A multiple-case methodology for studying the sourcing strategies of the small and medium sized clothing trading and manufacturing firms in Hong Kong

Recently, Hong Kong clothing industry’s eminent position in the international trading arena is being challenged. The industry has undergone a transformational change in order to survive. The production outsourcing strategy has been seen as a new opportunity to maintain the comparative and competitive advantages. For manufacturing firms, the sourcing alternative may be a natural extension of activities already present or an opportunity for diversification. For non-manufacturing firms concern, it is normally a question of services rather than products. Is there any difference between the small and medium-sized trading and manufacturing firms towards their motivations and strategies of production outsourcing? Are there any critical success factors (CSFs) associate with their sourcing strategies? This research paper focuses on all these questions by using multiple-case design methodology.