Analysis of the Competitiveness of the Ningbo Garment Industry

Abstract: This dissertation focuses on the topic of competitiveness of the Ningbo garment industry. The purpose is to find out the strengths and weaknesses of the Ningbo garment industry by applying different theories assessing its competitiveness. The theoretical framework discussion is based on a literature review about competitiveness and its assessment theories and relevant garment theories. We analyzed the case in a qualitative and a quantitative way. The Porter’s “diamond” model and the Tim Padmorre & Hervey Gibson’s GEM model are our theoretical frameworks. In the process of quantification in the analysis of the GEM model, the authors of this dissertation conducted questionnaires addressed to 22 specialists and 173 garment company’s managers in Ningbo. We came to the conclusion that the Ningbo garment industry has competitiveness at a national level. Since the documentary data are based on past material and the process of scoring is subjective, the results of this study are valid to some extent and may not entirely reflect its status quo. The paper concluded with the criticism of methodology and authors’ implications of how to improve the competitiveness of the Ningbo garment industry.