Research Ideas (Project Topics) in Apparel and Fashion Industry for College Students

Like every year, this year too I have received many queries from students for suggesting them a good and innovative research topic for their graduation project on apparel and fashion industry. Some of them sent project options and asked me which one would be the best. As I have written it before, every student want to do an innovative research work but at the same time they want a good grade in the final jury (project assessment).

I am not aware much what is going on in fashion institutes. There are many senior professors who are involved in many research projects. They can advice you what topic to pick for your graduation project. Apart from their suggestions, if you ask me for my suggestion, continue reading this post.

#1. Mobile app development for real time data capturing and reporting for shop floor management

Now mobile apps are available for all kind of services. Why not to think about developing an application on data capturing and reporting app for garment factories. Yes there is real time app for reporting, but those use Barcode scanning or RFID technology. Small factories are not interested in investing in such sophisticated technology. Instead they will be happy if you can provide them app based and easy to use solution.

#2. Impact of lean manufacturing in the apparel industry 

Lean manufacturing in huge subject area and have big scope to implement in garment industry. You might be interested in doing research on lean project. There are many lean tools by implementing one or more such tools you can bring real improvement in manufacturing areas and make your sponsors happy. If you can a show good result and a good profit, there is chance that you will get good grade in the jury. If you are not interested on topics like implementation of lean tools, do research on what was the impact of lean in garment manufacturing industry - as lean implementation in Indian garment factories started in about 10 years ago.

#3. Develop production planning and control tools for small and medium garment factories 

Having industrial engineering department in factories, most factories are in a stage of understanding of production and know how to maximize production and efficiency. But still there is no such easy to use tool for production planning and control. Production planning is an important area in garment manufacturing to start and finish the order on time. In your research you can work on developing such tools. There is an urgent need of work to be done on this area.

#5. Reduction of communication gap by using latest Smartphone features in pre-production

All companies have communication issue in their factories. There are emailing system, 24 hours internet access, ERP systems and physical reporting system; still you will find lot of communication gap in between department, in between colleagues. There is an opportunity for where problem lies. Think on this topic. Think on how the Smartphone can be utilized for reducing communication gap.

#6. Automation in sewing department - where the industry is moving

Lot of automation is done in sewing operations. You can work on understanding the fact and the future of automation in garment manufacturing or apparel supply chain. Compare the automation in garment industry with other industries and discover the unknown solution that might be beneficial in garment manufacturing.

#7. Feasibility study for starting e-commerce business for small-size apparel manufacturers

Experts say starting an e-commerce business is easier than starting a physical store or other kind of business. There are many aspiring entrepreneurs, who are interested to start an e-commerce business or at least selling apparel products through e-commerce portals. Here the question comes in mind - what would be the strategy for venturing this kind of business? Secondly what is success rate in such business for small apparel manufacturers? You can work on this and prepare one feasibility report.

Also see: Top 9 Projects Ideas for Apparel Production Graduates

Conclusion:

I don't care about college grade (may be because I am not in college right now). I care about learning maximum with limited period. In the research project period you will get access of many things with the reference of your mentors, and seniors. So utilize the time for learning while doing your graduation project. Factories are the best place for learning than the college workshop.

Wish you all the best for your success in your project work as well as in your life.

In case you have good project idea for other students you share it here.