Assessing the Impact of Expertise on Quality Production of School Uniforms to Meet Deadline by Small and Medium Scale Industries in Kumasi Metropolis

Abstract

The study assessed the expertise of Small and Medium Scale (SMS) clothing industries in Kumasi metropolis, the second largest city in Ghana relating to their involvement in the production of school uniforms for second cycle schools to meet deadlines. It focuses on identifying expertise within clothing SMS and their ability to meet deadlines for school uniforms they produced on contracts for second cycle schools. The methodology employed a qualitative and exploratory approach using thematic design for the data analysis. Out of the 20 firms identified for the study, 5 declined participation leaving 15 firms. Two senior-most machinists and supervisors from each firm were purposively selected bringing the total to 30 participants. The results indicated that most SMS of clothing firms have been producing standard school uniforms for schools except that most of them do not meet deadlines of their clients. The study also provides insight into the quality level of uniforms produced by SMS for second cycle schools. It identifies the need to upgrade skill training of staff, enhances usage of new technology among workers and equally motivate staff to improve productivity to help meet deadlines of clients. The findings of the study have shown that, these firms contribute to ensuring standard dress code and moral discipline within second cycle schools which enhance their psychological status toward learning and performance in academic work. The research recommends the adoption of external training approach and use of new technology software and machinery in SMS clothing industry to improve product delivery for their clients.