Enabling manufacturer selection and an equitable order allocation amongst textiles and apparel manufacturers

Abstract

Small and medium-sized textile enterprises (SMTEs) contribute to the UK economy. Anecdotal evidence indicates that many SMTEs fail to secure enough orders from British retailers. So, this paper reports on the methodological decision analysis model and the qualitative linear weighted point method (LWPM) to develop the pertinent critical success decision criteria and virtually distribute the bulk orders equitably. The relevant decision criteria are stated for the SMTEs. The criteria are crucial as they were consolidated from the textiles and apparel manufacturers only, contrary to other several studies that established generic decision criteria. The criteria consist of corporate social responsibility, economic and environmental factors. The results indicate the opportunity to execute order quantities equitably after having ranked the collaborating SMTEs. LWPM assisted to rank SMTEs in selecting the right manufacturers. Since the criteria are from the SMTEs only; the generalisability of the results to other industries may need further research.