Abstract

This case study is about the innovations that the Sri Lanka-based MAS Holdings and its subsidiaries brought in to meet the challenging demands of their clients and to cater the needs of the ever-changing fashion industry. Each innovation at MAS Holdings was a result of some predicament inherent and unique to fashion industry. The case takes a close look at how MAS overcame its challenges by following the path of innovation in products and processes and the innovative use of technology, which established it firmly as a preferred sourcing partner for some of the world’s leading world-class brands in Intimate wear, Active wear, and Fabrics.

Learning Objectives

The case is structured to achieve the following Learning Objectives:

• Understand the issues and challenges in Supply Chain Management
• Analyze the importance of Quality, Uniqueness, Use of Technology, Flexibility, and Responsiveness in supply chain management
• Appreciate the importance of the Buyer-Supplier relationship in the functioning of a supply chain
• Study the phases of Innovation (both Product and Process) in a company and identify the steps at which Value Addition is done
• Understand why and how a company should go in for Supply Chain Integration (taking a cue from MAS)

Keywords

Supply Chain Management, Supply Chain Integration, Lean Manufacturing, Product innovation, Process innovation, Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) system, MAS Operating System, CAD/CAM technologies, Production, planning, and control system, Corporate social responsibility, Fashion industry, Apparel