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An analysis of critical risk factors of sustainable supply chain in the South African mining industry

  • Authors: Senkoto, Nthabiseng
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: Business logistics , Physical distribution of goods , Production management , Mine management
  • Language: English
  • Type: Masters (Thesis)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/425182 , uj:36392
  • Description: Abstract: All over the world, the mining sector is gradually being considered accountable for the environmental, social and economic consequences generated by their internal operations and by their suppliers' operations. Sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) that is concerned with incorporating ecological, social and economic aims within a central company’s supply chain processes, has emerged as an approach for companies to enhance the three sustainability pillars (i.e. environmental, social and economic) results in their supply chains. However, the integration of sustainability within supply chain continues to be challenging in Global Supply Chains (GSC). In light of this, and given the limitations on the literature on the integration of sustainability practices within supply chain sustainability in mining sector particularly in South Africa, the primary goal of this study is to analyse critical risk factors for sustainable supply chain in the South African mining industry, which will assist decision makers in the mining sector regarding the factors affecting the sustainability of supply chain practices. The data used in this study was derived from primary and secondary sources. The secondary data for the study was derived from the review of literature. The primary data was obtained through the use of a structured questionnaire, which was distributed, to participants from the South African government, supply chain professionals in mining, supply chain specialists and managers. A total of 110 questionnaires were distributed with 100 responses, which represented a response rate of 90%. The data from the questionnaires formed the basis of this study. Frequency analysis and various statistics procedures were used to analyses the returned questionnaire data. Findings emanating from the survey revealed that the current state of mining sustainability particularly in South Africa with regard to supply chain is not taken into serious considerations by mining management, and there is also a lack of formal policies from the government that clearly state and regulate the use of land and other factors related to sustainability. This vacuum leads to a lot of industrial action in the mining industry, production interruptions and a decline in global competitiveness. , M.Tech. (Quality and Operations Management)
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An analysis of South African automotive supplier parks from a supply chain perspective with specific reference to the Rosslyn Automotive Supplier Park

  • Authors: Nieuwoudt, Anton C.
  • Date: 2013-07-18
  • Subjects: Supply chain management , Business logistics , Automobile industry and trade - South Africa , Rosslyn Automotive Supplier Park (Rosslyn, South Africa)
  • Type: Thesis
  • Identifier: uj:7620 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/8490
  • Description: M. Com. (Logistics Management) , The opening of the first dedicated Supplier Park by Seat adjacent to its Abrera assembly facility in 1992, in many ways, marked the beginning of a global trend. Since then, more than forty parks in various configurations have been established around the world. Initially, this trend was mostly confined to Europe but the Supplier Park concept quickly gained momentum in newly industrialised countries like Brazil and, more recently, the USA and South Africa (Reichhart & Holweg, 2007: 52). The world’s automotive industry is a vital part of the workings of the global economy and the wellbeing of the world’s citizens (OICA, n.d.). According to the International Organisation of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (OICA, n.d.), the world’s automotive industry manufactured over 66 million cars, vans, trucks and buses in 2005 which is equivalent to a global turnover of close to € 2 trillion. If vehicle manufacturing were a country, it would be the sixth largest economy in the world requiring the direct employment of nearly eight million people in manufacturing the vehicles and the parts that go into them. This is more than 5% of the world’s total manufacturing employment. In addition to these direct employees, many more people are employed indirectly in related manufacturing and service provision industries (OICA, n.d.).
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An innovative business model based on the integration of finance and logistics operations

