The influence of leadership on innovation in the telecommunications industry
- Authors: Adams, Pascalis
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Telecommunication , Technological innovations
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/284193 , uj:30685
- Description: M.Phil. (Engineering Management) , Abstract: Post the Apartheid era in South Africa, globalisation and increased market competition which resulted from the lifting of sanctions brought momentous challenges to the leaders of the country. A lack of business acumen, entrepreneurial drive, management skills, lack of education, low technology savviness, resistance to change, and a lack of leadership all evolved over time – all affecting work processes (Safavi & Tweddell, 1990; Hall & Sandelands, 2009; Olawale & Garwe, 2010). The implications of these challenges were low employee morale, financial losses, and poor work performance - affecting productivity. Innovation is an effective solution for leaders in a country like South Africa (Yan, B.; Maladzhi, W.; Makinde, O., 2012). As with any paradigm shift, South African leaders needed not only to implement new approaches and techniques, but most importantly, new innovative ways of thinking (Luthans, F.; Wyk, R.; Walumbwa, F., 2004). Leadership is at the core of creating an innovative culture within organisations (Kugler, 2014). Innovation is a process that can be managed and this is very encouraging to the leadership of an organisation in that managers can plan, control, and organise all aspects of innovation to positively influence the outcome. Leadership is the engine of an organisation and innovation is recognised as a critical success factor for an organisations survival. It is thus important to understand how leadership as a discipline affects innovation. It is also important to understand how does a leader’s behaviour affect innovative behaviour within their workforce. The purpose of this research study is to examine the relationship between leadership and employee innovation and to provide an inventory of leadership behaviours that promotes innovation at an individual and organisational level. Through examining literature, the research will present a list of characteristics and values that are required at an individual and organisational level to cultivate and...
- Full Text:
- Authors: Adams, Pascalis
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Telecommunication , Technological innovations
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/284193 , uj:30685
- Description: M.Phil. (Engineering Management) , Abstract: Post the Apartheid era in South Africa, globalisation and increased market competition which resulted from the lifting of sanctions brought momentous challenges to the leaders of the country. A lack of business acumen, entrepreneurial drive, management skills, lack of education, low technology savviness, resistance to change, and a lack of leadership all evolved over time – all affecting work processes (Safavi & Tweddell, 1990; Hall & Sandelands, 2009; Olawale & Garwe, 2010). The implications of these challenges were low employee morale, financial losses, and poor work performance - affecting productivity. Innovation is an effective solution for leaders in a country like South Africa (Yan, B.; Maladzhi, W.; Makinde, O., 2012). As with any paradigm shift, South African leaders needed not only to implement new approaches and techniques, but most importantly, new innovative ways of thinking (Luthans, F.; Wyk, R.; Walumbwa, F., 2004). Leadership is at the core of creating an innovative culture within organisations (Kugler, 2014). Innovation is a process that can be managed and this is very encouraging to the leadership of an organisation in that managers can plan, control, and organise all aspects of innovation to positively influence the outcome. Leadership is the engine of an organisation and innovation is recognised as a critical success factor for an organisations survival. It is thus important to understand how leadership as a discipline affects innovation. It is also important to understand how does a leader’s behaviour affect innovative behaviour within their workforce. The purpose of this research study is to examine the relationship between leadership and employee innovation and to provide an inventory of leadership behaviours that promotes innovation at an individual and organisational level. Through examining literature, the research will present a list of characteristics and values that are required at an individual and organisational level to cultivate and...
- Full Text:
Identifying unethical practices in the project management lifecycle
- Authors: Baloyi, Liberty Ntshuxeko
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Project management , Business ethics - South Africa , Management - Moral and ethical aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/269353 , uj:28615
- Description: M.Phil. (Engineering Management) , Abstract: There is little doubt that the number of service delivery protests has increased over the past few years in South Africa. The reputation of the South African Government has suffered humiliation at the hands of its citizens because of corruption and failure to deliver adequate socio-economic development projects to all citizens. Corruption is a violation of socio-economic rights since it is never victimless. Project Management tools have been adopted by many organisations for running successful projects. However, many projects continue to exceed budgets and fail to meet the initial scope of the project because of corruption. Such unethical practices are one of the contributing factors for the high failure rate of projects in South Africa. The aim of this study is to identify which phase of Project Management Lifecycle is prone to unethical practices. Part of the study is to identify factors encouraging unethical practices and to study the negative impact of unethical practices in projects. A detailed literature review was conducted on the topic related to unethical practices in the Project Management Life-Cycle. A selective sampling method was used, as the focus of the research is in organisations that uses Project Management tools. A survey was developed based on information gathered from the literature. One hundred fifty (150) questionnaires were distributed, one hundred and eleven (111) were returned and eleven (11) were spoiled; therefore, ninety-six (96) questionnaires were used for this research. The gathered data were analysed using Statistical Packages for Social Studies of validity, internal reliability and most importantly, for data reduction through factor analysis. The results showed that unethical practice occurs in all phases of Project Management Lifecycle, starting from project initiation until project closure. Nevertheless, the majority of the participants from the survey suggested that the execution phase is mostly affected by unethical practice. Furthermore, the results showed that there are many factors encouraging the unethical practice. There is lack a of commitment from project managers towards ethical practice, a lack of ethical training to handle non-compliance, and economic downturn and greediness are part of factors encouraging the unethical practice. Moreover, the results show that compromising the national interest for any personal gain through fraud, bribery, and kickback are some examples of unethical practice occurring in Project Management Life- Cycle. From the survey, the unethical practice has negative impact on quality and cost of projects, it negatively affects productivity.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Baloyi, Liberty Ntshuxeko
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Project management , Business ethics - South Africa , Management - Moral and ethical aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/269353 , uj:28615
- Description: M.Phil. (Engineering Management) , Abstract: There is little doubt that the number of service delivery protests has increased over the past few years in South Africa. The reputation of the South African Government has suffered humiliation at the hands of its citizens because of corruption and failure to deliver adequate socio-economic development projects to all citizens. Corruption is a violation of socio-economic rights since it is never victimless. Project Management tools have been adopted by many organisations for running successful projects. However, many projects continue to exceed budgets and fail to meet the initial scope of the project because of corruption. Such unethical practices are one of the contributing factors for the high failure rate of projects in South Africa. The aim of this study is to identify which phase of Project Management Lifecycle is prone to unethical practices. Part of the study is to identify factors encouraging unethical practices and to study the negative impact of unethical practices in projects. A detailed literature review was conducted on the topic related to unethical practices in the Project Management Life-Cycle. A selective sampling method was used, as the focus of the research is in organisations that uses Project Management tools. A survey was developed based on information gathered from the literature. One hundred fifty (150) questionnaires were distributed, one hundred and eleven (111) were returned and eleven (11) were spoiled; therefore, ninety-six (96) questionnaires were used for this research. The gathered data were analysed using Statistical Packages for Social Studies of validity, internal reliability and most importantly, for data reduction through factor analysis. The results showed that unethical practice occurs in all phases of Project Management Lifecycle, starting from project initiation until project closure. Nevertheless, the majority of the participants from the survey suggested that the execution phase is mostly affected by unethical practice. Furthermore, the results showed that there are many factors encouraging the unethical practice. There is lack a of commitment from project managers towards ethical practice, a lack of ethical training to handle non-compliance, and economic downturn and greediness are part of factors encouraging the unethical practice. Moreover, the results show that compromising the national interest for any personal gain through fraud, bribery, and kickback are some examples of unethical practice occurring in Project Management Life- Cycle. From the survey, the unethical practice has negative impact on quality and cost of projects, it negatively affects productivity.
