12.1 Future Trends in Global Sourcing (Final Project)
Christine Rickabaugh and Lance Cheramie
Future Trends in Global Sourcing – Mini-Chapter Project
Total Value: 400 Points
Learning Objectives
- Apply global sourcing concepts to forward-looking industry analysis
- Conduct professional-level research using credible trade, academic, and news sources
- Synthesize information from multiple sources into a coherent argument
- Evaluate implications of emerging trends on sourcing strategy
- Collaborate effectively in a team-based research and writing environment
- Articulate professional skills developed through this project
Project Overview
Throughout this semester, you have explored the complex world of global sourcing for textiles and apparel, including supply chain structures, vendor relationships, sustainability practices, risk management, and international trade considerations.
Your challenge is to work collaboratively with your team to research and analyze an emerging trend that will significantly influence global sourcing decisions in the textiles and apparel industry over the next 3–10 years. Your final deliverable will be a 3–5 page mini-chapter that will be incorporated into Chapter 12 of our open textbook.
This is a renewable assignment, meaning your work will live beyond the semester and contribute to a shared learning resource for future students.
Team Composition
- Teams of 6-8 students
- All members must contribute to research, writing, editing, and review
- Individual grades may be adjusted for unequal participation
Selecting Your Trend
Your group will be assigned an emerging trend expected to significantly impact global sourcing for textiles and apparel within the next 3–10 years. Your trend will be specific enough to analyze thoroughly in 3–5 pages, supported by credible sources, and clearly connected to sourcing decisions, supply chain management, and/or industry operations.
Example topic ideas (you may choose one of these or propose your own):
- Nearshoring and friend-shoring in post-pandemic supply chains
- Blockchain for supply chain transparency and traceability
- AI-driven demand forecasting and inventory optimization
- Circular economy and closed-loop manufacturing models
- Labor automation and its impact on sourcing decisions and lead times
- Climate regulations and carbon footprint requirements for suppliers
- Digital product passports and regulatory compliance
- Regionalization of textile production in response to geopolitical shifts
- Supplier due diligence laws (human rights and environmental compliance) and sourcing risk
- Water scarcity and climate adaptation in key manufacturing regions
Research Requirements
- Minimum 8–10 credible sources
- At least 3 trade/industry publications\
- At least 2 academic or research-based sources
- At least 2 recent news sources (past 12 months)
- Government or NGO reports as appropriate
- APA 7th edition citation format is required.
Library Research Support (Subject Librarian)
Your subject librarian will provide a curated list of recommended databases and trade resources for this project. Use these databases to locate trade reports, market research, and peer-reviewed articles. If you need help finding sources, contact the subject librarian early in Week 1 to avoid delays.
Suggested starting points (examples—use the librarian’s list as your primary guide):
- Business Source Complete / EBSCO (industry and academic research)
- ProQuest (news, magazines, scholarly articles)
- ABI/INFORM (business and trade publications)
- Statista (market and consumer data)
- WTO, OTEXA, World Bank, and UN Comtrade (trade and macro data)
- Sourcing Journal, WWD, Textile World, Just-Style (trade journalism)
Format Requirements
- 3–5 pages (1,000–1,500 words), excluding references
- Microsoft Word (.docx)
- Third-person, professional tone
- Clear headings and subheadings
- APA 7th edition formatting
Required Sections
- Introduction
- Background / Context
- Trend Analysis
- Implications for Sourcing Professionals
- Conclusion
- References
Week 1: Research, Planning, and Drafting (Days 1–7)
- Form teams and exchange contact information (Day 1)
- Select trend topic and submit for instructor approval (Day 2–3)
- Assign roles (research lead, section writers, editor/APA checker) (Day 2–3)
- Conduct research: each team member locates a minimum of 3 sources (by Day 4)
- Team check-in: share sources and create a shared outline (Day 4)
- Draft assigned sections and integrate into one document (Days 5–7)
- Deliverable by end of Week 1: complete rough draft with preliminary source list (Week 1 Rubric)
Week 2: Revision and Finalization (Days 8–14)
- Review instructor feedback as a team (Day 8–9)
- Revise content to address feedback and strengthen analysis (Day 10)
- Edit for consistency, transitions, and unified voice (Day 11)
- Proofread for grammar, formatting, and APA 7 compliance (Day 12)
- Final team review and approval (Day 13)
- Deliverables by end of Week 2: final mini-chapter submission and individual reflection (Week 2 Rubric)
Week 3: Final Polishing & Reflection (Days 15-21) (Full Rubric)
- Conduct final proofreading and formatting review (Day 15–16)
- Final APA citation and reference check (Day 17)
- Submit final mini-chapter (Day 20)
- Submit individual reflection (Day 21)
Individual Reflection
Each student will submit a 300–500 word reflection addressing:
- Personal challenges and growth
- Team collaboration and role
- Key insights gained
- Professional application of skills
- Remaining questions or future research
Rubric Assessment (200 Points)
Final Mini-Chapter Rubric (200 Points Total)
(Applied ONLY to the final submission)
Research Quality & Source Integration (0–50 points)
|
Performance Level |
