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A Case Study on Implementation of 5S in a Manufacturing Plant to Improve Operational Effectiveness

A narrative review of plastic waste pyrolysis : Challenges and opportunities

A review of acoustic pipeline monitoring systems used to detect bursts and blockages

  • Authors: Mafokoane, Thabang , Chauke, Caleb
  • Date: 2021
  • Language: English
  • Type: Conference proceedings
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/490467 , uj:44755 , Citation: Mafokoane, T., Chauke, C., 2021. A review of acoustic pipeline monitoring systems used to detect bursts and blockages.
  • Description: Abstract: Pipeline leakages, bursts, and blockages are issues that are experienced by many urban communities globally and locally. These issues emerge from numerous variables such as pipe deterioration and human-instigated assembly faults. Leakages and bursts of the pipelines are some of the major causes of the increased scarcity of drinking water. These pipeline issues do not only affect the society but also apply pressure to the economy and the environment. As such, these issues need an undivided attention to prevent them from escalating. This study proposes a system design of an acoustic monitoring system for pipeline leakages, bursts, and blockages. To achieve this, a review of the existing methods and models for pipeline monitoring was conducted. Comparison of existing methods was based on system characteristics, i.e., operation efficiency, maintenance efficiency, ease of installation, cost efficiency, energy efficiency, and overall reliability. These characteristics form part of the most vital characteristics of a system concerning its reliability. To better propose the best solution, the social, environmental, and economic influences of the above-mentioned pipeline issues are just as important to consider. A comparative analysis on the performance of the existing models and systems was performed to provide the best guide in determining the best model in pipeline monitoring for leakages, bursts, and blockages. These systems include a) Conventional and Visual Method, b) Wireless Sensor Network Systems, c) Acoustic Monitoring Systems Based on WSNs, d) Sound Variation Vibration Sensor Systems, e) SmartPipe Based on WSNs Approach, f) ADIGE Method, g) SPAMMS System, h). EARNPIPE Systems, and i) Magnetic Induction Based WSNs (MISE-PIPE). Comparisons made were based on other works by different authors, no empirical measurements were taken. A framework was then proposed and executed to examine the best design for monitoring pipelines. Based on available methods and models, the model proposed in this paper is a hybrid model which combines the best of what the existing models can offer to monitor a pipeline under and above ground. Many existing models can only manage to perform task exceptionally but with a lot of drawbacks on other features such as burst detection. The combination of the most efficient models to a single model comes with a lot of benefits and less drawbacks. As with any system in existence, a maintenance plan is needed and was discussed to ensure the best operation of the system.
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A review of the impact of construction automation and robotics on project delivery

  • Authors: Akinradewo, O. I. , Aigbavboa, C. O. , Okafor, C. C. , Oke, A. E. , Thwala, D. W.
  • Date: 2021
  • Subjects: Automation , Construction , Industralised Building System
  • Language: English
  • Type: Conference proceedings
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/479945 , uj:43430 , Citation: Akinradewo, O.I. et al. 2021. A review of the impact of construction automation and robotics on project delivery. , DOI: 10.1088/1757-899X/1107/1/012011
  • Description: Abstract: The use of construction technologies is to improve working conditions, improve health and safety, scheduling and improving quality of the construction products. Construction automation redefines construction with machines and advanced technology to mitigate the problems faced in construction, such as labour-related issues among others. To adequately understand the impact of automation and robotics in the construction industry, this study is aimed at reviewing extant literature on how automation and robotics can be put into use in the construction industry as it is being used in the manufacturing industry. The study employed a systematic literature review approach and sourced for published journal and conference articles from Web of Science and Scopus databases. The review revealed that construction automation and robotics increase accuracy of components’ dimension through the use of lasers for dimension analysis, promote design specifications through the use of computer aided designs, increase quality of construction products by ensuring standards are met, brings cost effectiveness as value for money spent is achieved, eliminate material wastage due to accurate and precise estimate of materials needed, reduce construction accidents due to the usage of machines for dangerous construction activities, improve working condition as workers’ are more secure and safety is guaranteed, and reduce labour cost given the fact that machines are deployed for construction activities.
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Analysis of defect formation during rotary friction welding of titanium alloy