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The implementation and application of Lean : case study on rail transportation manufacturing company
- Authors: Bambo, Lebogang Ezra
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Lean manufacturing - Case studies , Production management - Case studies , Manufacturing processes , Just-in-time systems
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/233720 , uj:23869
- Description: M.Phil. (Engineering Management) , Abstract: South Africa is a developing country, which makes it a very attractive country for investors. This opportunity for investment poses a challenge for companies in the market to create an operating system and a culture that will deliver and satisfy demand. At the rate at which South Africa is growing, the understanding and the ability to implement engineering principles such as Lean Manufacturing (LM) is essential. The study objective is therefore to identify gaps towards successful implementation of LM in an international rail transportation manufacturing company in order to improve product quality and customer satisfaction. Due to confidentiality, the name of the company is withheld and the access to conduct a survey on Ford and Toyota with the employees were denied. The study included a thorough literature study, analysis and comparison of how companies such as Ford and Toyota implemented LM. Subsequently research questions focusing on Lean were formulated in order to determine how: (i) the best way forward the rail transportation manufacturing company should apply the lean principles to improve their product quality output; (ii) how other well-developed such as Ford and Toyota implemented LM compared to the said company, (iii) barriers / gaps can be identified in order to eliminate the risk of not successfully implementing LM principles. In total 25 (n=25) knowledgeable participants were selected in terms of lean application to participate in the study. The study reveals that there are distinct shortcomings in implementing LM in the company in terms of lean versus implementation at Ford and Toyota. Furthermore the results of the study indicated that 48% of the participants believed that limited lean principles has been implemented, whilst 36% indicated that it has not been implemented, whilst 16% are unsure. The results also identified that that 84% of employees experienced wastage. A major concern is that 60% of the employees believe that customer requirements are not met. In conclusion, the study paves a way towards improvement in lean application at the company and as such a starting point in resolving and improving the quality output of their products. The study results assisted the organisation to utilise the information gathered to determine gaps and barriers in their systems and application of lean.
- Full Text:
The implementation and application of Lean : case study on rail transportation manufacturing company
- Authors: Bambo, Lebogang Ezra
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Lean manufacturing - Case studies , Production management - Case studies , Manufacturing processes , Just-in-time systems
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/233720 , uj:23869
- Description: M.Phil. (Engineering Management) , Abstract: South Africa is a developing country, which makes it a very attractive country for investors. This opportunity for investment poses a challenge for companies in the market to create an operating system and a culture that will deliver and satisfy demand. At the rate at which South Africa is growing, the understanding and the ability to implement engineering principles such as Lean Manufacturing (LM) is essential. The study objective is therefore to identify gaps towards successful implementation of LM in an international rail transportation manufacturing company in order to improve product quality and customer satisfaction. Due to confidentiality, the name of the company is withheld and the access to conduct a survey on Ford and Toyota with the employees were denied. The study included a thorough literature study, analysis and comparison of how companies such as Ford and Toyota implemented LM. Subsequently research questions focusing on Lean were formulated in order to determine how: (i) the best way forward the rail transportation manufacturing company should apply the lean principles to improve their product quality output; (ii) how other well-developed such as Ford and Toyota implemented LM compared to the said company, (iii) barriers / gaps can be identified in order to eliminate the risk of not successfully implementing LM principles. In total 25 (n=25) knowledgeable participants were selected in terms of lean application to participate in the study. The study reveals that there are distinct shortcomings in implementing LM in the company in terms of lean versus implementation at Ford and Toyota. Furthermore the results of the study indicated that 48% of the participants believed that limited lean principles has been implemented, whilst 36% indicated that it has not been implemented, whilst 16% are unsure. The results also identified that that 84% of employees experienced wastage. A major concern is that 60% of the employees believe that customer requirements are not met. In conclusion, the study paves a way towards improvement in lean application at the company and as such a starting point in resolving and improving the quality output of their products. The study results assisted the organisation to utilise the information gathered to determine gaps and barriers in their systems and application of lean.
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Developing skills of graduate engineers to enable them to design mineral processing plants
- Authors: Banda, Tshepiso
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/269328 , uj:28612
- Description: M.Phil. (Engineering Management) , Abstract: This study investigated the development of technical and non-technical skills required for graduate engineers to design mineral processing plant in an EPCM environment. The purpose is to provide the better way of developing the skills which are essential for graduates to be responsible in designing mineral processing plants. These skills then enable graduates to effectively and efficiently design mineral process plants with less supervisory directives from their superiors. The research was inspired by what was recognised by the EPCM project delivery organisation involved in designing on mineral process plants, which placed a cognisance that graduate engineers need to build a combination set of skills, of which some is specialised, to become responsible for design of mineral processing plants. In addition, graduate engineers possess skills, which are not necessarily a prerequisite to design mineral processing plants. The investigation looked on the significant skills, activities for demonstrating possession of required skills, training and development methods imperative for upskilling graduates. This research firstly focused on the theoretical background of skills and attributes of graduates in processing plants designing, then activities demonstrating possession of such skills and training and development methods EPCM organisations should employ to ensure upskilling of graduates. To investigate a business problem, the study examined alternative solutions, and proposed the most effective solution using supporting evidence. A case study method was selected to provide the researcher with an in-depth knowledge of the phenomenon. A case study with questionnaire was conducted at an EPCM organisation which designs mineral processing plants, to compare the theoretical background with what the industry perceived as critical technical and non-technical skills, activities perceived significant to demonstrate possession of imperative skills and training and development methods significant to nurture the skills of graduates. The findings of the study revealed that on non-technical skills, communication and interpersonal skills are the most critical to ensure that graduates communicate design information effectively. This finding signifies that organisations should nurture graduates’ communication and interpersonal skills. For technical, it was found that all the theoretical background skills were essential though the knowledge of thermodynamics and mechanics, were perceived to be less required by the mineral processing plant design environment. Furthermore, mentorship and job rotation system which ranges from test work, design, commissioning and optimisation, are...
