The impact of maintenance management software in a process environment
- Authors: Badela, Ghandi
- Date: 2012-08-20
- Subjects: Information storage and retrieval systems. , Manufacturing processes. , Plant maintenance - Management. , Management - Information services.
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:2849 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/6283
- Description: M.Ing. , Companies are seeking innovative ways of enhancing their competitiveness in their markets. Currently, one of the ways used to improve competitiveness by companies in a process environment is to implement an Enterprise Resource Planning system. An Enterprise Resource Planning system is a software system that automates and integrates data and information captured in an organisation. An analysis of the impact of implementing a maintenance management system depends on a number of factors that may include capabilities of chosen system, effective application and ownership of the system by those who use it. Central to implementation of a maintenance system is the maintenance philosophy adopted by an organisation, information system in place, availability of skilled maintenance personnel and execution of developed maintenance program. The implementation process itself also has a bearing on acceptance of the system by those who are supposed to use it. A review of literature on these important factors and on development of an Enterprise Resource Planning system was conducted to show influence each factor has in making maintenance activities effective. To determine the impact of implementing an Enterprise Resource Planning system in a process environment a case study on a company that has recently implemented such a system was conducted. From this case study recommendations on a number of issues were made.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Badela, Ghandi
- Date: 2012-08-20
- Subjects: Information storage and retrieval systems. , Manufacturing processes. , Plant maintenance - Management. , Management - Information services.
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:2849 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/6283
- Description: M.Ing. , Companies are seeking innovative ways of enhancing their competitiveness in their markets. Currently, one of the ways used to improve competitiveness by companies in a process environment is to implement an Enterprise Resource Planning system. An Enterprise Resource Planning system is a software system that automates and integrates data and information captured in an organisation. An analysis of the impact of implementing a maintenance management system depends on a number of factors that may include capabilities of chosen system, effective application and ownership of the system by those who use it. Central to implementation of a maintenance system is the maintenance philosophy adopted by an organisation, information system in place, availability of skilled maintenance personnel and execution of developed maintenance program. The implementation process itself also has a bearing on acceptance of the system by those who are supposed to use it. A review of literature on these important factors and on development of an Enterprise Resource Planning system was conducted to show influence each factor has in making maintenance activities effective. To determine the impact of implementing an Enterprise Resource Planning system in a process environment a case study on a company that has recently implemented such a system was conducted. From this case study recommendations on a number of issues were made.
- Full Text:
Life cycle management for mining machinery
- Authors: Barkhuizen, W. F.
- Date: 2008-11-18T09:00:16Z
- Subjects: Mining machinery - Maintenance and repair
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:14723 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/1728
- Description: M.Ing. , Until very recently reactive maintenance was still used in the mining industry. Equipment failures occurred without warning and resulted in catastrophic breakdowns and large production losses and maintenance cost. As a result, the mining industry turned to preventative maintenance that focused on changing parts before they fail. Although preventative maintenance was an improvement over reactive maintenance practices, equipment reliability did not necessarily improve. Next came predictive diagnostics, which monitored the health of components within assemblies, and thereby predicting the life expectancy of assemblies through vibration analysis, infrared thermography, lubrication and oil analysis and ultrasonic detection. However, the level of success could not be achieved. Many hours and a lot of money are spent in developing and implementing a maintenance management system, but without the correct approach, efficient maintenance might not be achieved. The overall objective of this dissertation is to introduce a logical approach to managing the maintenance of mining equipment over the economical life of the equipment. This concept can be defined as Life Cycle Management. The research included in this dissertation is partially aimed at developing the Life Cycle Management program for P&H MinePro Services A division of Joy Global (South Africa) (Pty) Ltd. The dissertation also includes case studies on the P&H Mining Equipment (Blast Hole Drills) and their alliance partners (LeTourneau Front-end Loaders). The dissertation focuses on the cradle to grave approach of maintenance for mining machinery, referred to as the Life Cycle Management of Mining Machinery.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Barkhuizen, W. F.
- Date: 2008-11-18T09:00:16Z
- Subjects: Mining machinery - Maintenance and repair
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:14723 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/1728
- Description: M.Ing. , Until very recently reactive maintenance was still used in the mining industry. Equipment failures occurred without warning and resulted in catastrophic breakdowns and large production losses and maintenance cost. As a result, the mining industry turned to preventative maintenance that focused on changing parts before they fail. Although preventative maintenance was an improvement over reactive maintenance practices, equipment reliability did not necessarily improve. Next came predictive diagnostics, which monitored the health of components within assemblies, and thereby predicting the life expectancy of assemblies through vibration analysis, infrared thermography, lubrication and oil analysis and ultrasonic detection. However, the level of success could not be achieved. Many hours and a lot of money are spent in developing and implementing a maintenance management system, but without the correct approach, efficient maintenance might not be achieved. The overall objective of this dissertation is to introduce a logical approach to managing the maintenance of mining equipment over the economical life of the equipment. This concept can be defined as Life Cycle Management. The research included in this dissertation is partially aimed at developing the Life Cycle Management program for P&H MinePro Services A division of Joy Global (South Africa) (Pty) Ltd. The dissertation also includes case studies on the P&H Mining Equipment (Blast Hole Drills) and their alliance partners (LeTourneau Front-end Loaders). The dissertation focuses on the cradle to grave approach of maintenance for mining machinery, referred to as the Life Cycle Management of Mining Machinery.
- Full Text:
Effective property management : a tool for sustainable social housing institutions
- Authors: Joynt, Ian
- Date: 2012-02-06
- Subjects: Housing , Real estate management
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:1998 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/4352
- Description: M.Ing. , This dissertation proposes to develop a procedure for effective property management that ensures sustainable social housing institutions. The social housing institution is a relatively new concept in South Africa. This industry experiences many problems that include poor relationship management and the lack of tenant participation. This research has shown that effective property management practices alleviate certain of these restrictions of social housing. The solution of the dissertation is based on a procedure that follows five stages. This dissertation recommends that end-user education be investigated in further detail.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Joynt, Ian
- Date: 2012-02-06
- Subjects: Housing , Real estate management
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:1998 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/4352
- Description: M.Ing. , This dissertation proposes to develop a procedure for effective property management that ensures sustainable social housing institutions. The social housing institution is a relatively new concept in South Africa. This industry experiences many problems that include poor relationship management and the lack of tenant participation. This research has shown that effective property management practices alleviate certain of these restrictions of social housing. The solution of the dissertation is based on a procedure that follows five stages. This dissertation recommends that end-user education be investigated in further detail.