Analysis of the relationship between air transport and economic growth in sub-Saharan Africa

  • Authors: Chakamera, C. , Pisa, N.
  • Date: 2021
  • Language: English
  • Type: Conference proceedings
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/489172 , uj:44593 , Citation: Chakamera, C. and Pisa, N., 2021. Analysis of the relationship between air transport and economic growth in sub-saharan africa. Southern African Transport Conference 2021.
  • Description: Abstact: The economic role of air transport progressed over the past decades, following factors such as increased globalisation. Despite the economic importance of air transport, Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) lagged behind other regions concerning air passenger traffic and freight levels. This may inhibit the region’s economic growth. While literature shows that air transport can stimulate economic growth, this has been lacking in SSA and how the relationships differ in the short-run and long-run. The direction of causality between air transport and economic growth also remained questionable. This study investigated the short-run and long-run relationships between air transport (air passenger traffic and air freight) and economic growth in SSA using the autoregressive distributed lag model (ARDL) and Dumitrescu Hurlin Panel Causality approach. The findings show a bi-directional causality between air transport and economic growth. Air passenger traffic showed a positive long-run effect, whereas air freight suggested a negative long-run effect. Economic growth improves both air passengers and freight in the long-run. There was no evidence of short-run effects. A bi-directional causality implied that air transport and economic growth could be influenced simultaneously. These findings are paramount to the effective implementation of aviation and growth strategies.
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Assessment of software quality in agile practices

  • Authors: Nyandongo, Kwete Mwana , Madonsela, Thulani Johannes
  • Date: 2021
  • Subjects: Software quality , Agile methods , Testing
  • Language: English
  • Type: Conference proceedings
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/497428 , uj:45379 , Citation: Nyandongo, K.M. & Madonsela, T.J. 2021. Assessment of software quality in agile practices.
  • Description: Abstract: The importance of software applications in organisations and society at large is well established, especially in the post Covid-19 period where IT systems plays an important role in the online mode of business operations and interaction with consumers that is being adopted across the board. Organisations use software applications for many purposes, including to generate revenues by increasing productivity and most importantly ensuring customer satisfaction. Society uses software applications to among others, enhance their day-to-day activities. Some of these software applications are used in life threatening situations, thus raising the need of building quality within these software applications throughout the development processes. The aim of this study is to assess the quality practices used in agile development methodology and how these are applied and measured to ensure that the final product meet the required quality. A quantitative approach was adopted for this research coupled with online survey design using google forms. The results of the study reveals that while some quality testing techniques and metrics are used in agile projects, majority of organisations do not follow a specific quality standard against which their practices are benchmarked. A set of factors are identified as major stumbling blocks that affect quality practices in these environments where emphasise is made on flexibility and fast delivery. Looking at testing component of Agile methodology, the TDD approach is mostly being used which allows testing to start from development by use of unit testing. In fact test packs are being prepare together with requirements analysis so that it will be easier for developer to develop unit tests. Even though the sprint cycle is very short but the use of automated testing ensures quality of software in term of functionality, usability and operability.
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Attitudes and Behavioural Intention of Academic Staff regarding Learning Management Systems at selected Nigerian Universities

Characteristics that influence the share prices of listed schools in South Africa

  • Authors: Du Toit, Keenen , Bolton, Jordy
  • Date: 2021
  • Subjects: Unique Characteristics , Share Price Drivers , Education Companies
  • Language: English
  • Type: Conference proceedings
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/484140 , uj:43963 , Citation: Du Toit, K. & Bolton, J. 2021. Characteristics that influence the share prices of listed schools in South Africa.
  • Description: Abstract: South Africa has seen a rise in private education institutions, driven by the demand for schools that offer better education. This is evident in the rapid share price growth of two listed education companies ADvTECH Group and CURRO Holdings Ltd, between 2011 and 2017. This study aimed to investigate what factors and unique characteristics influence the share prices of these companies. New insights into this sector, such as characteristics that enhance growth in operations, reach new students, and provide a return to shareholders, could help not only the companies, but other private schools as well. A regression analysis and inductive reasoning analysis was used. The findings show firstly that the number of schools owned by the listed school companies has a strong correlation to the share price; however, after 2017, this was not the case, indicating economies of scale. Secondly, the profit per student was a significant predictor of the share prices in both companies. Lastly, the inductive reasoning analysis showed that 4 out of 10 periods, where share price volatility increased, coincided with tertiary education announcements made by the companies and resulted in an upward trending share price.
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Construction digitalisation tools in South African construction industry : an added advantage