- Full Text:
- Authors: Banda, Tshepiso
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/269328 , uj:28612
- Description: M.Phil. (Engineering Management) , Abstract: This study investigated the development of technical and non-technical skills required for graduate engineers to design mineral processing plant in an EPCM environment. The purpose is to provide the better way of developing the skills which are essential for graduates to be responsible in designing mineral processing plants. These skills then enable graduates to effectively and efficiently design mineral process plants with less supervisory directives from their superiors. The research was inspired by what was recognised by the EPCM project delivery organisation involved in designing on mineral process plants, which placed a cognisance that graduate engineers need to build a combination set of skills, of which some is specialised, to become responsible for design of mineral processing plants. In addition, graduate engineers possess skills, which are not necessarily a prerequisite to design mineral processing plants. The investigation looked on the significant skills, activities for demonstrating possession of required skills, training and development methods imperative for upskilling graduates. This research firstly focused on the theoretical background of skills and attributes of graduates in processing plants designing, then activities demonstrating possession of such skills and training and development methods EPCM organisations should employ to ensure upskilling of graduates. To investigate a business problem, the study examined alternative solutions, and proposed the most effective solution using supporting evidence. A case study method was selected to provide the researcher with an in-depth knowledge of the phenomenon. A case study with questionnaire was conducted at an EPCM organisation which designs mineral processing plants, to compare the theoretical background with what the industry perceived as critical technical and non-technical skills, activities perceived significant to demonstrate possession of imperative skills and training and development methods significant to nurture the skills of graduates. The findings of the study revealed that on non-technical skills, communication and interpersonal skills are the most critical to ensure that graduates communicate design information effectively. This finding signifies that organisations should nurture graduates’ communication and interpersonal skills. For technical, it was found that all the theoretical background skills were essential though the knowledge of thermodynamics and mechanics, were perceived to be less required by the mineral processing plant design environment. Furthermore, mentorship and job rotation system which ranges from test work, design, commissioning and optimisation, are...
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Quantifying the life cycle cost of a high pressure grinding roll in a mineral processing plant
- Authors: Buthelezi, Njabulo S.E.
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Mineral industries - Costs , Value analysis (Cost control) , Product life cycle , Life cycle costing
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/269365 , uj:28616
- Description: M.Phil. (Engineering Management) , Abstract: The accelerated advancement of technology and the global economic crisis has prompted the need to improve equipment efficiency, reduce unpredicted equipment failures and operating costs in order to improve production and profitability. An emerging research trend around 2008 showed growing concerns on stringent availability performance constraints, specifically system reliability. Increasingly, further attention is directed to Life Cycle Cost (LCC) of equipment with an objective of identifying key factors affecting both system availability and LCC. Furthermore, the trend extended to focus more on understanding the equipment’s operational and maintenance costs which are driven by the system and component specific maintainability as well as required replacement time. This also include the understanding of the LCC concept, available LCC models, implementation of LCC analysis within an organization and the benefits thereof, as well as ways of quantifying LCC through the use of existing calculation formulae. It also echoed the importance of the data availability and quality which provides a solid foundation to the success of the LCC analysis. Hence, the aim of this research is to quantify the LCC as well as to determine the major cost drivers of the High Pressure Grinding Roll (HPGR) during its operating and maintenance life cycle for a period of four (4) years using existing LCC models. The research is presented in the form of a case study which is selected as an appropriate method of investigating empirical research for a real life problem or situation. The case study is based on the HPGR which has been in operation since 2007. The HPGR is currently installed and operating within a mineral processing circuit for one of the largest platinum group subsidiaries in the world. In order to address the above research objectives, an in-depth investigation on the operating and maintenance cost, intervals, break-down occurrences, spare parts supply, overhauls, archive documents and consumables was necessary. These values were then used an inputs into the derived model for processing and yielding outputs. From the results, the LCC was quantified for a period of four (4) years. The results indicate that the LCC during operation and maintenance phase was significantly higher than the acquisition cost. Furthermore, the result also indicate that the LCC which considered time value of money portrayed a linear increase and is lower than the LCC calculated based on the actual costs. This is possible due to a number of reasons: the unexpected number of equipment failures, maintenance strategies and the fact that LCC based time value of money does not consider imperfect maintenance conditions. It is evident that maintainability and reliability management must be regarded as a vital part of a corporate strategy. Successful implementation of this strategy is reliant on the “buy-in” of senior management which in turn will ensure organizational market share and competitive advantage is maintained.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Buthelezi, Njabulo S.E.
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Mineral industries - Costs , Value analysis (Cost control) , Product life cycle , Life cycle costing
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/269365 , uj:28616
- Description: M.Phil. (Engineering Management) , Abstract: The accelerated advancement of technology and the global economic crisis has prompted the need to improve equipment efficiency, reduce unpredicted equipment failures and operating costs in order to improve production and profitability. An emerging research trend around 2008 showed growing concerns on stringent availability performance constraints, specifically system reliability. Increasingly, further attention is directed to Life Cycle Cost (LCC) of equipment with an objective of identifying key factors affecting both system availability and LCC. Furthermore, the trend extended to focus more on understanding the equipment’s operational and maintenance costs which are driven by the system and component specific maintainability as well as required replacement time. This also include the understanding of the LCC concept, available LCC models, implementation of LCC analysis within an organization and the benefits thereof, as well as ways of quantifying LCC through the use of existing calculation formulae. It also echoed the importance of the data availability and quality which provides a solid foundation to the success of the LCC analysis. Hence, the aim of this research is to quantify the LCC as well as to determine the major cost drivers of the High Pressure Grinding Roll (HPGR) during its operating and maintenance life cycle for a period of four (4) years using existing LCC models. The research is presented in the form of a case study which is selected as an appropriate method of investigating empirical research for a real life problem or situation. The case study is based on the HPGR which has been in operation since 2007. The HPGR is currently installed and operating within a mineral processing circuit for one of the largest platinum group subsidiaries in the world. In order to address the above research objectives, an in-depth investigation on the operating and maintenance cost, intervals, break-down occurrences, spare parts supply, overhauls, archive documents and consumables was necessary. These values were then used an inputs into the derived model for processing and yielding outputs. From the results, the LCC was quantified for a period of four (4) years. The results indicate that the LCC during operation and maintenance phase was significantly higher than the acquisition cost. Furthermore, the result also indicate that the LCC which considered time value of money portrayed a linear increase and is lower than the LCC calculated based on the actual costs. This is possible due to a number of reasons: the unexpected number of equipment failures, maintenance strategies and the fact that LCC based time value of money does not consider imperfect maintenance conditions. It is evident that maintainability and reliability management must be regarded as a vital part of a corporate strategy. Successful implementation of this strategy is reliant on the “buy-in” of senior management which in turn will ensure organizational market share and competitive advantage is maintained.
