Exploring the locus of profitable outsourcing: the case of US apparel industry

The apparel industry faces huge challenges, e.g., uncertain product demand, highly diversified inventory, strict product pricing, and intricate supplier selection in the design and management of their supply chains, which adds to the complexity of outsourcing decisions. The key purpose of this research therefore, is to present a solution model to these challenges. Review and analysis of existing empirical studies facilitated the development of a conceptual model. By utilising this conceptual model, logistics professionals and supply chain managers in the apparel and clothing industry can focus on their core activities and make effective outsourcing decisions simultaneously across their firms' both the functional and the logistical activities leading to improved profitability over time.