theoretical foundation of the study is based on secondary sources such as research papers, articles, magazines and articles on consumer buying behaviour. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) is performed to extract factors which affect consumer buying behaviour and subsequently purchase decision. Total 6 factors were extracted with 20 prominent indicators. CFA confirms that all the obtained values of the indicators are model fit and comply with the standardized criteria. The findings show that consumer buying behaviour in apparel such as purchase frequency, average spending, preferred store type and preferred brand mostly depends on various demographic variables. Hence, the study validates the significance of segmentation, targeting and positioning (STP) for marketers of apparel. The present article reveals that all types of domestic and worldwide brands are available in Indian market and are purchased by consumers as long as those are perceived to deliver value to consumers. The study recommends that marketers must segment the market and target those segments which can be served expeditiously. Marketers must target a particular segment of consumers for which they can offer better value. The findings and recommendations of the study might be useful for academicians, policymakers, entrepreneurs and managers of apparel industry to understand industry trends and formulate appropriate strategies.