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:
The cost of implementing health and safety: findings from construction projects in Gauteng, South Africa
- Authors: Akawi, Edzua Jirel
- Date: 2019
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/398400 , uj:33165
- Description: Abstract : Please refer to full text to view abstract. , M.Phil. (Engineering Management)
- Full Text:
- Authors: Akawi, Edzua Jirel
- Date: 2019
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/398400 , uj:33165
- Description: Abstract : Please refer to full text to view abstract. , M.Phil. (Engineering Management)
- Full Text:
Harvesting solar radiation in hybrid transparent photovoltaic façade’s in Southern Africa
- Authors: Gevers, Richard Heinrich
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Photovoltaic power generation , Solar thermal enery , Solar radiation
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/213262 , uj:21126
- Description: Abstract: Renewable energy is the buzzword in the world today, from the drive to reduce electricity costs to combating climate change by reducing harmful Green House Gas (GHG) emissions. Innovative technologies are shaping the future. One such technology is the transparent hybrid solar façade (window), developed by TropiGlas Technologies [1]. This transparent hybrid solar façade not only harvests solar energy using the Photovoltaic (PV) effect, but also shields against harmful solar radiation and improves thermal efficiencies by limiting selected electromagnetic wavelengths that heat buildings and homes. This study objectively quantifies the merits of using a transparent hybrid solar façade for solar harvesting. Best practices and evaluation criteria for a transparent hybrid solar façades are quantified, through use of experimental and recorded field data. The potential is to use a transparent hybrid solar façade for energy harvesting where circumstances require energy from non-grid sources. The potential to overcome environmental constraints such as building floor ratio, zero carbon buildings, and green standards can be achieved utilising this innovative concept. This dissertation considers and further investigates power generation, utilising this novel approach to hybrid transparent solar façades, in Southern Africa. Providing an evaluation framework for technologies that provide energy generation included in the building envelope. A spectral irradiation model specific to Southern Africa is also presented and discussed. Investigations performed during a two-year period at a commercial pilot site and isolated control tests helped to evaluate the feasibility of such a product against the impacts of location, design, geographical and meteorological conditions relevant to Southern Africa. Results obtained from the sample panel provided, varied when compared to theoretical simulations and laboratory experiments. It was found that when the panel was placed vertically as to match the pilot site, that as expected the north facing panel produced the highest energy output. However, a horizontal and “optimal” angle placement achieved much better results than the vertically installed panel. Overall this meant that a lower than expected annual output was recorded. , M.Ing. (Electrical and Electronic Engineering)
- Full Text:
- Authors: Gevers, Richard Heinrich
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Photovoltaic power generation , Solar thermal enery , Solar radiation
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/213262 , uj:21126
- Description: Abstract: Renewable energy is the buzzword in the world today, from the drive to reduce electricity costs to combating climate change by reducing harmful Green House Gas (GHG) emissions. Innovative technologies are shaping the future. One such technology is the transparent hybrid solar façade (window), developed by TropiGlas Technologies [1]. This transparent hybrid solar façade not only harvests solar energy using the Photovoltaic (PV) effect, but also shields against harmful solar radiation and improves thermal efficiencies by limiting selected electromagnetic wavelengths that heat buildings and homes. This study objectively quantifies the merits of using a transparent hybrid solar façade for solar harvesting. Best practices and evaluation criteria for a transparent hybrid solar façades are quantified, through use of experimental and recorded field data. The potential is to use a transparent hybrid solar façade for energy harvesting where circumstances require energy from non-grid sources. The potential to overcome environmental constraints such as building floor ratio, zero carbon buildings, and green standards can be achieved utilising this innovative concept. This dissertation considers and further investigates power generation, utilising this novel approach to hybrid transparent solar façades, in Southern Africa. Providing an evaluation framework for technologies that provide energy generation included in the building envelope. A spectral irradiation model specific to Southern Africa is also presented and discussed. Investigations performed during a two-year period at a commercial pilot site and isolated control tests helped to evaluate the feasibility of such a product against the impacts of location, design, geographical and meteorological conditions relevant to Southern Africa. Results obtained from the sample panel provided, varied when compared to theoretical simulations and laboratory experiments. It was found that when the panel was placed vertically as to match the pilot site, that as expected the north facing panel produced the highest energy output. However, a horizontal and “optimal” angle placement achieved much better results than the vertically installed panel. Overall this meant that a lower than expected annual output was recorded. , M.Ing. (Electrical and Electronic Engineering)
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Electrical energy savings calculation in single phase harmonic distorted systems
- Authors: Akinsooto, Oluwadayomi
- Date: 2015-01-20
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:13154 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13177
- Description: M.Ing. (Electrical & Electronic Engineering Science) , Please refer to full text to view abstract
