Supplier selection in small and medium sized firms: The case of the U.S. textile and apparel industry

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Vidyaranya B. Gargeya, Professor and Department Head (Creator)
Jin Su, Associate Professor (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/

Abstract: PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to empirically examine supplier selection among small- and medium-sized firms in the US textile and apparel industry. For small- and medium-sized firms, one powerful method of improving the firm’s competitiveness in the dynamic business environment is through strategic approach of supplier selection, which emphasizes supplier’s contributions to the total product and to overall customer satisfaction.Design/methodology/approachEmpirical survey-based research methodology was implemented and data were collected from small and medium firms in textile and apparel business in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, California, and New York which are the major areas of the US textile and apparel industry.FindingsThis study demonstrates the supplier selection practices of the small- and medium-sized firms in the US textile and apparel industry and their perceptions of supply market and supplier evaluation systems. Results indicate that supplier selection criteria impact firm performance in different ways. Small- and medium-sized firms carry out supplier selection based on product quality, supplier responsiveness, and strategic consideration which positively impact overall customer service level and overall customer satisfaction.Originality/valueThis paper focuses on supply chain management practices, specifically the supplier selection issue in small- and medium-sized firms in the textile and apparel industry.

Additional Information

Publication
American Journal of Business
Language: English
Date: 2016
Keywords
Small-and medium-sized enterprises, Supplier selection, Supply chain management, The USA, The textile and apparel industry

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