Challenges to the Apparel Industry in Sri Lanka

Challenges to the Apparel Industry in Sri Lanka Apparel Industry of Sri Lanka â€Å"Garments Without Guilt† 1.0 Objectives of the Assignment Study and analyze a Sri Lankan export oriented apparel industry in order to Identify the nature and the challenges faced by the apparel industry. Identify the domestic and international policies in relation to the apparel industry Make recommendations based on the future trends for the sustenance of the industry. 2.0 The Apparel Industry of Sri Lanka at a Glance Figure 1: Fashion Garments from Srilanka Source: Next Annual Report, 2010The textile and the garment industry of Sri Lanka, established in the 1950s as an import substitution industry initially catered to the domestic consumption. With the introduction of the open economy and liberalization policies in year 1977 paved the way for the textile and the garment industry to enter the world market. The supportive measures adopted by the government by granting concessions, duty rebates, free import of raw material and machinery, lowe r taxes and tax holidays as well as the establishment of Free Trade Zones in the areas of Katunayake, Biyagama and Koggala contributed to the expansion of export apparel industry of Sri Lanka. C:UsersuserDesktopnext-clothing.jpg Being one of the leading exporting industries in Sri Lanka, the industry itself at present contributes to US $3.2 billion to the net foreign earnings in 2009. The GDP contribution from the industry in year 2009 is 10%. At the present context 350 – 400 factories are existent, providing direct employment opportunities to 330,000 which amount to 5% of the total workforce of the county. 3.0 Challenges Faced by the Apparel Industry of Sri Lanka Besides the withdrawal of the quota system & trade policies, inflexible labour markets, high competition from the other foreign countries, the apparel industry of Sri Lanka should survive and sustain its position in the world market. We have identified the below mentioned to be challenges faced by the apparel indust ry. 3.1 Over Dependence on Few Export Markets The apparel industry of Sri Lanka is only focusing on few export markets which consists of countries such as USA (64%) and European Union (30%). The other export markets accounts for 4% of the total apparel exports to Canada, Australia, China, Japan, Switzerland and Israel. Though, over 94% of supply is to USA and EU, Sri Lanka’s garment exports account only for 2.3% and 0.9% of USA and EU apparel import volumes respectively. With the prevailing global economic recession, faced by the main two above countries, the demand for apparel export has severely declined in the recent past, and a drastic reduction in the volumes consumed has been noted. 3.2 Insufficient Product Diversification Unavailability of diversified range of products in the apparel sector is identified as another major issue at present. The garments exports accounts for more than 90% of the total exports of the industry and has been identified to be a similar figure for the past two decades. Source: Brandix Annual Report, 2009 Figure 2: Production Section Sri Lanka yet focuses on four major types of items in the product coverage, which can be identified as shirts, blouses, trousers and jackets. Though 50 new items were introduced to the product coverage in year 2000, still the industry is highly concentrated on a few product categories. The quota restrictions imposed by major importers now limit the export of these popular items further.C:UsersuserDesktopimages.jpg

How it's hard to leave your country saudi arabia to study in USA Essay

How it's hard to leave your country saudi arabia to study in USA - Essay Example Another difficulty is experienced in line with the curriculum. The curricula of the two countries are very different. One needs to have the basic knowledge of course he wants to study in the USA. Bridging the gap between the two curricula especially where transition is made to advance education presents problems to the learners who are required to gather the basics first before catching up with the other students. Socialization is another problem; shifting to the USA requires one to leave their family, friends and relatives. Being all alone in a country where you are not acquitted to anyone poses a socialization problem especially as guidance is needed to settle. Knowing places in school, churches, and hospitals requires that one be acquitted with others. Making friends becomes a priority from such a person. Cultures are also different. Interacting with people can be difficult when there is a cultural barrier. Some of the things considered to be culturally inappropriate in Saudi Arabia may seem to be a routine in the USA. Saudi Arabia is a very conservative country culturally while the USA is much modernized and has a mixture of many cultures. Coping with the western culture is a big challenge for a Saudi Arabia

Best Snacks Problem Solution Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Best Snacks Problem Solution - Essay Example The concepts and practices that are related to this are inclusive of observations, strategies and implementation of new alternatives within the company. The plan is also based on beginning to alter the practices and policies for research and development while adding in training to begin altering the organizational culture. The ability to develop this particular plan for Best Snacks is one which then requires movement into the culture and production based approaches within the company. By strategically implementing this perspective, there will be the ability to look into total quality management alternatives. Describe the Situation Issue and Opportunity Identification 1. The first issue is with Best Snack moving below other competitors. It is now slipping past other competitors as well as smaller businesses that are moving forward with new innovations. 2. R& D is no longer performing to the same measures that it did, leaving the product development behind from past years. 3. Marketing methods with old and new products are not being implemented outside of the expectations from the past development. 4. The organizational culture is not inviting in as many new options for product development because of the stability of products that are already available. 1. The first opportunity is to begin working toward innovation through the organizational culture, allowing new options and development to be made available. 2. Ability to increase the capacity for creativity within the company, allowing new products to be developed. 3. More opportunities for employees to change their role while growing an alternative organizational culture. 4. Training and development that will lead to more of a return of investment. Stakeholder Perspectives and Ethical Dilemmas The stakeholder perspectives are currently standing in a strong position because Best Snack has been a leader in snacks for 150 years. This is combined with the strong standing which remains with the company in the curren t position. However, the danger is that the company is falling to other competitors. From the stakeholder perspective, this becomes a threat to getting a return on investment while having the same strength with the investments which they are making. To change this, communication, strategies and implementation to remain ahead of other competitors is required, specifically to begin changing the skills, innovations and products within the market. While Best Snack needs to incorporate the new innovations, the approach needs to be one which is low risk, specifically so stakeholders will continue to invest and see a profit margin. The ethical dilemmas which are associated with the current approach is based on the risks that are associated with the training, development and alterations with the current culture. Changing this too much or taking risks which are not consistent with the needs of the company can also lead to the wrong developments and initiatives and may create a lack of the ri ght approach and investment to the current status. Making sure there is an approach that is consistent and which validates the changes and initiatives will also ensure that stakeholders and others have the right response while being clear of the changes being made. Frame the Right Problem The problem with Best Snack is based on the lack of innovation which is currently with the company, specifically because of the longer period of time that the same products have