Abstract
An unreliable energy supply presents a significant challenge to manufacturing
enterprises, particularly in South Africa, where ongoing power disruptions and
infrastructure vandalism severely impact industrial stability. This instability disrupts
production processes, increases operational costs, and undermines global
competitiveness. To address these critical issues, this study introduces a
comprehensive framework for enhancing energy resilience in manufacturing
enterprises, particularly in low-volume contexts.
This framework combines theoretical rigor with practical industry relevance, offering
solutions that are both actionable and rooted in robust decision-making
methodologies. It integrates expert validation, quantitative analysis, and real-world
implementation to provide a structured approach to tackling energy resilience
challenges. The framework utilizes a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM)
approach, incorporating Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), the CRITICMethod,
and fuzzy-TOPSIS. Challenges were identified through a systematic literature
review and validated by experts. FMEA prioritized these challenges using Risk Priority
Numbers (RPNs), while Fleiss’ Kappa quantified expert consensus to ensure reliable
mapping of challenges to strategies. The CRITIC-Method weighted the four resilience
dimensions—Availability, Affordability, Adaptability, and Acceptability—to enhance
objectivity, and fuzzy-TOPSIS ranked mitigation strategies based on their
effectiveness.
To validate its adaptability and utility, the framework was deployed across four distinct
South African manufacturing enterprises: an automotive parts manufacturer, a
harness manufacturer, an electronics manufacturer, and a custom furniture
manufacturer. These enterprises, representing diverse operational contexts,
highlighted the framework’s capacity to address unique energy resilience challenges
effectively while maintaining its generalizability.
This study offers a critical resource for practitioners and policymakers, providing
evidence-based tools to prioritize challenges, implement targeted strategies, and
enhance energy resilience. The findings contribute to sustaining operations, managing
energy disruptions, and supporting strategic resilience initiatives essential for
economic stability and growth in emerging markets.