- Full Text:
- Authors: Akinsooto, Oluwadayomi
- Date: 2015-01-20
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:13154 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13177
- Description: M.Ing. (Electrical & Electronic Engineering Science) , Please refer to full text to view abstract
- Full Text:
Managing the design and development of high performance buildings through integrated design
- Authors: Beetge, Willem Gerhardus
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Sustainable buildings - Design and construction , Sustainable design , Buildings - Energy conservation , Renewable energy sources
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/213042 , uj:21070
- Description: Abstract: The world population has doubled during the past 45 years [9]. This has created a huge increase in the demand for natural resources. Extremely high levels of carbon dioxide emissions have been witnessed during the last decade. Natural resources like plantations, construction aggregate, coal, oil, water, and agriculture land have come under extreme pressure due to the high demand for these and other scarce resources. During the last two to three decades there have been increased efforts to reduce greenhouse gasses, to save and to protect water sources, and to use materials and products sparingly. Phrases like green buildings, sustainable construction and high-performance buildings are being used more widely amongst role players in the construction industry. High-performance buildings also referred to as green buildings or sustainable buildings are designed and developed with the aim of reducing the demand on fossil fuel energy and potable water. The indoor environmental quality, another major aspect of highperformance buildings, ensures that building occupants show signs of being healthier and more productive. To ensure the successful implementation of green building design and development, some important aspects like design implementation strategies, integrated design, building life cycle assessment, and passive design have to be considered. Management of the design and development processes also requires some technical knowledge of sustainability. The main barriers that prevent the implementation of the development of high-performance buildings have to be addressed and removed. The urgent need for developing energy-efficient and waterefficient buildings has to be acknowledged and supported by senior management and executive officers of organisations involved in building development. The development of highperformance buildings is most effectively achieved through a process referred to as integrated design. This process requires the early involvement of all relevant role players. The development of high-performance buildings through the process of integrated design is regarded by a number of experts as two inseparable concepts. It is therefore essential that managers and leaders who are involved in the development of high-performance buildings are equipped with knowledge and skills in the principles of sustainability and integrated design. , M.Ing. (Engineering Management)
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- Authors: Beetge, Willem Gerhardus
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Sustainable buildings - Design and construction , Sustainable design , Buildings - Energy conservation , Renewable energy sources
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/213042 , uj:21070
- Description: Abstract: The world population has doubled during the past 45 years [9]. This has created a huge increase in the demand for natural resources. Extremely high levels of carbon dioxide emissions have been witnessed during the last decade. Natural resources like plantations, construction aggregate, coal, oil, water, and agriculture land have come under extreme pressure due to the high demand for these and other scarce resources. During the last two to three decades there have been increased efforts to reduce greenhouse gasses, to save and to protect water sources, and to use materials and products sparingly. Phrases like green buildings, sustainable construction and high-performance buildings are being used more widely amongst role players in the construction industry. High-performance buildings also referred to as green buildings or sustainable buildings are designed and developed with the aim of reducing the demand on fossil fuel energy and potable water. The indoor environmental quality, another major aspect of highperformance buildings, ensures that building occupants show signs of being healthier and more productive. To ensure the successful implementation of green building design and development, some important aspects like design implementation strategies, integrated design, building life cycle assessment, and passive design have to be considered. Management of the design and development processes also requires some technical knowledge of sustainability. The main barriers that prevent the implementation of the development of high-performance buildings have to be addressed and removed. The urgent need for developing energy-efficient and waterefficient buildings has to be acknowledged and supported by senior management and executive officers of organisations involved in building development. The development of highperformance buildings is most effectively achieved through a process referred to as integrated design. This process requires the early involvement of all relevant role players. The development of high-performance buildings through the process of integrated design is regarded by a number of experts as two inseparable concepts. It is therefore essential that managers and leaders who are involved in the development of high-performance buildings are equipped with knowledge and skills in the principles of sustainability and integrated design. , M.Ing. (Engineering Management)
- Full Text:
Lean six sigma principles to optimise port capacity utilisation
- Authors: Seshoene, Reggy
- Date: 2019
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/398348 , uj:33158
