The purpose of this study was to better understand the role of design in the product development process in the apparel industry in the United States, looking for variations in how design is used in the industry. In order to obtain a snapshot of the fashion design industry, creativity, originality, innovation, and product development were examined, as well as corporate culture and strategic orientation. The study also sought to examine pedagogical strategies based on these findings. A mixed methods approach, consisting of an on-line survey and interviews, was employed. The findings suggest variations in the role of design based on the time design-department employees spent on creative tasks. These variations were examined and industrial and pedagogical implications are explored. The significance of this study relates to the findings of the importance of creativity in the product development process of the apparel industry in the United States, as well as considerations for pedagogical strategies.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of California, Santa Barbara, 1995. / "Part one." Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 566-589).

Thesis (M.S.)--The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, 2008. / Directed by Nancy Hodges; submitted to the Dept. of Consumer Apparel and Retail Studies. Title from PDF t.p. (viewed Apr. 13, 2010). Includes bibliographical references (p. 131-139).

The purpose of this study was to identify the usage level of QR technologies and to examine the relationships between the organizational characteristics and the usage level of QR technologies and QR adoption in the U.S. apparel industry. Using the usage level of QR technologies and QR adoption as the dependent variables, the selected organizational characteristics, as independent variables, were: firm size (Le., numbers of employees, dollar amounts of sales volume), organizational strategy (i.e., prospector, analyzer, reactor, defender), product characteristics (i.e., product category, fashion change, seasonal change), and perception of QR benefits. The conceptual framework for this study was based on Rogers' adoption theory (1983). A factor approach was used to examine a cross-section of firms to determine significant characteristics influencing QR adoption. A random sample of 306 apparel manufacturers without locational limitation were selected from a purchased list. The sample was stratified by firm size (i.e., number of employees) and product category (Le., men's, women's, children's/infant's wear). A mail questionnaire was pilot tested for content validity and instrument reliability, and the revised questionnaire was sent to plant managers. Adjusted response rate was 47.0% (n=103). Regression, discriminant analysis, and nonparametrics were used to test the statistical significance of hypothesized relationships. The most frequently used technologies were small lot orders, short cycle cut planning, short cycle sewing, and production planning with customer. Firm size, organizational strategy, and fashion change were significantly related to the usage level of QR technologies. Firm size, organizational strategy, product category, and perception ofQR benefits were significantly related to QR adoption. Four QR elements (i.e., production planning, flexible manufacturing, inventory control, information sharing) were significantly related to QR adoption. / Master of Science

The purpose of this research was to determine the relationship between apparel store satisfaction and the patronage behavior of black college-age consumers. In addition, perceptions of the store attributes, the importance attached to the attributes, and personal characteristics were investigated separately and in relation to satisfaction. A need for this research exists because consumers’ satisfaction with the environments of retail establishments has not been researched as abundantly as satisfaction with products and services. It is important for retailers and students in clothing and textiles and business to understand the immense diversity among consumers if they are to market merchandise accurately and successfully. This study will be of value since it determines the level of retail satisfaction of the subjects since satisfaction needs to be understood before there is an understanding of patronage behavior and buying habits. Data were collected by convenience sampling on the Virginia Tech campus. Surveys were administered to students in four sections of an Introduction to Black Studies course in Spring 1994. The final sample size for this study was 90 subjects. Mean ratings of the responses were tabulated from each variables average item scores. The perception rating signified that the subjects’ general perceptions of the store personnel and atmosphere were between "neutral" and "slightly" positive on the scale. Importance ratings signified that the subjects found the store personnel and atmosphere components listed to be "very important” to "usually important". Satisfaction ratings signified that the subjects felt "satisfied" to "neutral" in relation to store personnel, atmosphere, and apparel stores in general. It was found that there is a significant relationship between the dependent variable, retail satisfaction and the independent variable, perception. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed the relationship between satisfaction with store atmosphere and perceptions of the store personnel and atmosphere to be the weakest relationship of the three satisfaction items. Correlation analyses showed no significant relationship exists between store satisfaction and the other variables, the importance attached to the image attributes, patronage behaviors, and demographics. / Master of Science