Organisational challenges in the formulation process of a Mineral Resource Management Systems Strategy in South Africa

Abstract

A case study conducted on the challenges encountered during the formulation process of a systems strategy to facilitate an organisational change within the mining environment. With the economic climate of 2009 many mining companies felt the threat of inefficiencies. Anglo Platinum was no exception. With the introduction of a new CEO and new practises, the company had the task of managing the change for the benefit of remaining cost effective. The data was collected throughout the entire process formulation period, by means of individual observations conducted during the group sessions and with an unstructured interview using the participants of the process. Pertinent to the process there are significant amounts of challenges that were highlighted. Research however, went a long way in identifying the generic aspects of group dynamics, diagnosing, planning and implementing change, change management and institutionalising change. The case study itself proved to be lively and challenging and no amount of prereading prepares the manager or participant for the reality, as every case is unique and sometimes the solutions even more so