- Description: Abstract : The purpose of the study was to investigate the optimal ways of reducing container terminal congestion at the Port of Durban using simulation modeling and the application of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) principles. A simulation model was used to test the “what-if” scenarios under different circumstances with the specific focus on vessel turnaround time. A comparison case was used to benchmark the turnaround time of the container terminals between the Port of Durban and the Port of Antwerp using a one sample t-test. Due to the increase in containerised cargo, several ports experience vessel congestion prior to sailing into the terminals. This resulted in various shipping liners bypassing these ports in favour of ones with higher efficiency and/or productivity rates. Several studies have been conducted to ascertain the necessity of creating increased capacity and improving the efficiencies at the ports to minimise the cost of doing business. This research explored the opportunities to prioritise the vessel turnaround time as the main determinant of the effectiveness of a port terminal in reducing container terminal congestion. The main objective of this research was to explore ways in which simulation modeling and LSS can complement each other to reduce the total vessel turnaround times thus resulting in a significant reduction in container terminal congestion. Capacity utilisation was studied as a function of the container terminal efficiency. Vessel turnaround time is used as a key measure of efficiency of the route by various shipping liners and agents for preference. This study also explored the relationship between the congestion of vessels and container terminal efficiency (vessel turnaround time). A case study for the container terminals of the Ports of Durban and Antwerp was used to help identify and understand the factors that affect the use of port capacity, the causes of congestion and what was needed to address these shortcomings. The other objective of this study was to further assess the causes of longer vessel turnaround time in the Durban container terminal. It was found that there was a positive correlation between the vessel time at berth (berth occupancy) and vessel waiting time at anchorage. The other relationship assessed was between vessel time at berth and cargo dwell time. This study found that the relationship between vessel waiting time at anchorage and cargo dwell iv time was statistically insignificant. This implied that the longer turnaround time in the container terminal was mainly caused by longer berth occupancy. It was also found that simulation of vessel turnaround time and application of Lean Six Sigma principles were effective when complementing each other to optimise container terminal efficiencies. Simulation modeling helped to understand the scale of inefficiencies prior to the selection of applicable LSS tools. After the application of LSS causes control impact matrix and subsequent simulation modeling in DCT, it was found that the vessel turnaround time of 1.68 days could be sufficient to reduce congestion. , D.Phil. (Engineering Management)
- Full Text:
- Authors: Seshoene, Reggy
- Date: 2019
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/398348 , uj:33158
- Description: Abstract : The purpose of the study was to investigate the optimal ways of reducing container terminal congestion at the Port of Durban using simulation modeling and the application of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) principles. A simulation model was used to test the “what-if” scenarios under different circumstances with the specific focus on vessel turnaround time. A comparison case was used to benchmark the turnaround time of the container terminals between the Port of Durban and the Port of Antwerp using a one sample t-test. Due to the increase in containerised cargo, several ports experience vessel congestion prior to sailing into the terminals. This resulted in various shipping liners bypassing these ports in favour of ones with higher efficiency and/or productivity rates. Several studies have been conducted to ascertain the necessity of creating increased capacity and improving the efficiencies at the ports to minimise the cost of doing business. This research explored the opportunities to prioritise the vessel turnaround time as the main determinant of the effectiveness of a port terminal in reducing container terminal congestion. The main objective of this research was to explore ways in which simulation modeling and LSS can complement each other to reduce the total vessel turnaround times thus resulting in a significant reduction in container terminal congestion. Capacity utilisation was studied as a function of the container terminal efficiency. Vessel turnaround time is used as a key measure of efficiency of the route by various shipping liners and agents for preference. This study also explored the relationship between the congestion of vessels and container terminal efficiency (vessel turnaround time). A case study for the container terminals of the Ports of Durban and Antwerp was used to help identify and understand the factors that affect the use of port capacity, the causes of congestion and what was needed to address these shortcomings. The other objective of this study was to further assess the causes of longer vessel turnaround time in the Durban container terminal. It was found that there was a positive correlation between the vessel time at berth (berth occupancy) and vessel waiting time at anchorage. The other relationship assessed was between vessel time at berth and cargo dwell time. This study found that the relationship between vessel waiting time at anchorage and cargo dwell iv time was statistically insignificant. This implied that the longer turnaround time in the container terminal was mainly caused by longer berth occupancy. It was also found that simulation of vessel turnaround time and application of Lean Six Sigma principles were effective when complementing each other to optimise container terminal efficiencies. Simulation modeling helped to understand the scale of inefficiencies prior to the selection of applicable LSS tools. After the application of LSS causes control impact matrix and subsequent simulation modeling in DCT, it was found that the vessel turnaround time of 1.68 days could be sufficient to reduce congestion. , D.Phil. (Engineering Management)
