PATIN(‘ NC STATE College of TextilesJournal of Textile and Apparel, Technology and ManagementVolume 10, Issue 3, 2018An Exploration of how Work Study Techniques can Optimize Production in Zimbabwe’s Clothing IndustryDenford Fadzai Chisosa Department of Clothing and Textiles, Chinhoyi University of TechnologyWalter Chipambwa, School of Art and Design, Chinhoyi University of Technology, ZimbabweABSTRACTWork study has received important clothing industrial acclaim due to its effect on productivity, quality, and competitiveness of an entity. Work study techniques raise the efficiency of production and can be used in all manufacturing as a scientific approach. In this study, a qualitative approach has been employed where in-depth individual interviews were used to tape in the intricate issues. Six clothing companies were purposefully sampled, and from within each company, designated managers were randomly chosen because of their experience, proficiency, and knowledge of the topic. The study revealed lack of work study implementation, resistance to change, and negative perceptions employees attach to work changes. Overall, this research managed to highlight the inefficiency of the clothing manufacturing companies without work study techniques. For the clothing sector to achieve success, implementation ofwork study techniques is highly recommended to increase production capacities for the firms and clothing manufacturing business.Keywords: work study, clothing, competitiveness, manufacturing, costIntroductionAll manufacturing companies aspire to succeed in their operations, and those in the clothing manufacturing business are no exception. Clothing manufacturing requires the implementation of innovative management systems in production processes in order to meet order deadlines, reduce lead times, and optimize material use, with the ultimate goal of being competitive. In business, organizations have to be constantlyaware of their competitors’ products, prices, and quality output, as these are important success factors. Since these factors affect the outcome of the operations, Khan (2014) states that the strategy employed by an organization to gain a competitive edge is crucial. Strategies vary and may either lead to the maximum output through increasing the sales volume or increasing the maximum profit by reducing cost.Article Designation: Refereed 1 JTATM Volume 10, Issue 3, 2018