Description |
Points |
|---|---|---|
|
Exemplary |
10+ high-quality, diverse sources (trade, academic, news, organizational). Sources are current, credible, and expertly synthesized to support analysis. |
45–50 |
|
Proficient |
8–10 credible sources with good balance. Sources support the paper but synthesis may rely more on summary than integration. |
40–44 |
|
Developing |
6–7 sources or limited source diversity. Integration is uneven and connections to analysis are weak. |
30–39 |
|
Needs Improvement |
Fewer than 6 sources, weak credibility, or poor integration of evidence. |
0–29 |
Trend Analysis & Critical Thinking (0–50 points)
|
Performance Level |
Description |
Points |
|---|---|---|
|
Exemplary |
Sophisticated, forward-looking analysis. Clearly explains drivers, evidence, timeline, and regional/market impacts. Demonstrates original insight. |
45–50 |
|
Proficient |
Clear analysis with identified drivers and implications. Some elements lack depth or specificity. |
40–44 |
|
Developing |
Basic analysis present but lacks clarity, depth, or strong evidence. |
30–39 |
|
Needs Improvement |
Superficial, unclear, or unsupported analysis. |
0–29 |
Professional Relevance & Application (0–30 points)
|
Performance Level |
Description |
Points |
|---|---|---|
|
Exemplary |
Provides clear, actionable insights for sourcing professionals; strong connection to real-world decision-making. |
27–30 |
|
Proficient |
Identifies professional implications, though recommendations may be general. |
24–26 |
|
Developing |
Limited or vague connection to professional practice. |
18–23 |
|
Needs Improvement |
Little or no connection to sourcing or industry application. |
0–17 |
Organization & Writing Quality (0–30 points)
|
Performance Level |
Description |
Points |
|---|---|---|
|
Exemplary |
Well-organized, cohesive, polished writing appropriate for a textbook audience; strong transitions and clarity. |
27–30 |
|
Proficient |
Clear organization and effective writing with minor errors. |
24–26 |
|
Developing |
Inconsistent organization; writing errors occasionally affect clarity. |
18–23 |
|
Needs Improvement |
Poor organization and frequent writing issues impede understanding. |
0–17 |
Collaboration & Team Process (0–20 points)
|
Performance Level |
Description |
Points |
|---|---|---|
|
Exemplary |
Equitable contribution from all team members; strong collaboration and professionalism evident. |
18–20 |
|
Proficient |
Most members contributed meaningfully; collaboration generally effective. |
15–17 |
|
Developing |
Uneven participation; limited evidence of collaboration. |
11–14 |
|
Needs Improvement |
Minimal collaboration or major imbalance in contributions. |
0–10 |
APA Formatting & Citations (0–20 points)
|
Performance Level |
Description |
Points |
|---|---|---|
|
Exemplary |
Flawless APA 7 formatting; all sources correctly cited in-text and in references. |
18–20 |
|
Proficient |
Minor APA errors that do not impede verification. |
15–17 |
|
Developing |
Multiple APA errors or inconsistencies. |
11–14 |
|
Needs Improvement |
Major citation problems or missing references. |
0–10 |
Final Project Presentation
Points: 50 Total Presentation Date: Final Exam Day
Purpose
This is your FINAL presentation for the semester.
Your team will present your completed Future Trends in Global Sourcing Mini-Chapter Project.
This presentation shows:
- What you researched
- What you learned
- How your trend impacts global sourcing decisions
Presentation Requirements
Each team will present for 8–10 minutes.
You must create a clear and professional slide presentation (5–7 slides).
All team members must participate in speaking.
What to Include (Slides)
Slide 1: Trend Overview (8 points)
- What is your trend?
- Why is it important in global sourcing (next 3–10 years)?
Slide 2: Background / Context (8 points)
- What is happening in the industry?
- Why is this trend growing?
Explain the situation so your audience understands the trend
Slide 3: Key Research Findings (10 points)
- 3–5 important things you learned from your sources
- Use real, credible sources (trade, academic, news)
Show that you did strong research
Slide 4: Trend Analysis (MOST IMPORTANT) (12 points)
- Why is this trend happening?
- Who does it impact? (countries, workers, companies)
- What will happen in the future?
This is where you THINK, not just explain
Slide 5: Implications for Sourcing (8 points)
- How will this trend change sourcing decisions?
- Think about:
- Cost
- Speed
- Risk
- Sustainability
Connect directly to real-world business decisions
Slide 6: Conclusion (4 points)
- Summarize your main takeaway
- Why does this trend matter overall?
Grading Rubric (50 Points Total)
1. Trend Explanation & Clarity (8 points)
- 8 = Very clear, easy to understand
- 6 = Mostly clear
- 4 = Somewhat confusing
- 2 = Unclear
2. Background & Context (8 points)
- 8 = Strong explanation of industry and trend
- 6 = Good explanation
- 4 = Basic explanation
- 2 = Weak or missing
3. Research Quality (10 points)
- 10 = Strong, credible sources clearly used
- 8 = Good use of sources
- 6 = Some sources used
- 4 = Limited or weak sources
4. Critical Thinking / Analysis (12 points)
- 12 = Strong thinking, explains WHY and FUTURE IMPACT
- 9 = Good thinking but needs more depth
- 6 = Basic analysis
- 3 = Mostly description, little thinking
5. Connection to Sourcing (8 points)
- 8 = Clear, strong connection to sourcing decisions
- 6 = Some connection
- 4 = Weak connection
- 2 = No clear connection
6. Presentation Quality & Team Effort (4 points)
- 4 = Clear speaking, all members participate, slides are clean
- 3 = Mostly clear, most members participate
- 2 = Uneven participation or unclear delivery
- 1 = Poor effort