  • Authors: Daozhi, Zhao , Bai, Mapeng , Mbohwa, Charles
  • Date: 2012
  • Subjects: Business models , Business logistics , Loan financing
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: uj:5200 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/14443
  • Description: This article advances a new logistics financing model based on the notes receivable. This is a written promise to receive a stated amount of money in future. The article describes the structure and key processes of the model, and analyses the roles of the involved stakeholders. In order to enhance understanding, the article compares the model with a loan financing model, establishes a game model based on logistics enterprise financing, studies the strategies in the process of investment and financing, and concludes by defining its feasible region. This involves comparing the expected net revenues of different stakeholders in the two models. Based on the results, the paper analyses the financing process of a logistics enterprise in Shanghai and determines the optimal financing strategy. This paper is an attempt to improve business innovation in logistics financing and provides a sensible solution for the integrated logistics and finance services. This can effectively improve the stakeholders’ profit.
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An investigation into some current supply chain practices at a private healthcare provider in Gauteng

  • Authors: Bauernschmitt, E.
  • Date: 2010-02-24T10:02:34Z
  • Subjects: Business logistics , Inventory control , Medical care , Medical personnel , Patients
  • Type: Mini-Dissertation
  • Identifier: uj:6647 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/3047
  • Description: M.Comm. , Much has been done and developed both in theory and practice in terms of advancing the science of logistics since its early days as an area of management focus. Great leaps have been made alone in the past decade regarding the integration of logistics into the broader management philosophies and to subsequently define the now widely referred to concept of integrated supply chain management. Although many industries have embraced this concept and spearheaded initiatives in this field, many traditionally established companies and industry sectors have yet to embed and operationalise its concepts more fully and to reap the potential rewards. The healthcare industry has been under pressure – amidst increasing competition, supplier costs and patient’s increasing awareness to seek improved value for treatment offered – to explore whether opportunities exist to make further savings in terms of its operating cost and total cost profile by taking a different approach to managing the healthcare and service provision supply chain – namely in a more integrated and holistic manner. In the healthcare context, the supply chain includes, amongst others, the capability and ability to plan, forecast, source, supply, process, distribute and ultimately deliver and execute all necessary services, goods and information. In order to investigate current supply chain practices at a selected private healthcare provider in Gauteng, an integrated generic supply chain model was defined – for which industry-acknowledged current supply chain practices from the wider domain of supply chain management were identified per component. As primary objective this descriptive research established to what extent a private healthcare provider in Gauteng, as a role player in the wider South African private healthcare industry, has knowledge and understanding of some current supply chain practices, as well as to what extent this private healthcare provider has adopted and applied recognised practices and concepts of integrated supply chain management. This was done using the defined generic supply chain model for a private healthcare provider as the roadmap along which knowledge and application of supply chain practices could be tested for the selected organisation. For this research an interview-based experience survey was used that deployed specific questions in a non-probabilistic sampling manner to respondents across the functional management chain, to measure both the level of assumed or explicitly attributed knowledge of supply chain practices in relation to the companies’ ability for the application, implementation and utilisation of these industry best-practices as pertaining to supply chain management, as seen in the context of the selected private healthcare’s competitive operations in the Southern African healthcare industry. The output of the analysis to determine the primary research objective was subsequently plotted on a supply chain evolution matrix postulated as part of this study.
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An investigation into the importance of a successful SAP/R3 implementation in the power tool warehousing industry in Gauteng`

Application of integrated logistics support : a South African railway case study

  • Authors: Makhuvele, A.
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: Transnet (Firm : South Africa) , Logistics - Contracting out , Business logistics , Railroads - Management
  • Language: English
  • Type: Masters (Thesis)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/263044 , uj:27800
  • Description: M.Phil. (Engineering Management) , Abstract: Blanchard (1998) considers Integrated Logistic Support (ILS) as a management tool providing controls ensuring that the product or the system meets its anticipated performance requirements and receive adequate technical and operational support throughout its life cycle. Organisations globally conduct gigantic projects in various sectors such as manufacturing, services and merchandising. An increase in project size, project cost, project complexity, advanced technology and strategic importance, enforces organisations to apply ILS practice (Jones, 2006). The practice of ILS ensures that the benefits realised from the system and the system’s life-cycle support is adequately and cost-effectively managed (Jones, 2006). Transnet conducts a programme of acquiring 1 064 locomotives to improve operational efficiencies and to attract new business. The purpose of this research is to assess the effectiveness of ILS elements in Transnet, supporting the locomotive life-cycle. The research comprises a problem statement, literature review, research methodology, data analysis, and a conclusion. The literature is developed and tested at Transnet through survey techniques. Questionnaires are sent to 110 potential respondents and 95 participants responded. The data is analysed using weighted average per question whereby the targeted average score per question is ≥80%. Responses from respondents indicate that most ILS elements are effective though certain elements still need improvements. Elements that are ineffective are manpower adequacy level and inventory management systems. Chapter 5 presents a conclusion and recommendations to close gaps on elements that did not meet the targeted score.
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Applying bio-mimicry to design an eco-efficient supply chain model for the South African Post Office

