Abstract
This purpose of this research was to develop a model of an electronic decision support system to aid apparel product developers in sourcing domestic textile and apparel production. Database design occurred in a sequential manner based on an adaptation of a conceptual model proposed by Storey. In-depth interviews with sourcing executives from six major retailers, data collection with over 500 producers, and usability testing of two prototypes with seventeen apparel product developers from two major specialty retailers provided the functional foundation for database development. A network of researchers from universities, National Labs and [TC]2, producers, and retailers contributed to laying the infrastructure to move the model toward implementation of a national sourcing database for the textile and apparel industry.
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