Factors that contribute to effective research in an engineering department
- Authors: Van Winsen, Gavin
- Date: 2012-08-28
- Subjects: Engineering -- Research
- Type: Mini-Dissertation
- Identifier: uj:3285 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/6690
- Description: M.Ing. , The topic of Research and Development practice is explored with focus towards the environment of a research-type department, namely an engineering faculty. The aim is to explore those factors that aid engineering research personnel in being able to carry out effective research. In this manner, with relevant literature study, a survey is constructed with the intent of obtaining some characteristic information of an engineering department. From this conclusions can be drawn as to the current strengths and weaknesses of the department, relevant statistical analysis performed, and references made to theoretical models of organisational effectiveness.
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- Authors: Van Winsen, Gavin
- Date: 2012-08-28
- Subjects: Engineering -- Research
- Type: Mini-Dissertation
- Identifier: uj:3285 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/6690
- Description: M.Ing. , The topic of Research and Development practice is explored with focus towards the environment of a research-type department, namely an engineering faculty. The aim is to explore those factors that aid engineering research personnel in being able to carry out effective research. In this manner, with relevant literature study, a survey is constructed with the intent of obtaining some characteristic information of an engineering department. From this conclusions can be drawn as to the current strengths and weaknesses of the department, relevant statistical analysis performed, and references made to theoretical models of organisational effectiveness.
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Risk management for a rural electrification project : a systems engineering approach
- Authors: Zondi, Lucky
- Date: 2012-06-04
- Subjects: Risk management , Systems engineering , Rural electrification projects
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:2328 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/4786
- Description: M.Ing. , This research study is about evaluating the practicability of using systems engineering approach to rural electrification project risk management. The research was motivated by rural electrification projects in South Africa that have suffered planning, design or operational problems due to uncertainties at project site level. The dissertation begins by describing the rural electrification background in the first chapter. The process of electrifying rural areas, challenges, and achievements so far in South Africa are presented. The government target for universal access to electricity is also highlighted. The next two chapters address the theory of systems engineering, and project risk management as one of the elements of project management. The theory of systems engineering approach to risk management is then applied to a typical electrification project structure. The electrification project is viewed as a system, with risk management as a sub-system of project management. A case study is presented for a rural electrification project in KwaZulu-Natal that has experienced design and operational problems. A risk system is identified from work breakdown structure, and risk hierarchy framework is produced based on project life cycle cost model. Risks are ranked in terms of their impact and probability. The aim of the study is to understand the impact of each risk on general project risk, and risk mitigation measures that should be taken to address those risks. The research finishes by drawing a conclusion that electrification projects are complex, risks are manageable, and systems thinking can be successfully used to manage electrification project risks. Risk management must focus on the project as a whole, including operation and maintenance, rather than focusing at individual project stages.
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- Authors: Zondi, Lucky
- Date: 2012-06-04
- Subjects: Risk management , Systems engineering , Rural electrification projects
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:2328 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/4786
- Description: M.Ing. , This research study is about evaluating the practicability of using systems engineering approach to rural electrification project risk management. The research was motivated by rural electrification projects in South Africa that have suffered planning, design or operational problems due to uncertainties at project site level. The dissertation begins by describing the rural electrification background in the first chapter. The process of electrifying rural areas, challenges, and achievements so far in South Africa are presented. The government target for universal access to electricity is also highlighted. The next two chapters address the theory of systems engineering, and project risk management as one of the elements of project management. The theory of systems engineering approach to risk management is then applied to a typical electrification project structure. The electrification project is viewed as a system, with risk management as a sub-system of project management. A case study is presented for a rural electrification project in KwaZulu-Natal that has experienced design and operational problems. A risk system is identified from work breakdown structure, and risk hierarchy framework is produced based on project life cycle cost model. Risks are ranked in terms of their impact and probability. The aim of the study is to understand the impact of each risk on general project risk, and risk mitigation measures that should be taken to address those risks. The research finishes by drawing a conclusion that electrification projects are complex, risks are manageable, and systems thinking can be successfully used to manage electrification project risks. Risk management must focus on the project as a whole, including operation and maintenance, rather than focusing at individual project stages.
