JavaScript is disabled for your browser. Some features of this site may not work without it.
Please be advised that the site will be down for maintenance on Sunday, September 1, 2024, from 08:00 to 18:00, and again on Monday, September 2, 2024, from 08:00 to 09:00. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
The pursuit of a competitive advantage: Multinational organizations’ value perceptions of a circular economy strategic partnership
Mineral extraction is required for progress, contributing to economies, new technology
development, and the materials that sustain modern societies. Yet, more than 50 percent
of the global greenhouse gas emissions are produced by mining, directly contributing to
global warming. Current consumption levels are pushing the planetary boundaries
beyond the Earth's regenerative capacity and the estimated population growth will
continue to drive demand. A sustainable approach is required that will promote
responsible extraction and usage of resources whilst addressing the growing waste
concerns.
Circular economy, a phenomenon not yet embedded in global mining practices, could be
a significant enabler for mining companies and their suppliers to assist in addressing the
carbon reduction and sustainability challenges. This research set out to gain insights into
the value perception of a circular economy strategic partnership between two
multinational companies operating in the mining industry, if such a partnership will
contribute to a competitive advantage and how such a partnership framework will be
construed.
A qualitative research methodology was used to gather the data. Twenty-three interviews
were held to gain the perspectives of global participants knowledgeable in the fields of
sustainability, partnership development, and global account management. Participants
included mining and supplier professionals based at their respective corporate offices
and on the mine sites.
The key outcome of the research is a conceptual framework for developing circular
economy strategic partnerships. The framework incorporates the key constructs
identified in the literature combined with the findings from the research, to present a userfriendly model that incorporates circular economy into a strategic partnership that can
create a competitive advantage through the value perception of this partnership for all
role players.
Description:
Mini Dissertation (MPhil)--University of Pretoria, 2021.