Volume 2, Issue 3

Financial Challenges in the Textile and Apparel Industry

Michelle R. Jones, Ph.D. and
Robert A. Barnhardt, Ph.D.  (Dean Emeritus - College of Textiles)

The textile sector has been dramatically transformed in recent years by changing consumer needs, new technology, and globalization. In such a climate of change and increasing competition, both manufacturers and retailers of textile products are constantly striving to meet the needs of their customers. Thus, access to and strategies for the use of capital are becoming more critical for the advancement of the industry.

This issue of the Journal of Textile and Apparel, Technology and Management (JTATM) focuses on a variety of financial aspects of the industry. Industry and academic personnel provide interesting viewpoints of financing for the future. This issue provides information for future needs and directions and includes a collection of articles on financial practices, strategies, and the global financial impacts facing the textile and apparel industry.

Integrating business concepts in the curriculum at NCSU College of Textiles remains a key focus at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. It is important for the College of Textiles to equip students with a basic knowledge of the critical issues and problem solving tools required for managerial decision making.

While the financial challenges are varied, we hope this issue will provide you new perspectives regarding this most important issue.