The impact of Industry 4.0 on the South African railway industry
- Authors: Letlala, Kagiso
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Transnet (Firm : South Africa) , Railroads - Technological innovations , Railroads - Information technology , Railroads - Freight - South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/445588 , uj:38988
- Description: Abstract: Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) is transitioning from its current Market Demand Strategy to an Industry 4.0 strategy deemed Transnet 4.0. In the context of Industry 4.0, South Africa is considered underprepared with the potential of advancing or the risk of falling behind. To avoid falling behind, South Africa must improve on its weakness, inclusive of lack of skilled labour. Research revealed that the current work force must acquire new sets of skills to operate effectively in Industry 4.0. Furthermore, the view of the humans as receivers of information must be changed to that of creators, collectors and users of data... , M.Ing. (Engineering Management)
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The state of implementation of Transnet’s modal shift strategy
- Authors: Masite, Otshepeng Gift
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Transnet (Firm : South Africa) , Railroad travel - South Africa , Railroads - Freight - South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/414773 , uj:34995
- Description: Abstract: The main purpose of this study was to investigate Transnet’s internal processes and procedures in the development and implementation of its Market Demand Strategy to stimulate a modal shift of freight from road to rail transport in South Africa. The study adopted a qualitative research design, with descriptive and analytic (interpretative) elements integrated into its data collection methods, which were optimised with the utilisation of the individual in-depth interviews. Although a higher number of research participants was initially expected, reasons beyond the researcher’s control eventually led the empirical phase of the study to be conducted with seventeen research participants (eight females and nine males) who were purposively selected from Transnet’s executives and managers at the Parktown Head Office in Johannesburg. Thematic analysis was utilised to finally transform the collected data into intelligible meaningfulness, consistent with the research objectives and the problem to be resolved (that is, investigating Transnet’s modal shift strategy). It is anticipated that the findings of the study and recommendations will contribute towards decision-making in strategic planning and policy formulation and implementation in other state-owned companies whose government-mandated mission is also to contribute towards the stimulation of economic growth. , M.Com.
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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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Reliability project optimization : a South African rail case
- Authors: Ditsele, Samuel
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Transnet (Firm : South Africa) , Railroads - Freight - South Africa , Freight and freightage - South Africa , Project management - South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/212838 , uj:21034
- Description: Abstract: Transnet SOC Ltd is the sole bulk freight logistics rail company in South Africa and is responsible for the movement of general freight and commodities. Transnet Capital Projects (TCP), a division of Transnet SOC Ltd, acts as a service provider to all the operating divisions of Transnet, including the biggest division, Transnet Freight Rail (TFR), which operates and maintains Transnet’s railways countrywide. Transnet’s strategy, the Market Demand Strategy (MDS), will see Transnet’s revenue grow from R46bn in 2011/12 to R128bn in 2018/19 through an intensive infrastructure expansion programme. The successful execution of TCP rail projects and subsequent delivery of the MDS is a concern due to the fact that South Africa’s current freight logistics costs are significantly higher than elsewhere in the world when considered on a cost per ton-kilometre basis (Havenga & Simpson, 2013). Furthermore, between 2005 and 2011, 55% of all major rail projects in Transnet failed (Xaba, 2011). A number of challenges arose during the execution of TCP rail projects. These pertained particularly to project integration management, that is, the various entities often worked in silos and failed to make the necessary effort to achieve project integration. The purpose of the current research is to determine Transnet’s deficiencies and recommend solutions based on project management best practice in the field of railway engineering. Having considered the successful execution of similar rail projects worldwide, the current research examines ways in which the reliability of rail projects within TCP could be increased. This is undertaken through the use of a questionnaire that was designed based on lessons learnt from railway projects around the world. The questionnaire aimed to determine the most critical deficiencies in TCP rail projects which would in turn, if dealt with, lead to the greatest levels of improvement in the reliability of rail projects in TCP. The research findings identify issues at various levels within Transnet, including issues regarding people as well as structural and technological issues. Key recommendations of this study include changing the organisational structure of the TCP, the recruitment of rail experts, enhancement of project management skill, the introduction of new railway software and the establishment of an Enterprise Project Management Office. , M.Ing. (Engineering Management)
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