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Business process reengineering during technology implementation in power plants
- Authors: Buthelezi, Thamsanqa
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Reengineering (Management) , Management - Employee participation
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/269659 , uj:28648
- Description: M.Ing. (Engineering Management) , Abstract: Business process reengineering (BPR) aims to challenge and assist organisations to break away from old ways of conducting business processes and embrace new ways to execute business processes. The implementation of new technology allows organisations to improve and simplify methods of executing business processes. Despite this, the possible benefits provided by new technology are not achieved when ineffective and outdated business processes are reapplied to execute business operational activities even though technology provides alternative ways of executing business processes. South African power generation plants are implementing new technologies to modernise business processes and to improve power plant performance. New technology encapsulates advanced integrated systems capable of providing real-time analysis, monitoring and online system diagnosis. The technology enables plant personnel to take effective and well-informed decisions based on current operating conditions of the plant. The purpose of this research is to confirm that the benefits provided by new technology are not achieved when technology is implemented without correctly reengineering existing business processes. The research investigates if there are any gaps in the BPR methods applied in power plants during new technology implementation. The research also establishes which BPR success factors are not successfully incorporated when new technology is implemented in power generation plants. The research uses two case studies within the same organisation to evaluate how BPR is conducted during new technology implementation. The cases provide in-depth knowledge regarding BPR in existing power plants and newly built power plants when new technology is implemented. The research found that if business processes are not reengineered according to best practices and all success factors are not successfully incorporated during new technology, the benefits that the technology provides are not achieved. The research identified ignorance of the employee’s concerns and fears regarding changes, the lack of a technology impact assessment on organisational culture, and limited involvement and participation of employees, as the main reasons contributing to not achieving the benefits provided by technology. The research contributes to the BPR body of knowledge by highlighting that the early involvement of employees and their active participation during the reengineering of business processes are paramount in achieving technology benefits. Furthermore, the assessment of the impact of technology on the organisational culture and ensuring that all BPR success factors are incorporated during new technology implementation, reduce conflict and resistance amongst stakeholders and improve the likelihood that the technology benefits will be achieved.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Buthelezi, Thamsanqa
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Reengineering (Management) , Management - Employee participation
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/269659 , uj:28648
- Description: M.Ing. (Engineering Management) , Abstract: Business process reengineering (BPR) aims to challenge and assist organisations to break away from old ways of conducting business processes and embrace new ways to execute business processes. The implementation of new technology allows organisations to improve and simplify methods of executing business processes. Despite this, the possible benefits provided by new technology are not achieved when ineffective and outdated business processes are reapplied to execute business operational activities even though technology provides alternative ways of executing business processes. South African power generation plants are implementing new technologies to modernise business processes and to improve power plant performance. New technology encapsulates advanced integrated systems capable of providing real-time analysis, monitoring and online system diagnosis. The technology enables plant personnel to take effective and well-informed decisions based on current operating conditions of the plant. The purpose of this research is to confirm that the benefits provided by new technology are not achieved when technology is implemented without correctly reengineering existing business processes. The research investigates if there are any gaps in the BPR methods applied in power plants during new technology implementation. The research also establishes which BPR success factors are not successfully incorporated when new technology is implemented in power generation plants. The research uses two case studies within the same organisation to evaluate how BPR is conducted during new technology implementation. The cases provide in-depth knowledge regarding BPR in existing power plants and newly built power plants when new technology is implemented. The research found that if business processes are not reengineered according to best practices and all success factors are not successfully incorporated during new technology, the benefits that the technology provides are not achieved. The research identified ignorance of the employee’s concerns and fears regarding changes, the lack of a technology impact assessment on organisational culture, and limited involvement and participation of employees, as the main reasons contributing to not achieving the benefits provided by technology. The research contributes to the BPR body of knowledge by highlighting that the early involvement of employees and their active participation during the reengineering of business processes are paramount in achieving technology benefits. Furthermore, the assessment of the impact of technology on the organisational culture and ensuring that all BPR success factors are incorporated during new technology implementation, reduce conflict and resistance amongst stakeholders and improve the likelihood that the technology benefits will be achieved.
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A roadmap for smart city services to address small business challenges
- Authors: Du Plessis, Haydn
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Sustainable urban development , City planning - Economic aspects - South Africa , Small business - South Africa - Management , Informal sector (Economics) - South Africa , Cities and towns - South Africa - Designs and plans
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/213282 , uj:21129
- Description: M.Ing. (Engineering Management) , Abstract: Please refer to full text to view abstract
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- Authors: Du Plessis, Haydn
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Sustainable urban development , City planning - Economic aspects - South Africa , Small business - South Africa - Management , Informal sector (Economics) - South Africa , Cities and towns - South Africa - Designs and plans
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/213282 , uj:21129
- Description: M.Ing. (Engineering Management) , Abstract: Please refer to full text to view abstract
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Managing change in an engineering organisation
- Authors: Junkoon, Larissa
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Organizational change , Corporate reorganizations , Reengineering (Management)
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/269771 , uj:28662
- Description: Abstract: The purpose of this study was to achieve an understanding of the factors which contribute to organisational change resistance by engineers in a civil engineering consulting organisation in order to better manage them in future. The research was conducted within a civil engineering consulting organisation which implemented an organisational change initiative. The organisation carried out change readiness surveys on a regular basis during the organisational change initiative, the data of which provided the research problem and was also used as a basis for the study. It was clear from this data that there was little to no interest from most of the engineers (and other technical staff) within the organisation. The literature review provided a list of factors which contribute to organisational change resistance . Many common reasons for resistance were found within various professions as well as many ways in which these resistances can be reduced. The background obtained from the literature review assisted in drafting a questionnaire that was sent out to all employees in order to establish the applicable reasons within the case organisation. Available documents on the organisational change were also analysed to understand if similar trends as compared to the questionnaire and literature were found. After these were compared, a number of steps the organisation should take during future organisational changes were put forth to assist in reducing employee resistance. The intention of this research was to add to the engineering management fraternity by identifying the factors that cause employee resistance to organisational change by engineers and to find appropriate change management methods or steps to better manage the resistance during future change initiatives. If these factors are known, they can be managed and can help to ensure earlier commitment by employees to the change. , M.Ing. (Engineering Management)
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- Authors: Junkoon, Larissa
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Organizational change , Corporate reorganizations , Reengineering (Management)
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/269771 , uj:28662
