This paper presents a study on Smartphone generated E-wastes with the primary vision of turning this lethal pollutant into a competitive advantage. It shows a developed A2Z strategic model that will streamline a holistic value proposition for the complete management of Smartphone generated E-wastes. The A2Z strategic model is a three-step guideline across the three core value chain of E-wastes: Assembly, Branding and Zero-Economy. The essence of this strategy is to target parts of the value chain separately and design solutions keeping a sustainable competitive advantage in priority all the time. This model integrates all previous suggested strategies into one whole model and can be replicated to all other electronics industry in Bangladesh.
Electronic waste (e-waste) are discarded electrical devices like Smartphones, Laptops, Monitors and other forms of consumer electronics. The government of Bangladesh is trying to impose strict measures to stop the meteoric rise of e-waste, which is projected to amount to 46.2 Lac tons by 2035, mobile handsets being one of the notable contributors. A staggering 135 million units of mobile devices were left unrecycled in 2010 alone.
The industry analysis showed a movement towards the controlling of the present situation of E-waste through stringent policies and Government compliance. Technological breakthrough from innovating brands have fast-forwarded the route of the E-waste management strategy. The role of government is significant, and through the porter's diamond model, it is portrayed both as a catalyst and as a challenger. Although governments cannot create competitive industries, it can play an important role in encouraging and push companies to reach higher levels.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Objectives
2.1 Broad Objectives
2.2 Specific Objectives
3. Literature Review
E-Waste in Bangladesh
Current Situation of E-Waste in foreign countries
E-Waste Treatment Technology
Relationship of Sustainability in Smartphone Buying Pattern
Viability and Adaptive analysis of E-Waste Treatment Facilities
Strategic Analysis of Local Smartphone Brands
4. Methodology
4.1 Data Source
4.2 Access to Data
5. E-waste Overview
6. Industry Analysis: PESTEL
7. Industry Analysis: Porters Diamond Model
8. Global Value Chain
8.1 Raw Materials
8.2 Assembly
8.3 Marketing and Branding
8.4 Distribution, Sales and After Sales Services
8.5 Recycling
9. Strategic Plan
9.1 Assembly
9.2 Two-fold Branding
9.2.1 Cash Based Incentive
9.2.2 Consumer Awareness
9.2.3 Local Brands innovating to create a superior Buyer Value
9.3 The vision: Moving towards “Zero economy”
Objectives and Research Themes
This research paper analyzes the current state of smartphone-generated e-waste in Bangladesh and proposes a systematic strategic framework, known as the A2Z model, to transform this environmental challenge into a sustainable competitive advantage for local electronics companies.
- The current status and global value chain components of smartphone-generated e-waste.
- The impact of consumer awareness and buying patterns on sustainable supply chain management.
- Strategic analysis of local and global smartphone brands through frameworks like PESTEL and Porter's Diamond Model.
- Development of a three-step guideline (A2Z) focusing on assembly, branding, and a "Zero Economy" vision.
Excerpt from the Book
9.3 The vision: Moving towards “Zero economy”
The concept of zero waste economy revolves around an economic system that has reached a certain level of sustainability where waste and inefficiencies are brought to near zero. While the developed economies have already declared long term plans to move towards zero economies by 2050, the E-waste industry for Bangladesh has tremendous scopes of not only moving towards the zero goal but also rebrand Bangladesh as a self-reliant sustainable economy with inclusive growth.
When we consider the supply chain of the mobile phone industry, we see that after the metals have been extracted from mines, the individual components are manufactured, assembled and finally distributed to customers across various channels. The customers use the gadget for a time (approx. 12-18 months) and then move on to buy another phone, discarding the old phone or simply just keep the phone in a forgotten corner of the house. This traditional way of the mobile industry puts excessive strain on the environment: extraction of natural minerals from mines and irresponsible dumping of electronics at the end of its life. Limited resources of the earth are extracted with high costs and energy only to be thrown away after 1-2 years. This represents an enormous scope to modify, reuse resources before they reach the landfill and waste away. “Experts estimate metal deposits in E-waste to be up to 40 to 50 times richer than ore extracted from mines” (Aowsaf, 2018)
By integrating the circular model and the zero waste philosophy into the value chain of the mobile manufacturing industry, it can be remodelled into an end-to-end sustainable value chain: the complete reuse of materials and resources that have been produced before to create new models of handsets and accessories. The model can be replicated to other electronics industries and can generate economies of scale if the collection and processing is done and applied on similar value chains of other electronics.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Provides an overview of the rising environmental risks posed by uncontrolled e-waste in Bangladesh and sets the stage for utilizing e-waste management as a source of competitive advantage.
2. Objectives: Outlines the research intent to analyze the current e-waste situation and develop a strategic framework for systematic management.
3. Literature Review: Synthesizes existing studies on the e-waste landscape in Bangladesh, treatment technologies, and the relationship between sustainability and consumer buying patterns.
4. Methodology: Details the primary data collection methods, including in-depth interviews with industry stakeholders and surveys with consumers, alongside a literature-based secondary research approach.
5. E-waste Overview: Describes the hazardous nature of smartphone waste and the alarmingly low recycling rates currently observed in Bangladesh.
6. Industry Analysis: PESTEL: Examines external environmental factors—Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Environmental, and Legal—that influence the e-waste management sector.
7. Industry Analysis: Porters Diamond Model: Explores factors like factor conditions, demand conditions, and related industries to determine how local brands can achieve international competitiveness.
8. Global Value Chain: Breaks down the lifecycle of mobile devices through the Triple Triangle Framework, analyzing firm, industry, and macro-economic factors for each segment from raw materials to recycling.
9. Strategic Plan: Introduces the "A2Z" strategic model, proposing a three-step approach covering assembly, two-fold branding, and the transition toward a "Zero Economy."
Keywords
E-waste, Bangladesh, Smartphone Industry, Sustainable Supply Chain, A2Z Strategic Model, Zero Economy, Circular Economy, Recycling, Porter's Diamond Model, PESTEL, Consumer Awareness, Waste Management, Competitive Advantage, Value Chain, Environmental Sustainability
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research?
The research focuses on the growing crisis of smartphone-generated e-waste in Bangladesh and explores how local companies can turn this pollutant into a competitive advantage through sustainable management.
What are the primary thematic areas explored?
The paper covers the current state of e-waste, consumer buying behaviors, industrial analysis using PESTEL and Porter's Diamond Model, and the creation of a circular value chain.
What is the main objective of the proposed study?
The primary objective is to develop a systematic strategic framework, the A2Z model, that covers the entire value chain to effectively manage rising e-waste levels.
Which scientific methods were employed?
The research uses a mix of secondary data analysis from academic journals and primary data obtained through in-depth interviews with industry experts and consumer surveys.
What does the main body of the work address?
It provides a comprehensive analysis of the smartphone industry's value chain, identifies the failures in current waste management, and proposes specific strategic actions for local brands.
What keywords define this work?
Key terms include E-waste, Bangladesh, Circular Economy, A2Z Strategic Model, Sustainable Supply Chain, and Smartphone Industry.
What is the "A2Z" strategic model proposed by the authors?
The A2Z model is a three-step guideline focusing on the Assembly of components from e-waste, Two-fold Branding (consumer education and buyer value), and moving towards a "Zero Economy."
How does the author propose to involve the local population in e-waste recycling?
The author emphasizes shifting from a polluting image to a "green opportunity" via branding, cash-based incentives for consumers, and massive awareness campaigns to instill a sense of national responsibility.
- Citation du texte
- Rasib Afridi (Auteur), 2019, E-wastes and a global value chain. A study on smartphone, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/504145
