By Marilize Worst, Managing Director, SmartMatta

Within many companies around the world, there is a growing understanding and awareness of the value of waste. Instead of a mere hassle, waste is being viewed as an important resource – particularly among the larger and more established corporates. Indeed, the shift from considering waste management as a cost saving exercise to a value-add to the bottom line is slowly infiltrating strategic business thinking worldwide.

By Shirley Duma, Executive Human Resources, Barloworld Logistics

In recent years, several major studies have demonstrated that having more female leaders, board members, managers and supervisors leads to better business outcomes including higher levels of productivity, safety and improved financial returns. More specifically, research referenced in the 2009 Women in Supply Chain report demonstrated that improving the proportion of women leads to higher financial returns for logistics companies. This insight was supported by the PWC Transportation & Logistics 2030 report, which stated that companies with the most women board directors outperformed those with the least by 16% in return on sales, and by 26% in return on invested capital. These studies make a compelling business case for gender diversity and inclusion, which in previous decades has been largely ignored and under appreciated among the higher echelons of business leadership.

Without doubt, the complex nature and fast pace of business today is forcing many business leaders to rethink their traditional approach and strategies. Notably, the adoption of new technology tools and platforms has become a business imperative. Closely related to the tech-driven transformation is a marked shift towards outsourcing non-core activities, spurred by the need to focus on specialised products and services. Business leaders are realising that in order to achieve long-term growth, they need to serve a niche part of the market – and truly add value to the bottom line.

Barloworld Logistics’ supplychainforesight 2016 report reveals the universal alignment of supply chain strategies with business strategy.

By Press Office, Barloworld Logistics

Leading supply chain solutions provider Barloworld Logistics has expanded its service offering into multi-temperature foods logistics through acquiring 100% of KLL Distributors, and a controlling share in Aspen Logistic Services.