Advances in Science and Technology Vol. 113

Abstract: This study presents the results of a work-in-progress analysis and synthesis of the body of knowledge so far produced about green/sustainable consumption among Gen-Y (also known as Millennials) and Gen-Z consumers [1,2]. The main purpose of this paper is to provide a cross-generational, and comparative, quantitative analysis of Gen Y and Gen Z’s green purchasing behaviour, through a questionnaire with a sample of 2.000 respondents (n=1.000 per generation). To safeguard comparison criteria between generations the same survey was employed and the same dimensions will be analysed: Awareness, Financial availability, Personal benefits, Subjective norm and Trust, which may positively or negatively influence ‘green’ purchasing behaviour. Results show that not all dimensions have the same influence on the ‘green’ purchasing behavior for Gen Y and Gen Z. Despite both generations acknowledging the importance of consuming ‘green’, Gen Z presented stronger attitude and belief in being ‘green’, when compared to Gen Y. Hopefully, conclusions from this study can guide the development of marketing strategies to captivate both generations in engaging in a more environmental lifestyle.

Abstract: The case study of Valerius, a Portuguese knitwear company that built its competitive advantage developing internal resources, such as horizontal management organization based on dedicated teams with high independence, responsibility and flexibility to better deal with the business environment change in a fast moving market and R&D and Design Department which works in macro trends and anticipation of consumer behaviour launching disruptive projects. Those capabilities allowed Valerius to differentiate its services’ offer and can be characterized as the state of art in private label model of business in the Portuguese textile and clothing industry.

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to understand which the best methods are to interconnect co-creation and supply chains in the fashion business. For this theoretical study was considered published work. The most interesting contents reviewed where from the 2000’s on. A research was made having into account scientific papers from journals as this is still a theme that hasn’t been much studied. A review of the sales methodology of several brands/suppliers working on the supply chain was also made to contextualize sourcing possibilities. This paper will be divided in three parts. First it will be made a literature review to understand how supply chains work, secondly about co-creation and third will be made a contextualization about practices in other concepts and suppliers. This theoretical research made the author raise a series of concerns and possibilities that could make this study being developed empirically, in the future to access the manufacturers’ opinion over the best practices that can be applied. This study could be a plus for future investigators in the fashion field as well as brands and fashion designers, to understand how co-creation can simplify its relationship with its supply chain. As for the limitations there was no opportunity for an empirical study to be made with the focus on manufacturers, although this could be important for the future. Also, it would be interesting to better understand the positive and negative impacts of the co-creation development and implementation in fashion, namely on the supply chain and manufacturing industries of fashion products as this has been barely studied.

Abstract: This paper analyses the results obtained from an online learning experience, in which fashion professionals and students were invited to explore and use a set of technology-based tools to develop their projects. It was expected that these tools and resources would potentiate and create a contextualized online learning experience in fashion design, helping learners to think and learn with each other, to bring ideas to life while interacting with data and information that were made available to them. A set of tools and resources were researched, identified, and allocated with specific fashion-design tasks. Participants were then asked to resolve these tasks resorting to the tools and resources presented and exploring beyond them, experimenting with potential uses in fashion design projects. The aim was also to understand if learners would acknowledge their potential to create a learning community, through connectivity and shared goals, helping them to develop their projects and stimulating reflective-thinking and self-determined capabilities, needed in the fashion professional environment. The results demonstrated that although learners recognised the potentiality of these tools for their fashion design projects, by convenience or lack of technological skills, they resorted to traditional methods of developing and communicating their projects. The results also demonstrated that like any technology adopted for educational purposes in the past, technologies-based tools, collaborative and mobile technologies require a further discussion about their limitations and potentialities and further experimentation by the fashion design sector.

Abstract: The strong demand for a transformation of the textile and fashion industry towards sustainability requires a continuous implementation of the guiding principle of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) in education and industry [1, 2]. In a first step of the European research project "Sustainable fashion curriculum at textile Universities in Europe - Development, Implementation and Evaluation of a Teaching Module for Educators" (Fashion DIET) a continuing education module shall be created to implement ESD as a guiding principle in university teaching. The research-based teaching and learning materials are delivered through an e-learning portal.

Abstract: Successful professionals are expected to adapt to current requirements at all times and keep their knowledge up to date. The Smart Textiles field poses a particular challenge in this respect - in addition to their own specialist knowledge, the focus here is on interdisciplinarity and thinking outside the box. The focus will be on E-Textiles, the combination of electronic with textile products. For this purpose, a flexible Smart Textiles Experience kit called Flex‑STEx is developed using a design thinking approach and involving future users in the development process. This application-oriented construction kit is intended to help extend the limits of individual knowledge, stimulate creativity and provide the ability to initiate product development. A further added value for students will be a deeper understanding of innovation and interdisciplinary challenges. This paper gives an insight into the work in progress concerning the development of this novel kit.