- Full Text:
Diversity management in a technological context : a case study
- Authors: Chasi, Samia
- Date: 2011-11-24
- Subjects: Diversity in the workplace , Siemens Aktiengesellschaft (South Africa)
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: http://ujcontent.uj.ac.za8080/10210/382752 , uj:1726 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/4076
- Description: M.Phil. , In this study, diversity management is introduced as an issue of global concern. Based on the assumption that diversity, if well-managed, can be beneficial to organizations, a positive approach to diversity is strongly supported. Diversity management has an important role to play in South Africa for mainly two reasons. Firstly, because of South Africa's rich cultural history and apartheid legacy, diversity management issues arise as a concern more often than in other countries. Secondly, due to apartheid, South Africa was internationally isolated for many years, which gives issues around global competitiveness even more significance. In the South African context, the engineering sector is regarded as a motor for the country's development, in which the management of diverse workforces is highly relevant. This has to be seen in light of a serious challenge facing the sector, where diversity management requirements have to be reconciled with a skills shortage that seems to afflict the engineering sector in particular. All of these issues are illustrated by a case study. The practice of diversity management in Siemens South Africa serves to demonstrate that diversity management in South Africa is clearly centred on the contexts of race and race relations. Furthermore, the case study presents a comprehensive example of how a diverse workforce can be managed in a South African engineering company.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Chasi, Samia
- Date: 2011-11-24
- Subjects: Diversity in the workplace , Siemens Aktiengesellschaft (South Africa)
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: http://ujcontent.uj.ac.za8080/10210/382752 , uj:1726 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/4076
- Description: M.Phil. , In this study, diversity management is introduced as an issue of global concern. Based on the assumption that diversity, if well-managed, can be beneficial to organizations, a positive approach to diversity is strongly supported. Diversity management has an important role to play in South Africa for mainly two reasons. Firstly, because of South Africa's rich cultural history and apartheid legacy, diversity management issues arise as a concern more often than in other countries. Secondly, due to apartheid, South Africa was internationally isolated for many years, which gives issues around global competitiveness even more significance. In the South African context, the engineering sector is regarded as a motor for the country's development, in which the management of diverse workforces is highly relevant. This has to be seen in light of a serious challenge facing the sector, where diversity management requirements have to be reconciled with a skills shortage that seems to afflict the engineering sector in particular. All of these issues are illustrated by a case study. The practice of diversity management in Siemens South Africa serves to demonstrate that diversity management in South Africa is clearly centred on the contexts of race and race relations. Furthermore, the case study presents a comprehensive example of how a diverse workforce can be managed in a South African engineering company.
- Full Text:
The Road Traffic Management Corporation: a case study
- Authors: Adams, Mark
- Date: 2009-02-25T14:05:48Z
- Subjects: Road Traffic Management Corporation (South Africa) , Traffic safety , Traffic engineering
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:8144 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/2151
- Description: M.Ing. , The focus of this dissertation is on the evaluation of management in traffic safety, and how it is applied, using the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) as a case study. Road Traffic Management in South Africa is in a state of crisis. The constitution provides for concurrency with respect to road traffic management, however, no mechanism has been implemented for co-operation and coordination. It has been found that the current institutional arrangements are not conducive to co-ordination and rapid interventions. Due to the scarcity of resources and the desire to streamline the institutional arrangements, an innovative model has been developed which will perform road traffic management collectively, the Road Traffic Management Corporation, RTMC. The implementation of the RTMC will require full co-operation and acceptance by all the various departments concerned, from National Government level, through to Provincial levels, and the Local Authorities. Before the Corporation can be implemented, the funding needs to be secured, and the source of the funding must be stable and committed. The implementing of such a corporation will be delicate, and organizational structure needs to be clear to all parties. At this early stage of the RTMC, the methods of management already used by the RTMC need to be compared to proper management principles, to ensure that the RTMC will have the best structure to ensure its success. Any uncertainties or concerns that may exist among those involved at lower levels can be communicated to top-level management implementing the corporation. By conducting an independent, external investigation, any short falls can be identified which may have been over looked previously. This dissertation aims to ensure that the RTMC adheres to the relevant management principles, focussing on the objective of improving road safety. A questionnaire is devised for the National Department of Transport, so that an independent view of the vision of the RTMC can be acquired. The organizational structure proposed by the RTMC is examined and evaluated to determine the relationship, communication channels, functions and responsibilities, which are intended between the various levels of management and stakeholders. The funding of a corporation such as the RTMC is considered, as the source of such funds needs to be secured before the RTMC can be implemented. A preliminary budget prepared for the RTMC is compared to what funding has been made available. The main objective of the RTMC is to improve road safety. Therefore, the process it intends to use is evaluated to determine whether the goals it intends to achieve through this process are realistic. The engineering function required to improve road safety will also be evaluated in terms of what can be done by engineers to improve the safety on South African roads.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Adams, Mark
- Date: 2009-02-25T14:05:48Z
- Subjects: Road Traffic Management Corporation (South Africa) , Traffic safety , Traffic engineering
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:8144 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/2151
- Description: M.Ing. , The focus of this dissertation is on the evaluation of management in traffic safety, and how it is applied, using the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) as a case study. Road Traffic Management in South Africa is in a state of crisis. The constitution provides for concurrency with respect to road traffic management, however, no mechanism has been implemented for co-operation and coordination. It has been found that the current institutional arrangements are not conducive to co-ordination and rapid interventions. Due to the scarcity of resources and the desire to streamline the institutional arrangements, an innovative model has been developed which will perform road traffic management collectively, the Road Traffic Management Corporation, RTMC. The implementation of the RTMC will require full co-operation and acceptance by all the various departments concerned, from National Government level, through to Provincial levels, and the Local Authorities. Before the Corporation can be implemented, the funding needs to be secured, and the source of the funding must be stable and committed. The implementing of such a corporation will be delicate, and organizational structure needs to be clear to all parties. At this early stage of the RTMC, the methods of management already used by the RTMC need to be compared to proper management principles, to ensure that the RTMC will have the best structure to ensure its success. Any uncertainties or concerns that may exist among those involved at lower levels can be communicated to top-level management implementing the corporation. By conducting an independent, external investigation, any short falls can be identified which may have been over looked previously. This dissertation aims to ensure that the RTMC adheres to the relevant management principles, focussing on the objective of improving road safety. A questionnaire is devised for the National Department of Transport, so that an independent view of the vision of the RTMC can be acquired. The organizational structure proposed by the RTMC is examined and evaluated to determine the relationship, communication channels, functions and responsibilities, which are intended between the various levels of management and stakeholders. The funding of a corporation such as the RTMC is considered, as the source of such funds needs to be secured before the RTMC can be implemented. A preliminary budget prepared for the RTMC is compared to what funding has been made available. The main objective of the RTMC is to improve road safety. Therefore, the process it intends to use is evaluated to determine whether the goals it intends to achieve through this process are realistic. The engineering function required to improve road safety will also be evaluated in terms of what can be done by engineers to improve the safety on South African roads.
- Full Text:
Brand management and technology
- Authors: Botes, Shaughn
- Date: 2012-01-16
- Subjects: Brand name products , Product management
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:1900 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/4261
- Description: M.Ing.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Botes, Shaughn
- Date: 2012-01-16
- Subjects: Brand name products , Product management
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:1900 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/4261
- Description: M.Ing.
- Full Text:
Capital investment appraisal in a process environment
- Authors: Keys, Vernon C.
