Browsing by Author "Dr. Michelle Jones, Committee Co-Chair"

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Economic Competitiveness in the Global Textile Supply Chain: Examination of Logistics Cost Structures
(2006-04-28) Cesca, Lynsey Anne; Dr. Nancy Cassill, Committee Co-Chair; Dr. Michelle Jones, Committee Co-Chair; Dr. George Hodge, Committee Member; Dr. Robert Barnhardt, Committee Member
The purpose of this research was to examine the logistical cost structures along the global textile and apparel supply chain and their relationship to competitive advantage, strategy, performance and overall economic competitiveness. The topics were developed in accordance with the model proposed in Logistics, Strategy and Structure: A Conceptual Framework written by Stock, Greis & Kasarda in 1999. The research focused on the supply chains within the US Bed-bath and Bottom weights markets with companies using purely domestic, global and mixed strategies. A sample group involving US retailers, US/US manufacturers, US/US-Offshore manufacturers and sourcing agents was chosen for each market. As part of a collaborative research study focusing on economic competitiveness, a questionnaire was developed and administered during information interviews to the selected sample. Section II of the survey posed questions directly dealing with logistics costs, competitive advantage, strategy and performance. With regard to logistics costs, the research sought to determine the most significant costs, as pertaining to the textile and apparel supply chain, as well as define them. It also examined each logistics cost structure and its relation to the finished product cost. Regarding competitive advantage, the research was used to provide and verify a definition. It also determined the advantages resulting from the use of specific logistical chains and cost optimization plans with their relationship to economic competitiveness. The research was also used in order to determine whether there was a relationship between logistical cost structures and economic competitiveness in terms of strategy and performance. Companies used for the information interview process were selected on the basis of annual sales and growth rates from 1999-2003, reputation, sourcing strategies and product mixes. The finalized sample contained 18 companies with 33 total respondents having an average of 25 years of experience. Four trips were made in order to individually interview executives from each sample company; each to Hong Kong, New York City, Miami and a driving trip of the Southeastern US.
Outcomes of Private Label Programs: Brand Loyalty, Supply Chain, & Cost Management
(2006-11-07) Bruer, Shanna Michelle; Mark Messura, Committee Member; Dr. Barry Goodwin, Committee Member; Dr. William Oxenham, Committee Member; Dr. Michelle Jones, Committee Co-Chair; Dr. Nancy Cassill, Committee Co-Chair
Private labels have become an increasingly important part of the retail apparel industry; however, the reason(s) for which they have been added to firms' portfolios has not been thoroughly researched or discussed in the academic or industry literature. The motivation for and outcomes of private label implementation at retail was therefore the focus of this study. The purpose of this research was to determine the reasons for which private label, programs are employed by retailers. The research focused on two potential rationales: 1) internal outcomes, which are defined by the researcher as those that are primarily controlled by the firm through internal actions that seek such results as greater control over the supply chain and costs, and 2) external outcomes, though influenced by the firm, are ultimately determined by the consumer as brand loyalty. The review of literature offered an explanation of the progression of logic used in the conceptual framework for this study. Additionally, it examined the current literature available in academia and industry. The conceptual model began with the generic competitive strategies offered by Porter (1990), was narrowed to a single strategy through Aaker's (1998) success factors of differentiation and Barney's (2002) differentiation tools, finally the focus of the study was on the potential outcomes of a brand offered by Keller (1998). The methodology used in this study consisted of three phases. Phase I used a deductive research design (quantitative). The goal of the deductive analysis was to determine the level of, and differences between, the loyalty associated with national and private label brands. In order to accomplish this goal, STS longitudinal panel data was employed. The sample consisted of 12,254 denim jean purchasers. Phase II used an inductive research design (qualitative). The inductive phase was used to expand upon the findings from phase one, as well as gain data on the internal outcomes associated with private label brands. In order to accomplish Phase II a case study methodology was employed. The two-page discussion guide was developed by the researcher and was used to acquire depth of information on the three outcomes, as well as uncover potential rationales for program implementation. The sample consisted of thirty companies from the following five sectors: fiber, fabric, apparel manufacturing/marketing, apparel agents, and retail. The information collected from industry interviews brought a deeper level of understanding as to why private label programs are implemented at retail. Phase III was a co-interpretation of analyses from Phases I and II. The goal of this section was to visually depict the motivations for private label program implantation, relationships and communication within the supply chain, and outcomes of program participation for each sector. Quantitative results indicated that there is no greater loyalty associated with private label product than that of national brand. Further exploration of private label program drivers found that retailers and manufacturers were driven to private label programs by two additional motivations — supply chain management and cost management. From these results a private label apparel model was developed containing drivers for programs, communication amongst supply chain members, and outcomes of program implementation. The findings of this study are significant to both industry and academia when determining the best strategy for entering and improving private label programs.
Today's Apparel Retail Purchase Environment: A Comparison of Retail Associates' Perceptions with Consumers' Attitudes and Opinions
(2006-04-24) Huffman, Megan Michelle; Dr. Nancy Cassill, Committee Co-Chair; Dr. Michelle Jones, Committee Co-Chair; Dr. George Hodge, Committee Member
The purpose of the research is to determine the level of disconnect between retail associates and consumers through a comparison of perceptions, attitudes, and opinions of evaluative criteria within the apparel retail purchase environment. Specifically, the research examines the influence of store displays, retail associate product knowledge, retailer return policies, and product attributes on consumers' purchase decision process as described by the research framework, the Consumer Decision Process by Blackwell, Miniard, and Engel (2001). The study provides marketing implications to retailers allowing them to a) adapt marketing mixes and tailor competitive strategies to retain their current target market and b) to better shape training programs in order for retail associates to more accurately meet the needs and demands of consumers, thus leading to a higher level of satisfaction and loyalty. A two-phase methodology is used to collect qualitative perceptions from forty retail associates followed by the collection of quantitative attitudes and opinions of 800 consumers in three different retail channels, department, national chain, and specialty. Data was analyzed using analysis of variance, chi-square analysis, and paired t-tests. Results from the two phases were compared in order to determine similarities and/or differences between retail associates and consumers, as well as to validate or refute previous literature. Similarities in opinions were found in the influence of return policies on consumers' purchase decisions. Whereas, differences in opinions were found in the influence of store displays, retail associate product knowledge and importance of product attributes when making a purchase decision.