- Description: Abstract: The purpose of this study was to achieve an understanding of the factors which contribute to organisational change resistance by engineers in a civil engineering consulting organisation in order to better manage them in future. The research was conducted within a civil engineering consulting organisation which implemented an organisational change initiative. The organisation carried out change readiness surveys on a regular basis during the organisational change initiative, the data of which provided the research problem and was also used as a basis for the study. It was clear from this data that there was little to no interest from most of the engineers (and other technical staff) within the organisation. The literature review provided a list of factors which contribute to organisational change resistance . Many common reasons for resistance were found within various professions as well as many ways in which these resistances can be reduced. The background obtained from the literature review assisted in drafting a questionnaire that was sent out to all employees in order to establish the applicable reasons within the case organisation. Available documents on the organisational change were also analysed to understand if similar trends as compared to the questionnaire and literature were found. After these were compared, a number of steps the organisation should take during future organisational changes were put forth to assist in reducing employee resistance. The intention of this research was to add to the engineering management fraternity by identifying the factors that cause employee resistance to organisational change by engineers and to find appropriate change management methods or steps to better manage the resistance during future change initiatives. If these factors are known, they can be managed and can help to ensure earlier commitment by employees to the change. , M.Ing. (Engineering Management)
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Requirements elicitation techniques for overcoming a lack of domain knowledge
- Authors: Kawayongo, Jojo Mbumba
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Interactive computer systems , Human-computer interaction , System design , Computer software - Development
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://ujcontent.uj.ac.za8080/10210/366326 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/213034 , uj:21069
- Description: Abstract: Evidence suggests that requirements elicitation has been one of the fundamental activities in the development of software systems. Requirements elicitation entails systems analysts to interact effectively with users in order to gain knowledge of the proposed system. To ensure the quality of requirements elicitation, systems analysts might require domain knowledge of the proposed system. However, systems analysts might also be assigned to elicit requirements of a software system for which they lack domain knowledge. Thus, this research study presented a systematic literature review to identify all articles that discussed the techniques that can assist systems analysts obtain domain knowledge. This was achieved by following a systematic review protocol from which the researcher found 53 related articles. These articles were reviewed to identify which techniques might be used to obtain a specific type of domain knowledge such as behaviour, data, and process of the proposed system. The most interesting findings about this systematic review were that: - Most techniques were effective for obtaining domain knowledge of process. - A great number of techniques might be used for obtaining domain knowledge of behaviour. However, scenarios seemed to be the most effective. - Structure interview, card sorting, repertory grid, and prototyping were relatively a good fit for obtaining domain knowledge of data. Despite a great number of findings, this systematic review was also exposed to some validity threats. These threats were drastically reduced by following a well-defined systematic review protocol. However, not all of these threats were minimized completely and thus might need to be further investigated in future studies. In summary, this systematic review might be used as a guideline for helping both systems analysts who lack domain knowledge and practitioners in requirements elicitation. This systematic review also contributed to the body of literature in requirements elicitation techniques. , M.Ing.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Kawayongo, Jojo Mbumba
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Interactive computer systems , Human-computer interaction , System design , Computer software - Development
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://ujcontent.uj.ac.za8080/10210/366326 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/213034 , uj:21069
- Description: Abstract: Evidence suggests that requirements elicitation has been one of the fundamental activities in the development of software systems. Requirements elicitation entails systems analysts to interact effectively with users in order to gain knowledge of the proposed system. To ensure the quality of requirements elicitation, systems analysts might require domain knowledge of the proposed system. However, systems analysts might also be assigned to elicit requirements of a software system for which they lack domain knowledge. Thus, this research study presented a systematic literature review to identify all articles that discussed the techniques that can assist systems analysts obtain domain knowledge. This was achieved by following a systematic review protocol from which the researcher found 53 related articles. These articles were reviewed to identify which techniques might be used to obtain a specific type of domain knowledge such as behaviour, data, and process of the proposed system. The most interesting findings about this systematic review were that: - Most techniques were effective for obtaining domain knowledge of process. - A great number of techniques might be used for obtaining domain knowledge of behaviour. However, scenarios seemed to be the most effective. - Structure interview, card sorting, repertory grid, and prototyping were relatively a good fit for obtaining domain knowledge of data. Despite a great number of findings, this systematic review was also exposed to some validity threats. These threats were drastically reduced by following a well-defined systematic review protocol. However, not all of these threats were minimized completely and thus might need to be further investigated in future studies. In summary, this systematic review might be used as a guideline for helping both systems analysts who lack domain knowledge and practitioners in requirements elicitation. This systematic review also contributed to the body of literature in requirements elicitation techniques. , M.Ing.
- Full Text:
Integrating software quality into an agile development environment
- Authors: Koroma, Evelyne Ingabire
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Agile software development - Quality control
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/56240 , uj:16346
- Description: Abstract: In recent years, agile methodologies have gained popularity due to their ability to accommodate volatile requirements, focus on collaboration with the customer and support early product delivery. These agile methodologies propose a set practices and principles that if applied, have the ability to theoretically produce improved software quality under time pressure and in an unstable requirements environment. However there are still challenges seen in real life scenarios within software organizations that are transitioning from traditional methods to agile development methods. This research sought to understand the practices and principles that should be put in place during agile implementation, and assessed how these practices and principles contributed to the acclaimed agile software quality according to literature. By researching agile implementation requirements through mandatory practices and principles, roles and responsibilities pre-requisites, it is possible to benchmark a certain company’s agile adoption success by comparing adopted practices with the recommended practices. The literature review showed that many of the practices and principles advocated by agile are extremely quality oriented. Practices such as automated developer testing, test-driven development, user stories, backlog grooming and pair programming contribute to improving software functional quality while practices such as refactoring, continuous integration and simple design contribute to software structural quality. It also revealed that, beyond technical practices, team spirit and social factors such as team spirit and communication practices are important in ensuring successful implementation of agile development. However, it highlighted challenges and underlying assumptions that are native to agile methods practices and principles which could be seen as an explanation to why some companies struggle to improve their software quality, even after agile has been implemented... , M.Ing. (Engineering Management)
- Full Text:
- Authors: Koroma, Evelyne Ingabire
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Agile software development - Quality control
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/56240 , uj:16346
- Description: Abstract: In recent years, agile methodologies have gained popularity due to their ability to accommodate volatile requirements, focus on collaboration with the customer and support early product delivery. These agile methodologies propose a set practices and principles that if applied, have the ability to theoretically produce improved software quality under time pressure and in an unstable requirements environment. However there are still challenges seen in real life scenarios within software organizations that are transitioning from traditional methods to agile development methods. This research sought to understand the practices and principles that should be put in place during agile implementation, and assessed how these practices and principles contributed to the acclaimed agile software quality according to literature. By researching agile implementation requirements through mandatory practices and principles, roles and responsibilities pre-requisites, it is possible to benchmark a certain company’s agile adoption success by comparing adopted practices with the recommended practices. The literature review showed that many of the practices and principles advocated by agile are extremely quality oriented. Practices such as automated developer testing, test-driven development, user stories, backlog grooming and pair programming contribute to improving software functional quality while practices such as refactoring, continuous integration and simple design contribute to software structural quality. It also revealed that, beyond technical practices, team spirit and social factors such as team spirit and communication practices are important in ensuring successful implementation of agile development. However, it highlighted challenges and underlying assumptions that are native to agile methods practices and principles which could be seen as an explanation to why some companies struggle to improve their software quality, even after agile has been implemented... , M.Ing. (Engineering Management)
- Full Text:
Risks and mitigations associated with infrastructure development projects in South Africa