- Date: 2012-08-20
- Subjects: Manufacturing processes - Automation - Economic aspects , Capital investments
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:2775 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/6215
- Description: M.Ing. , As the manufacturing environment evolved over the past century, the nature of investments in manufacturing capabilities changed dramatically. Automation can be seen as the single biggest driver of this evolution; enabling the manufacturing fraternity to develop smarter technology in order to exploit the opportunities that were created by the volatility that exist in most markets. This lead to the development of flexible manufacturing technology. Constructing a definition of manufacturing flexibility is difficult mainly due to the various views and perspectives that exist of flexibility. In short, flexibility can be defined as the ability to react ( to any change ) with little penalty in time, effort, cost or performance. These technologies that enable a manufacturing system to be flexible in a certain manner are generally difficult to justify in terms of traditional financial yardsticks. This can be contributed to the diverse benefits to be gained from these investments; and often these benefits are of a nonfinancial nature. Furthermore, when reviewing investments in flexible manufacturing technology within a process environment there appears to be an even bigger problem. The relatively fixed nature of the design output of process equipment, and the enormous quantities of capital outlay initially required to erect and commission process plants, often makes it near impossible to justify any investment that does not deliver good financial returns within the short term. Thus it becomes clear that the traditional methods of investment appraisal within the process environment have become generally unsuitable; and this call for a re-evaluation of the processes applied to guide value adding investments. This study set out to deliver a logical approach to appraising investments in manufacturing flexibility by defining a framework to be applied. The proposed framework consists of the following 4 primary steps. Firstly the strategic direction followed by the business is defined; then an analysing of the manufacturing flexibility required is performed. The third step is to evaluate the manufacturing technology available and furthermore a suitable performance measured criteria is defined to evaluate the proposed investment. This model is set within the strategic context of the manufacturing strategy of a business and thus should ensure the development of manufacturing capabilities that will ensure business growth over the medium to long term.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Keys, Vernon C.
- Date: 2012-08-20
- Subjects: Manufacturing processes - Automation - Economic aspects , Capital investments
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:2775 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/6215
- Description: M.Ing. , As the manufacturing environment evolved over the past century, the nature of investments in manufacturing capabilities changed dramatically. Automation can be seen as the single biggest driver of this evolution; enabling the manufacturing fraternity to develop smarter technology in order to exploit the opportunities that were created by the volatility that exist in most markets. This lead to the development of flexible manufacturing technology. Constructing a definition of manufacturing flexibility is difficult mainly due to the various views and perspectives that exist of flexibility. In short, flexibility can be defined as the ability to react ( to any change ) with little penalty in time, effort, cost or performance. These technologies that enable a manufacturing system to be flexible in a certain manner are generally difficult to justify in terms of traditional financial yardsticks. This can be contributed to the diverse benefits to be gained from these investments; and often these benefits are of a nonfinancial nature. Furthermore, when reviewing investments in flexible manufacturing technology within a process environment there appears to be an even bigger problem. The relatively fixed nature of the design output of process equipment, and the enormous quantities of capital outlay initially required to erect and commission process plants, often makes it near impossible to justify any investment that does not deliver good financial returns within the short term. Thus it becomes clear that the traditional methods of investment appraisal within the process environment have become generally unsuitable; and this call for a re-evaluation of the processes applied to guide value adding investments. This study set out to deliver a logical approach to appraising investments in manufacturing flexibility by defining a framework to be applied. The proposed framework consists of the following 4 primary steps. Firstly the strategic direction followed by the business is defined; then an analysing of the manufacturing flexibility required is performed. The third step is to evaluate the manufacturing technology available and furthermore a suitable performance measured criteria is defined to evaluate the proposed investment. This model is set within the strategic context of the manufacturing strategy of a business and thus should ensure the development of manufacturing capabilities that will ensure business growth over the medium to long term.
- Full Text:
Partnering for engineering construction projects
- Authors: Baloyi, Mukelani Aubrey
- Date: 2012-01-16
- Subjects: Partnership , Strategic alliances (Business) , Construction projects , Project management
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:1896 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/4258
- Description: M.Phil. , Procurement, design and construction of an engineering or building project is a process that involves the broadest range of engineering and construction skills. There are risks throughout that can lead to a strategy that cannot succeed in terms of time, cost effectiveness, quality and profitability. There are also various contracting approaches employed in both building and engineering construction projects. Each has its own advantages, disadvantages, degree of flexibility, incentives and allocation of risks. A risk profile leads to important aspects considered in selecting a suitable contracting strategy for a construction project. The risk considered includes among others the design and functionality, variations, errors and/or omissions, budget overruns, price fluctuations, project timing, change in quantities, design and construction defects, etc (Morton and Jagger, 1995). In South Africa's tradition, the responsibilities of design and construction of projects have been separated, where the contractors undertake to provide the works in accordance with employer's and/or employer's agent's design and specifications. Disadvantages of this strategy include among others the fact that the design and specifications may not suit the construction process in terms of time cost savings. More than often this approach results in an adversarial relationship between the professional team and the contractor, and between professional team members. Globally, especially in developed countries, projects were executed using design and build strategy (Construction world, April 2006). This is an arrangement whereby the contractor assumes the responsibility of producing the design and the works. Recently the construction industry has been experiencing an unprecedented high level of economic growth both locally and in the global arena. In an attempt by construction stakeholders to redefine the approach to contracting to facilitate delivery, partnering evolved to bring all parties together to form common goals, to integrate design and construction into a collaborative working by involving contractors at an earlier stage, to set up mechanisms to resolve disputes and to share the risk and rewards of projects (Gould and Joyce, 2003).
- Full Text:
- Authors: Baloyi, Mukelani Aubrey
- Date: 2012-01-16
- Subjects: Partnership , Strategic alliances (Business) , Construction projects , Project management
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:1896 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/4258
- Description: M.Phil. , Procurement, design and construction of an engineering or building project is a process that involves the broadest range of engineering and construction skills. There are risks throughout that can lead to a strategy that cannot succeed in terms of time, cost effectiveness, quality and profitability. There are also various contracting approaches employed in both building and engineering construction projects. Each has its own advantages, disadvantages, degree of flexibility, incentives and allocation of risks. A risk profile leads to important aspects considered in selecting a suitable contracting strategy for a construction project. The risk considered includes among others the design and functionality, variations, errors and/or omissions, budget overruns, price fluctuations, project timing, change in quantities, design and construction defects, etc (Morton and Jagger, 1995). In South Africa's tradition, the responsibilities of design and construction of projects have been separated, where the contractors undertake to provide the works in accordance with employer's and/or employer's agent's design and specifications. Disadvantages of this strategy include among others the fact that the design and specifications may not suit the construction process in terms of time cost savings. More than often this approach results in an adversarial relationship between the professional team and the contractor, and between professional team members. Globally, especially in developed countries, projects were executed using design and build strategy (Construction world, April 2006). This is an arrangement whereby the contractor assumes the responsibility of producing the design and the works. Recently the construction industry has been experiencing an unprecedented high level of economic growth both locally and in the global arena. In an attempt by construction stakeholders to redefine the approach to contracting to facilitate delivery, partnering evolved to bring all parties together to form common goals, to integrate design and construction into a collaborative working by involving contractors at an earlier stage, to set up mechanisms to resolve disputes and to share the risk and rewards of projects (Gould and Joyce, 2003).
