Abstract
Process benchmarking is recognised as an essential tool for the continuous
improvement of the quality of products. It is a process that allows the production of
manganese ferroalloys i.e. ferromanganese and silicomanganese (FeMn and SiMn)
to improve upon existing ideas and practices. In this study, it is critical to interrogate
the organisation of production of manganese ferroalloys in the identified production
plants. Three production plants were identified within, and two outside South Africa.
A methodology of research was identified that will be most appropriate to undertake
the study. From the research process, it is expected that the critical variables that
impact on production processes, differences in application, scale of processes,
measurement methods, and competitiveness analysis to be identified.