- Authors: Kudumela, Frans Phetole
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Infrastructure (Economics) - South Africa , Sustainable development - South Africa , Project management - South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/82759 , uj:18999
- Description: Abstract: Infrastructure development describes a group of activities that contribute towards the positive outcome of socio-economic conditions for communities. The two commonly known types of infrastructure are economic infrastructure and social infrastructure. Economic infrastructure promotes economic activities through the provision of physical assets such as power stations (electricity), telecommunication networks, roads, highways, railways, airports etc. Social infrastructure contributes to the welfare of communities by promoting education, healthcare and cultural norms of the population. Though infrastructure plays an important role in the livelihood of communities, there have been instances whereby infrastructure development projects are overshadowed by risks that impede their successful implementation. Some infrastructure development projects in South Africa showed evidence of been negatively affected by risks. Thus the purpose of this research study is to identify infrastructure development risks and mitigations in South Africa. A questionnaire survey was used to collect data from professionals involved in the implementation of infrastructure projects. The questionnaire contained a list of risks identified from literature, and respondents were asked to identify risks that they have encountered while implementing infrastructure projects and provide mitigations that were implemented. The results of the study revealed that infrastructure development risks encountered in South Africa are similar to risks experienced in other parts of Africa and the rest of the world. Many professionals in the industry associate with performance risks and inadequate skills capacity risks. Political risks and corruption have also been identified by a large number of the participants, followed by commercial and lack of funding risks. Financial risk and economic risks were identified by a small number of participants, which indicates that such risks are seldom experienced on infrastructure development projects in South Africa. Risk mitigations were identified for each of the identified risks by the research participants. , M.Ing. (Engineering Management)
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- Authors: Kudumela, Frans Phetole
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Infrastructure (Economics) - South Africa , Sustainable development - South Africa , Project management - South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/82759 , uj:18999
- Description: Abstract: Infrastructure development describes a group of activities that contribute towards the positive outcome of socio-economic conditions for communities. The two commonly known types of infrastructure are economic infrastructure and social infrastructure. Economic infrastructure promotes economic activities through the provision of physical assets such as power stations (electricity), telecommunication networks, roads, highways, railways, airports etc. Social infrastructure contributes to the welfare of communities by promoting education, healthcare and cultural norms of the population. Though infrastructure plays an important role in the livelihood of communities, there have been instances whereby infrastructure development projects are overshadowed by risks that impede their successful implementation. Some infrastructure development projects in South Africa showed evidence of been negatively affected by risks. Thus the purpose of this research study is to identify infrastructure development risks and mitigations in South Africa. A questionnaire survey was used to collect data from professionals involved in the implementation of infrastructure projects. The questionnaire contained a list of risks identified from literature, and respondents were asked to identify risks that they have encountered while implementing infrastructure projects and provide mitigations that were implemented. The results of the study revealed that infrastructure development risks encountered in South Africa are similar to risks experienced in other parts of Africa and the rest of the world. Many professionals in the industry associate with performance risks and inadequate skills capacity risks. Political risks and corruption have also been identified by a large number of the participants, followed by commercial and lack of funding risks. Financial risk and economic risks were identified by a small number of participants, which indicates that such risks are seldom experienced on infrastructure development projects in South Africa. Risk mitigations were identified for each of the identified risks by the research participants. , M.Ing. (Engineering Management)
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Managing changeover waste in manufacturing plants when using single minute exchange of dies
- Authors: Madhav, Rushil
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Lean manufacturing , Production management , Industrial management , Process control
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/213270 , uj:21127
- Description: Abstract: The research aimed to determine how single minute exchange of dies (SMED) is implemented in practice when considering the critical success factors (CSFs) of lean. It also aimed to determine what effect these factors had on waste generated within changeover processes and the possible savings that could be generated when considering these factors during the implementation of SMED. Six case studies across two production lines were conducted in order to investigate the importance and the impact of considering the CSFs of lean when implementing SMED in an organization. It helped determine that the CSFs of lean form a part of SMED’s implementation process and its prerequisites. The consideration and presence of the CSFs are critical and the analysis conducted between the two production lines indicated that these factors influence the implementation process of SMED. These factors also have a direct impact on the waste and helped manage the levels of wastes, which in turn reduced the costs of changeovers. It provided practical guidelines that integrated the soft and technical areas to achieve a fully integrated management and manufacturing system that resulted in efficient changeover processes. The result ultimately provides organizations with the required flexibility to satisfy customers as changeovers can take place more frequently with better quality, reasonable delivery periods, affordable rates, smaller lot/batch sizes and lower inventory levels. , M.Ing. (Engineering Management)
- Full Text:
- Authors: Madhav, Rushil
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Lean manufacturing , Production management , Industrial management , Process control
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/213270 , uj:21127
- Description: Abstract: The research aimed to determine how single minute exchange of dies (SMED) is implemented in practice when considering the critical success factors (CSFs) of lean. It also aimed to determine what effect these factors had on waste generated within changeover processes and the possible savings that could be generated when considering these factors during the implementation of SMED. Six case studies across two production lines were conducted in order to investigate the importance and the impact of considering the CSFs of lean when implementing SMED in an organization. It helped determine that the CSFs of lean form a part of SMED’s implementation process and its prerequisites. The consideration and presence of the CSFs are critical and the analysis conducted between the two production lines indicated that these factors influence the implementation process of SMED. These factors also have a direct impact on the waste and helped manage the levels of wastes, which in turn reduced the costs of changeovers. It provided practical guidelines that integrated the soft and technical areas to achieve a fully integrated management and manufacturing system that resulted in efficient changeover processes. The result ultimately provides organizations with the required flexibility to satisfy customers as changeovers can take place more frequently with better quality, reasonable delivery periods, affordable rates, smaller lot/batch sizes and lower inventory levels. , M.Ing. (Engineering Management)
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Factors driving a discipline change of Generation Y metallurgical engineering technicians and technologists in South Africa
- Authors: Maluwa, Dione N.
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Generation Y - Employment - South Africa , Engineers - Job satisfaction - South Africa , Employee retention - South Africa , Intergenerational relations
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/263108 , uj:27808
- Description: M.Phil. (Engineering Management) , Abstract: Purpose – The aim of this study was to uncover the factors that entice Generation Y (millennials) who are holders of Technology programme degrees or diplomas in Metallurgical Engineering to change careers once they graduate. Design/Methodology/Approach – Purposive sampling was used to gather data for the study from 262 respondents using an online and field survey. For the field survey, data were obtained from self-administered questionnaires, completed by currently registered Bachelor of Technology (B. Tech) Metallurgical engineering students at two universities of technology within the Gauteng province in South Africa. Findings – The results of this study indicate that Generation Y Metallurgical engineering technicians and technologists are leaving their core discipline or intending to do so. The results further indicate the existence of an expectations gap; that is, a discrepancy between what the respondents encounter as their present reality within the Metallurgical engineering work environment versus what they expected to encounter within the Metallurgical engineering career while studying or making career decisions. Research limitations – Information to quantify the population for this study was not easily available, as a consequence the results of this study would not be sufficient to generalise to the entire population (Generation Y South African Metallurgical engineering graduates); in essence only general trends may be established from the resulting findings. Originality/Value –This paper will help engineering managers understand how to attract and retain the so called ‘millennium employees’ in the Metallurgical engineering field.
