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VOL. 10, ISSUE 1 (2026)
An empirical assessment of Management Information Systems and digital platforms in ethical and sustainable apparel sourcing
Authors
Dr. Reji Kurien Thomas, Stephanie Ness
Abstract
The global apparel industry faces persistent challenges related to
environmental degradation, unethical labor practices, and limited supply-chain
transparency. In response, Management Information Systems (MIS) and digital
platforms have emerged as critical enablers of ethical and sustainable apparel
sourcing. This study presents a systematic literature review examining how MIS
and digital technologies including blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI),
cloud-based systems, and data analytics support transparency, traceability, and
responsible sourcing practices within apparel supply chains. Guided by the
PRISMA 2020 framework, sixty peer-reviewed studies published between 2010 and
2025 were analyzed using thematic synthesis. The findings reveal a significant
growth in digitalization-focused sustainability research after 2019, driven by
regulatory pressure, stakeholder demands, and the acceleration of digital
transformation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Transparency and blockchain
enabled traceability emerged as the most dominant research themes, while AI-driven
analytics and cloud-based MIS are increasingly applied to supplier risk
assessment, compliance monitoring, and sustainability forecasting. However,
ethical labor considerations remain comparatively underrepresented, indicating
a gap between technological adoption and measurable social sustainability
outcomes. The review further highlights structural barriers limiting digital
diffusion among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly in
developing economies, including high implementation costs, limited digital
infrastructure, and skills shortages. Overall, this study demonstrates that
while MIS and digital platforms significantly enhance accountability and
environmental governance, their effectiveness in advancing labor equity
requires stronger institutional alignment and inclusive digital strategies. The
findings contribute to sustainability scholarship and provide actionable
insights for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers seeking to leverage
digital transformation for ethical and sustainable apparel sourcing.
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Pages:19-24
How to cite this article:
Dr. Reji Kurien Thomas, Stephanie Ness "An empirical assessment of Management Information Systems and digital platforms in ethical and sustainable apparel sourcing". International Journal of Advanced Engineering and Technology, Vol 10, Issue 1, 2026, Pages 19-24
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