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of characteristics that is driving the motivation to pay more. It can be assumed that those characteristics are related quality distinctiveness (Stengg, 2001).

This calculation has its shortcomings. The computation is vulnerable to manipulation when semi-finished products are re-imported. Garments that are shipped to low-wage countries for further processing are re-imported at a slightly higher price. To further explain, the once semi-finished product increases in weight due to additional processing, therefore creating higher cost (Stengg, 2001). However, it should be knotted that the amounts of re-imports have declined in recent years (PingQing, & Qiang, 2007). Nonetheless, this calculation glitch causes the industry to sway more towards low quality elasticity, but in in reality there is simply a higher degree of processing (Stengg, 2001).

5.3 Position in Price Segments Index

Another industry quality measurement that can be utilized is the Position in Price Segments Index. This calculation is based on export share in high-price and high-quality segments by taking the difference between the percentage of high-priced exports and percentage of low-priced exports (Stajano, 2006).

5.4 Value-Added Per Worker

Lastly, a quality calculation that would serve best at firm level for comparison within the same industry can be value added per worker. Traditionally, the definition of value added per worker quantifies a company’s ability to produce or add value (SEVIBY, 2010), which brings forth the question of whether or not this calculation directly quantifies quality. However, the higher the calculation result indicates high labor productivity, which is linked with investments in employee training and skills, equipment, and technology; all of which are logically associated with quality of the end-product (Angus, 2007).

5.5 The Pricing Dilemma

The problem with the discussed quantitative measurements is that they are linked to the price given by the firm. In the short run, if there is a larger than average mark-up then the calculation does not facilitate a level play field for comparing companies. In the long run, an above average mark-up cannot be continued unless the product is viewed as higher quality then the competition (Stengg, 2001). Essentially, the calculation is at the mercy of the price given to a product, which is not always directly linked to value.

6. Industry Quality Standards and Affect on Quality Measurement

Taking a look at the quality standards set in place can further the understanding of quality. There are general quality control standards that are used in the worldwide in many industries such as ISO9000, ISO14000, and HACCP certifications, as well as environmental certifications, social labels, and codes of conduct (Doshi, 2010) (Linfel & Qingliang, 2009). In addition, there are more industry specific associations and standards that are applicable, for example, China’s quality standards for exports can be implemented at four different levels: company, local, national, and professional (Tian, 2010). There are many third party institutions within in the clothing industry that offer services to test and assess the quality of garment, and use standards that are recognizable worldwide. Some third parties include: Asia Textile Inspections Limited, Apparel Testing Lab, and Beijing CIS Inspection