Assessment of green supply-chain management in South African and Nigerian construction firms

  • Authors: Ojo, Elizabeth Motunrayo
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: Business logistics , Business logistics - Management , Sustainable engineering , Construction industry - South Africa , Construction industry - Nigeria
  • Language: English
  • Type: Doctoral (Thesis)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/225177 , uj:22736
  • Description: Abstract: The subject of Green Supply-Chain Management has received attention in recent years among different industries. The huge consumption of resources by the construction industry has called for sustainable practices in construction. Green Supply-Chain Management (GSCM) has evolved as a tool to minimize the overall environmental impact in an organization. There are surveys and anecdotes about how companies are adopting GSCM. There is numerous literature on Green Supply-Chain Management in developed countries like the UK, U.S. and Asia; but only a few studies have been carried out in Africa. This research reveals a research gap regarding the implementation of GSCM in Nigerian and South African construction firms, to which this study responds. This thesis aims to provide a holistic assessment on Green Supply-Chain Management in South African and Nigerian construction industries. This research is descriptive in nature and the research design has been developed in parallel with conducting the research. Triangulation was adopted in this research; using past literature, a well-detailed questionnaire and interviews. Four hundred (400) questionnaires were sent by email, online and by visits to sites and offices; but only one hundred and sixteen (116) questionnaires were responded to and returned for analysis. While fifteen professionals in South African and Nigerian construction industries were interviewed. The results derived from both the questionnaire survey and interview provided a strong evidence that Green Supply-Chain Management is still at an infancy stage in the two countries and it is a practice that brings about sustainability in a construction firm. Although, it is an expensive venture, in the long run it yields great profit and gives a company a competitive edge. Several Green Supply-Chain Management definitions emerged from the questionnaire survey, all pointing towards environmental management and sustainability. In other words, GSCM is found to be compliant with environmental standards to bring about sustainability. The majority of the respondents’ suppliers are certified as Environment Management System (EMS) recognised bodies, like ISO 14000, to ensure that the materials which are used for construction are environmentally friendly and make the structure last for the entire intended life cycle. It was found that there are laws in place to ensure compliance of such practices. Approximately, forty two percentage (42.2%) of the respondents from the questionnaire survey agreed that they practise GSCM;... , D.Phil. (Engineering Management)
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Continuous quality improvement : relationship between order dispatching, ergonomics & design layout

  • Authors: Mofokeng, Victor Mothobi
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Warehouses - South Africa - Johannesburg - Management , Business logistics , Physical distribution of goods - Management
  • Language: English
  • Type: Masters (Thesis)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/269301 , uj:28608
  • Description: M.Ing. (Engineering Management) , Abstract: This research was conducted to investigate the causes of inaccurate order dispatches from a warehouse & logistics centres to the customer. The study focused on three common major factors involved in warehousing failures which are Human Factors, Design Layout and Quality Standards factors. The objectives of this research were achieved by means of a questionnaire that was distributed to 110 warehouse employee participants in the Johannesburg Caterpillar Distribution Centre. These participants were identified in the warehouse whom were order pickers, packers, exceptions, team leaders and supervisors, then randomly selected. 92 questionnaires were received and 18 surveys remained substandard resulting in the overall practical surveys stood at 92 tallying a yield frequency of 84%. Information used was analysis in the quantitative method. Data gathered include three main factors (human factors, design layout and continuous quality initiatives) of the study. Continuous Quality Initiative aspects remain amongst the foremost reasons of a firm dispatching inaccurate orders to customers, whereby most respondents said that the company did not provide them with adequate quality training and lacked knowledge on quality practices and systems in place. Delay in response from team leaders and supervisors was also amongst the major causes for inaccurate order dispatches because the respondents said the packing stations always got with open...
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Convergence of logistics planning, execution and measurement on outsourcing