- Full Text:
Risk evaluation in project management implementation : the case of infrastructural development projects in Transnet
- Authors: Dludhlu, Nokuthula Isabella
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Project management , Risk assessment , Transnet (Firm : South Africa)
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/225278 , uj:22750
- Description: Abstract: The project management environment is exposed to risk. When an organization identifies a gap or opportunity it will decide to embark on an endeavor to address the need. A project has specific objectives to fulfil. In the process of implementing a project, there may be events that should they occur will threaten the successful completion the project. These events are what pose a risk to a project and if realized, will have an impact on a project. A project management process should enable the identification of potential risks to the project so that actions to minimize the risk impact and/or to mitigate can be developed. Once identified, the probability that the risk event will occur can be determined, and subsequently the extent of its impact can be assessed. A risk management process enables the organization to be aware of its exposure to risk. It also allows the organization to deal with the anticipated risk proactively. The risk management process evaluates the potential risks that could be realized in a project. Risk management should be built into the organization’s process of project implementation. Project success is somewhat dependent on the ability of the project management process practiced by the organization. A project management process should be able to focus on all aspects contributing to the achievement of project objectives. The elements often used by organizations to measure project performance are cost, time, and quality. The project management body of knowledge (PMBOK) gives definitions of these elements. The cost element refers to the completion of the project within the set budget. The project cost involves determining and allocating of funds towards acquisition of the resources required for the execution of the project. The time element refers to the timely completion of the project. The project duration is determined by defining the activities required to complete the project scope. The quality element refers to delivering the project to meet the specified performance requirements. Quality compliance is ensured through identifying the specifications that apply to the project, and constantly evaluating the performance of the completed work within a project. A risk management process identified in literature is described by Farias et. al. 2003, is divided into the evaluate process and control process. Three factors which potentially impact on risks that could be anticipated in infrastructural development projects that are a focus of this research are human, organizational and technological. The objective of the study is to identify the risk factors impacting infrastructural development projects and to propose the mitigating factors to reduce these risks. Chapter 1 gives the background information of the study and also describes the problem statement, research objectives and the research questions. Chapter 2 provides the literature review studied in order to understand the broad subject matter relevant to the study. Chapter 3 presents risk management models identified in literature and a deduced integrated framework. Chapter 4 describes the research methodology undertaken to carry out the study, whereby a survey was used to gather information and data that pertains to infrastructural development projects. Chapter 5 presents the research findings. A statistical analysis of the findings will produce conclusions and recommendations presented in Chapter 6. , M.Ing. (Engineering Management)
- Full Text:
- Authors: Dludhlu, Nokuthula Isabella
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Project management , Risk assessment , Transnet (Firm : South Africa)
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/225278 , uj:22750
- Description: Abstract: The project management environment is exposed to risk. When an organization identifies a gap or opportunity it will decide to embark on an endeavor to address the need. A project has specific objectives to fulfil. In the process of implementing a project, there may be events that should they occur will threaten the successful completion the project. These events are what pose a risk to a project and if realized, will have an impact on a project. A project management process should enable the identification of potential risks to the project so that actions to minimize the risk impact and/or to mitigate can be developed. Once identified, the probability that the risk event will occur can be determined, and subsequently the extent of its impact can be assessed. A risk management process enables the organization to be aware of its exposure to risk. It also allows the organization to deal with the anticipated risk proactively. The risk management process evaluates the potential risks that could be realized in a project. Risk management should be built into the organization’s process of project implementation. Project success is somewhat dependent on the ability of the project management process practiced by the organization. A project management process should be able to focus on all aspects contributing to the achievement of project objectives. The elements often used by organizations to measure project performance are cost, time, and quality. The project management body of knowledge (PMBOK) gives definitions of these elements. The cost element refers to the completion of the project within the set budget. The project cost involves determining and allocating of funds towards acquisition of the resources required for the execution of the project. The time element refers to the timely completion of the project. The project duration is determined by defining the activities required to complete the project scope. The quality element refers to delivering the project to meet the specified performance requirements. Quality compliance is ensured through