Globalization of Apparel Technology in University Apparel Programs

Apparel has always been a global industry, from sourcing to manufacturing to shipping. This globalization has proved to be a daunting task when evaluating and monitoring each phase of the supply chain. The apparel industry is largely run by corporations that outsource their production needs resulting in extremely widespread supply chains. The understanding of the supply chain management (SCM) process requires either hands on experience or real time data driven software. This software can be a great asset to university apparel students in learning the process of apparel production from the manufacturing facility to the retail store.

When making production decisions for supply chain management, there are two requirements that are necessary: skills and competencies [1]. University curricula provide students the skill knowledge of supply chain management, but competency can only be understood through experiential learning. Experiential learning allows students to increase their level of competency by learning to adapt to real time situations throughout the supply chain process.

The supply chain of the apparel industry moves at an everincreasing pace. This pace is very difficult to keep up with in the educational system where textbooks are almost outdated by the time they reach the classroom. In this digital era, decisions are driven by data, which is vital to success. One way that apparel corporations improve their supply chain is with Panjiva, a data analytics package. Panjiva is technological data driven software that gives the user immediate insight into companies involved at every node of international supply chain for the purposes of understanding trade around the globe. The intention of using this software is to investigate trade issues centered on corporate operations. Using this package, students will be learning successful strategies to provide recommendations and specific style level actions that potential corporations can utilize to improve their source country matrix in order to improve costs, optimize duties, and mitigate risks. In the decision-making process, students will be considering industry trends, duty rates, geo-political risk, commercial lead times, and ease of doing business in foreign countries. This innovative approach will immerse students in the process of learning global sourcing and supply chain management. By using Panjiva data analytics, students will learn real world dynamics of sourcing. This software will help them understand supply chain management (SCM) and the entire supply chain in the apparel industry. The use of Panjiva in a classroom setting will enhance student centered learning and will assist the faculty in developing innovative materials. It also prepares students for the workforce by exposing them to the requirements of industry demands in real time.

The more the apparel industry relies on technology, specifically technology like Panjiva, the more universities should teach real time, real world software. This will equip students with both skills and competencies upon graduation; and in addition, could create competitive advantage for securing lucrative employment in the apparel industry.