  • Authors: D’Amato, A.A. , Kgoedi, S. , Swanepoel, G.
  • Date: 2014-05-05
  • Subjects: Business logistics , Contracting out
  • Type: Thesis
  • Identifier: uj:10915 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/10489
  • Description: M.Com. (Business Management) , Logistics Service Providers are becoming increasingly involved within their client’s businesses. Beyond just providing vehicles and buildings, logistics service providers are now also becoming involved with the knowledge-type work that is connected to the traditional services provided. LSPs are also becoming better integrators of supply chain functions and are offering an increasingly vast basket of services to clients that can be configured in a way that adds value to the client. The research presented in this paper looks at the theoretical impact that converged planning and execution functions have on business success as well as a view of how selected IMPERIAL Logistics client organisations perceive the impact of increased integration of IMPERIAL Logistics within their businesses. The research viewed the integration of planning and execution in two ways:  The impact of a supply chain partner integrating their business functions with that of the client organisation.  The integration of the tasks of planning and execution under a single arrangement. The impact of integrated planning and execution functions for the client organisation was found to be improved long term commitment and alignment in terms of business operations and relationships, better communication, more integrated planning and decision making, better usage of systems to streamline the process as well as a focus on core business whilst supply chain experts handle their core business, which is planning and executing supply chain functions.
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Development of a robust and resilient Supply Chain System for selected companies in Gauteng

  • Authors: Mapokgole, Johannes
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: Business logistics
  • Language: English
  • Type: Masters (Thesis)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/437451 , uj:37984
  • Description: Abstract: These days, in the extremely competitive nature of business, nearly every big business has to reap the benefits of investing in improvements of its supply chain. The beginning of the upgrades is considered together with the examination concerning profits and most organisations have addressed measures that a supply chain execution and monitor changes in order to drive the benefits of their business. While execution estimation is basic, most organisations either measure excessively or pay little attention to supply chain. Different weaknesses may incorporate; an excessive number of measurements, disconnected measurements, clashing measurements, obsolete measurements, temperamental information, and absence of possession, among others. Some organisations measure incorrect variables in their pursuit of their objectives. This is detrimental to the realisation of these objectives and this affects the organisation. Framework estimations lead to improved framework. "Estimation is the initial step that prompts control and in the long run to progress. In the event that you can't gauge something, you can't get it. On the off chance that you can't get it, you can't control it. On the off chance that you can't control it, you can't improve it" (Harrington, 2012)... , M.Ing. (Quality and Operations Management)
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Effects of globalization on logistic management of multinational companies in Nigeria