- Full Text:
Structural integrity assessment of a low pressure turbine with transverse cracking
- Authors: Nel, Willem Petrus
- Date: 2009-02-26T12:21:22Z
- Subjects: Fracture mechanics , Elasticity , Continuum mechanics , Stress corrosion , Finite element method , Steam turbines corrosion
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:8170 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/2175
- Description: M.Ing. , This dissertation deals with the structural integrity analysis of a low pressure (LP) turbine with transverse cracking. Cracks are initiated in the centre ring keyway of the shaft by a fretting mechanism and propagate during barring operation. The cracks arrest during normal operation when they are still relatively shallow. The aim of the calculations is to predict the transition where cracks start propagating by high cycle fatigue during normal operation of the shaft. Most influencing factors, including continuum mechanics, mathematical modelling, material behaviour, service loads and industry experience, are studied in detail as a precursor to the case study. The calculated results show that the case study is an example where the application of fracture mechanics on the crack-free stress field leads to erroneous results. There is a significant redistribution of stress in the presence of the crack so that the actual stress ratio, as calculated from three dimensional cracked models, varies significantly compared to the crack-free model. Calculated results, together with carefully researched material properties, confirm the postulated crack growth during barring operation and predict limiting crack sizes where high cycle fatigue would ensue during normal operation. The case study concludes that the shaft has a significant remaining life and that it can be returned to service with periodic non-destructive examinations.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Nel, Willem Petrus
- Date: 2009-02-26T12:21:22Z
- Subjects: Fracture mechanics , Elasticity , Continuum mechanics , Stress corrosion , Finite element method , Steam turbines corrosion
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:8170 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/2175
- Description: M.Ing. , This dissertation deals with the structural integrity analysis of a low pressure (LP) turbine with transverse cracking. Cracks are initiated in the centre ring keyway of the shaft by a fretting mechanism and propagate during barring operation. The cracks arrest during normal operation when they are still relatively shallow. The aim of the calculations is to predict the transition where cracks start propagating by high cycle fatigue during normal operation of the shaft. Most influencing factors, including continuum mechanics, mathematical modelling, material behaviour, service loads and industry experience, are studied in detail as a precursor to the case study. The calculated results show that the case study is an example where the application of fracture mechanics on the crack-free stress field leads to erroneous results. There is a significant redistribution of stress in the presence of the crack so that the actual stress ratio, as calculated from three dimensional cracked models, varies significantly compared to the crack-free model. Calculated results, together with carefully researched material properties, confirm the postulated crack growth during barring operation and predict limiting crack sizes where high cycle fatigue would ensue during normal operation. The case study concludes that the shaft has a significant remaining life and that it can be returned to service with periodic non-destructive examinations.
- Full Text:
Value engineering for improvement of capital projects
- Authors: Van Zyl, Gerhardus Johannes
- Date: 2012-09-04
- Subjects: Value analysis (Cost control) , Project management
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:3524 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/6911
- Description: M.Phil. , To achieve growth, most corporations invest a large portion of their turnover in new business ventures or in expanding current operations. These initiatives imply capital and thus a return is essential in order to ensure survival. Research indicates that capital projects seldom realize their full potential. The value that is released by a project is often unacceptably lower than the value that was initially forecast and for which the board granted approval. Furthermore, a number of projects achieved radical improvement within a relatively short period of time, when they embarked on an initiative focusing on improving the project. This indicates that, due to the relatively low cost and the rather large prize at stake, it is imperative to investigate and actively seek improvement potential. Value Engineering proves to be a methodology capable of unleashing these otherwise hidden opportunities. Three basic steps describe the value engineering process: analysis to understand the project; design to find the optimum or a better solution; and the implementation thereof. Before a team can embark on an improvement initiative an initiation study will determine the target, required focus of the exercise and set up an enabled team. This study also describes the integration of value engineering with the existing processes using a case study. In order for value engineering to work, skilled members are required, the initiative has to be timed and complement the existing processes.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Van Zyl, Gerhardus Johannes
- Date: 2012-09-04
- Subjects: Value analysis (Cost control) , Project management
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:3524 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/6911
- Description: M.Phil. , To achieve growth, most corporations invest a large portion of their turnover in new business ventures or in expanding current operations. These initiatives imply capital and thus a return is essential in order to ensure survival. Research indicates that capital projects seldom realize their full potential. The value that is released by a project is often unacceptably lower than the value that was initially forecast and for which the board granted approval. Furthermore, a number of projects achieved radical improvement within a relatively short period of time, when they embarked on an initiative focusing on improving the project. This indicates that, due to the relatively low cost and the rather large prize at stake, it is imperative to investigate and actively seek improvement potential. Value Engineering proves to be a methodology capable of unleashing these otherwise hidden opportunities. Three basic steps describe the value engineering process: analysis to understand the project; design to find the optimum or a better solution; and the implementation thereof. Before a team can embark on an improvement initiative an initiation study will determine the target, required focus of the exercise and set up an enabled team. This study also describes the integration of value engineering with the existing processes using a case study. In order for value engineering to work, skilled members are required, the initiative has to be timed and complement the existing processes.
- Full Text:
Reliability growth management of complex electromechanical systems
- Authors: Rooney, Alexander Charles
- Date: 2012-09-04
- Subjects: Reliability (Engineering) , Engineering - Management , Electromechanical devices - Testing
- Type: Mini-Dissertation
- Identifier: http://ujcontent.uj.ac.za8080/10210/369213 , uj:3499 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/6889
- Description: M.Ing. , This dissertation proposes a reliability management process for the development of complex electromechanical systems. Specific emphasis is the development of these systems in an environment of limited development resources, and where small production quantities are envisaged. The results of this research will provide a management strategy for reliability engineering activities, within a systems engineering environment, where concurrent engineering techniques are used to reduce development cycles and costs. In order to implement a successful reliability engineering and growth management process, the following objectives need to be met: To ensure that reliability is designed into the system under development by providing reliability design data to the system engineering and development teams. To optimise reliability testing resource expenditure by managing the reliability growth process through a design problem monitoring and solution management process. To ensure that system life-cycle costs are optimised through good reliability design choices. To provide an environment where reliability engineering is a integral part of the system engineering process so as to optimise the rapid development process while keeping development expenditure within acceptable limits.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Rooney, Alexander Charles
- Date: 2012-09-04
- Subjects: Reliability (Engineering) , Engineering - Management , Electromechanical devices - Testing
- Type: Mini-Dissertation
- Identifier: http://ujcontent.uj.ac.za8080/10210/369213 , uj:3499 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/6889
- Description: M.Ing. , This dissertation proposes a reliability management process for the development of complex electromechanical systems. Specific emphasis is the development of these systems in an environment of limited development resources, and where small production quantities are envisaged. The results of this research will provide a management strategy for reliability engineering activities, within a systems engineering environment, where concurrent engineering techniques are used to reduce development cycles and costs. In order to implement a successful reliability engineering and growth management process, the following objectives need to be met: To ensure that reliability is designed into the system under development by providing reliability design data to the system engineering and development teams. To optimise reliability testing resource expenditure by managing the reliability growth process through a design problem monitoring and solution management process. To ensure that system life-cycle costs are optimised through good reliability design choices. To provide an environment where reliability engineering is a integral part of the system engineering process so as to optimise the rapid development process while keeping development expenditure within acceptable limits.