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Purchasing and supply quality management in a power plant : a case study
- Authors: Mashazi, Bongumusa Austin
- Date: 2012-06-19
- Subjects: Procurement management , Power plants , Purchasing and supplier quality management , PSQM , Quality management
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:8770 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/5121
- Description: M. Ing. , This research study aims at presenting the management of quality problem issues that often result from procured items in a power plant. The motivation for carrying out this research was an unacceptable risk of undesirable impact on plant availability, or operating costs that arises from quality problem issues of procured items in a particular power plant. In this dissertation, the author aims to provide an overview of quality management and procurement management, by focusing on how purchasing and supplier quality management (PSQM) can be integrated into power plants in order to effectively manage quality problem issues. A case study of the particular South African power plant (called ABC Power Plant as a pseudonym for the sake of confidentiality) was done.
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- Authors: Mashazi, Bongumusa Austin
- Date: 2012-06-19
- Subjects: Procurement management , Power plants , Purchasing and supplier quality management , PSQM , Quality management
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:8770 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/5121
- Description: M. Ing. , This research study aims at presenting the management of quality problem issues that often result from procured items in a power plant. The motivation for carrying out this research was an unacceptable risk of undesirable impact on plant availability, or operating costs that arises from quality problem issues of procured items in a particular power plant. In this dissertation, the author aims to provide an overview of quality management and procurement management, by focusing on how purchasing and supplier quality management (PSQM) can be integrated into power plants in order to effectively manage quality problem issues. A case study of the particular South African power plant (called ABC Power Plant as a pseudonym for the sake of confidentiality) was done.
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A case study of leadership in consulting engineering
- Authors: Grootboom, Funeka Arthur
- Date: 2012-06-05
- Subjects: Leadership - Management , Engineering - Management - Case studies , Leadership - Evaluation
- Type: Mini-Dissertation
- Identifier: uj:2409 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/4861
- Description: M.Ing. , The aim of this research project is to determine the importance of leadership from engineering managers working in consulting engineering firms. This is achieved by discussing important factors relating to the development of leadership skills in these managers. These important factors are the expertise of engineering managers in practice, leadership from engineering managers, with the required leadership theories and styles, and other factors that contribute to leadership development in engineering managers. The findings were that the use of appropriate leadership styles for the different designated levels of team members is essential. The author of the research project suggested leadership styles from different leadership theories that might be used in managing and leading team members at different designated levels. The appropriateness and adequacy of the suggested leadership styles was tested by developing questionnaires which were to be completed by team members at designated levels. The use of questionnaires led to the reduced amount of leadership styles preferred by team members at their designated levels. The engineering manager who uses the preferred leadership styles by team members tends to achieve goals aligned with the organisation’s vision and mission statement. The alignment of goals with the company’s mission statement and vision leads to a successful organisation. This would also lead to the team members being eager to accomplish their assignments, as well as gaining credibility and achieving organisational goals effectively and efficiently, together with the engineering manager.
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- Authors: Grootboom, Funeka Arthur
- Date: 2012-06-05
- Subjects: Leadership - Management , Engineering - Management - Case studies , Leadership - Evaluation
- Type: Mini-Dissertation
- Identifier: uj:2409 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/4861
- Description: M.Ing. , The aim of this research project is to determine the importance of leadership from engineering managers working in consulting engineering firms. This is achieved by discussing important factors relating to the development of leadership skills in these managers. These important factors are the expertise of engineering managers in practice, leadership from engineering managers, with the required leadership theories and styles, and other factors that contribute to leadership development in engineering managers. The findings were that the use of appropriate leadership styles for the different designated levels of team members is essential. The author of the research project suggested leadership styles from different leadership theories that might be used in managing and leading team members at different designated levels. The appropriateness and adequacy of the suggested leadership styles was tested by developing questionnaires which were to be completed by team members at designated levels. The use of questionnaires led to the reduced amount of leadership styles preferred by team members at their designated levels. The engineering manager who uses the preferred leadership styles by team members tends to achieve goals aligned with the organisation’s vision and mission statement. The alignment of goals with the company’s mission statement and vision leads to a successful organisation. This would also lead to the team members being eager to accomplish their assignments, as well as gaining credibility and achieving organisational goals effectively and efficiently, together with the engineering manager.
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A systems approach to property management in state departments and state-owned enterprises
- Authors: Brink, Basil Niel
- Date: 2012-03-05
- Subjects: Property management , Real estate management , State departments , State-owned enterprises , Railroads and state , Transnet (Firm : South Africa)
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:2122 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/4490
- Description: D.Phil. , The primary objective of this thesis is to follow a systems approach to improve property management in state departments and state-owned enterprises. The public sector, bureaucracy and state-owned enterprises (SOEs) globally and in South Africa (SA) are examined using a systems approach to provide the context for property management in state departments and SOEs. The effectiveness of property management in SA‟s National Department of Public Works and National Department of Public Enterprises are evaluated. Property management in rail transportation organisations globally and in SA receives focused attention. The SA state-owned company Transnet Limited, primarily a rail transportation enterprise, and Propnet, Transnet‟s property management unit, are examined in depth. Lessons learned, findings and recommendations are presented in a Management Matrix. The Management Matrix is incorporated in a State Property Management Transformation System, the implementation of which will improve property management in state departments and SOEs both globally and in SA.