  • Authors: Adeitan, Ayodeji Dennis
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: Business logistics , Business logistics - Nigeria - Management
  • Language: English
  • Type: Masters (Thesis)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/413034 , uj:34781
  • Description: M.Tech. (Operations Management) , Abstract: Globalization process has been recognized as an important underlying force impacting global logistic service providers because it is an essential function in the transportation and logistics system, the actions of which appear in different parts of the logistics management processes. This study explored the effect of globalization on logistics management in Nigerian multinational companies. Data used in this study were obtained from both primary and secondary sources. Secondary data were obtained through literature reviews of related studies while primary data were collected through a structured questionnaire which was distributed to logistics management professionals in the Nigerian logistics industry. One hundred and fifty (150) questionnaires were sent to the respondents; one hundred and six (106) questionnaires were responded to and returned for analysis. This represented a response rate of 71%. Data obtained from the research study were analyzed using descriptive statistics and exploratory factor analysis (EFA). Findings from the descriptive analysis of the level of awareness of logistics activities in Nigerian industries revealed transport logistics as most aware form of logistics activities among the respondents while awareness level of fourth party logistics (4pl) and green logistics activities is low in the Nigerian industries. The study also revealed that respondents are more aware of technologies, cultural, political, global economic growth, and reductions of trade barriers as top factors that influence globalization in Nigeria. In addition, the decrease in transport process costs, encouraging customer service quality, and the increase in the wide network of resources are the top benefits of globalization in logistics management in Nigeria. Furthermore, access to new/effective information, efficiency in logistic chains transportation modes, and improvement in technology are the most important impacts of good logistics management in Nigeria. Lastly, cost effectiveness, advancements in technology, and quality operations are the most important factors to be considered for logistics management in Nigeria to take advantage of globalization. The research recommended that for globalization to benefit logistics management in Nigeria, efficient legislation and policies should be enacted to improve transport efficiency in order to reach new customers in new markets. Also, an increase in the economies of scale to reduce transport costs, would lead to a better sustainable growth of the Nigerian logistics industry.
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Evaluating the level of project management maturity within a transport company and its effect on market demand strategy

  • Authors: Mmbengwa, Muhumbulo
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: Project management - Evaluation , Project management - Planning , Freight and freightage - Management - Case studies , Business logistics , Transnet (Firm : South Africa)
  • Language: English
  • Type: Masters (Thesis)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/225288 , uj:22749
  • Description: Abstract: Project management is a combination of the art and skill of executing projects in order to achieve the objectives for an organisation. Many organisations claim that they employ project management principles during execution of projects. This dissertation seeks to explore the level of project management entrenchment within Transnet. Transnet consist of a number of operating divisions that have unique functions. These are: Transnet Freight Rail (TFR), Transnet Pipelines (TPL), Transnet National Port Authority (TNPA), Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) and Transnet Engineering (TE). TFR focuses on the delivery of freight using the railway Infrastructure and locomotives with wagons. TPL delivers fuel and gas using pipelines that run from the coast to the Gauteng region. The TNPA division is the landlord of all the port infrastructure. The TPT division operates the ports as well as all the container terminals. TE builds and maintains locomotives, coaches and wagons. To be able to measure the maturity of an organisation such as Transnet requires an establishment of a measurement framework or model. A framework of maturity that has five levels was chosen, based on the Software Engineering Institute (SEI) capability model. A study of the following models was undertaken: the project management process maturity model, the Crawford project management model, the R&D pharmaceutical maturity model and the Norwegian project management maturity model. Consensus decision making was applied to select a maturity model that can be used for Transnet. The model that was chosen was the Project management Process Maturity (PM) 2 Model. Both qualitative and quantitative methodologies were used to determine the level of project management maturity within Transnet. The sampling for survey participants were those who either execute projects or involved as stakeholders (interested parties). A response rate of 70% was achieved. By using descriptive statistics the level of project management maturity within Transnet was determined to be 3.19. This means that project management tools are established and in place for usage. The current level of maturity will have a positive impact on the rollout of the Market Demand Strategy (MDS). As highlighted from the research aspects such as cost, quality and human resource management must be improved further to ensure continued project success. , M.Ing.
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Factors affecting the performance of a manufacturing supply chain and the impact of the factors on the supply chain and the organization