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- Authors: Maluwa, Dione N.
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Generation Y - Employment - South Africa , Engineers - Job satisfaction - South Africa , Employee retention - South Africa , Intergenerational relations
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/263108 , uj:27808
- Description: M.Phil. (Engineering Management) , Abstract: Purpose – The aim of this study was to uncover the factors that entice Generation Y (millennials) who are holders of Technology programme degrees or diplomas in Metallurgical Engineering to change careers once they graduate. Design/Methodology/Approach – Purposive sampling was used to gather data for the study from 262 respondents using an online and field survey. For the field survey, data were obtained from self-administered questionnaires, completed by currently registered Bachelor of Technology (B. Tech) Metallurgical engineering students at two universities of technology within the Gauteng province in South Africa. Findings – The results of this study indicate that Generation Y Metallurgical engineering technicians and technologists are leaving their core discipline or intending to do so. The results further indicate the existence of an expectations gap; that is, a discrepancy between what the respondents encounter as their present reality within the Metallurgical engineering work environment versus what they expected to encounter within the Metallurgical engineering career while studying or making career decisions. Research limitations – Information to quantify the population for this study was not easily available, as a consequence the results of this study would not be sufficient to generalise to the entire population (Generation Y South African Metallurgical engineering graduates); in essence only general trends may be established from the resulting findings. Originality/Value –This paper will help engineering managers understand how to attract and retain the so called ‘millennium employees’ in the Metallurgical engineering field.
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Factors impacting on the implementation of Total Quality Management in the mineral processing industry
- Authors: Mashamba, Rendani
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Total quality management , Mineral industries - Quality control
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/57341 , uj:16381
- Description: Abstract: Please refer to full text to view abstract , M.Phil. (Engineering Management)
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mashamba, Rendani
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Total quality management , Mineral industries - Quality control
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/57341 , uj:16381
- Description: Abstract: Please refer to full text to view abstract , M.Phil. (Engineering Management)
- Full Text:
Selection process for commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) products used as defence equipment
- Authors: Mathopo, Ngako Sonia
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Chemical agents (Munitions) - Selection , Chemical agents (Munitions) - Evaluation , Engineering - Management
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/242421 , uj:25003
- Description: Abstract: The main objective of this research study is to present a well-defined customised framework for the evaluation and selection process of COTS products for use as military defence equipment. In an attempt to reduce the time and cost associated with the research and development of military defence equipment, the department of defence worldwide have shifted to the procurement of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) products. However, it has been reported that organisations are still facing challenges in the evaluation and selection of the right COTS products amongst a set of competing products. One of the reasons for this is that there is a variety of COTS products on the market and they are not designed to meet the requirements of a particular military organisation but a wide range of users. Therefore, with a variety of COTS products offered by the defence industry that differ in cost and quality, the problem is how the defence acquisition organisation select the right COTS products that meet military requirements and client expectations. This research study investigates the process that should be followed to ensure successful evaluation and selection of the right COTS products amongst many competing products offered by the defence industry. In addition, the research aims to investigate how evaluators do overcomes the challenges associated with the evaluation and selection of COTS products so as to ensure the procurement project success. The acquisition of new chemical warfare agents defence equipment project was used as a case study. It was found that the process followed by the organisation to select COTS products does not include the user requirements phase as it is considered the client’s responsibility. However, the organisation process includes user requirements review to validate the completeness of the user requirement specification submitted by the client. The finding showed that one of the challenge faced by the organisation is user requirements that are not clear, uncomplete and can be misunderstood by the evaluation team. The gap identified was a lack of support to the client during the user requirements phase. In this research a framework for the evaluation and selection of COTS products used as military defence equipment is proposed. The aim is to close the gap identified in this research and to help the organisation improve its selection process for COTS products by supporting the client to define the requirements. , M.Phil. (Engineering Management)
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mathopo, Ngako Sonia
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Chemical agents (Munitions) - Selection , Chemical agents (Munitions) - Evaluation , Engineering - Management
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/242421 , uj:25003
- Description: Abstract: The main objective of this research study is to present a well-defined customised framework for the evaluation and selection process of COTS products for use as military defence equipment. In an attempt to reduce the time and cost associated with the research and development of military defence equipment, the department of defence worldwide have shifted to the procurement of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) products. However, it has been reported that organisations are still facing challenges in the evaluation and selection of the right COTS products amongst a set of competing products. One of the reasons for this is that there is a variety of COTS products on the market and they are not designed to meet the requirements of a particular military organisation but a wide range of users. Therefore, with a variety of COTS products offered by the defence industry that differ in cost and quality, the problem is how the defence acquisition organisation select the right COTS products that meet military requirements and client expectations. This research study investigates the process that should be followed to ensure successful evaluation and selection of the right COTS products amongst many competing products offered by the defence industry. In addition, the research aims to investigate how evaluators do overcomes the challenges associated with the evaluation and selection of COTS products so as to ensure the procurement project success. The acquisition of new chemical warfare agents defence equipment project was used as a case study. It was found that the process followed by the organisation to select COTS products does not include the user requirements phase as it is considered the client’s responsibility. However, the organisation process includes user requirements review to validate the completeness of the user requirement specification submitted by the client. The finding showed that one of the challenge faced by the organisation is user requirements that are not clear, uncomplete and can be misunderstood by the evaluation team. The gap identified was a lack of support to the client during the user requirements phase. In this research a framework for the evaluation and selection of COTS products used as military defence equipment is proposed. The aim is to close the gap identified in this research and to help the organisation improve its selection process for COTS products by supporting the client to define the requirements. , M.Phil. (Engineering Management)
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A review of risk management techniques and challenges of implementation in harbour and port expansion projects
- Authors: Mathuthu, Nomaswazi
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Harbors - Management , Harbors - Planning , Project management
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/242964 , uj:25075
- Description: M.Phil. (Engineering Management) , Abstract: Risk management is an essential part of infrastructure projects. Seaports and harbours are facilities that serve over 80% of world trade. The complex nature of these projects presents the inevitable wide range of risks and uncertainties. 65% of global projects are considered as either a failure, delayed or over budget. Attributed to this is poor risk management and appropriate planning for risk mitigation. This negative statistic on project outcomes motivated an inquiry into risk management techniques and their implementation challenges in harbour and seaports construction projects. Beyond the year 2020, additional seaport facilities and rehabilitation of existing ones will be required in Africa. This requirement could potentially be met if seaport and harbour projects are executed with effective risk management frameworks. A systematic literature review was employed on articles that reported on risk management techniques and their implementation limitations. Different risk identification, assessment and treatment methods were identified. Amongst the techniques identified were Analytical hierarchy-based techniques (AHP), Enterprise risk management (ERM), Construction risk management system (CRMS), Major infrastructure assessment framework (MIRAF), Dynamic risk management and Innovative risk management. Impediments in the implementation of risk management plans were found to be political influence, technical complications, environmental constraints and lack of adequately skilled personnel. These identified risks and challenges have the potential to broaden and improve the risk management frameworks developed by the managers. Project risks and their sources were researched, identified and documented in this research.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mathuthu, Nomaswazi
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Harbors - Management , Harbors - Planning , Project management
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/242964 , uj:25075
- Description: M.Phil. (Engineering Management) , Abstract: Risk management is an essential part of infrastructure projects. Seaports and harbours are facilities that serve over 80% of world trade. The complex nature of these projects presents the inevitable wide range of risks and uncertainties. 65% of global projects are considered as either a failure, delayed or over budget. Attributed to this is poor risk management and appropriate planning for risk mitigation. This negative statistic on project outcomes motivated an inquiry into risk management techniques and their implementation challenges in harbour and seaports construction projects. Beyond the year 2020, additional seaport facilities and rehabilitation of existing ones will be required in Africa. This requirement could potentially be met if seaport and harbour projects are executed with effective risk management frameworks. A systematic literature review was employed on articles that reported on risk management techniques and their implementation limitations. Different risk identification, assessment and treatment methods were identified. Amongst the techniques identified were Analytical hierarchy-based techniques (AHP), Enterprise risk management (ERM), Construction risk management system (CRMS), Major infrastructure assessment framework (MIRAF), Dynamic risk management and Innovative risk management. Impediments in the implementation of risk management plans were found to be political influence, technical complications, environmental constraints and lack of adequately skilled personnel. These identified risks and challenges have the potential to broaden and improve the risk management frameworks developed by the managers. Project risks and their sources were researched, identified and documented in this research.
