AAMUSTED Knowledge Manager

Welcome to the AAMUSTED Knowledge Manager (Institutional Repository), an open access digital archive of scholarly intellectual and research outputs of AAMUSTED. The Knowledge Manager contains and preserves: Theses and Dissertations; Research Articles and Conference Papers; Rare and Special Materials and many other Digital Assets of the University.

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Compliance with Global Best Practices by Garment Producers in Ghana
(2025-07-23) Siaw Stella Daah; Howard Ebenezer Kofi; Appiah Ninette Afi; Chichi Cynthia Akua; Asinyo Benjamin Kwablah
Purpose :This study investigates the level of compliance with global best practices among garment producers in Ghana, with a specific focus on sourcing compliance, production compliance, and distribution compliance. It covers aspects such as labour ethics, environmental stewardship, product quality, and adherence to international trade standards. Methodology/Design: A cross-sectional survey design was employed, using a structured questionnaire administered to 317 garment manufacturing firms across Accra, Tamale, and Kumasi. Compliance was assessed across sourcing, production, and distribution domains using Likert-scale items adapted from international benchmarks such as the International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions, ISO certifications, and the Higgs Index. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse patterns and gaps in compliance practices, including mean scores and standard deviations. Findings :The study revealed moderate to low overall compliance, with mean scores. While firms exhibited higher compliance in ethical labour practices, employee training, and quality assurance, substantial deficiencies were identified in environmental sustainability, automation, data-driven quality control, and adherence to international trade regulations. Notably, blockchain use, recycling initiatives, and lean manufacturing practices were poorly rated, indicating limited digital and ecological transformation across the sector. Practical and Social Implications :These findings underscore the pressing need for policy reforms, capacity building, and infrastructure enhancements to facilitate Ghana’s integration into ethical and sustainable global garment value chains. For policymakers, the results underscore the importance of embedding compliance support within national industrial strategies. For garment producers, the study offers a roadmap for targeted investment in technology, sustainability, and workforce development. Originality: This study contributes original empirical evidence on compliance with global best practices in Ghana’s garment sector, a topic that remains underexplored in West Africa. It offers a model for examining compliance dynamics in other emerging economies. Beyond its academic value, the study is policy-relevant, providing insights to inform national industrial strategies, regulatory frameworks, and export support programs that aim to enhance sustainability and competitiveness
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Improving Kaizen Implementation in the Ghanaian GarmentProduction Industry: Prioritising Critical Success Factors
(2025-04-29) Sefenu Frances Yayra; Appiah Ninette Afi; Siaw Stella Daah; Kuupole Evelyn
Purpose :To examine key performance indicators that motivate the adoption of the Kaizen concept, assess challenges encountered during the adoption and prioritise critical success factors for improved Kaizen implementation in garments producing MSEs in Ghana. Methodology/Design :The study adopted the positivism philosophy, which permitted a quantitative approach .An explanatory design was adopted for the study, and questionnaires were used in collecting data. The sample size was 204 respondents from 514 garment producers in MSEs in the Central region of Ghana. The data collected was analysed using Statistical Packages for Social Sciences software (version 27). Findings :Key performance indicators (KPIs) that motivate garment producers in the Central region of Ghana to adopt the Kaizen concept are increasing productivity, reducing production costs and improving garment quality. However, challenges like an unstable electricity supply, worker resistance to change, and difficulties in sustaining Kaizen practices hinder progress toward achieving these KPIs. Leadership commitment, workers' training and development and physical work environment are critical success factors that need to be prioritised to improve the implementation and long-term success of Kaizen in the garment-producing industry. Practical and Social Implications: The findings of the study provide direction to MSEs on integrating Kaizen into their operations to achieve productivity and quality improvements while addressing systemic challenges like an unstable electricity supply and resistance to change. Improving workplace conditions through Kaizen practices can enhance employee well-being and job satisfaction, fostering a more engaged workforce. Additionally, providing training and development opportunities for garment producers helps in embracing the principles and practices of Kaizen. Originality: The study offers context-specific insights that address the key performance indicators that motivate Kaizen implementation in Ghanaian micro and small businesses (MSEs), in contrast to earlier research that has primarily concentrated on developed economies. Also, this study makes a unique contribution to the literature by identifying and prioritising critical success factors (CSFs) for Kaizen implementation within the context of Ghana’s garment industry. In addition, prior to this study, there was a paucity of literature regarding this topic in the study area