  • Authors: Tanga, O. T. , Aigbavboa, C. O. , Akinradewo, O. I. , Thwala, D. W. , Onyia, M.
  • Date: 2021
  • Subjects: Construction Industry , Communication , Information and Communication Technology
  • Language: English
  • Type: Conference proceedings
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/479951 , uj:43431 , DOI: 10.1088/1757-899X/1107/1/012230 , Citation: Tanga, O.T. et al. 2021. Construction digitalisation tools in South African construction industry : an added advantage.
  • Description: Abstract: The execution of the building project requires the assembling and accumulation of works at a large scale for it to become a reality. This involves the exchange of a large amount of data from one party to another. The development of information and communication technology (ICT) has therefore enhanced an active and proficient way of exchanging data among professionals. This research work set out to assess the benefits of using ICT tools by construction organisations in South Africa. A quantitative research technique was used through a well-structured questionnaire to collect data from construction professionals. They include construction project managers, civil engineers, quantity surveyors, construction managers, industrial, mechanical and electrical engineers. Standard deviation (SD) and mean item score (MIS) were used to analyse the retrieved data. The findings indicated that the most eminent benefits of ICT tools to construction organisations are effective communication management, competitive advantage and time-saving. This study recommended that construction organisations should provide lessons on different ICT tools uses to address each problem that will rise during the construction cycle and reap the full benefit of ICT such as improved productivity, increased speed, and diversification.
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Decision usefulness of accounting for cryptocurrencies as intangible assets

  • Authors: Moosa, Naazneen , Haji, Ahmed Mohammadali , Van Wyk, Milan
  • Date: 2021
  • Subjects: Cryptocurrency , Disclosure , IFRS
  • Language: English
  • Type: Conference proceedings
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/482639 , uj:43773 , Citation: Moosa, N., Haji, A.M. & Van Wyk, M. 2021. Decision usefulness of accounting for cryptocurrencies as intangible assets.
  • Description: Abstract: The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) has brought about radical changes including the phenomenon of cryptocurrencies. The global cryptocurrency market capitalisation has recently tipped over $1.8 trillion. This growing use of cryptocurrencies has led to entities relying on the accounting for cryptocurrencies to measure and depict performance. However, it is uncertain whether the application of the existing standards encapsulates the unique characteristics of cryptocurrencies. Despite the unique digital nature of cryptocurrencies, the IASB has not issued specific guidance noting that the existing IFRS standards are sufficient to determine the accounting treatment of cryptocurrencies. This has resulted in some entities accounting for cryptocurrencies as intangible assets. This paper assesses whether accounting for cryptocurrencies as intangible assets provide decision-useful information to the users of the financial statements. This paper applies qualitative, doctrinal research as the IFRS standards are analysed to determine whether they provide decision-useful information based on the expectations of users and the nature and characteristics of cryptocurrencies. This paper finds that the measurement and presentation principles of intangible assets do not provide relevant and useful information in the context of cryptocurrencies. This is because users are concerned about the fair value of cryptocurrencies and would want to see both increases and decreases in profit or loss. Furthermore, users would want to understand the nature of the risks relating to cryptocurrencies, such as price risk. A possible solution is for the IASB to consider issuing specific guidance that measures and presents cryptocurrencies in a manner consistent with users’ expectations.
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Drivers of renewable energy adoption in the built environment : a case of South Africa

Education and new developments 2021

Effect of Facebook learning environment on the learning process among AEC University students during Covid-19 Pandemic: the mediating role of psychological capital