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Energy efficiency management through the use of technology in South African industry
- Authors: Matlala, Humphrey Nkobeng
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Industries - Energy consumption - South Africa - Management , Energy consumption - Technological innovations - South Africa , Energy consumption - Economic aspects - South Africa , Energy policy - South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/84140 , uj:19179
- Description: Abstract: Please refer to full text to view abstract , M.Phil. (Engineering management)
- Full Text:
- Authors: Matlala, Humphrey Nkobeng
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Industries - Energy consumption - South Africa - Management , Energy consumption - Technological innovations - South Africa , Energy consumption - Economic aspects - South Africa , Energy policy - South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/84140 , uj:19179
- Description: Abstract: Please refer to full text to view abstract , M.Phil. (Engineering management)
- Full Text:
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...
- Full Text:
- 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...
- Full Text:
Conflict management in outsourced engineering projects in South Africa
- Authors: Mdontsane, Bulali
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Engineering - Management , Project management , Conflict management
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/263100 , uj:27807
- Description: M.Phil. (Engineering Management) , Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate conflict management in engineering projects in South Africa. Improved management of project failure is possible if the relationship between conflict management and project success is known. Organizations turn to project management to unlock opportunities and fulfil strategic objectives. This study provides a framework to address and manage conflict in outsourced engineering projects for the benefit of organizations and engineering professionals who are involved in projects. The constructs of Conflict Management and Project Success were delineated and analysed with structural equation modelling in SPSS. The statistical analysis confirmed that effective conflict management positively impacts project success.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mdontsane, Bulali
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Engineering - Management , Project management , Conflict management
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/263100 , uj:27807
- Description: M.Phil. (Engineering Management) , Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate conflict management in engineering projects in South Africa. Improved management of project failure is possible if the relationship between conflict management and project success is known. Organizations turn to project management to unlock opportunities and fulfil strategic objectives. This study provides a framework to address and manage conflict in outsourced engineering projects for the benefit of organizations and engineering professionals who are involved in projects. The constructs of Conflict Management and Project Success were delineated and analysed with structural equation modelling in SPSS. The statistical analysis confirmed that effective conflict management positively impacts project success.
- Full Text:
Lack of training opportunities in South African foundries
- Authors: Mkansi, Jonathan
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/263115 , uj:27809
- Description: M.Phil. (Engineering Management) , Abstract: had a negative impact on the number of graduates who are offered an opportunity to complete practical training and consequently graduate. This also leads to a shortage of skilled foundrymen and foundry-women who are capable of taking the industry forward and helping South Africa compete with big producers of cast products such as China and India. Universities and foundries need partnership to establish ways in which foundry skills are taught to young technicians while they are nurtured for a brighter future. To achieve this, a quantitative study was conducted and data were collected and analysed to investigate the participants’ understanding of lack of in-service training and its effect on the number of metallurgical students graduating each year. Expert review of the data collected was conducted, to complete triangulation of information. The data were aimed to answer all questions from 52 foundries using the minimum sample size formula. The statistical analysis was based on actual data collected from all foundries which were randomly selected. Using this information, three types of questions (yes/no questions, five-point Likert scale, most to least contributing factors) were adopted during interviews and document review. Frequency and percentage distribution graphs were employed to display the results for easy interpretation of trends. Based on the data collected and analysed, three main factors (financial support and budget, lack of government support, and lack of training awareness) were found to contribute 71% of the problem and recommendations were made, based on these findings. It is also noteworthy that foundries were willing to assist wherever they could, if there was value that could be extracted from the training process.
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- Authors: Mkansi, Jonathan
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/263115 , uj:27809
- Description: M.Phil. (Engineering Management) , Abstract: had a negative impact on the number of graduates who are offered an opportunity to complete practical training and consequently graduate. This also leads to a shortage of skilled foundrymen and foundry-women who are capable of taking the industry forward and helping South Africa compete with big producers of cast products such as China and India. Universities and foundries need partnership to establish ways in which foundry skills are taught to young technicians while they are nurtured for a brighter future. To achieve this, a quantitative study was conducted and data were collected and analysed to investigate the participants’ understanding of lack of in-service training and its effect on the number of metallurgical students graduating each year. Expert review of the data collected was conducted, to complete triangulation of information. The data were aimed to answer all questions from 52 foundries using the minimum sample size formula. The statistical analysis was based on actual data collected from all foundries which were randomly selected. Using this information, three types of questions (yes/no questions, five-point Likert scale, most to least contributing factors) were adopted during interviews and document review. Frequency and percentage distribution graphs were employed to display the results for easy interpretation of trends. Based on the data collected and analysed, three main factors (financial support and budget, lack of government support, and lack of training awareness) were found to contribute 71% of the problem and recommendations were made, based on these findings. It is also noteworthy that foundries were willing to assist wherever they could, if there was value that could be extracted from the training process.
- Full Text: