Case study

Publication date: 18 January 2019

THANKYOU: from waste to resource

Anupama Prashar

The case helps to introduce some of the elements of strategic management

process, which are vital for competitive advantage, particularly for the public utility
services…
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Abstract

Learning outcomes

The case helps to introduce some of the elements of strategic management

process, which are vital for competitive advantage, particularly for the public utility
services such as MSWM. It intends to achieve the following objectives: analyse
the external environment for MSWM industry in India; analyse the internal
organizational environment for a firm’s strategic competitiveness; introduce the
concept of value and value chain understand the role of Stakeholder groups;
understand the concept of public–private partnerships (PPP); and understand the
role of technology in sustaining a competitive advantages.

Case overview/synopsis

This case focuses on entrepreneurial venture of Gaurav Sharma and his team
who intend to transform the landscape of Municipal Solid Waste Management
(MSWM) industry in the country. THANKYOU (letsthankyou.com) is a Jaipur,
India-based enterprise offering waste management solutions across different
verticals. It was founded in 2016, following an opportunity in the waste
management industry unleashed by the Government of India’s (GOI) new MSWM
2016 rules making it mandatory for the waste generators to manage (segregate,
process, transport and disposal) their own waste. After initial examination of
MSWM service scenario in the country, Gaurav and his two team members
realize that a lack of integration among the multiple entities of waste
management value chain is the root cause of the current poor state of affairs. So,
they come up with an online marketplace, which offers a one-stop solution for the
waste management of general households, residential settings and corporate.
With initial projects implemented in the decentralized mode offering unit-level
services such as door-to-door waste collection, on-demand waste pick-up and
waste audits for corporate, the company has eventually got an opportunity of
 working on a centralized MSWM project for a leading hotel. Indeed, the company
has the first mover advantage of entering the government controlled MSWM
industry. However, to move forward, the THANKYOU team must address some
fundamental issues in the industry: How to integrate the informal and formal
sectors involved in waste management to achieve economies of scale? How to
make land-filling the least preferred option of waste management? How to use
technology to enhance the efficiency of MSWM value chain?

Complexity academic level

The case can add value to a course on strategic management at the post-
graduate level. It highlights the role of external and internal environment analyses
in the formulation of business strategy, ultimately leading to a firm’s strategic
competitiveness. In a strategic management course, the case can be used to
discuss introductory topics such as the analysis of internal and external
environment; value creation by leveraging internal resources and capabilities;
analysis of a firm’s dependence on its stakeholder groups; ascertainment of the
profitability driver for a firm’s business model; and the concept of PPP.

Supplementary materials

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notes.

Subject code

CSS 11: Strategy

Solid waste management- sustainability towards a better

future, role of CSR – a review
Preethi Rajesh

Human activities in household and industries generate an enormous amount of

waste material, both organic and non-biodegradable matter, which substantially
contribute to…
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Abstract

Purpose

Human activities in household and industries generate an enormous amount of

waste material, both organic and non-biodegradable matter, which substantially
contribute to land, water and air contamination. The study aims to highlight the
possible methods in solid waste management (SWM) and its influence on
economy and environment. The paper is an attempt to bring out the necessity of
corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the management of solid waste.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is prepared after an elaborate review of literature connected with

SWM.

Findings

The paper emphasizes the need of SWM and the role of corporate bodies in
building a robust system in the management of solid waste, creating a healthy
environment to all.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is entirely based on literature review and reports and not on
individual's research.

Practical implications

The paper has a multi-level faceted approach where real-time practices in

different countries have been explored.

Social implications

This study can enable the collaboration of corporates, scientific community and
the municipal local bodies in the area of SWM.

Originality/value

This paper deliberates on how CSR can be a driving force for a sustainable
model for SWM.