Abstract

In the U.S. textiles and apparel industry, mass customization (MC) is a competitive strategy that allows for the personalization of products utilizing and building upon the efficient methodology of mass production. This research paper presents the implementation of the MC business strategy within the U.S. textiles and apparel industry to better understand some of the variables and/or barriers that may affect the implementation of MC into a manufacturing environment. The MC strategy for personalizing products based upon specific customers’ needs has grown exponentially as more sophisticated technology becomes available. This study examines the relationship of factors and the level of MC implementation.  The study was based on responses to a survey from 91 subjects from the U.S. textiles and apparel companies that have implemented an MC strategy.  Results from the survey were examined utilizing correlation analysis to determine significance and the strength of the relationship between the variables. 

The result of the study found out that job design, technology strategy, mass customization capability, and the combined score of the organizational dimensions had a significant correlation on the level of MC implementation.  The relationship of the MC approaches within and between the sample groups had no significant difference when implementing the MC strategy. The study recommends that job design, technology strategy, and organizational dimensions must be considered in order to implement MC, providing a customizable product that meets the consumers’ needs, which can allow companies to remain competitive and profitable.

Keywords

Mass Customization/Personalization, Job Design, Technology Strategy