- Full Text:
A case study of accelerated product development
- Nchapha, Christina Mahlompho Nokujabula
- Authors: Nchapha, Christina Mahlompho Nokujabula
- Date: 2012-08-27
- Subjects: New products , New products -- Case studies , Concurrent engineering
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:3215 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/6627
- Description: M.Phil. , Product development is very important to the survival of an engineering organisation. It therefore needs to be carefully managed and completed within planned time and allocated resources. The main focus in this dissertation is therefore investigating how time could be reduced in the product development process. • Customers are not always patient enough to wait for the "best" products that are still being developed; they want products immediately and would therefore choose the "next best" products available. Some customers are willing to pay high prices to get exactly what they need as soon as possible. This study looks at how to accelerate the product development process without sacrificing quality and product performance. The study also investigates the case of development of a Boeing 777 commercial aircraft and contrasts the Boeing product development process against the product development theory. Boeing 777 is a globally well known commercial aircraft that was designed in the record time. Investigating the Boeing 777 product development process will provide good indicators of approaches that are currently most applicable in the real world.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Nchapha, Christina Mahlompho Nokujabula
- Date: 2012-08-27
- Subjects: New products , New products -- Case studies , Concurrent engineering
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:3215 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/6627
- Description: M.Phil. , Product development is very important to the survival of an engineering organisation. It therefore needs to be carefully managed and completed within planned time and allocated resources. The main focus in this dissertation is therefore investigating how time could be reduced in the product development process. • Customers are not always patient enough to wait for the "best" products that are still being developed; they want products immediately and would therefore choose the "next best" products available. Some customers are willing to pay high prices to get exactly what they need as soon as possible. This study looks at how to accelerate the product development process without sacrificing quality and product performance. The study also investigates the case of development of a Boeing 777 commercial aircraft and contrasts the Boeing product development process against the product development theory. Boeing 777 is a globally well known commercial aircraft that was designed in the record time. Investigating the Boeing 777 product development process will provide good indicators of approaches that are currently most applicable in the real world.
- Full Text:
Reliability engineering of a hospital oxygen supply system.
- Authors: Nel, Coenrad Marais
- Date: 2012-09-11
- Subjects: Reliability (Engineering) , Oxygen - Equipment and supplies
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:10037 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/7426
- Description: M.Ing. , This dissertation covers a literature study of the reliability engineering, and this is then applied to the hospital oxygen supply system in order to determine the reliability of the system. The hospital oxygen supply system must comply with international and local legislation, which insists that the reliability of the system must be very high, since it supports life in the hospital. Since there were no previous studies conducted in terms of the oxygen supply system to the knowledge of the author, it definitely opens a new study field for the application of reliability engineering concepts. In the research it was found that no records were kept by the company on the failures occurring with the oxygen supply system. This increased the difficulty to calculate the actual reliability of the supply system. A reliability prediction was done, based on the failure rate data from a database. The reliability prediction of the .system was very low, and possibly not a very accurate prediction of the actual reliability of the system. The author therefore created a reliability calculation program, which calculates the reliability of the system and also keeps, an accurate failure data record on each component of the system. The main conclusion reached with this dissertation is that failure data feedback, and accurate records are a very important factor of reliability engineering. This may influence the company's ability to rectify design changes in their systems, as there is no idea where the failure occurred and how much money value is linked to the failures occurring.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Nel, Coenrad Marais
- Date: 2012-09-11
- Subjects: Reliability (Engineering) , Oxygen - Equipment and supplies
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:10037 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/7426
- Description: M.Ing. , This dissertation covers a literature study of the reliability engineering, and this is then applied to the hospital oxygen supply system in order to determine the reliability of the system. The hospital oxygen supply system must comply with international and local legislation, which insists that the reliability of the system must be very high, since it supports life in the hospital. Since there were no previous studies conducted in terms of the oxygen supply system to the knowledge of the author, it definitely opens a new study field for the application of reliability engineering concepts. In the research it was found that no records were kept by the company on the failures occurring with the oxygen supply system. This increased the difficulty to calculate the actual reliability of the supply system. A reliability prediction was done, based on the failure rate data from a database. The reliability prediction of the .system was very low, and possibly not a very accurate prediction of the actual reliability of the system. The author therefore created a reliability calculation program, which calculates the reliability of the system and also keeps, an accurate failure data record on each component of the system. The main conclusion reached with this dissertation is that failure data feedback, and accurate records are a very important factor of reliability engineering. This may influence the company's ability to rectify design changes in their systems, as there is no idea where the failure occurred and how much money value is linked to the failures occurring.
- Full Text:
Technologically driven economic development
- Authors: Piquito, Nicholas Paul
- Date: 2012-08-28
- Subjects: Technology - Economic aspects. , Technological innovations - Economic aspects.
- Type: Mini-Dissertation
- Identifier: uj:3391 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/6789
- Description: M.Ing. , One of the primary aims of any nation is to enjoy as high a quality of life as possible. This can be achieved through a process of economic development whereby quality of life in general is improved as the national economy moves from a developing economy into an industrialised one. For some time now it has been suggested that technology, in its many different forms, is to a large extent responsible for enhancing and driving the process of economic development, whether this be the economic development of a particular region or of an entire country. The question therefore arises as to whether it is possible to establish a correlation between the level of technological expertise of a nation and its economic development. On the strength of the research results contained in this document, there does appear to be a definite correlation between technology and economic development. This conclusion is further borne out by studies, conducted by well respected researchers, which have reached a similar conclusion. Having established the validity of this relationship, the question of whether South Africa is positioned to take advantage of such knowledge is investigated. The study indicates that South Africa is indeed in a situation whereby maximum advantage may be derived from the concept of technologically driven economic development. This finding may be taken one step further in that, in reality, South Africa has very little choice but to adopt a strategy of economic development driven by technology. As a result, it is found that economic success in South Africa is to a large degree dependent on the ability of the government and other relevant bodies to establish and sustain a comprehensive, coherent and practical programme of technologically driven economic development.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Piquito, Nicholas Paul
- Date: 2012-08-28
- Subjects: Technology - Economic aspects. , Technological innovations - Economic aspects.
