Supplier Internationalization Through Upgrading in Global Supply Chain: Evidence from the Garments Industry of Bangladesh

Fouji, Mahmudul Hasan; Hoque, Imranul

doi:10.1007/s42943-021-00025-9

Cited by 8 publications

(7 citation statements)

References 57 publications

(69 reference statements)

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“…A few previous studies also used qualitative multiple-embedded case study method, i.e. using sub-units as individual representatives, managers and staff in each case company to understand lean implementation, buyer–supplier relationships and suppliers’ upgrading in the garment industry of Bangladesh (Hoque, 2022; Fouji and Hoque, 2021; Hoque et al , 2020; Hamja et al , 2019).…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Implementing and sustaining lean, buyer-supplier role, and COVID-19 pandemic: insights from the garment industry of Bangladesh

Hoque

Maalouf²,

Tanha³

et al. 2023

IJLSS

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Purpose This study aims to explore the challenges in implementing and sustaining lean in garment supplier factories and the buyer–supplier role in mitigating lean barriers in a typical situation and pandemic. Design/methodology/approach Following a qualitative research approach and multiple embedded case study method, data were collected through in-depth interviews with senior managers of one lead buyer and their four key garment supplier factories in Bangladesh. Within and cross-case analysis, techniques were applied to understand the context-oriented lean challenges and buyer–supplier role in mitigating the challenges. Findings The study findings demonstrate that garment suppliers are less prepared and unsystematic in lean implementation having limited capabilities and less preparation. Moreover, they have limited support from buyers, less commitment from top management and employee resistance to implementing lean. Lean challenges become more intense because of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, buyer–supplier responsible, cooperative and collaborative behaviour can mitigate lean challenges. Research limitations/implications Whereas many stakeholders may be responsible for lean challenges, this study explores dyadic role between buyer and supplier only based on a single lead buyer and their four suppliers. Hence future studies could consider more buyers and suppliers for a holistic understanding. Practical implications This study could help buyers and suppliers understand the underlying causes of lean implementation challenges in garment supplier factories and their role in sustaining lean reducing the challenges, particularly in a pandemic. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, for the first time, this study depicts how buyer and supplier can play their due roles to mitigate lean challenges in garment supplier factories in a pandemic situation.

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Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Implementing and sustaining lean, buyer-supplier role, and COVID-19 pandemic: insights from the garment industry of Bangladesh

Hoque

Maalouf²,

Tanha³

et al. 2023

IJLSS

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…The buyer-driven garments industry of Bangladesh is the research context of this study. This industry started its operation in the late 1970s and has become Bangladesh's pioneer export JFMM 26,5 earning sector (Fouji and Hoque, 2021). This industry has contributed 83% of the total exports of the country and obtained US$27.95 billion in 2019-2020(BGMEA, 2020.…”

Section: Research Contextmentioning

confidence: 99%

Why suppliers struggle to deliver defect-free products to buyers: a buyer–supplier dyadic perspective

Hoque

2021

JFMM

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PurposeThis study explores the challenges of garment suppliers in delivering defect-free products to their buyers and how buyers play a role in overcoming the challenges.Design/methodology/approachFollowing a qualitative research approach and a multiple case study method, quantitative and qualitative data were collected from the four garment suppliers and buyer's representatives. Both quantitative and qualitative data analysis techniques were applied to understand the challenges in delivering defect-free products.FindingsThe study findings show that garment suppliers' main challenges in delivering defect-free products are unsystematic quality control, informal root cause analysis, limited education and training facilities, dearth of a learning culture, limited quality control capability, lack of cross-functional team, inadequate modern technologies, workers' resistance to change and poor performance evaluation. Moreover, this study demonstrates how buyers can enhance their support to suppliers to receive defect-free products.Research limitations/implicationsWhereas the garment industry has more than four thousand suppliers, this study considers only four suppliers. Therefore, the generalisability of the study may be questioned. Furthermore, as this study considers only a single sewing line in each factory, future studies could incorporate more lines for a holistic understanding.Practical implicationsThe findings of this study could help the managers of supplier firms understand how to tackle the hurdles of defect-free garment production and give buyers a guideline about what role they need to play to receive defect-free garments from suppliers.Originality/valueFor the first time, this study presents how garment suppliers and their lead buyers play significant roles in satisfying end consumers' demand by overcoming the challenges of defect-free garment production.

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“…The notion of economic progress is inextricably linked to the competitiveness of this industry (Uddin and Jahed, 2007). However, the industry is currently under immense strain as firms from China, Vietnam and India have further strengthened their positions in the global market (Fouji and Hoque, 2021).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Direct and indirect influences of supply chain management practices on competitive advantage in fast fashion manufacturing industry

Jahed

Quaddus

Salam

et al. 2022

JMTM

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PurposeThis study investigates supply chain management (SCM) practices in a specific fast fashion apparel (FFA) industry. The impacts of SCM practices on competitive advantage (CA) are investigated via mediating roles of supply chain agility (SCA) and partnership quality (PQ). Resource advantage (R-A) theory, in addition to resource-based view (RBV) and dynamic capability theories, is used as theoretical underpinning.Design/methodology/approachA mixed-method approach is adopted: a qualitative field study and survey research. Data from 296 apparel manufacturers in Bangladesh are analyzed using the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) approach, involving reflective and formative, first- and second-order constructs and mediation tests using the Hayes PROCESS macro.FindingsBoth SCM practices and PQ significantly affect SCA. SCM practices are found to directly enhance CA, but, counterintuitively, only marginally. Only through mediations of SCA and PQ do SCM practices enhance CA significantly. This is a departure from past research that has postulated direct effects between SCM practices and CA.Research limitations/implicationsThis research is confined to the FFA industry and one national setting, Bangladesh. The data analyzed is also cross-sectional, with customary limitations on the temporal dimension.Practical implicationsSCM practices contribute to CA, but only through the mediation of PQ and SCA. This is an important directive to practitioners. Also, the second-order reflective measures for each construct indicate the specific SCM practices needed to maximize CA.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the literature on SCM practices in FFA industry, specifically the mediating roles of PQ and SCA, resulting in new, more nuanced findings that are important in dynamic business settings, driven by new theoretical perspectives incorporating R-A theory, which has hardly been utilized before in SCM research.

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Supplier Internationalization Through Upgrading in Global Supply Chain: Evidence from the Garments Industry of Bangladesh

Cited by 8 publications

References 57 publications

Implementing and sustaining lean, buyer-supplier role, and COVID-19 pandemic: insights from the garment industry of Bangladesh

Implementing and sustaining lean, buyer-supplier role, and COVID-19 pandemic: insights from the garment industry of Bangladesh

Why suppliers struggle to deliver defect-free products to buyers: a buyer–supplier dyadic perspective

Direct and indirect influences of supply chain management practices on competitive advantage in fast fashion manufacturing industry

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