Textbook Chapter 22 - pages 337-354
Globalisation
Globalisation refers to the increasing worldwide connection, integration and inter-relatedness of the economic, social, technological, cultural, political and ecological spheres.
Globalisation is rapidly increasng the connections between people and businesses around the world.
Globalisation allows consumers from one country to purchase goods from another at the click of button on a mobile or laptop. It allows trends to spread quickly across the globe and allows companies to outsource parts of a business such as the manufacture of products.
The TCFAI industry is labour-intensive and factories in developing countries are often associated with the term sweatshop. The working conditions are very different from those in richer countries with labour, health and environmental regulations. Workers are treated poorly with low wages, long hours and poor safety conditions.
Globalisation is rapidly increasng the connections between people and businesses around the world.
Globalisation allows consumers from one country to purchase goods from another at the click of button on a mobile or laptop. It allows trends to spread quickly across the globe and allows companies to outsource parts of a business such as the manufacture of products.
The TCFAI industry is labour-intensive and factories in developing countries are often associated with the term sweatshop. The working conditions are very different from those in richer countries with labour, health and environmental regulations. Workers are treated poorly with low wages, long hours and poor safety conditions.
Design
Globalisation has increased the 'cultural exchange rate' allowing designers to operate on a multicultural level with authentic cross-cultural references.
Manufacture
Australian companies often manufacture their goods overseas due to the high cost of labour an manufacturing in Australia (the cost of labour, wages and facilities are cheaper overseas in the developing world). This allows companies to manufacture their goods at a lower cost and ship them back to Australia at a cheaper rate than if they were manufactured in Australia.
Distribution
The new drivers for globalisation are the increased speed of information and communication technologies and increased distribution. The rapid response time of e-commerce means businesses can reach new markets and process orders instantly via online markets.
Markets
ATCFAI is constantly responding to continual changes in the marketplace due to globalisation continually presenting new opportunities. This allows the ATCFAI to remain competitive on a global scale.
Worker Skills
The ATCFAI is fast changing, even more so in recent times with the continual globalisation and technological advancements emerging.
There have been many job losses in the manufacturing sector of the ATCFAI due to improved technology, overseas outsourcing of manufacture, etc.
Workers in the ATCFAI have been forced to diversify their skills and retrain, often adopting technical skills to operate machinery in order to retain their jobs.
There have been many job losses in the manufacturing sector of the ATCFAI due to improved technology, overseas outsourcing of manufacture, etc.
Workers in the ATCFAI have been forced to diversify their skills and retrain, often adopting technical skills to operate machinery in order to retain their jobs.
Changing Consumer Demands
Areas where changing consumer demands have driven innovation and new design for Textiles include:
- Sunsafe clothing - Increased awareness of sun damage has led to a demand for SPC protective clothing
- Australian-made clothing - Desire to strengthen the Australian economy and a focus on quality has led to a demand for Australian made products
- Australia's ageing population -Changing roles of society, e.g. women. Didn't use to require work clothes such as suits and people are remaining in the work force longer before retiring, so work clothes for older people are required
- Fitness - Fitness trend and athleisure has inspired new designers such as PE Nation to emerge specialising in active wear
- Organically grown clothing - Environmentally conscious consumers wanting to purchase in a more sustainable way
- Sizes - Clothing becoming available to suit a wider variety of body shapes and sizes as well as mixed gender consumers
- Celebrity status - Social media influencers endorsing products driving global demand for products
- New technology - Demand for performance fabrics rather than basic requirements of comfort and protection
- Accessibility to elite equipment - Demand for the same products used and endorsed by sports stars and athletes
- Innovation - New products and fibres being developed and tested
Sun Protection Factor Clothing
Niche & Mass Produced Goods
Mass produced goods are manufactured in vast amounts. Businesses producing these goods cannot cater to all demographics or customise for individuals, instead it offers a product to the mass market.
A niche market is a smaller portion of a larger market, a special or narrowly defined group whose needs or wants are not being addressed by conventional mass-produced goods.
When businesses cater to the mass market, they elave smaller segments of a market with precise needs that are not being met. This is known as a gap in the marketplace and creates a profitable opportunity for smaller, more specialised niche businesses.
Consumer demand for niche products is rising as people desire a sense of individuality through customised pieces and the feel the need to stand out from the crowd.
A niche market is a smaller portion of a larger market, a special or narrowly defined group whose needs or wants are not being addressed by conventional mass-produced goods.
When businesses cater to the mass market, they elave smaller segments of a market with precise needs that are not being met. This is known as a gap in the marketplace and creates a profitable opportunity for smaller, more specialised niche businesses.
Consumer demand for niche products is rising as people desire a sense of individuality through customised pieces and the feel the need to stand out from the crowd.
Past HSC Exam Questions
2017 HSC Paper
Section II Question 11 – ATCFAI (2 marks)
(a)How does the design of active sportswear reflect changing consumer demand?
Section II Question 11 – ATCFAI (2 marks)
(a)How does the design of active sportswear reflect changing consumer demand?