  • Authors: Mazibuko, Siphesihle
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Business logistics , Business logistics - Management , Manufacturing industries - Management , Production scheduling
  • Language: English
  • Type: Masters (Thesis)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/269803 , uj:28666
  • Description: M.Phil. (Engineering Management) , Abstract: Supply chain (SC) is an integrated process of various business functions used, to source raw material, add value to the raw material, and deliver the product to the customer. The common element to all manufacturing entities is the control of material flow, value adding (manufacturing) processes, and distribution channels to customers. With the ever-increasing competitive environment, many manufacturing companies around the world, including those in South Africa, experience a shortfall in the desired outcomes. As a result a number of organizations have looked at a possible mechanism to put in place to maintain or gain the competitive advantage, or to maintain or increase market share. Industry maturity saw a number of organizations implement the use of Supply Chain Management (SCM) in order to try to minimize costs, increase profits, and meet customer expectations, i.e. on time in full delivery (OTIFD) of a product or service against contractual or negotiated dates and in accordance with the customer requirements (Quality). This research examined the factors that affect the performance (on-time delivery) of a manufacturing supply chain. Two research questions had to be addressed to reach this goal:- (i) What are the factors affecting the on-time-delivery of the supply chain? (ii) What is the impact of these factors on the supply chain and the organization? In addition to the data collected from literature, two other data sets were collected for this research. Operational data were collected from a performance management tool (Qlikview) and the other set of data was collected through interviews with the use of a questionnaire. Both sets of data were analysed to identify any common patterns when it comes to the factors that affect the performance of supply chain. The results of the analysis suggest that the factors that contribute the most to poor supply chain performance are social factors. There is also an indication that there is a relationship between internal deliveries and customer deliveries...
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Factors affecting train inefficiency in rail freight in the Cape-channel of South Africa

  • Authors: Magadagela, E.K.
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: Railroads - Freight - South Africa , Freight and freightage - South Africa - Management - Case studies , Freight and freightage - Planning , Business logistics
  • Language: English
  • Type: Masters (Thesis)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/233767 , uj:23874
  • Description: M.Phil. (Engineering Management) , Abstract: Efficiency is an essential indicator that measures operational performance for improv-ing freight reliability and client satisfaction. In the transportation industry, such as rail freight, it is primarily measured by on-time performance. When trains are performing poorly it affects projected tonnages and consequently results in client dissatisfaction. To broadly understand the operational inefficiencies during execution of the trains’ trip plan, an extensive literature review was conducted to investigate possible factors af-fecting efficient movement of trains and to determine measures which can be imple-mented for the improvement thereof. This is to ensure that challenges affecting on-time performance are managed in a more efficient way while ensuring that an objective of delivering freight reliably is met. Questionnaires, archival records and document analysis were used to collect data in relation to challenges affecting efficient movement of trains. From the results, it was found that the primary causes of trains’ inefficiency were locomotive failures, defective perway and crew shortage. The poor performance of trains from Hotazel to Algoabaai, confirmed that the influence of long transit and high dwell times is affected by different delay conditions. As a solution to some of the problems, computerised scheduling tech-niques together with high quality infrastructure with sufficient capacity that meets cli-ents’ demands can improve train performance. The conclusion can be drawn that dif-ferent operational inefficiencies causes train throughput time to deviate from the sched-ule, resulting in poor reliability of freights. The research has contributed to the limited body of knowledge in South African freight railway operations research by identifying the nature of train inefficiency affecting the on-time performance of trains.
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Factors contributing to delays of aircrafts during A-check maintenance

