M. Tech. (Logistics, Faculty of Management Sciences), Vaal University of Technology. / This study explored the implementation of green supply chain with regard to minimizing environmental risk in the South African manganese and phosphate mining industries. A qualitative research paradigm methodology was used. Theoretical assumptions were utilized. References by other researchers in the green supply chain and mining supply chain were also used to broaden the knowledge horizons for the study. A total number of twelve supply chain and environmental professionals from the key role players in the South African manganese and phosphate mining industries were interviewed and provided valuable input to the study. The study determined lack of information sharing between the role players in the supply chain that lead to the discovery of themes and sub–themes. The study identified seven main themes and eleven sub-themes as challenges in the implementation of green supply chain. Recommendations to address the challenges areoutlined and include the introduction of cleaner production practices by using cleaner technologies, inclusion of environmental aspects in the sourcing strategy, among others. The achievement of all these will ensure sustainable development. Originating from the study are research recommendations for the South African manganese and phosphate mining industries. The recommendations include further research to establish a green supply chain model as well as perception and expectations of policy makers in the industries.

In an ever-changing world where economic growth is inter-alia dependent on the export of bulk minerals, the risk and the severity of risk incidences in the bulk mineral supply chain should be minimised. In South Africa the export of coal is a large contributor to the GDP and any risk to this supply chain will directly affect its contribution to the GDP. Although all the stakeholders in the bulk coal export logistic chain manage the risk in their own domain, the bulk export logistic chain represents a supply chain structure where the risk of one stakeholder influences the risk of another stakeholder. Therefore, to reduce the total risk, an integrated risk management framework for the bulk coal export logistic chain is required. This study investigated the risks and the risk management processes in the bulk coal export supply chain. This logistic chain was chosen based on the monetary value the chain represents and the contribution to the GDP. A qualitative research design was used with one-on-one interviews and content analysis of risk management policies and procedures to obtain the data. The study revealed that there are risks that could not be managed on an individual stakeholder level and therefore an integrated risk management approach that considers the total bulk coal logistics export chain is required. / Entrepreneurship and Supply Chain, Transport, Tourism and Logistics Management / M. Com (Logistics Management)

The study examined the alignment of Supply Chain Management (SCM) practices with the policies and regulations in State-Owned Entities (SOEs) in South Africa. SCM plays a crucial role in the implementation of service delivery programmes and the achievement of socioeconomic imperatives in SOEs in South Africa. However, there is a substantial misalignment between SCM practices and the relevant policies and regulations, which negatively influences the performance of SOEs in South Africa. The research study was designed to employ a combination of exploratory and descriptive research, using quantitative approaches based on a survey of SCM managers in SOEs in South Africa. A structured questionnaire was administered to SCM managers who were selected using simple random sampling. Descriptive statistics using the software, SPSS version 21.0, was used for the statistical analysis and to provide the descriptive analysis results. In addition, Smart PLS 2.0 M3 was used for structural Equation Modelling to assess the alignment between the key variables. The results of the study revealed that, in general, there is an alignment between SCM practices and SCM policies and regulations. However, based on the analysis of the four constructs that were used in the study (SCM strategy, SCM policies and regulations, SCM practices, and SCM performance), the results revealed a misalignment between SCM strategy and SCM performance. The study further revealed a positive and weak relationship between Enterprise Supplier Development (ESD) and SCM performance in SOEs. The poor implementation of these two practices compromises the contribution of SCM to socioeconomic imperatives, and consequently SCM. The results of the five SCM policies and regulations that were examined indicated the poor implementation of Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Act (BBBEEA) across SOEs. The study suggests a conceptual framework for SCM in SOEs to enable them to enhance their performance. The study provides an understanding of how SCM could be applied efficiently in the SOEs environment and it provides new insights to the body of knowledge. / Applied Management / D. Admin. (Business Management)