  • Authors: Gambo, N. , Musonda, I.
  • Date: 2021
  • Subjects: Facebook , Psychological capital , Learning process
  • Language: English
  • Type: Conference proceedings
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/494798 , uj:44908 , Citation: Gambo, N., Musonda, I., 2021. Effect of Facebook learning environment on the learning process among AEC University students during Covid-19 Pandemic: the mediating role of psychological capital. , SBN: 978-84-09-34549-6
  • Description: Abstract: The outbreak of COVID-19 has adversely affected university students' learning process, especially in developing countries like Nigeria. Consequently, many academic institutions have adopted online platforms, some being social learning networks and others not. Therefore, the current study aimed at assessing the mediation effect of psychological capital on the Facebook learning environment influencing the learning process among university Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) students during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Nigeria. The study is quantitative in design, and data were collected from the students of AEC-related courses using a structured questionnaire. The Baron and Kenny's causal steps were adopted to assess the mediation effect of psychological capital (PsyCap) on Facebook learning environment factors influencing AEC University students learning process. A total of 385 samples were collected and analyzed using Warp 7.0 PLS-SEM software. The study results indicated a small effect size between the Facebook learning environment and AEC students' learning process, thus implying that the frequency of using the Facebook learning environment tended to affect AEC university students learning process in Nigeria, and PsyCap mediates the relationship between the Facebook learning environment and students' learning process. This implies that students with high PsyCap learn more and thus improve their learning process. The study concluded that PsyCap minimizes the effects of Facebook learning environments on the AEC students' learning process. The study is limited to students in the AEC-related courses in Nigerian universities. Therefore, the study recommended further studies on the other social media learning platforms that affect the learning process and the study's extension to other universities offering AEC courses for more comprehensive results.
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Effect of process parameters on the joint properties of similar friction welded 316L steel rods

Effects of alloying on aluminium-silicon alloys – a review

Electronic mentoring in the Digital Age: The role of social media as a “game changer” in mentoring practices within higher education

Enhancing supply chain information sharing with third party logistics service providers

Exploring 4IR technologies as a solution to improve the traffic flow on the roads: a case of the City of Johannesburg

  • Authors: Mbatha, Siphiwe Given , Gumbo, Trynos , Oniya, Ouwayeni , Moyo, Thembani
  • Date: 2021
  • Subjects: Traffic congestion , 4IR , City of Johannesburg
  • Language: English
  • Type: Conference proceedings
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/488107 , uj:44456 , Citation: Mbatha, S.G., Gumbo, T., Oniya, O. & Moyo, T. 2021. Exploring 4IR technologies as a solution to improve the traffic flow on the roads: a case of the City of Johannesburg.
  • Description: Abstract: Globally, countries are challenged with traffic congestion and many solutions have been done to encounter this challenge. Many developed countries have managed to deal with the challenges of the traffic congestion through the implemented strategies by each country with challenge. This paper is set to study the drivers of the traffic congestion which results to numerous negative impacts and address the environmental and socio-economic challenges created by high usage of private vehicles in the City of Johannesburg, South Africa. Further, the authors consider solutions to reduce traffic congestions through the assistance of the 4IR technologies. The methods selected on this study follow both quantitative and quantitative approach using different graphs for traffic analysis illustrating the traffic data, and the use of ArcGIS software will be deployed to create a map indicating roads with high volumes of traffic. The preliminary results indicated that many private vehicles on the roads have a greater contribution in traffic congestion especially when accidents happen, rotational load shedding in the city, different peak hours of the day which this has a negative impact on the economy as it reduces the productivity of the city. The implications of the study indicate that the usage of private vehicles is more reliable than the use of public transport which results to high traffic congestion volume during different intervals and there are less technological efforts deployed to reduce the ever-rising challenge of traffic. However, the study recommends the adaptive traffic signals, real-time traffic monitoring, smart corridors, and pedestrian tracking systems with advanced V2I technologies. With this, there are possibilities of reducing the traffic congestion in the City of Johannesburg.
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Exploring the potential greywater use in a typical microcosmic commercial area of South Africa

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