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- Authors: Brink, Basil Niel
- Date: 2012-03-05
- Subjects: Property management , Real estate management , State departments , State-owned enterprises , Railroads and state , Transnet (Firm : South Africa)
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:2122 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/4490
- Description: D.Phil. , The primary objective of this thesis is to follow a systems approach to improve property management in state departments and state-owned enterprises. The public sector, bureaucracy and state-owned enterprises (SOEs) globally and in South Africa (SA) are examined using a systems approach to provide the context for property management in state departments and SOEs. The effectiveness of property management in SA‟s National Department of Public Works and National Department of Public Enterprises are evaluated. Property management in rail transportation organisations globally and in SA receives focused attention. The SA state-owned company Transnet Limited, primarily a rail transportation enterprise, and Propnet, Transnet‟s property management unit, are examined in depth. Lessons learned, findings and recommendations are presented in a Management Matrix. The Management Matrix is incorporated in a State Property Management Transformation System, the implementation of which will improve property management in state departments and SOEs both globally and in SA.
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The use of earned value as trend analysis tool for construction projects in South Africa
- Authors: Vertenten, Michael
- Date: 2012-09-11
- Subjects: Construction projects - Personnel management - Research - South Africa , Employees - Rating of - Research - South Africa , Performance - Evaluation - Research - South Africa , Performance - Measurement - Research - South Africa
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:10007 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/7399
- Description: M.Phil. , The foundation of Earned Value Performance Management (EVPM) was the cost/Schedule Control Systems Criteria originally defined in the USA in 1967. Earned Value Performance Management has traditionally been used in Defense projects with budgets in excess of R100M. Private industry is now implementing EVPM for major projects, which are large, complex or geographically dispersed. It is the objective of this dissertation to determine whether the Earned Value concept as developed over the years to the form it is in today is being used in the South African construction industry or not. As part of this dissertation the author devised and distributed a questionnaire to a limited and targeted demographic of Project Management practitioners. The results found that the concept of Earned value is being used in some form or other in selected few companies within the South African Construction industry. While it has been recognized, it's benefits are not being fully utilized. The benefit of the Earned Value concept contributing to the successful completion of a project is being acknowledged and more and more construction companies are slowly making Earned Value an intricate part of their Project Management system
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- Authors: Vertenten, Michael
- Date: 2012-09-11
- Subjects: Construction projects - Personnel management - Research - South Africa , Employees - Rating of - Research - South Africa , Performance - Evaluation - Research - South Africa , Performance - Measurement - Research - South Africa
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:10007 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/7399
- Description: M.Phil. , The foundation of Earned Value Performance Management (EVPM) was the cost/Schedule Control Systems Criteria originally defined in the USA in 1967. Earned Value Performance Management has traditionally been used in Defense projects with budgets in excess of R100M. Private industry is now implementing EVPM for major projects, which are large, complex or geographically dispersed. It is the objective of this dissertation to determine whether the Earned Value concept as developed over the years to the form it is in today is being used in the South African construction industry or not. As part of this dissertation the author devised and distributed a questionnaire to a limited and targeted demographic of Project Management practitioners. The results found that the concept of Earned value is being used in some form or other in selected few companies within the South African Construction industry. While it has been recognized, it's benefits are not being fully utilized. The benefit of the Earned Value concept contributing to the successful completion of a project is being acknowledged and more and more construction companies are slowly making Earned Value an intricate part of their Project Management system
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A proposed maintenance strategy for generator sets utilised in biogas applications
- Authors: Gerrard, Alastair Douglas
- Date: 2012-06-04
- Subjects: Generators , Biogas , Landfill gas
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:2308 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/4767
- Description: M. Ing. , The overall purpose of this research project was to develop a proposed maintenance strategy for generator sets utilised in biogas applications. One specific biogas application, involving the use of landfill gas (LFG) to generate electrical energy, was the focal point of the research project. This is due to the fact that the author’s organisation is extensively involved with landfills and power generation through the use of LFG.