  • Authors: Mofokeng, Tseko Jan
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Airplanes - Maintenance and repair , Airplanes - Performance , Airplanes - Airworthiness , Business logistics
  • Language: English
  • Type: Masters (Thesis)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/233735 , uj:23871
  • Description: M.Phil. (Engineering Management) , Abstract: Aviation industry is populated with highly competitive and highly regulated businesses. It is the function of the manager in aviation to ensure that the aircraft operates cost effectively. One way to decrease aircraft operation cost is to speed up aircraft turnaround time. According to airworthiness regulation, an aircraft has to go through A-check maintenance after accumulating certain flying hours. Aircraft operators are faced with the challenges of delays during maintenance. These aircraft delays result in the loss of revenue as a results of penalties. In order to address challenges, research was conducted in the airline Maintenance Company. The objective of the research was to identify the cause of delays during A-check maintenance. The researcher decided to analyse airline Maintenance Company records and conduct interviews with several employee of airline Maintenance Company. Research findings can be shared with the reader and benefit other aircraft maintenance organisations that experience similar challenges. The research will also help the airline maintenance company to realize all the factors contributing to delays during A-check maintenance. The research identified the following factors that contribute to delays during A-check maintenance:  Poor logistics process  Unscheduled maintenance defects and pilot reports  Poor planning  Lack of manpower  Lack of communication  Lack of capability
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Improving supply chain competitiveness through the application of technology : a case study on a routing and scheduling system

  • Authors: Hollander, Ryan
  • Date: 2010-10-25T06:28:29Z
  • Subjects: Business logistics , Technological innovation , Business logistics management , Business logistics planning , Competition
  • Type: Thesis
  • Identifier: uj:6933 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/3443
  • Description: M.Comm. , In the last hundred years there has been a technological revolution that has forced people to change the way they live and run their organisations. This technological revolution has had a major impact on the business world. Coyle, Bardi and Langley (2003; 57) have suggested that “the rate of change has accelerated with consequent negative impacts if organisations do not change.” With today’s emphasis on cutting costs, streamlining expenses while at the same time trying to offer a competitive edge with regard to customer service, many organisations are looking to improve their bottom line and financial performance by implementing new technology into their supply chains. A popular way for organisations to speedily reap the benefits of having a more competent and competitive, technology-enabled supply chain, is by outsourcing their supply chain needs to a third party logistics organisations. The Star newspaper reported that, according to Brett Bowes, inefficiencies in the supply chain meant that fast-moving consumer goods manufacturers and retailers were losing R7 billion every year (The Star, 16 March 2007; 2). Although there are many auxiliary benefits and advantages of implementing software systems into the supply chain, the two critical benefits which justify the expense are reduced costs and improved customer service. Implementing technology is a costly, challenging and sometimes risky endeavor. This often results in an unwillingness to change until these organisations outgrow their systems, or the business environment becomes so complex, that they are forced to implement new technology. This hesitancy to introduce new technology timeously could hamper the progress and growth of these organisations, and could also affect their competitiveness in a highly competitive environment. The purpose of this case study is to compare the benefits achieved from existing older technology to new technology, based on a routing and scheduling case study in a large 3PL organisation.
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Industry 4.0 and the circular economy : melioration of business logistics sustainability

  • Authors: Bag, S. , Yadav, G. , Wood, L. C. , Dhamija, P. , Joshi, S.
  • Date: 2020
  • Subjects: Business logistics , Industry 4.0 , Circular economy
  • Language: English
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/436249 , uj:37834 , Citation: Bag, S. et al. 2020. Industry 4.0 and the circular economy: melioration of business logistics sustainability.
  • Description: Abstract: Mining and mineral resources help provide the requirements of everyday life by contributing to essential products and services. In the era of fourth industrial revolution, the trend in logistics is toward a smart logistics system. Therefore, it becomes important to understand how Industry 4.0 enablers effect smart logistics, i.e., instrumented logistics, interconnected logistics, and intelligent logistics. This study investigates how Industry 4.0 logistics technologies influence dynamic remanufacturing and green manufacturing capability and, the effect on business logistics sustainability. Survey data were collected from 150 respondents using an online survey of South African executives in firms operating mines, quarries, and processing plants. Partial Least Squares based structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was used to test the hypotheses. The findings indicate that Industry 4.0 enablers have a strong effect on intelligent logistics compared to its effect on interconnected logistics and instrumented logistics. The effect of intelligent logistics are found to be very high compared to that of interconnected logistics and instrumented logistics on dynamic remanufacturing and green manufacturing capability. Finally, dynamic remanufacturing and green manufacturing capability are found to positively influence business logistics sustainability.
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Investigating the information technology factors that contribute to supply chain management

