Page 8 - Case Study Annual 2015

supplychainforesight 2015

Embracing change for a
sustainable future

Businesses of all sizes and across a spectrum of sectors are undoubtedly operating
in a vastly different paradigm. While many market watchers have failed to
capture the essence of this new paradigm, Barloworld Logistics’ 12th annual

supplychainforesight report has identified, named and explored the key elements
that are affecting organisations today – and that will continue to do so tomorrow.

All of these elements are coloured by the ranging from those turning over R1-bn per annum or
overarching theme of rapid and deep-seated more, right through to smaller entrepreneurial businesses
change. Indeed, while change and progress with a turnover of less than R50-m. Views of respondents
have always characterised business, few could from a broad cross-section of traditional industry sectors
argue that the pace and extent of change has reached were received, and there was a noticeable increase from
dizzying heights – and therefore requires a vastly respondents in the ‘other’ category – representing new
different type of response. and emerging industries such as solar energy, waste
management and humanitarian sectors.
With the only certainty being ‘uncertainty’ or ‘business
unusual’, this year’s survey – conducted by research Addressing the leadership gap
group Frost & Sullivan on behalf of Barloworld Logistics
– sought to understand how South African companies “One of the most important findings was an impending
are dealing with change. The report, Embracing Change shortage of leadership, visionary and change
for a Sustainable Future, garnered the views of over management skills within organisations,” explains Kate
370 professionals representing companies across South Stubbs, executive: Marketing and Communications
Africa, providing a statistically accurate representation at Barloworld Logistics. “Whilst in all the previous
of South Africa’s business
and industry leaders.

More than 66% of the
respondents hold a director
level position, demonstrating
the relevance that supply
chains play in business
today. The widespread
industry representation and
the variety of senior roles
and positions of respondents
also reveals how the supply
chain is seen more and more
as a critical backbone of
business – and is no longer a
mere support function.

Respondents to this year’s
survey represented a broad
variety of companies by size,

6 the logistics news case study annual 2015