Sustainability Strategies for a Small to Medium Sized Enterprise (SME) Marshmia, Mutare Zimbabwe

Abstract

This dissertation paper examines the evaluation of sustainability strategies for an SME named MarshMia, a small to medium sized enterprise that is involved in liquor manufacturing based in the Eastern Highlands of Zimbabwe, in a city called Mutare. This is a descriptive method research that utilizes data which was collected through employee surveys. The study sample consisted of employees from different departments of MarshMia namely, packaging, production workers, management as well as members of Mutare city council, so approximately 30 to 50 respondents were used through interviews and questionnaires. This study explores the specific sustainability strategies provided by MarshMia and evaluates their perceived value and effectiveness. The research also highlighted the immerging issue of the counterfeiting of the company’s products on the black market as well as a series of recommendations on how the company may solve this problem. The analysis also demonstrated a positive correlation between the provision of comprehensive sustainability and operational performance, meeting sustainability goals despite facing notable implementation challenges. This study identified the sustainability strategies currently being employees by MarshMia including in social, environmental and economic sustainability for example waste management, community engagement, resource management and regulatory compliance by making use of theories like the Triple Bottom Line (TBL), stake holder theory as well as the Resource Based Theory (RBT). These not only contribute to operational performance leading to increased productivity and a more eco-socio friendly work environment. It also suggested that SME leaders should regularly evaluate and update their strategies to align with changing tech and economic environment. This dissertation contributes to the existing body of knowledge on the evaluation of sustainability strategies for small to medium sized businesses, particularly in the Zimbabwean context. The findings provide valuable insights for organizational leaders and environmental practitioners in designing and implementing sustainability strategies for organizational goals, and overall organizational success. Future research opportunities in this area are also identified, aiming to further expand the understanding of the evaluation of sustainability strategies for small to medium sized enterprises as well as their impact on organizational performance in similar contexts.