Apparel preferences of pregnant employed women

Women who have postponed childbirth to become established in a career are now embarking on parenthood while continuing to work throughout much of the pregnancy. As a result, pregnant employed women need clothing that will project an appropriate image. The purpose of this research was to determine the types of garments that pregnant employed women prefer to wear to work and to identify factors influencing the selection of those garments. Results indicated that there were differences among age range groups in selection of workplace attire, and among educational level groups in general fashion appeal of classically styled garments, selection of attire for the workplace, selection of nylon for the summer season, and in care required for garments. There were differences among income range groups in the classic category of general fashion appeal, in the selection of silk fibre for winter wear, and in care required for garments. This study supported the concept of a new and separate segment of the consumer market dealing with pregnant employed women. They have special needs for attire based on age range, educational level, and income range, that will project an appropriate image in the workplace and offer physical and psychological comfort as well.     

Attitudes of Louisiana apparel manufacturers towards computer technology

Current literature has suggested that there is a reluctance on the part of the domestic apparel industry to adopt advanced computer technology. This study was designed to investigate the attitudes of Louisiana apparel manufacturers towards computer technology. An attitude questionnaire was mailed to all identified apparel manufacturers in the state. The results indicated that the apparel industry in the state of Louisiana is comprised of many small, privately owned companies. A large array of products in a variety of size ranges is produced in the state. Statistical analyses indicated that there were some differences between attitudes of apparel manufacturers and contractors. In general, contractors were not as aware of the availability and transferability of advanced technology for the apparel industry as manufacturers. Manufacturers and contractors who had some formal training with CAD/CAM systems had more positive attitudes toward the competitiveness of the industry with imported products. It is recommended that the apparel industry in the state explore the technological options available to modernize for a more competitive future.     

Minorities in Children's Television Commercials: New,Improved, and Stereotyped

Mass media is one means by which consumers learn how to behave as consumers. Consumers’ beliefs about minorities as consumers are also influenced by mass media, and the impact is likely highest among young children. A content analysis of 813 commercials in children's television programming reveals that while Caucasians continue to be the predominant models in terms of numbers and in the types of roles they play, the numerical representation of minorities, especially Blacks, has improved. However, the study found that minorities are more likely than Caucasians to have minor roles and to be portrayed in certain product categories, settings, and relationships. Societal impacts and implications for minority consumers are discussed.     

Welfare to Well‐Being Framework for Research,Education, and Outreach

The proposed framework is intended to serve as a model for understanding the comprehensiveness of welfare assistance policies that contribute to the economic well‐being of individuals and families. The framework uses a systems approach to move thinking from a narrow focus on welfare assistance as welfare for the few to well‐being of the many. Such an approach provides a new way to understand policies and language related to welfare reform.     

MONETARY POLICY DURING JAPAN'S LOST DECADE*

We develop a quantitative costly price adjustment model with capital formation for the Japanese economy. The model respects the zero interest rate bound and is calibrated to reproduce the nominal and real facts from the 1990s. We use the model to investigate the properties of alternative monetary policies during this period. The setting of the long‐run nominal interest rate in a Taylor rule is much more important for avoiding the zero bound than the setting of the reaction coefficients. A long‐run interest rate target of 2.3% during the 1990s avoids the zero bound and enhances welfare.     

The Politics of Financial Development: Evidence from Trade Liberalization

Incumbents in various industries have different incentives to promote or oppose financial development. Changes in the relative strength of promoter and opponent industries thus result in changes in the political equilibrium level of financial development. We conduct an event study using a sample of 41 countries that liberalized trade during 1970 to 2000, and show that the strengthening of promoter relative to opponent industries resulting from liberalization is a good predictor of subsequent financial development. The benefits of developing the financial system are insufficient for financial development, and rents in particular hands appear to be necessary to achieve it.     

Finance and the Business Cycle: International, Inter-Industry Evidence

By considering yearly production growth rates for several manufacturing industries in more than 100 countries during (roughly) the last 40 years, we show that industries that are more dependent on external finance are hit harder during recessions. The observed difference in the behavior of industries is larger when financial frictions are thought to be more prevalent, linking the result directly to the financial mechanism hypothesis. In particular, more dependent industries are more strongly affected in recessions when they are located in countries with poor financial contractibility, and when their assets are softer or less protective of financiers.     

Improving garment fit for the mature female in the USA

Although women over the age of50 constitute a growing segment of the apparel market, in the U.S.A. the apparel industry has not addressed the specific fitting needs of this group. Many apparel manufacturers produce large sizes, however proportionate changes specific to the mature figure type resulting from the ageing process have not been addressed.^1–6 The purpose of this study was to modify a commercial pattern based on work by Woodson and Horridge (1990, Clothing and Textiles Research Journal, 8 (4), 7–13) using grading as a pattern development technique, and to evaluate the accuracy and effectiveness of the modified pattern by measuring fit and evaluating self-reported perceptions of comfort on live models. Woodson and Horridge measurement data were used as a basis for modifying a commercial pattern to fit a mature woman. Results indicated that there were significant differences between the commercial dress and the modified dress. The modified dress provided a better fit in 14 areas. Subjects' perceptions of comfort were closer to actual fit for the modified dress than for the commercial pattern dress. Computerized grading is a quick, cost-effective method of modifying a pattern to meet the needs of special markets.