Title: Operational excellence and supply chain leadership in a circular economy

Authors: Ntise Hendrick Manchidi

Addresses: University of South Africa, Muckleneuk Campus Preller Street, Pretoria, 0003, South Africa

Abstract: The appreciation of operational excellence (OE) and its economic value towards supply chain leadership (SCL) of a company in a circular economy (CE) is somewhat inadequate. This study engaged a qualitative research approach with open-ended interview schedule to collect data from a purposive sample of eight industry specialists in supply chain management (SCM), logistics, chemical and industrial engineering as well as production and manufacturing engineering (n = 8). Semi-structured interviewing was used in which the same questions were asked to seek subjective opinions on the importance and contribution of operational excellence to SCM and SCL and the understanding of SCM of companies in a CE. The findings establish that operational elements (human capital, process activation, conducive environment, and continuous improvement) and leadership elements (flexibility, strategic direction, tactical approach, long-term planning, awareness, and benchmarking) are the key drivers for organisations in a CE to attain OE and ultimately SCL.

Keywords: operational excellence; OE; supply chain management; SCM; supply chain leadership; SCL; circular economy; CE.

DOI: 10.1504/PIE.2024.143783

Progress in Industrial Ecology, An International Journal, 2024 Vol.17 No.3, pp.286 - 308

Received: 22 Feb 2023
Accepted: 29 Dec 2023
Published online: 07 Jan 2025 *

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