The diagram in Fig. 1 shows a clothing supply chain linking cotton growers in northern India with consumers in international cities. A brand based in Europe...
Question 1 Report
The diagram in Fig. 1 shows a clothing supply chain linking cotton growers in northern India with consumers in international cities. A brand based in Europe buys garments from a factory near Ahmedabad. The factory has expanded after receiving orders through global online retail platforms. Workers have raised concerns about wages, water use and safety inside the building.
Identify the stage in Fig. 1 where raw cotton is changed into a manufactured product. [1]
Identify two reasons why an international clothing brand may use a factory in India. [2]
Identify one way factory growth could improve development for people living nearby. [1]
Identify two actions the brand could take to make the supply chain more responsible. [2]
Answer Details
(a) Raw cotton is turned into a manufactured product at the garment factory. This is secondary-sector manufacturing: raw material is processed into clothing. [1]
(b) An international brand may use a factory in India because:
- labour costs may be lower, reducing the cost of making each garment;
- there is a large labour supply, including workers and established textile suppliers with relevant skills.
Access to cotton and lower operating costs are also valid reasons. [2]
(c) Factory growth can improve local development by creating employment and income for nearby people. Workers may then spend wages in local businesses, creating a multiplier effect. [1]
(d) The brand could make its supply chain more responsible by:
- using independent factory inspections to check that standards are met;
- requiring safe buildings and fire exits for workers.
Paying a living wage, reducing water pollution, and publishing supplier and working-condition information are also acceptable. [2]
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