ETP3701 Assignment 4 (DETAILED ANSWERS) Semester 1 2024 - DISTINCTION GUARANTEED

ETP3701 Assignment 4 (DETAILED ANSWERS) Semester 1 2024 - DISTINCTION GUARANTEED Answers, guidelines, workings and references ..... CASE STUDY Agripreneur: Ngwamba turns agricultural trash into burning treasure With a passion for sustainability and innovation, Given Ngwamba transformed adversity into opportunity, creating Nzilo Charcoal and paving the way for eco-friendly grilling solutions. Years ago, Given Ngwamba’s garage in Ka-maqhekeza, Mpumalanga was transformed into an impromptu innovation hub, filled with homemade machines that would ultimately bring his ground-breaking idea to fruition. He wanted to create coal using agricultural waste such as groundnuts, sugarcane, macadamia shells, coconut, and waste from mango leaves and banana trees. The idea came after Ngwamba found himself at a crossroads in 2019 after a failed business venture left him seeking a new beginning. “We built our own machines and experimented with different materials. It wasn’t easy, but we were driven by the potential impact. “We’ve gone from a handful of friends tinkering in a garage to a growing team; employment opportunities in our community are incredibly rewarding,” he says. Turning waste into wealth The name of Ngwamba’s business is Nzilo Charcoal, which means “hope” in the local dialect. He sells his environmentally-friendly briquettes to local retailers like Vleis Paleis Nelspruit and Naas SuperSpar for R37 per bag who add their markup. Those who buy directly from Ngwamba pay R50 per bag. At the core of Nzilo Charcoal lies the principle of agricultural sustainability by repurposing waste into valuable resources for producing cleaner-burning charcoal. In a meticulous process, Nzilo Charcoal begins by gathering agricultural waste such as sugarcane husks, corn stalks, and woodchips from nearby farms. “This waste becomes the fuel for our eco-friendly briquettes,” Ngwamba explains. These raw materials undergo a transformative journey starting with sun-drying, an eco-friendly technique that harnesses the power of natural sunlight. Once thoroughly dried, the material is then subjected to carbonisation within specially designed kilns, where it undergoes a metamorphosis into charcoal. The final stage of this artisanal process involves Nzilo Charcoal’s handcrafted machines that compress the carbonised material into dense briquettes. This careful sun-drying process over several days not only ensures the purity of the end product but also guarantees clean-burning charcoal, Ngwamba says. “Our briquettes burn cleaner, releasing fewer harmful emissions.” Ngwamba’s vision for a greener tomorrow The road to success was not paved with ease. Limited access to funding and machinery presented a constant hurdle. The three Covid years added an additional layer of challenge. However, Ngwamba stayed strong and focused. He used the time to improve his methods, driven by a strong desire to find a lasting solution for his community. With the business doing well, he hopes to replicate his briquette concept elsewhere. “Our affordable pricing makes sustainable grilling accessible to everyone. “We’re a testament to the power of innovation and collaboration. We started small, but our impact is growing, and we invite others to join us on this journey towards a greener tomorrow,” explains Ngwamba. Advice to aspiring entrepreneurs Ngwamba’s message to aspiring entrepreneurs is to be passionate, work hard, and be innovative as these are the cornerstones of success. He encourages them to: Find their niche: Identify areas within the charcoal industry where they can offer eco-friendly solutions. Embrace resourcefulness: Look for creative ways to utilise waste materials or optimise existing processes. Be persistent: Building a successful business takes time and perseverance. Don’t be discouraged by setbacks. Source: Agripreneur: Ngwamba turns agricultural trash into burning treasure - Food For Mzansi Essay Question 1: Entrepreneurship & Sustainability (20) Critically analyse how Given Ngwamba's Nzilo Charcoal exemplifies both entrepreneurial innovation and its potential contribution to a sustainable future in South Africa. Consider the types of innovation involved and how Nzilo Charcoal addresses environmental concerns.  • Explain how Nzilo Charcoal represents innovation (2)  • Discuss the different types of innovation and identify the one that Nzilo charcoal is involved with (10)  • Explain how this innovation contributes to a sustainable future and addresses environmental concerns (8) Essay Question 2: Entrepreneurship & Opportunity Recognition (25) Discuss how Given Ngwamba identified a business opportunity from agricultural waste, considering the Creativity Model. Analyse the model (4Ps) and how they might have played a role in Ngwamba's journey.  • Describe the problem/opportunity Ngwamba identified provide examples from the case study (5)  • Apply and analyse the Creativity Model ( 4P’s) and the role it played in Ngwamba’s journey (20) Essay Question 3: Entrepreneurship & Social Impact (20) Evaluate the social and economic impact of Nzilo Charcoal on the local community in South Africa. How does Nzilo's business model contribute to this social and economic impact?  • Discuss how Nzilo Charcoal benefits the local community socially (4)  • Discuss how Nzilo Charcoal benefits the local community economically (4)  • Explain how the affordability of Nzilo's product makes it accessible to a wider audience (4)  • Discuss the 8 managerial success factors that Ngwamba needed to consider (8) Essay Question 3: Entrepreneurship & Challenges [25] Given Ngwamba faced numerous challenges in starting his business. Drawing on the case study the module content and your own research, discuss the challenges typically faced by entrepreneurs and propose strategies to overcome them in the South African context.  • Identify specific challenges faced by Ngwamba from the case study (5)  • Discuss broader challenges typically faced by entrepreneurs in South Africa (10)  • Propose strategies to overcome these challenges (5)  • Explain how building resilience can help entrepreneurs navigate challenges. (5)