Syndicate 8_Innovatio... All tools Edit Convert Sign + Create INNOVATION PITCH 11 May 2024 (Syndicate 8) Mica Let us show you how Sign in Find text or tools Q | e ΑΙ Mica Holdings: Digital solutions for continued growth Mica is a leading hardware group located in Sub-Saharan Africa, recognised for its "Let Us Show You How" motto. Mica specialises in a vast selection of products, ranging from hardware, power tools, paint, garden, and pool care, building supplies, and much more. The company has over 160 stores throughout South Africa and serves residents, contractors and Small to Medium Enterprises (SME) in their surrounds. Challenges: Competitors using • No eCommerce capability other than a web presence with store eCommerce: information and limited product information • • . Limitations by the franchisee on individual stores (franchises) in launching eCommerce ventures: 。 No framework governing the possible implementation of a centralised eCommerce platform. Management focus has been purely on physical stores: ○ Foot traffic may eventually plateau as customers seek the convenience of online shopping. Inability to respond to changes in customer behaviour and a competitive landscape. ○ At risk of becoming redundant if Mica does not adapt to the changing needs of the market and technological interventions of competitors. Opportunities: • • Focus R&D efforts on developing an integrated eCommerce platform. Enhance Customer Experience and Convenience through: 。 Using augmented reality tools, allowing customers to visualise products on Mica's digital platforms. 。 Automation and digitalisation to streamline operations, costs- efficiencies, and product consistency. • Develop a mobile application and integrate Mica's loyalty programme which will contribute to data-driven insights and personalisation. Strategic Intent: LERORLIN builders BU CO HARDWARE-BUILDWARE LET'S BUILD TOGETHER takealot.com Prioritise the build of an eCommerce capability supported by an integrated platform as a way of de-risking Mica's current business model, offer exponential sales growth opportunities and provide customers a convenient and personalised shopping experience. 61.7% 1,504 MAY 13 P tv ♫A X W & O NEW PDF 1 1 C 1:1 Q

Founding Story of MICA

The organisation was conceptualised in 2014 when Keegan Allison and Hossein Saberi, the current directors of Apadana Holdings t/a Mica Paint and Hardware, began exploring various business ideas. Keegan and Hossein’s paths crossed at Sasol, where they worked together in the Project Management office in Sasol Technology.

The nature of their relationship was initially a mentor-mentee dynamic, and as Keegan progressed in his career, they became better acquainted. Hossein has more than 24 years of experience in the project environment, leading programmes in the capacity of portfolio manager, project manager, and digital lead in construction, oil and gas, and mining industries. He has a doctorate in Business Science from the Gordon Institute of Business Science and is a lecturer at the University of Witwatersrand in the field of Quality Management. Keegan has over 15 years of experience in project management and finance in the construction, oil and gas, and mining industries.

Keegan and Hossein had ambitions to pursue an entrepreneurial endeavour utilising their industry skills and experience, as well as build a generational legacy outside of Corporate South Africa. They investigated various businesses and sectors, which included franchising, purchasing an existing business, and building a new business and did extensive market research in these areas. They ultimately decided to enter the retail hardware market by affiliating themselves with a well-established brand, Mica Hardware.

Keegan and Hossein established Apadana Holdings, which is also known as Mica Paint and Hardware. Their flagship store, Mica Parktown North, was built from the ground up and opened on 25, 2021, to serve the residents and building contractors in the area. The organisation has since acquired another store in Emmarentia and opened doors six months ago. The pair have plans to expand to Bryanston between 2024 and 2025.

Your discussion must address the following organisational strategic thinking dimensions, qualities, and areas in relation to the problems or challenges to be addressed:

Leadership: Analyze the leadership skills in the organisation (or the unit, division, subsidiary, etc. that you have decided to investigate for this exercise) as fundamental to planning and executing successful turnarounds you will develop for this organisation. Discuss, among others, the status of personal and organizational resilience, the current quality of the management of critical thinking (logos), emotions (pathos), and relationships (ethos), and the innovation challenges being faced by the organization, which would become central in the turnaround specifically toward professionalising a leadership team for the organization in distress or in a crisis. Identify and evaluate evidence of (1) top management support, (2) work discretion/autonomy, (3) rewards/reinforcement, (4) time availability, and (5) organisational boundaries evident in the organization.