Abstract:
The study investigated the techniques used by the small garment manufacturing
figures in Ghana in this era of technological advancement with high level of global
market competition. This was vital in order to change the image of the small garment
industry in Ghana to maximize productivity for sustained and optimum returns as the
sub-sector struggles to survive in the local and global markets. The study employed
multiple case study as the research design. Purposive and stratified random sampling
techniques were engaged in selecting respondents for the study. The study focussed on
selected large and small garment firms, institutions of higher learning, garment
merchandisers and governmental agencies sampled from three major garment
manufacturing cities, Kumasi, Accra and Tema. Interview and non-participant
observation were the instruments used for data collection. Data obtained were presented
using grounded theory analysis, which ensured clarity and better understanding of the
discussions. The study revealed among others that low level of trained personnel in the small
garment sector has led to noncompliance with quality production systems causing rejection
of products. The study concluded that, the quality of assembly at the small garment firms
was lower compared to international best practices since the production at the local industry
was not guided by any production benchmark. The study further concluded that small
garment designers were deficient in creative and imaginative abilities as manifested by the
designers’ dependent on design copying rather that originality. It was therefore
recommended that as a matter of priority the government in collaboration with relevant
stakeholders must look into formulation of policies that would ensure sustainable
development of the small garment industry. Finally, the garment industry associations in
collaboration with institutions of higher learning and government (COTVET) should
establish training centres for the entrepreneurs in the garment industry in order to safeguard
the future of the industry.
Description:
A Dissertation in the Department of Music Education, School of Creative
Arts, Submitted to the School of Graduate Studies, in Partial Fulfilment of
the Requirements for The Award of The Degree of
Doctor of Philosophy
(Arts and Culture)
SEPTEMBER, 2019