Leeds Beckett student wins prestigious procurement competition for sustainable fashion research

This marks the third year in a row that a student from the university's MSc Supply Chain Management and Logistics course has been awarded first prize.

The yearly competition is a highly respected industry event that invites submissions from eligible institutions across the UK. It provides students nearing the end of their programmes with the opportunity to showcase their research in front of leading procurement professionals across the industry. Over 100 projects were submitted and reviewed and a shortlist of four entries was then chosen. The winner was voted for by members of CIPS, a global membership organisation and the awarding body for the procurement and supply sector.

Thi's three-minute research presentation, titled Barriers to Sustainable Sourcing in the Apparel and Fashion Industry in Vietnam, explored the country’s fashion sector which relies heavily on China for imported materials. In her presentation, she highlighted the government, financial and material challenges linked to unsustainable sourcing practices and suggested how more sustainable sourcing could support growth in the industry. Thi's passion for sustainable fashion influenced her choice of research, which was also the topic of her dissertation.

Thi said of her achievement: "I'm incredibly honoured to have my research recognised by such a prestigious organisation. Sustainability in the fashion industry, particularly in Vietnam, is a cause I'm passionate about, and this competition gave me the perfect platform to showcase how change is not only necessary but possible.

"I hope my work can inspire others to think about the role sustainable sourcing can play in shaping a more ethical and environmentally conscious future."

With Vietnam ranking among the world's top five fashion manufacturers and given the environmental impact of fast fashion, Thi's presentation and practical solutions are recognised by CIPS as a valuable contribution to the field. Her work also plays an important role in raising awareness about the issue and increasing transparency in the supply chain for consumers. Although many consumers in the UK are aware of conversations around sustainability in fast fashion and want a more ethical industry, low prices are often prioritised above all.

Stratis Koutsoukos, course director at Leeds Beckett University, said of the achievement: "We are extremely proud of Thi's well-deserved achievement. Her dedication to researching sustainable solutions in a critical global industry like fashion is evident in both her dissertation and this competition win. Thi's early submission of her dissertation demonstrated her commitment and passion, and it's rewarding to see her efforts recognised by CIPS.

"It also highlights the quality and impact of our MSc Supply Chain Management and Logistics course in fostering industry-leading research. Our course is designed to equip students with the skills and forward-thinking mindset needed to address the evolving challenges of the supply chain sector. We are producing the next wave of professionals who are not only highly skilled but also committed to making a positive impact on the future of the industry."

The teaching team of the MSc Supply Chain Management and Logistics course bring years of industry expertise and are dedicated to bridging academic knowledge with real-world experience. The success at the CIPS competition for Leeds Beckett students over the last three years is a testament to this approach, which has been invaluable in preparing students for the sector and fostering impactful research.

Watch Thi's winning presentation at the 2024 CIPS Symposium.