identifying the specifications that apply to the project, and constantly evaluating the performance of the completed work within a project. A risk management process identified in literature is described by Farias et. al. 2003, is divided into the evaluate process and control process. Three factors which potentially impact on risks that could be anticipated in infrastructural development projects that are a focus of this research are human, organizational and technological. The objective of the study is to identify the risk factors impacting infrastructural development projects and to propose the mitigating factors to reduce these risks. Chapter 1 gives the background information of the study and also describes the problem statement, research objectives and the research questions. Chapter 2 provides the literature review studied in order to understand the broad subject matter relevant to the study. Chapter 3 presents risk management models identified in literature and a deduced integrated framework. Chapter 4 describes the research methodology undertaken to carry out the study, whereby a survey was used to gather information and data that pertains to infrastructural development projects. Chapter 5 presents the research findings. A statistical analysis of the findings will produce conclusions and recommendations presented in Chapter 6. , M.Ing. (Engineering Management)
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The impact on public transportation by the growth of informal settlement in South African cities
- Authors: Zulu, Innocent
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Transportation - South Africa - Planning , Local transit - South Africa - Planning , Urban transportation - South Africa - Planning , Transportation and state - South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/213611 , uj:21174
- Description: Abstract: The purpose of the mini-dissertation was to investigate some of the necessary extents in urban public transportation in South African cities. The preliminary findings show a symbiotic relationship linking informal settlements and public transport whereby issues of spatial planning and land use equally affect both elements. This is explained twofold first; informal settlements continue to increase as South African cities continue to experience rapid urbanisation resulting in lower net urban densities that ultimately make existing public transportation systems unsustainable. Also, unviable due to high costs of maintaining the networks as well as transportation subsidies. Second, due to the apartheid legacy, public transport in South Africa served to promote fragmentation and exclusion of low-income and informal settlements. The overall outcome of this is that inhabitants of informal settlements are forced to make expensive and time consuming journeys to access and enjoy the socioeconomic opportunities and activities offered in urban city centres. The core recommendation from this study is that the “development of a more spatially compact urban form” (Ffc.co.za) in the country’s cities through innovative spatial planning policies that aim to increase densities. , M.Eng. (Engineering Management)
- Full Text:
- Authors: Zulu, Innocent
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Transportation - South Africa - Planning , Local transit - South Africa - Planning , Urban transportation - South Africa - Planning , Transportation and state - South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/213611 , uj:21174
- Description: Abstract: The purpose of the mini-dissertation was to investigate some of the necessary extents in urban public transportation in South African cities. The preliminary findings show a symbiotic relationship linking informal settlements and public transport whereby issues of spatial planning and land use equally affect both elements. This is explained twofold first; informal settlements continue to increase as South African cities continue to experience rapid urbanisation resulting in lower net urban densities that ultimately make existing public transportation systems unsustainable. Also, unviable due to high costs of maintaining the networks as well as transportation subsidies. Second, due to the apartheid legacy, public transport in South Africa served to promote fragmentation and exclusion of low-income and informal settlements. The overall outcome of this is that inhabitants of informal settlements are forced to make expensive and time consuming journeys to access and enjoy the socioeconomic opportunities and activities offered in urban city centres. The core recommendation from this study is that the “development of a more spatially compact urban form” (Ffc.co.za) in the country’s cities through innovative spatial planning policies that aim to increase densities. , M.Eng. (Engineering Management)
- Full Text:
Critical success factors for improving quality culture in a coal testing division
- Authors: Rathebe, Mohlatlego Jonas
- Date: 2019
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/398412 , uj:33166
- Description: Abstract : The present study relates to a method of identifying critical success factors for improving quality culture in a coal testing division. Coal testing division plays a major integral role in the selling and buying process of coal commodity globally. Although this is not an experimental study conducted in a testing laboratory through preparation and analysis of coal samples, the researcher has however provided a brief discussion on coal processing, usage, testing methods and significance of coal testing for end users of coal in chapter two of this dissertation. With the current competitive advantage, coal testing division has recently been faced with various challenges including the closing down of some of its business units. This has had a negative impact on the overall commercial business. The main objectives of this study are to demonstrate the benefits for maintaining ISO 17025 quality management system and identification of critical success factors for improving ISO 17025 quality management system in a coal testing division. These study objectives will be achieved through answering the following study questions: I. Why does coal testing division has to