Search results

Although healthcare and healthy living are integral to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030, the coronavirus epidemic has dealt a devastating blow to these efforts. As governments and policymakers were compelled to shift their focus to lockdowns, sustenance, procurement, and distribution of vaccines, the momentum for health initiatives slowed, and the already fragile health systems of emerging markets were subjected to additional shocks. However, in many underserved regions of the globe, the introduction of technology has greatly facilitated the distribution and adoption of healthcare services.

This chapter highlights mini-cases from four emerging nations: Bangladesh, Nigeria, Vietnam, and the Philippines. Although the countries are emerging, each one of them are in a distinct stage of development and face a unique set of healthcare-related challenges. The chapter showcases how four different organizations based in these countries leveraged the use of technology to take healthcare services to underserved populations. In doing so, they addressed the key challenges of imparting healthcare: geographic accessibility, availability, financial accessibility, and acceptability.

This chapter concludes with a discussion of the implications of expanding healthcare industries leading to increased healthcare waste. To prevent mass population exposure to hazardous substances, the emergence of intelligent healthcare waste collection and disposal systems will be an absolute necessity. Hence, with the development of healthcare services, governments and policymakers need to mechanize smart waste management systems to safeguard humans, animals, and the environment.

The purpose of this paper is threefold: first, to identify a list of fashion attributes preferred by young Bangladeshi consumers while buying casual clothes; second, to test the applicability of Kano’s quality theory in the apparel industry; and, finally, to explore the differences in fashion priorities between male and female consumers.

This study is based on primary data collected through a survey from 1,177 young consumers of urban Bangladesh. Structural equation modeling was used to develop the attribute index. Also, convergent and discriminant validity and construct reliability of the index were tested.

The study offers a four-dimensional 19-item index representing the desirable fashion attributes. This paper also confirms the applicability of Kano’s theory in the apparel industry. Results revealed that “well-designed casual attires” and “discount offers” are top-ranking attributes as perceived by both male and female consumers. However, there are differences in the preferences. Women prioritized irritation-free, durable and soft fabric, whereas men preferred attributes such as suitability of color and functionality in the workplace.

The findings of the study provide clothing suppliers of Bangladesh with information that may be utilized while preparing their options. For instance, as casual clothes are frequently worn and washed, a quality fabric that looks good even after several washes is highly recommended. Dress manufacturers need to offer colorful attires to women, whereas for men, more color options should be available. Casual clothes should be made in a way that they are acceptable in the community and workplace.

As research on exploring desirable fashion qualities in developing markets (especially in South Asian region) is rare, this study is contributing to the literature by offering validated apparel attribute index.