- Type: Mini-Dissertation
- Identifier: uj:3391 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/6789
- Description: M.Ing. , One of the primary aims of any nation is to enjoy as high a quality of life as possible. This can be achieved through a process of economic development whereby quality of life in general is improved as the national economy moves from a developing economy into an industrialised one. For some time now it has been suggested that technology, in its many different forms, is to a large extent responsible for enhancing and driving the process of economic development, whether this be the economic development of a particular region or of an entire country. The question therefore arises as to whether it is possible to establish a correlation between the level of technological expertise of a nation and its economic development. On the strength of the research results contained in this document, there does appear to be a definite correlation between technology and economic development. This conclusion is further borne out by studies, conducted by well respected researchers, which have reached a similar conclusion. Having established the validity of this relationship, the question of whether South Africa is positioned to take advantage of such knowledge is investigated. The study indicates that South Africa is indeed in a situation whereby maximum advantage may be derived from the concept of technologically driven economic development. This finding may be taken one step further in that, in reality, South Africa has very little choice but to adopt a strategy of economic development driven by technology. As a result, it is found that economic success in South Africa is to a large degree dependent on the ability of the government and other relevant bodies to establish and sustain a comprehensive, coherent and practical programme of technologically driven economic development.
- Full Text:
Techno-economic evaluation of a steel construction plant : a case study
- Authors: Mnisi, Musa T.
- Date: 2012-02-06
- Subjects: Structural steel industry , Steel industry and trade
- Type: Mini-Dissertation
- Identifier: uj:2002 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/4356
- Description: M.Ing.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mnisi, Musa T.
- Date: 2012-02-06
- Subjects: Structural steel industry , Steel industry and trade
- Type: Mini-Dissertation
- Identifier: uj:2002 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/4356
- Description: M.Ing.
- Full Text:
An investigation into project failures
- Authors: Kirunda, Ezra
- Date: 2012-02-06
- Subjects: System failures (Engineering) , Project management
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: http://ujcontent.uj.ac.za8080/10210/365405 , uj:2021 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/4373
- Description: M.Phil.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Kirunda, Ezra
- Date: 2012-02-06
- Subjects: System failures (Engineering) , Project management
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: http://ujcontent.uj.ac.za8080/10210/365405 , uj:2021 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/4373
- Description: M.Phil.
- Full Text:
Dynamic evaluation of hydraulic elastomeric mounts
- Authors: Enslin, J.
- Date: 2011-12-06
- Subjects: Hydraulic machinery , Automobiles hydraulic equipment
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:1838 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/4198
- Description: M.Phil. , This study identifies and evaluates dynamic models used to characterise the dynamic stiffness and phase angle of hydraulic elastomeric mounts that are primarily used as engine and operator cab isolators in vehicular applications. Linear models developed for hydraulic elastomeric mounts are analysed for their suitability to be used to characterise the dynamic stiffness and its phase angle in the low and high frequency range. A sensitivity analysis provides insight into the parameters with a high level of sensitivity to changes in model parameters. The models selected from the linear analysis are enhanced and updated by performing a quasi-linear analysis to compensate for the dynamic behaviour of certain parameters. Non-linear dynamic behaviour of the decoupler is also investigated. These models are then verified experimentally. To set-up an analytical model that can be used to predict the dynamic characteristics of the hydraulic elastomeric mount it is necessary to develop a physical model from which the system differential equations are extracted. From the physical model flow continuity equations and fluid momentum equations are developed to obtain an expression that describe the fluid response in the inertia track and decoupler respectively. Lumped parameter mechanical models are developed next from which equivalent differential equations are derived to describe the internal dynamics of the hydraulic mount. These differential equations along with the transmitted force equation directly derived from the physical model are used to develop the dynamic stiffness transfer function. Time domain input displacement and output transmitted force data are taken at a specific frequency and amplitude, and are used to generate hysteresis loops to extract the dynamic stiffness and phase angles. For most of the computational effort, both analytical and experimental, MATLAB programs are written to perform curve fitting, FFT calculation, numerical integration and dynamical simulation. Emphasis is placed on the dynamic considerations of hydraulic mount design in the automotive industry and where machines are subjected to shock and vibration. The results and techniques used to model and the mounts are useful to designers in the field of shock and vibration isolation. Finally, the aim of the work is to keep the dynamic models as simple as possible, to be used effectively in the identification of the structural dynamic characteristics of hydraulic elastomeric mounts. To avoid complexity two models are used to describe the dynamics of the mount, one model for the low frequency, large amplitude conditions and one for the high frequency, small amplitude conditions. The information is then used to determine how the mount will respond under certain dynamical conditions.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Enslin, J.
- Date: 2011-12-06
- Subjects: Hydraulic machinery , Automobiles hydraulic equipment
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:1838 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/4198
- Description: M.Phil. , This study identifies and evaluates dynamic models used to characterise the dynamic stiffness and phase angle of hydraulic elastomeric mounts that are primarily used as engine and operator cab isolators in vehicular applications. Linear models developed for hydraulic elastomeric mounts are analysed for their suitability to be used to characterise the dynamic stiffness and its phase angle in the low and high frequency range. A sensitivity analysis provides insight into the parameters with a high level of sensitivity to changes in model parameters. The models selected from the linear analysis are enhanced and updated by performing a quasi-linear analysis to compensate for the dynamic behaviour of certain parameters. Non-linear dynamic behaviour of the decoupler is also investigated. These models are then verified experimentally. To set-up an analytical model that can be used to predict the dynamic characteristics of the hydraulic elastomeric mount it is necessary to develop a physical model from which the system differential equations are extracted. From the physical model flow continuity equations and fluid momentum equations are developed to obtain an expression that describe the fluid response in the inertia track and decoupler respectively. Lumped parameter mechanical models are developed next from which equivalent differential equations are derived to describe the internal dynamics of the hydraulic mount. These differential equations along with the transmitted force equation directly derived from the physical model are used to develop the dynamic stiffness transfer function. Time domain input displacement and output transmitted force data are taken at a specific frequency and amplitude, and are used to generate hysteresis loops to extract the dynamic stiffness and phase angles. For most of the computational effort, both analytical and experimental, MATLAB programs are written to perform curve fitting, FFT calculation, numerical integration and dynamical simulation. Emphasis is placed on the dynamic considerations of hydraulic mount design in the automotive industry and where machines are subjected to shock and vibration. The results and techniques used to model and the mounts are useful to designers in the field of shock and vibration isolation. Finally, the aim of the work is to keep the dynamic models as simple as possible, to be used effectively in the identification of the structural dynamic characteristics of hydraulic elastomeric mounts. To avoid complexity two models are used to describe the dynamics of the mount, one model for the low frequency, large amplitude conditions and one for the high frequency, small amplitude conditions. The information is then used to determine how the mount will respond under certain dynamical conditions.
