Case 1
The Ready-Made Garment Industry: A Bangladeshi Perspective
- What are the various roles in the ready-made garment (RMG) supply chain? How does Simco differentiate itself from the other manufacturers in order to achieve competitive advantage?
- What is the focus of an apparel supply chain (i.e., inventory, supply, demand or resources)? Why? Given this focus, is the strategy that Simco is using sustainable? Discuss.
- The apparel supply chain uses subcontracting. Who is responsible for monitoring the subcontractors? How can the Brand assure that subcontractors are adhering to international standards?
Case 2
Please read the following opinion piece that recently appeared in the Washington Post:
Like many sectors of our economy, the trucking industry has not done a good job of hiring and promoting a diverse workforce. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2019 there were 3.6 million people working in the employment category that includes trucks drivers. Of them, 20.5% were Hispanic or Latino, 18.1% were Black, 6.7% were women and 2.9% were Asian. Clearly, if the industry could be more diverse and inclusive, it would be helpful in solving the major issue of persistent driver shortages that has been made worse by the pandemic.
Questions (1.5 to 2 pages length)
Identify the business practices in the trucking industry that mitigate against the hiring of women and minorities. Discuss how the industry might revise these practices to be more inclusive. How would you work to remedy this situation and ensure a more diverse workforce?
