Responsiveness and Collaboration in the Fashion Supply Chain

Abstract

The aim of this research was to a) compare the design process models of various High Street fashion retailers, b) analyse the roles and relationships of team members within the fashion supply chain and c) highlight strategies that would facilitate responsiveness and collaboration within this chain, in conjunction with ongoing seasonal changes. In order to undertake this research, a number of key areas were explored in the literature review to gather further information, in particular the fashion design process and the supply chain. The design process analyses key issues and trends within the industry, thereby having an influence on design management and process models for the future. The design process also reviews the significance of the product lifecycle whilst identifying diverse Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) software that is currently used by various organisations in the apparel sector. In addition, the main issues concerning fashion supply chains shall be discussed in detail. This research will elaborate upon the collaborative relationships within a supply chain, and put forward strategies to help improve them.The research approach for this study comprised of both a quantitative and qualitative analysis. The quantitative approach was used to gather preliminary data, which was focused towards consumers, in the form of questionnaires. The qualitative approach, on the other hand, was used through various means of semi-structured interviews focused towards fashion retailers and a High Street supplier to gain a further understanding of the activities carried out in their respective business models. The research findings indicate the main phases within the business processes of a High Street retailer, and the supplier is mentioned in Chapter 5 with reference to the literature review. Conclusions were reached with the aid of both the literature review and the results from this research. The final recommendations with reference to the SAP model, illustrated towards the end of this research, were based on an analysis of all the work undertaken.

Date of Award	3 Jan 2013
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	The University of Manchester
Supervisor	Pammi Sinha (Supervisor)