- Full Text:
The management of a research and development organisation with a view to corporatisation
- Authors: Du Plessis, Pieter
- Date: 2012-08-20
- Subjects: Engineering - Management , Organizational change , Privatization
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: http://ujcontent.uj.ac.za8080/10210/382187 , uj:2748 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/6188
- Description: M.Phil. , Within the South African context a government of national unity has been elected. Before and after the election, mention was made of the corporatisation and/or the privatisation of state owned assets and parastatals such as Eskom, Telkom and Spoomet. The corporatisation and/or privatisation of these state assets would result in an increase in funds for the government to spend on the Reconstruction and Development Programme, as well as lead to the increase in efficiency of some of these state owned assets. Every day more comment is being made on the possibility of Eskom corporatising. This research proposed to study certain current management philosophies and methodologies being used within Eskom's Technology, Research and Investigations (T-R-I) with a view to corporatisation. This was done by comparing current management practices found in T-R-I, to both literature and prominent engineering companies in South Africa. Topics included the concept of engineering management, marketing, organisational structures, project management and change management. A literature review on strategic planning was also performed and this lay the foundation for personalised interviews with managers in prominent South African engineering companies. The interviews were conducted by means of a structured questionnaire and a statistical analysis, and comparisons of the various methodologies in terms of strategic planning within these engineering companies, were subsequently performed. A visit was also undertaken to Australian utilities which have already been through the corporatisation process. Here, first hand knowledge of the various experiences of corporatisation was obtained. T-R-I is a multi-disciplinary engineering consulting organisation which undertakes investigations, studies, applied research and testing for Eskom and other companies. It employs 308 technical people in modem laboratories. T-R-I operates in an engineering environment and following from the literature search, it is believed that T-R-I should apply the principles of engineering management. A comprehensive overview of marketing and all the aspects associated therewith was performed. It is recommended that T-R-I develop a marketing intelligence system and one comprehensive marketing plan. T-R-I also needs to develop a decision support system that will assist in making better analyses and decisions as far as product development and entry into the market is concerned. Competitors also need to be studied in more detail. Three organisational designs were investigated, i.e. the functional organisation, the product organisation and the matrix organisation. Since all of T-R-I's work is based on projects, it is recommended that T-R-I follow a matrix type structure for the effective execution of its projects. Six key activities for successful change implementation were highlighted in this study. Strategic planning was analysed by means of what literature promotes as an effective business plan. The purpose of the vision, mission, philosophy, environmental analysis and goals was discussed and comparisons were made between the literature studies and T-R-I's business plan. A structured questionnaire was developed in order to facilitate interviews with managers of five prominent South African engineering companies. A detailed statistical analysis of the resultant discussions is presented in the thesis. The questionnaire extracted information on organisational nature, organisational principles of operation, people development, management aspects and strategic planning. By comparing T-R-I's current methodology and detailed contents of the business plan to these five engineering companies, it was found that T-R-I acknowledged and responded to all of the main issues and methodologies. The Australian electricity industry has already been corporatised. A visit to five utilities in Australia was undertaken to discuss how corporatisation has affected them. What was very clear in the discussions, was that T-R-I will not survive as an "Eskom only" service provider but that it needs to expand its market. T-R-I cannot take it for granted that it has a captive market in Eskom. All of the Australian utilities visited, however, indicated that they believed that corporatisation was well worth it. It is, however, recommended that comparative studies be performed in order to evaluate what companies did to transform from parastatals or military supporting companies to successful companies in the private sector (eg. Denel, Sentech and the Atomic Energy Corporation). In-depth studies focusing on these organisations will add to the identification of those inefficiencies within T-R-I that would enhance its capabilities, should they be positively addressed, in order to sustain itself in the future and be a successfully corporatised entity.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Du Plessis, Pieter
- Date: 2012-08-20
- Subjects: Engineering - Management , Organizational change , Privatization
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: http://ujcontent.uj.ac.za8080/10210/382187 , uj:2748 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/6188
- Description: M.Phil. , Within the South African context a government of national unity has been elected. Before and after the election, mention was made of the corporatisation and/or the privatisation of state owned assets and parastatals such as Eskom, Telkom and Spoomet. The corporatisation and/or privatisation of these state assets would result in an increase in funds for the government to spend on the Reconstruction and Development Programme, as well as lead to the increase in efficiency of some of these state owned assets. Every day more comment is being made on the possibility of Eskom corporatising. This research proposed to study certain current management philosophies and methodologies being used within Eskom's Technology, Research and Investigations (T-R-I) with a view to corporatisation. This was done by comparing current management practices found in T-R-I, to both literature and prominent engineering companies in South Africa. Topics included the concept of engineering management, marketing, organisational structures, project management and change management. A literature review on strategic planning was also performed and this lay the foundation for personalised interviews with managers in prominent South African engineering companies. The interviews were conducted by means of a structured questionnaire and a statistical analysis, and comparisons of the various methodologies in terms of strategic planning within these engineering companies, were subsequently performed. A visit was also undertaken to Australian utilities which have already been through the corporatisation process. Here, first hand knowledge of the various experiences of corporatisation was obtained. T-R-I is a multi-disciplinary engineering consulting organisation which undertakes investigations, studies, applied research and testing for Eskom and other companies. It employs 308 technical people in modem laboratories. T-R-I operates in an engineering environment and following from the literature search, it is believed that T-R-I should apply the principles of engineering management. A comprehensive overview of marketing and all the aspects associated therewith was performed. It is recommended that T-R-I develop a marketing intelligence system and one comprehensive marketing plan. T-R-I also needs to develop a decision support system that will assist in making better analyses and decisions as far as product development and entry into the market is concerned. Competitors also need to be studied in more detail. Three organisational designs were investigated, i.e. the functional organisation, the product organisation and the matrix organisation. Since all of T-R-I's work is based on projects, it is recommended that T-R-I follow a matrix type structure for the effective execution of its projects. Six key activities for successful change implementation were highlighted in this study. Strategic planning was analysed by means of what literature promotes as an effective business plan. The purpose of the vision, mission, philosophy, environmental analysis and goals was discussed and comparisons were made between the literature studies and T-R-I's business plan. A structured questionnaire was developed in order to facilitate interviews with managers of five prominent South African engineering companies. A detailed statistical analysis of the resultant discussions is presented in the thesis. The questionnaire extracted information on organisational nature, organisational principles of operation, people development, management aspects and strategic planning. By comparing T-R-I's current methodology and detailed contents of the business plan to these five engineering companies, it was found that T-R-I acknowledged and responded to all of the main issues and methodologies. The Australian electricity industry has already been corporatised. A visit to five utilities in Australia was undertaken to discuss how corporatisation has affected them. What was very clear in the discussions, was that T-R-I will not survive as an "Eskom only" service provider but that it needs to expand its market. T-R-I cannot take it for granted that it has a captive market in Eskom. All of the Australian utilities visited, however, indicated that they believed that corporatisation was well worth it. It is, however, recommended that comparative studies be performed in order to evaluate what companies did to transform from parastatals or military supporting companies to successful companies in the private sector (eg. Denel, Sentech and the Atomic Energy Corporation). In-depth studies focusing on these organisations will add to the identification of those inefficiencies within T-R-I that would enhance its capabilities, should they be positively addressed, in order to sustain itself in the future and be a successfully corporatised entity.
