Skill and knowledge requirements for logistics professionals in the apparel industry of Bangladesh: An importance-expertise matrix analysis

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

Abstract: This paper provides an assessment of the skills needed for entry-level logistics professionals in Bangladesh’s apparel industry and suggests the critical skill areas that require improvement. Two studies were conducted to get the responses from supply chain and logistics professionals who have direct interactions with entry-level logistics professionals in the workplace. In study 1, an Importance-Expertise Matrix (IEM) analysis was conducted to provide an assessment of the relative importance and expertise of 40 skill items and investigate the skill gaps. The results reveal that 27.5% of the skill items have a noticeable gap between their importance and expertise level, indicating further improvement is needed. In Study 2, a qualitative approach was used, and the findings reinforced those of Study 1 and offered new and important information about skill and knowledge requirements amid the COVID-19 pandemic. This research offers implications for the apparel industry, academia, policymakers, and training agencies in Bangladesh.

Additional Information

Publication
International Journal of Fashion Design, Technology and Education
Language: English
Date: 2021
Keywords
skill requirement, logistics, apparel industry, Bangladesh, importance-expertise matrix, supply chain management skills, COVID-19

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