Retailers and apparel imports: variables associated with relative proportions of imports carried
Purposes of this exploratory study were: (i) to determine retailers' views toward imported apparel, (ii) to gain insight into retailers' reasons for carrying imported apparel, and (iii) to examine variables associated with relative proportions of imported apparel carried in stock. Interviewers surveyed 191 retailers in the eastern U.S.A., using a structured telephone interview. Data analysis included chi-square tests of association and frequency distributions. The proportion of stock retailers reported to be imported was cross-tabulated with a number of variables. Results gave insight into retailers' reasons for carrying imported apparel, although a majority appeared to favour domestic apparel; results also indicated some of the problems associated with carrying foreign-made goods. Results can be useful to manufacturers in their efforts to counter retailers' trend to carry increasing quantities of imported apparel and to educators preparing graduates for employment in this sensitive sector.
Sourcing factor's effect on the pattern of China's apparel exports to the United States
This study examined and compared the significance of several important sourcing factors and how they influenced the trade pattern between the United States and China from 1985 through 2000. Under the context that all apparel quota restrictions against China will be phased-out by 2005, quota effect was specially emphasized by analyzing the relationship among quota limitations, utilization rates, and U.S. import demand. Telephone interviews were also conducted in an effort to get retailers’ opinions regarding these sourcing factors based on their sourcing strategy. The research found that most of the examined variables significantly influenced the trade pattern of the selected apparel groups and, that quota removal will boost the U.S. apparel import from China. INDEX WORDS: Tariffs, Quota, Labor Costs, Freight Costs, Quality, Lead Time, Import Volume, Sourcing SOURCING FACTOR’S EFFECT ON THE PATTERN OF CHINA’S APPAREL EXPORT TO THE UNITED STATES
Research requirements to reduce maintenance costs of civil helicopters
The maintenance problems faced by the operators of civil helicopters that result in high costs are documented. Existing technology that can be applied to reduce maintenance costs and research that should be carried out were identified. Good design practice and application of existing technology were described as having a significant impact on reducing maintenance costs immediately. The research and development that have potential for long range reduction of maintenance costs are presented.