Textile and Apparel Industries

‘Everything is Urgent’: Understanding the Lead Time Compression Practices and Its Impact on the Apparel Production Supply Chain

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Abstract

This study aims to examine how professionals in the apparel manufacturing industry perceive lead-time compression and the consequences that follow. Through the lens of Parkinson’s Law, this study highlights the hidden costs of time manipulation in an industry already known for its labor-intensive nature and demanding working conditions. An in-depth interview approach was used to collect data from the apparel industry professionals. The participants were selected through a purposive sampling method, using the snowball technique. Continued buyer expectations for lower lead times, bullwhip in lead-time compression, and a traditional follow-up culture are identified as the causes of this phenomenon. Lack of trust, blocked creativity, mental stress, compromised quality, and job dissatisfaction are identified as the impacts of the “Everything is Urgent” phenomenon. Findings also suggest that if all stakeholders have access to real-time plans and deadlines, everyone will know what is actually urgent.

Keywords: Apparel Production, Fashion Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Lead Time Compression, Parkinson’s Law

How to Cite:

Iqbal, M., Mahdi, E. & Ferdous, J., (2025) “‘Everything is Urgent’: Understanding the Lead Time Compression Practices and Its Impact on the Apparel Production Supply Chain”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 82(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.21811