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- Authors: Gerrard, Alastair Douglas
- Date: 2012-06-04
- Subjects: Generators , Biogas , Landfill gas
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:2308 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/4767
- Description: M. Ing. , The overall purpose of this research project was to develop a proposed maintenance strategy for generator sets utilised in biogas applications. One specific biogas application, involving the use of landfill gas (LFG) to generate electrical energy, was the focal point of the research project. This is due to the fact that the author’s organisation is extensively involved with landfills and power generation through the use of LFG.
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Housing delivery in South Africa - a project management case study
- Authors: Baloyi, Bongani Vincent
- Date: 2012-02-27
- Subjects: Housing development , Project management
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:2078 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/4425
- Description: M.Ing. , Housing is the core infrastructure on which all other infrastructure like electricity, roads, water and sanitation depend. The escalation of public demonstrations by communities against the slow delivery and poor quality of housing projects in 2006 indicates that housing is a very sensitive issue that also involves a lot of politics. Most disadvantaged communities in South Africa lack even the most basic infrastructure like water. For any community to function properly and be successful, the core infrastructure must be in place. The core infrastructure consists of housing, roads and storm-water, water and sanitation and electricity and other auxiliary infrastructure include social services, safety and security. Government in South Africa is facing the challenges of delivering on promises and programmes from election campaigns and the mandate of the community. Government set national targets on the delivery of infrastructure services by focussing on water, electricity and sanitation. The national target was set to provide universal access to electricity services by 2012. The housing backlog in South Africa was chosen as a topic for this dissertation because of the many challenges and the variants that the project team comes across with each project. Project management involves managing projects according to specifications, within budget and delivering the end-product on time. Delivering completed housing projects to communities is a very challenging task as demonstrated by the many late or stalled housing projects in municipalities. This dissertation addresses the challenges facing the National Department of Housing as well as municipalities in delivering good quality accommodation to the poor communities.
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- Authors: Baloyi, Bongani Vincent
- Date: 2012-02-27
- Subjects: Housing development , Project management
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:2078 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/4425
- Description: M.Ing. , Housing is the core infrastructure on which all other infrastructure like electricity, roads, water and sanitation depend. The escalation of public demonstrations by communities against the slow delivery and poor quality of housing projects in 2006 indicates that housing is a very sensitive issue that also involves a lot of politics. Most disadvantaged communities in South Africa lack even the most basic infrastructure like water. For any community to function properly and be successful, the core infrastructure must be in place. The core infrastructure consists of housing, roads and storm-water, water and sanitation and electricity and other auxiliary infrastructure include social services, safety and security. Government in South Africa is facing the challenges of delivering on promises and programmes from election campaigns and the mandate of the community. Government set national targets on the delivery of infrastructure services by focussing on water, electricity and sanitation. The national target was set to provide universal access to electricity services by 2012. The housing backlog in South Africa was chosen as a topic for this dissertation because of the many challenges and the variants that the project team comes across with each project. Project management involves managing projects according to specifications, within budget and delivering the end-product on time. Delivering completed housing projects to communities is a very challenging task as demonstrated by the many late or stalled housing projects in municipalities. This dissertation addresses the challenges facing the National Department of Housing as well as municipalities in delivering good quality accommodation to the poor communities.
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Motivation of young South African engineers - comparing classical theory to statistical data
- Authors: Van Aardt, Frans R.
- Date: 2012-06-05
- Subjects: Employee motivation , Engineers , Engineering industry
- Type: Mini-Dissertation
- Identifier: uj:2384 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/4839
- Description: M. Ing. , This dissertation provides an overview of the problem of employee (specifically young South African Engineers) motivation by comparing certain classical motivation theories to actual statistical results. The classical motivation theories evaluated in this dissertation are divided into three distinct categories: Individual Difference Theories (Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Theory, Alderfer’s ERG Theory), Managerial Behavior Theories (Skinner’s Reinforcement Theory Goal Setting Theory), and Job and Organizational Context Theories (Herzberg’s Two Factor Theory Job Enrichment Theory). Survey results were obtained from a survey commissioned by the Engineering Council of South Africa. Results are compared to the motivation theories and the theories are evaluated accordingly. From the evaluation, it follows that for most young South African Engineers, motivation theories that address individual difference and/or managerial behaviors do not lead to substantial increases in motivation. This study suggest that theories which address the organizational and job context in which young South African engineers perform their jobs, are most successful at motivating and retaining the engineers. Motivation is therefore not ensured by offering large salaries, but rather by ensuring that jobs are interesting and rewarding and that the organizational contexts in which the job is performed, is flexible and pleasant.
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- Authors: Van Aardt, Frans R.
