Quality Initiatives: Operations and Managerial Perspectives in a Particular Scrap Metal Company in Phoenix Industrial Park

Posted by BYELONGO ELISEE ISHELOKE on 20 July 2022, 20:00 SAST

Abstract The metal recycling industry is an important job creator in developing countries and is highly competitive in the provision of green jobs. The world’s financial mayhem sent shockwaves globally, and in particular, to the scrap recycling industry with dire consequences to metal trade. This impacted negatively on the economy. In KwaZulu-Natal, for instance, many companies had to retrench or put employees on short time in an attempt to contain the effects of productivity shortages based on the metal business impairment as a result of the global economic crisis. The aim of this article is to present the managerial perspectives when dealing with scrap recycling operations. Quality theories were revisited and formed the basis for the investigation. The rationale is to suggest solutions to a plethora of problems caused by the financial turmoil. A thorough review of literature was conducted. A mixed method was used ISSN 1728 - 9157 JMA – Issue I – 2017 [26] throughout the study and particularly during data collection phase. In total, 90.9% of the respondents revealed that their management followed the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industry (ISRI) specifications. The study posits that continuous improvement is paramount for successful secondary metal operations. Suggestions for future research include the need to conduct research of this magnitude at provincial and national levels. Keywords: Scrap metals, quality initiatives, metal recycling operations, health and safety, financial crisis, productivity, and global economic crisis.