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Crafting 21st-Century Trend-Compliant Fashion Collections for Muslim Women: Ghana in Perspective
(2024-01-18) Abdulai Rashida; Appiah Ninette Afi; Abraham Isaac
Purpose: The study examined the integration of global fashion trends with Islamic modesty principles in clothing design for Ghanaian Muslim women. It explored the blending of contemporary styles with the requirements of Islamic dress codes, considering the increasing diversity and modernization of Muslim women's fashion preferences. Method: The study utilized art-based studio research and the double Helix Praxis-Exegesis Model, which involves customer profiling, concept creation using mood boards, and design techniques. Ten respondents were purposively selected and interviewed. Feedback from interviews ensured the designs resonated with the target audience. Findings and conclusion: The study discovered that contemporary Islamic fashion combines modesty with modern trends, emphasizing the need for designers to respect religious dress codes and concludes that fashion in Muslim contexts should carefully blend global trends with Islamic modesty, considering cultural nuances. Social implications: The results highlight the significance of cultural and religious sensitivity in fashion design and underscore the role of religion in fashion choices and the necessity for designers, particularly those in Islamic contexts, to comprehend and adhere to religious dress codes. It also indicates the potential of fashion as a means of cultural expression and identity reinforcement among Ghanaian Muslim women. Value/originality: This study contributes to understanding Islamic fashion trends and the challenges and opportunities in designing modest yet fashionable clothing for Muslim women. It provides a unique perspective on blending religious requirements with contemporary fashion, offering insights valuable for designers, marketers, and policymakers in fashion and cultural studies
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Usage of Free-Hand Cutting and Patterns in Garment Construction in Ghana
(2024-03-15) Bans-Akutey Mawufemor; Aboagyewaa-Ntiri Josephine; Appiah Ninette Afi
Ghanaians now demand better products as they have difficulties with the fit of garment made by their informal dressmakers and tailors. The study aimed to determine the appropriate method for garment construction. The study focused on registered roadside dressmakers, tailors, fashion designers and fashion students in Ghana. A sample of 302 respondents was selected using multi-stage sampling technique. Questionnaire was used to gather information. The results showed that garment made with pattern fits better as compared to freehand cutting. It was concluded that garment constructed with both freehand cutting and patterns brings out the perfect fit of garment. It was recommended that Ghana National Tailors and Dressmakers Association should encourage and train their members on the use of patterns, and this would improve and manifest in the high standard on fit of garment.
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Aligning Ghana’s Apparel Industry with Global Best Practices: A Critical Assessment of Sourcing, Production, and Distribution Operations
(2025-05-29) Siaw Stella Daah; Howard Ebenezer Kofi; Asinyo Benjamin Kwablah; Appiah Ninette Afi
This study examines how Ghana’s apparel manufacturing sector aligns with international best practices in sourcing, production, and distribution. Recognizing the transformative potential of the industry within the context of policy frameworks like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the study explores the operational, technological, and sustainability dimensions that define competitiveness in the global apparel value chain. Using a quantitative descriptive design, data were collected from 317 industry professionals across major industrial hubs in Ghana. The findings indicate a moderate adoption of sustainable sourcing practices, including traceability and ethical procurement, though supplier development and compliance monitoring remain underdeveloped. Quality control and ethical labour standards are prioritized in production, yet gaps persist in automation, lean manufacturing, and technological integration. Distribution practices reflect a strong interest in timely delivery and sustainable packaging but reveal limited implementation of data-driven logistics, e-commerce, and advanced digital tools such as RFID and predictive analytics. The study identifies critical challenges ranging from infrastructural limitations and technological constraints to workforce skill gaps that hinder the sector’s complete alignment with global standards. Policy implications include the need for targeted support in automation, digital transformation, and vocational training, alongside stronger regulatory frameworks for sustainability and labour practices. While the sector shows promising alignment in certain areas, comprehensive adoption of best practices is essential for positioning Ghana as a competitive apparel hub. The study contributes to broader discussions on industrial upgrading in Sub-Saharan Africa and provides strategic insights for enhancing the global integration and sustainability of localized apparel manufacturing