- Date: 2012-06-05
- Subjects: Employee motivation , Engineers , Engineering industry
- Type: Mini-Dissertation
- Identifier: uj:2384 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/4839
- Description: M. Ing. , This dissertation provides an overview of the problem of employee (specifically young South African Engineers) motivation by comparing certain classical motivation theories to actual statistical results. The classical motivation theories evaluated in this dissertation are divided into three distinct categories: Individual Difference Theories (Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Theory, Alderfer’s ERG Theory), Managerial Behavior Theories (Skinner’s Reinforcement Theory Goal Setting Theory), and Job and Organizational Context Theories (Herzberg’s Two Factor Theory Job Enrichment Theory). Survey results were obtained from a survey commissioned by the Engineering Council of South Africa. Results are compared to the motivation theories and the theories are evaluated accordingly. From the evaluation, it follows that for most young South African Engineers, motivation theories that address individual difference and/or managerial behaviors do not lead to substantial increases in motivation. This study suggest that theories which address the organizational and job context in which young South African engineers perform their jobs, are most successful at motivating and retaining the engineers. Motivation is therefore not ensured by offering large salaries, but rather by ensuring that jobs are interesting and rewarding and that the organizational contexts in which the job is performed, is flexible and pleasant.
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Mine planning - a study in developing a life of mine plan
- Authors: Visser, Renier
- Date: 2012-10-24
- Subjects: Mines and mineral resources , Mining development , Kenya Fluorspar , Mine management
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:10412 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/7879
- Description: M.Phil. , A research report, such as provided for Kenya Fluorspar, plays an integral part of the life of mine or project and creates a practical plan of running and developing the mine. This research report is used by the client as a practical strategic mine plan, and thus if followed as stipulated, will in the end not only pro-long the life of the mine but will achieve targeted value and tonnes for the specific plant. In many cases the smaller mining companies will attack an ore body and will as is called “pick the eyes out” of that specific ore body, thus mining just the high grade ore, make your money and get out. But if it comes to a mine that needs to pro-long the life of the mine due to community responsibility and the creation of work, then it is of essential value to do a technical strategic planning study on the ore body, creating different scenarios as to mine the ore body with emphasis on Life of the mine and in the same breath the economic viability of mining in the chosen scenario. The research report have a look at four different scenarios whereby there are certain constraints applied, and the outcome of the schedules are used to make a calculated decision on the best way of mining this specific ore body. Pit designs have been created from Whittle optimized pitshells which then have been incorporated within the schedules. It has been found that Scenarios 1 and 2 will have some years with very high waste removal, which will be above the current fleet capacity, but the required plant feed and grade would be possible from period one. Scenario 3 have proven that if fleet capacity is the main constraint then steady state of feed to the plant can only be achieved in the 7th year of production, but render no extra fleet requirements. As recommended, Scenario 4 stood to be the best if the acquisition of extra equipment is possible, and then steady state in the plant can be achieved in the 4th year with the lowest production percentage of 84% in the first year.
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- Authors: Visser, Renier
- Date: 2012-10-24
- Subjects: Mines and mineral resources , Mining development , Kenya Fluorspar , Mine management
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:10412 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/7879
- Description: M.Phil. , A research report, such as provided for Kenya Fluorspar, plays an integral part of the life of mine or project and creates a practical plan of running and developing the mine. This research report is used by the client as a practical strategic mine plan, and thus if followed as stipulated, will in the end not only pro-long the life of the mine but will achieve targeted value and tonnes for the specific plant. In many cases the smaller mining companies will attack an ore body and will as is called “pick the eyes out” of that specific ore body, thus mining just the high grade ore, make your money and get out. But if it comes to a mine that needs to pro-long the life of the mine due to community responsibility and the creation of work, then it is of essential value to do a technical strategic planning study on the ore body, creating different scenarios as to mine the ore body with emphasis on Life of the mine and in the same breath the economic viability of mining in the chosen scenario. The research report have a look at four different scenarios whereby there are certain constraints applied, and the outcome of the schedules are used to make a calculated decision on the best way of mining this specific ore body. Pit designs have been created from Whittle optimized pitshells which then have been incorporated within the schedules. It has been found that Scenarios 1 and 2 will have some years with very high waste removal, which will be above the current fleet capacity, but the required plant feed and grade would be possible from period one. Scenario 3 have proven that if fleet capacity is the main constraint then steady state of feed to the plant can only be achieved in the 7th year of production, but render no extra fleet requirements. As recommended, Scenario 4 stood to be the best if the acquisition of extra equipment is possible, and then steady state in the plant can be achieved in the 4th year with the lowest production percentage of 84% in the first year.
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