maintain ISO 17025 quality management system? II. How to improve ISO 17025 quality management system in a coal testing division? The study adopted a mixed method research by triangulation of quantitative and qualitative data to source out data in order to answer the study questions and objectives. The research strategy used was a single case study by means of research questionnaire sent to coal testing division employees. Chapter three of this dissertation provides literature review on the current published information regarding the benefits for implementation of quality culture in testing environment subsequently applicable to coal testing division. The literature review chapter concludes by providing an extracted case study of company X commercial unit quality management system policy document. The extracted case study outline the requirements and level of quality implementation in coal testing division. From the literature review, the benefits for maintaining ISO 17025 quality management system revealed include improved customer satisfaction, greater market share (Competitive advantage), operational credibility with government and customers, international recognition and stronger risk management. Based on feedback from the questionnaires, critical success factors were identified for improving quality culture within coal testing division. Through triangulation system comparison of the literature review, company X commercial unit case study and the study questionnaire feedback, it was found that quality policy and objectives together with customer requirements are not well communicated and understood by all coal testing division personnel. There are also no designated personnel stationed in the business units to ensure effective maintenance of ISO 17025-quality management system. Majority of the staff members expressed that they are not always provided with the necessary resources assisting them with continual improvement of ISO 17025-quality management system. An ineffective customer communication system was identified which must provide customer service information, handling of enquiries, orders and customer feedback. There is an ineffective measuring and monitoring system for service conformity to ensure compliance on all customer requirements. There is ineffective system to identify and control non-conformities to prevent their unintended use in coal testing division. , M.Phil. (Engineering Management)
- Full Text:
- Authors: Rathebe, Mohlatlego Jonas
- Date: 2019
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/398412 , uj:33166
- Description: Abstract : The present study relates to a method of identifying critical success factors for improving quality culture in a coal testing division. Coal testing division plays a major integral role in the selling and buying process of coal commodity globally. Although this is not an experimental study conducted in a testing laboratory through preparation and analysis of coal samples, the researcher has however provided a brief discussion on coal processing, usage, testing methods and significance of coal testing for end users of coal in chapter two of this dissertation. With the current competitive advantage, coal testing division has recently been faced with various challenges including the closing down of some of its business units. This has had a negative impact on the overall commercial business. The main objectives of this study are to demonstrate the benefits for maintaining ISO 17025 quality management system and identification of critical success factors for improving ISO 17025 quality management system in a coal testing division. These study objectives will be achieved through answering the following study questions: I. Why does coal testing division has to maintain ISO 17025 quality management system? II. How to improve ISO 17025 quality management system in a coal testing division? The study adopted a mixed method research by triangulation of quantitative and qualitative data to source out data in order to answer the study questions and objectives. The research strategy used was a single case study by means of research questionnaire sent to coal testing division employees. Chapter three of this dissertation provides literature review on the current published information regarding the benefits for implementation of quality culture in testing environment subsequently applicable to coal testing division. The literature review chapter concludes by providing an extracted case study of company X commercial unit quality management system policy document. The extracted case study outline the requirements and level of quality implementation in coal testing division. From the literature review, the benefits for maintaining ISO 17025 quality management system revealed include improved customer satisfaction, greater market share (Competitive advantage), operational credibility with government and customers, international recognition and stronger risk management. Based on feedback from the questionnaires, critical success factors were identified for improving quality culture within coal testing division. Through triangulation system comparison of the literature review, company X commercial unit case study and the study questionnaire feedback, it was found that quality policy and objectives together with customer requirements are not well communicated and understood by all coal testing division personnel. There are also no designated personnel stationed in the business units to ensure effective maintenance of ISO 17025-quality management system. Majority of the staff members expressed that they are not always provided with the necessary resources assisting them with continual improvement of ISO 17025-quality management system. An ineffective customer communication system was identified which must provide customer service information, handling of enquiries, orders and customer feedback. There is an ineffective measuring and monitoring system for service conformity to ensure compliance on all customer requirements. There is ineffective system to identify and control non-conformities to prevent their unintended use in coal testing division. , M.Phil. (Engineering Management)
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