COTTON SUPPLY AND USE
CHAPTER 3 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
1. Section A - General
This section consisted of 8 propositions. This section looks at the textile industry in South Africa generally. Every industry is affected by globalisation and trade liberalisation. Thus, the experts, who are the respondents, are requested to answer questions and/or comment on the propositions pertaining to textiles in the context of both globalisation and trade liberalisation. The expert's comments on the performance of textiles relative to supply, demand, price, end use, delivery and "Proudly South African" are required as well.
2. Section B - Imports and Exports
This section deals with the imports and exports of textiles in South Africa. There are only three propositions in this section. Information obtained from secondary sources emphasizes that the South African textile industry is under extreme pressure from cheap imports. The experts are requested to answer questions, explain and/or comment on the propositions and if possible provide reasons for this calamity.
On the export side, experts are required to advise on the textile industry's ability to trade internationally and how to maintain trade internationally.
3. Section C - Labour
This section attempts to address the issue of labour and compnses of three propositions. As per information gauged from the literature reviewed the researcher found that over the past ten years many textile companies either closed down or downsized resulting in job losses. The aids academic has adversely affected the textile industry's labour complement. Thus, the researcher found that by including a section on labour in the questionnaire is pertinent to the study. The experts could add value to this study by providing input on how there perceive the labour situation in textiles.
The productivity of the industry is dependent on labour and improved technology.
The experts may be able to provide useful information in this regard which again could add value to the study.
4. Section D - Tariffs and regulations
This section has only two propositions, both are very important and pertain to the industry's future survival in South Africa. The comments/input of the experts are thus vital in formulating the effects of tariffs and regulations on the textile industry in South Africa. Tariffs is a contentious issue, thus the information provided by the experts' opinions are valuable to the researcher in drawing conclusions and making recommendations on this subject. Currently in 2003, with the appreciation of the rand imports of textiles and textile products has increased markedly. The experts could
provide the researcher with the reasoning behind this situation and what such a situation is doing to the South African economy.
5. Section E - Trade agreements
There are three propositions in this section. These propositions were formulated from the literature sOUTced from the secondary information. The impact of trade agreements on the textile industry is vital to the future survival of the industry in South Africa.
Thus, the expert's comments are important in reporting on the three agreements, namely; AGOA, SA/EU and SADC. The experts may have current information and input on these agreements which could validate the information contained in the secondary information.
6. Section F - Cotton
There are 3 propositions in this section. The researcher after reviewing the secondary information found that cotton is an important force in the textile industry. It is with this in mind that the researcher found it necessary to include a section on cotton. The experts are required to comment on the status of cotton and its role in the textile industry in South Africa. In the secondary sources, the researcher found that a comparatively small amount of cotton is grown in South Africa as compared to its SADC counterparts. Itis hoped that the experts may provide input on this subject so that the researcher can make informed recommendations in this study.
7. Section G - Currency Fluctuations
Three propositions are in this section. Many countries were affected in some way or order by currency fluctuations and in most cases the textile industry was worst hit.
The textile experts are required to give their views on this important force pertaining to textiles. Currently in 2003 many textile companies are affected by the strengthening of the currency and the views or opinions of the experts will be useful to the researcher to formulate conclusions and recommendations on this subject.
8. Section H - Conclusion
This section is made up of two propositions and one question. The two propositions request the experts to provide their opinions and answer questions on the future of the textile industry in South Africa. The last question is in fact formulated from the research problem of this study. It is a summation of the questionnaire. The response required in this concluding section would be useful in drawing conclusions and making recommendationsinthis report and is vital to the researcher.
3.8 SUMMARY
This chapter outlines the research design, the research problem, the research method and sampling approach used, the approach used to collect data from the primary sources and details of the questionnaire which was the instrument used in this research.
The responses obtained after administering the questionnaire will form the basis of Chapter 4 of this research report. The title of chapter 4 is empirical findings. The responses received from the questionnaires will be analysed and tabulated.