- Full Text:
Managerial aspects for the engineering entrepreneur
- Authors: Khota, Irfaan Abubakr
- Date: 2012-08-13
- Subjects: Entrepreneurship , Engineering - Management
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:9096 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/5555
- Description: M.Ing. , This dissertation aims to identify the skills, characteristics and management principles necessary for engineers who are involved in entrepreneurial activity. The dissertation covers the fundamental concepts influencing engineering managers; the marketing skills and processes which serve as a basis for successful entrepreneurship; training and development of entrepreneurial engineers; the engineer's function within the entrepreneurial environment; consulting engineering as a facet of entrepreneurship; business planning and financial controls, and finally a case study to correlate theory and practice and to provide a reference for future study. The primary objectives of the research are: to assess the realm of entrepreneurship; to determine what the engineering management principles required are in order to become a successful entrepreneur; to discuss the engineering process from an entrepreneurial perspective; to assess the engineering population in order to determine the potential for entrepreneurship and to formulate a proposal for successful entrepreneurial engineering. This study aims to serve as a reference for engineers who may decide to enter into an entrepreneurial at some point in their career.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Khota, Irfaan Abubakr
- Date: 2012-08-13
- Subjects: Entrepreneurship , Engineering - Management
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:9096 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/5555
- Description: M.Ing. , This dissertation aims to identify the skills, characteristics and management principles necessary for engineers who are involved in entrepreneurial activity. The dissertation covers the fundamental concepts influencing engineering managers; the marketing skills and processes which serve as a basis for successful entrepreneurship; training and development of entrepreneurial engineers; the engineer's function within the entrepreneurial environment; consulting engineering as a facet of entrepreneurship; business planning and financial controls, and finally a case study to correlate theory and practice and to provide a reference for future study. The primary objectives of the research are: to assess the realm of entrepreneurship; to determine what the engineering management principles required are in order to become a successful entrepreneur; to discuss the engineering process from an entrepreneurial perspective; to assess the engineering population in order to determine the potential for entrepreneurship and to formulate a proposal for successful entrepreneurial engineering. This study aims to serve as a reference for engineers who may decide to enter into an entrepreneurial at some point in their career.
- Full Text:
Technical skills for technoeconomic development
- Authors: Renecke, Sean Godfrey
- Date: 2012-08-28
- Subjects: Economic development , South Africa -- Economic conditions , Labor supply -- South Africa , Unemployment -- South Africa , Education -- South Africa , Technical education -- South Africa , Engineering -- Study and teaching -- South Africa
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:3288 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/6693
- Description: M.Ing. , The low level of living standard of South Africa's black population is a characteristic of its history. The economic growth and development of any country rely on its factors of production. The main factor of production that can not be neglected is its labour force. The labour force of South Africa is plagued by its history, where the strategy of the past government of that era was to ensure that the black population remains uneducated. South Africa has however moved beyond its past and is looking into the future where its people can live in harmony. The majority of the population fall between the ages of 15-35 classified as youth. Unfortunately the highest unemployment rate occurs amongst the black youth of South Africa. The challenge South Africa faces is to alleviate poverty and the high rate of unemployment. The focus is to boost the work force by changing the skills profile of the people, which is currently enforced by the government through the Skills Development Act. The study undertaken indicated that to achieve a better life for all a paradigm shift in the educational system of the country must be initiated. A much needed technical skills development is required. However the long term remedy could be to ensure that the schools provide quality learners who will be able to be utilised in the work place. Another important factor of production is technology innovation, the only set-back is that there is a small community of engineers in the country and the enrolment figures for this field of study are not promising. One of the root causes of this is the low percentage of mathematics and physical science learners completing school. As a result there are a low percentage of learners moving into a technical field of study especially engineering. One of ways to unlock South Africa's economic growth is an investment in its people and engineers are the most suitable custodians. The engineer can drive technology which is one of the portals to techno-economic growth. While humanity shares one planet, it is the planet on which there are two worlds, the world of the rich and the world of the poor. Raanan Weitz, 1986. We cannot rebuild our society at the expense and standard of living of ordinary men and women. We cannot develop at the expense of social justice. We cannot compete without a floor of basic human standards. Nelson Mandela The school in many underdeveloped countries is a reflection and a fruit of the surrounding underdevelopment, from which arises its deficiency, its quantitative and qualitative poverty. But little by little, and there lies the really serious risk, the school in these underdeveloped countries risks becoming in turn a factor of underdevelopment. Joseph Kizerbo, former Minister of Education, Burkino Faso
- Full Text:
- Authors: Renecke, Sean Godfrey
- Date: 2012-08-28
- Subjects: Economic development , South Africa -- Economic conditions , Labor supply -- South Africa , Unemployment -- South Africa , Education -- South Africa , Technical education -- South Africa , Engineering -- Study and teaching -- South Africa
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:3288 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/6693
- Description: M.Ing. , The low level of living standard of South Africa's black population is a characteristic of its history. The economic growth and development of any country rely on its factors of production. The main factor of production that can not be neglected is its labour force. The labour force of South Africa is plagued by its history, where the strategy of the past government of that era was to ensure that the black population remains uneducated. South Africa has however moved beyond its past and is looking into the future where its people can live in harmony. The majority of the population fall between the ages of 15-35 classified as youth. Unfortunately the highest unemployment rate occurs amongst the black youth of South Africa. The challenge South Africa faces is to alleviate poverty and the high rate of unemployment. The focus is to boost the work force by changing the skills profile of the people, which is currently enforced by the government through the Skills Development Act. The study undertaken indicated that to achieve a better life for all a paradigm shift in the educational system of the country must be initiated. A much needed technical skills development is required. However the long term remedy could be to ensure that the schools provide quality learners who will be able to be utilised in the work place. Another important factor of production is technology innovation, the only set-back is that there is a small community of engineers in the country and the enrolment figures for this field of study are not promising. One of the root causes of this is the low percentage of mathematics and physical science learners completing school. As a result there are a low percentage of learners moving into a technical field of study especially engineering. One of ways to unlock South Africa's economic growth is an investment in its people and engineers are the most suitable custodians. The engineer can drive technology which is one of the portals to techno-economic growth. While humanity shares one planet, it is the planet on which there are two worlds, the world of the rich and the world of the poor. Raanan Weitz, 1986. We cannot rebuild our society at the expense and standard of living of ordinary men and women. We cannot develop at the expense of social justice. We cannot compete without a floor of basic human standards. Nelson Mandela The school in many underdeveloped countries is a reflection and a fruit of the surrounding underdevelopment, from which arises its deficiency, its quantitative and qualitative poverty. But little by little, and there lies the really serious risk, the school in these underdeveloped countries risks becoming in turn a factor of underdevelopment. Joseph Kizerbo, former Minister of Education, Burkino Faso
- Full Text: