Browsing by Author "Dr. Michelle Jones, Committee Member"

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Acoustical Absorptive Properties of Nonwovens
(2005-08-09) Allampalayam Jayaraman, Kannan; Dr. Michelle Jones, Committee Member; Dr. Behnam Pourdeyhimi, Committee Co-Chair; Dr. Pam Banks-Lee, Committee Chair
Today much importance is given to the acoustical environment. Noise control and its principles play an important role in creating an acoustically pleasing environment. This can be achieved when the intensity of sound is brought down to a level that is not harmful to human ears. Achieving a pleasing environment can be obtained by using various techniques that employ different materials. One such technique is by absorbing the sound and converting it to thermal energy. Fibrous, porous and other kinds of materials have been widely accepted as sound absorptive materials. A literature scan [19, 20, 53, 76] showed nonwovens could be considered to be a prospective candidate for sound absorption. The impetus for this study stemmed from the drawbacks associated with the existing sound absorbing materials like felts made from glass, asbestos and rock wool and foams. Some of these drawbacks include the fact that the materials are unsuitable for molding, non-recyclable, difficult to handle and install, dust accumulating and in the case of foams are high in density. These drawbacks are forcing the acoustical product manufacturers to look into natural, biodegradable raw materials. To assist in that effort, the research presented here studies the feasibility of using kenaf fibers blended with reclaim polyester fibers and other fiber blends as sound absorptive materials. Products from kenaf/reclaim fiber blends will have the benefit of low raw materials and manufacturing cost, at the same time providing a suitable end use for reclaim polyester fibers. Early work in noise control has shown the importance of understanding micro- structural and other physical parameters in designing high performance acoustic materials. As a final objective, this research describes how the physical elements of nonwoven sound absorbent system like fiber type, fiber size, fiber cross section, material thickness, density, airflow resistance and porosity can change the absorption behavior of nonwovens. Influence of fire retardant treatment, surface impedance, air gap, compression, manufacturing methods and attachment of film on sound absorption behavior of nonwovens were also considered.
Body Shape Analysis of Hispanic Women in the United States
(2006-11-17) Newcomb, Elizabeth Anne; Dr. Cynthia Istook, Committee Chair; Dr. Traci May-Plumlee, Committee Member; Dr. Michelle Jones, Committee Member
Sizing and fit strategies have not been used to target Hispanic women in the U.S., primarily due to an absence of anthropometric information about this market. However, the release of SizeUSA data in 2004 provides the resources needed to better understand the body shapes and sizes of U.S. Hispanic women. The purpose of this study was to analyze the body shapes of Hispanic women in the U.S. and compare them to the body shapes of women from other ethnic groups. Current ASTM sizing standards were then evaluated to determine their effectiveness at accommodating the body shapes of Hispanic women. This evaluation was then used to determine if a need existed for a new sizing standard directed at Hispanic women. Using FFIT© for Apparel body shape identification software, results showed that the most predominant shape found in all ethnicities was the Rectangle shape. In addition, current ASTM standards used by the industry were found to be terribly inadequate at meeting the needs of all ethnicities. As a result, efforts were targeted at creating one sizing standard for the entire Rectangle-shaped population of women, regardless of ethnicity. The resulting Rectangle standard included sixteen sizes, and six girth measurements. While not a complete standard, these measurements served as a starting point for a final standard. The proposed standard was then analyzed to determine its ability to meet the needs of the Rectangle-shaped Hispanic women. Analysis of the proposed Rectangle sizing standard showed that the proposed standard performed much better than ASTM D 5585, the current Missy sizing standard, at every measurement for Hispanic Rectangle-shaped women (as well as the total population of Rectangles). Results also indicated that Hispanic women may be served by concentrating on smaller sizes, in a narrower range of sizes in the standard. This was important research for apparel companies, as it provided a better understanding of the body shapes of Hispanic women, as well as investigated and determined the best way to target this group. Methodology used in this project may also be used to create additional shape-based sizing standards, to research other target markets, and to determine the most appropriate sizing strategies to target specific markets.
Design and Material Considerations for High Performance Army Combat Uniforms
(2009-04-23) Satam, Dnyanada Shankar; Dr. Michelle Jones, Committee Member; Dr. Hoon Joo Lee, Committee Chair; Dr. Nancy Cassill, Committee Co-Chair
SATAM, DNYANADA. Design and Material Considerations for High Performance Army Combat Uniforms. (Under the direction of Dr. Hoon Joo Lee and Dr. Nancy Cassill). As the saying goes, Ã¢â‚¬Å“Necessity is the mother of inventionÃ¢â‚¬Â , the military requires new modifications in its uniforms to surmount the climatic conditions and to reduce threat of various warfare agents during their mission. The requirement of the hour is having light, better-protective, more breathable uniform fabrics which also have superior mechanical properties. This research deals with the design of Army Combat Uniforms (ACU) specifically with the new technologies and materials that could be used for their manufacture. The design of ACU is governed by the protective functions, quality, and economic feasibility. Along with protection, the key performance features include high strength, light weight, fire-resistance, moisture management, and temperature control. The current uniforms are made of nylon-cotton blended (50/50 NYCO) woven fabrics, and the use of nonwoven fabrics has been limited. This research puts forward the scenarios of the use of nonwoven fabrics and Computer Aided Design (CAD) for the production of ACU considering the necessity of domestic mass production of defense materials. Developing a new class of ACU produced with CAD technologies and nonwoven materials, which need advanced manufacturing facilities instead of human resources, could be a stepping stone for the design of new-age ACU. The composite nonwoven fabrics provide all these properties along with enhanced durability and wash resistance. In addition, many nonwovens can be ultrasonically bonded to create impervious seams to prevent penetration of chemical-biological warfare agents. This research also proposes the idea of incorporating smart textiles in ACU. A method of producing oleophobic fabric surface which can make the uniform protective against chemical-biological warfare agents has also been experimented during the course of this research. The final output of this research is a House of Quality Matrix (HQM) which explains the intricacies of designing an ACU. This matrix was developed on the concept screening matrix and concept scoring matrix which rank the requirements for an ACU according to level of importance and rate the features and functionality of the current ACU. The HQM matrix could be used for future product development of ACU.
Factors Affecting Governmental/Trade Disparities Among Nations
(2006-04-26) Jones, Michael Andrew; Dr. Nancy Cassill, Committee Member; Dr. Robert Barnhardt, Committee Co-Chair; Dr. George Hodge, Committee Co-Chair; Dr. Michelle Jones, Committee Member
As globalization takes hold in international trade, companies are impacted by factors that are often beyond the scope of their influence. These trade factors directly impact the competitiveness of companies in global markets. Global markets are becoming the norm as communication, technology, and infrastructure within developing countries improve. Textile and apparel companies are searching for the optimal locations to produce various products so that they will have the proper balance of quality and cost, in an attempt to increase profitability. This research focused on the bottom weights and bed/bath markets. These markets were selected because they have a significant manufacturing presence in the United States, and they possess different supply chain structures. This study used a two-phase mixed methods approach in order to gain secondary data from available resources and primary data from in-depth interviews with industry executives. Eighteen leading companies in the bed/bath and bottom weights markets were interviewed with 33 respondents whose average experience was 25 years in the industry. Comparisons and contrasts were analyzed regarding the two markets. The five trade factors that were analyzed in this research were: 1) currency exchange rates, 2) environmental and social compliance, 3) Intellectual Property theft, 4) federal government subsidies, and 5) employee benefit plans. All of the trade factors influence companies in international markets. American companies are at a competitive disadvantage with offshore companies in these markets due to these five trade factors. Government policy and regulations put tremendous strain on domestic textile and apparel companies to remain competitive in the dynamic global textile industry. This study is one section of a three part research project regarding economic competitiveness in the global textile and apparel industry. The three studies are: • "Factors Affecting Governmental / Trade Disparities Among Nations," by Michael A. Jones. • "Market Competitiveness in the Global Textile Supply Chain: Examination of Supply Chain Configurations," by C. Hope Nowell. • "Economic Competitiveness in the Global Textile Supply Chain: An Examination of Logistics Cost Structures," by Lynsey A. Cesca.
Marketing to the U.S. Hispanic Consumer: Apparel Preferences and Strategies.
(2009-04-24) Campbell, Natalee Marie; Dr. Pamela Banks-Lee, Committee Member; Dr. Michelle Jones, Committee Member; Dr. Traci A. M. Lamar, Committee Chair; Dr. Cynthia Istook, Committee Member
The Hispanic population is the largest and fastest-growing minority group in the United States. Given its size and growth rate, the Hispanic market, as a whole, has grown in importance. The purpose of this study was to learn more about the U.S. Hispanic market in regards to apparel preferences and to discover how these products were being promoted to the Hispanic consumer. The literature suggests that the growth of the U.S. Hispanic market will lead to a greater demand for apparel. However, there is not much known about HispanicsÃ¢â‚¬â„¢ apparel design and style preferences. Additionally, there are not currently many retailers who targeted this market specifically, so marketing strategies were not well documented. The methods used in this research encompassed smaller component investigations. Those component investigations included a pilot survey, visual content analysis of photographs, content analysis of Spanish-language television advertisements, and apparel store evaluations. After analysis, results provided insight to U.S. Hispanic consumersÃŠÂ¼ preferences for design attributes of apparel worn in everyday situations. Results also identified methods used by the apparel retailers who were actively engaged in marketing to Hispanics through television and in stores. This was important research for apparel retailers, as it provided a better understanding of the apparel-design preferences of U.S. Hispanic consumers as well as determined opportunities for apparel retailers targeting the U.S. Hispanic market. For further research, the methodology used in this project may also be expanded to other geographical areas of the United States where television advertisements, photographs, and store evaluations could be conducted. Also, a more direct interaction with respondents could give more qualitative information enhancing the depth of understanding U.S. Hispanic consumers.
Measuring Productivity through Competitive Advantage
(2008-08-23) Berdine, Matthew Palmer; Dr. Michelle Jones, Committee Member; Dr. William Oxenham, Committee Co-Chair; Dr. Nancy Cassill, Committee Co-Chair
Niche Market Opportunities in the Global Marketplace
(2003-06-25) Parrish, Erin Dodd; Dr. Nancy L. Cassill, Committee Co-Chair; Dr. John Dutton, Committee Member; Dr. William Oxenham, Committee Co-Chair; Dr. Michelle Jones, Committee Member
The purpose of this research was to analyze how a niche strategy can be used by US textile and apparel companies to compete with lower priced imports. With the increasing globalization of the industry, it has been suggested that companies focus on products that offer a competitive advantage over commodity products (Standard and Poor's, 2003). One way of doing this is to focus on specialized, or niche, products. The conceptual models used in this study provided a framework for specialization within trade. The trade theories examined were 1) Ricardo's Comparative Advantage Theory (Ricardo, 1817), 2) Heckscher-Ohlin Trade Theory of Factor Proportions (Heckscher & Ohlin, 1991), 3) Posner's Technology Trade Gap Theory (Posner, 1961), 4) Vernon's Theory of the Product Life Cycle of Trade (Vernon, 1966), and 5) Porter's Model of Competitive Advantage (Porter, 1998). Each of these trade theories predicts specialization as a result of trade. This means that as trade barriers decrease, a country's resources will focus on those processes in which it has a competitive advantage. For the US textile and apparel industry, this means moving away from basic textile items used in apparel production, such as basic fabrics, and moving towards more focused and specialty products, which includes niche products. The methodology used in this study consisted of two phases. Phase I used a deductive research design with an aim to clarify niche strategy issues and provide breadth on the topic (quantitative data). The instrument utilized in this phase was an online survey, which was developed by the researcher and contained three sections: company information, niche markets and globalization. Because of the limited literature on niche markets, the survey was used to obtain information to develop Phase II of the study. The initial sample for Phase I was made up of 63 companies from five sectors in the US textile and apparel industry. These were fiber and yarn producers, mill producers, sewn goods producers, retailers, and auxiliary companies. The final sample consisted of 19 companies from four of the five sectors. Phase II used an inductive research design, with a case study methodology (qualitative data). The two-page interview questionnaire was developed by the researcher and was used to provide depth to the issues uncovered in Phase I. The sample consisted of two companies from each of the four sectors (fiber and yarn, mill products, sewn goods, and auxiliary), resulting in a total of eight companies. The information gathered through the case studies presented additional insight into how a niche strategy is implemented and thereby how it is utilized by US textile and apparel companies in order to compete with imports. Results indicated significant niche product and market strategies that are currently being used and are strategically designed for future market implementation. Niche strategy models were developed which contain both market and product strategies for each sector and one model for the industry. Results from this study will provide academic and industry personnel with business strategy formulation to create and maintain niche markets as well as to provide a research framework for international textile and apparel researchers.
Process, Fit, and Appearance Analysis of Three-Dimensional to Two-Dimensional Automatic Pattern Unwrapping Technology
(2007-07-15) Outling, Cora Denise Smith; Dr. Pamela Banks-Lee, Committee Member; Dr. Cynthia Istook, Committee Chair; Dr. Nancy Cassill, Committee Member; Dr. Michelle Jones, Committee Member
Sizing and Fit of Men's Underwear
(2005-06-09) Ross, Taihesia Altovise; Dr. Pamela Banks-Lee, Committee Chair; Dr. Michelle Jones, Committee Member; Dr. Cavell Brownie, Committee Member
The purpose of the research was to determine if ASTM Standards used for producing men's underwear satisfy the measurements of males in the U.S. Additionally, this research determined whether or not males in the U.S. are satisfied with the fit of underwear made available to them. The results provided insight into a relatively untapped area of research, men's apparel sizing and men's fit satisfaction. This study employed the use of two data sources: the Size USA National Study and an administered online Men's Fit Survey. A considerable amount of the data was statistically analyzed using SAS and JMP statistics programs. The research aimed to substantiate findings cited in the literature regarding inadequate size standards and consumer's dissatisfaction with the fit of ready to wear clothing produced from these standards. This study further evaluated the effect of ethnic group and age group on a subject's ability to meet ASTM Standards. "Proposed" classifications were recommended in an effort to enable a larger percentage of U.S. males to meet size designations (small to 2x-large). In addition, the responses from the Men's Fit Survey were used to assess fit satisfaction of underwear in key locations. This study found that at a 95% confidence level, ethnicity and age of male subjects are significant factors that influence measurements used to produce underwear. In comparing the body measurements of 3,691 male, Size USA subjects to ASTM Standards, results showed that only 3% met size specifications for underpants and 1% met size specifications for undershirts. Using the "Proposed" classifications 75% would meet specifications for underpants and 81% would meet specifications for undershirts. In addition, this study found that of the 205 respondents that were surveyed, at least 70% were dissatisfied with the fit of their underpants while 59% were dissatisfied with the fit of undershirts.