  • Authors: Thomas, Deon
  • Date: 2011-10-11T08:41:20Z
  • Subjects: Information technology , Supply chain management , Business logistics
  • Type: Thesis
  • Identifier: http://ujcontent.uj.ac.za8080/10210/373260 , uj:7250 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/3903
  • Description: M.Sc. , Supply chains members are disperser across multiple geographical locations and the competitive effects of globalisation has provoked the agile capacity of contemporary supply chains. This makes it more difficult for supply chain organisation to meet consumer demands, especially if supply chain processes are not adequately streamlined. This confronted supply chain managers with the daunting task to make informed decisions regarding critical business drivers within their organisations. Incorrect decisions can lead to counter-productive actions. Supply chain members both upstream and downstream often make decisions based on their immediate environment and resources available, thereby not considering other factor within the supply chain holistically. This perspective has change and supply chain managers need to make decision based on the overall information and resources available within the entire supply chain network. The need to evaluate the appropriate supply chain performance measures is critical, as it directly affects the performance of the entire supply chain network. The focus of this thesis revolves around the linear composition of supply chain technology, integration, collaboration and visibility to maximise supply chain agility. The objective of this thesis is therefore to present a model that highlights the roadmap to achieving supply chain visibility followed by supply chain agility. This will allow supply chain members to make informed decisions around key drivers within the supply chain. The intention of the model is to provide a guideline approach toward achieving supply chain agility through a process of welldefined analysis in areas such as supply chain technology, integration, collaboration and visibility. The method used to develop the model in this thesis is build on the scientific principle of adding smaller pieces of the different supply chain management theories to corroborate the context and value of the model. These supply chain management theories combined provides valuable guidance for the roadmap towards achieving supply chain agility. The point of departure is a simple five-step model of which its validity is legitimised through a case study research, conducted on two supply chain partners. The findings from this case study have contextualised the model into a definite treasure map towards achieving success in the face of globalisation.
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Job satisfaction levels among South African public healthcare professionals

  • Authors: Mathevula, Hlayiseka Mokesh
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Business logistics , Job satisfaction - South Africa , Medical personnel - Job satisfaction - South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Masters (Thesis)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/246308 , uj:25530
  • Description: M.Com. (Business Management) , Abstract: The purpose of this study is to determine the level of job satisfaction of healthcare professionals in South Africa. The exact proof depends on a delegate sample of pharmacists, nurses, and doctors in South Africa who took part in the study. The self-administered questionnaires were distributed through the use of email, fax, and delivery by hand. This study found that more than 50% of the healthcare professionals in South Africa are not satisfied with their salary, benefits, work progression, and work accomplishment recognition. Healthcare professionals in South Africa differ in terms of the level of job satisfaction. There is no difference between healthcare professionals working in private hospitals or in public hospitals, rural or urban areas when it comes to job satisfaction. Principal limitations are imminent in a study of this nature. Since the study tool utilised was self-administered, the details given by participants are constructed on their appreciation. Despite that respondents were certain of confidentiality; it is subsequently practicable that they may choose to give a precise response or the opposite in terms of their level of satisfaction. There is a probability that responses of every person who did not take part in the study may have given a different perspective in comparison to those who took part in the study. This study concludes that healthcare professionals in South Africa are not satisfied with their salaries, benefits, work progression and work accomplishment recognition but are satisfied with job security. The number of women healthcare professionals is considerably higher than the number of men healthcare professionals in South Africa. In South Africa, many healthcare professionals prefer working in urban regions rather than rural territories and the majority of healthcare professionals are working in the public sector. The findings supplement the current literature, and incorporate new ideas concerning understanding the explanations for the level of satisfaction of healthcare professionals. The study results will help stakeholders to re-examine the retention strategy of healthcare professionals in South Africa.
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