A case study in industrial risk management
- Raubenheimer, Pieter Jacobus
- Authors: Raubenheimer, Pieter Jacobus
- Date: 2011-12-06
- Subjects: Risk management
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:1853 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/4210
- Description: M.Ing. , This dissertation focuses on an industrial risk management case study, which aims to illustrate how the risks involved in a new project have to be identified, approached and managed. The aim of this dissertation is therefore to act as an example of modem risk management theory and implementation in an industrial engineering environment. The first part of the dissertation focuses on the theoretical background of risk management. It starts by giving the history of risk after which a definition of risk is concluded from a variety of text books. The history of risk shows how risk developed through the ages and evolved into a way of making sure that the right strategic decisions are taken. The following chapters focus on the frameworks that have been developed by different international parties to structure the risk management process. The financial environment is also highlighted as an industry in which risk has been developed to help companies tremendously in making investment decisions. Although there are fundamental differences between risk management in the industrial and financial environment, there are however a few similarities. One aspect that can be taken from the financial environment and be implemented in the industrial environment is the fact that risk management has to be done according to a fixed structure or framework. A short literature case study shows how businesses made crucial mistakes in the past, and how implementing modem risk management techniques can rectify these mistakes. A big part of risk management is not only the qualitative analysis, but also in the quantitative analysis, which was ignored in the literature case study. The theory behind these quantitative techniques is highlighted as the last theoretical background before the second part of the dissertation focuses on the risk involved in the expansion project of an oil refinery. After the theoretical background of the expansion project is given as an introduction to the case study, the quantitative analysis for the expansion project is done. Through A Case Study in Industrial Risk Management 2 the quantitative analysis, the high risks involved in the project are highlighted more clearly and numbers or figures will indicate how realistic the objectives of the project are. By monitoring and controlling these critical project variables through the project life cycle, the chances of achieving the project results are greatly increased.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Raubenheimer, Pieter Jacobus
- Date: 2011-12-06
- Subjects: Risk management
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:1853 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/4210
- Description: M.Ing. , This dissertation focuses on an industrial risk management case study, which aims to illustrate how the risks involved in a new project have to be identified, approached and managed. The aim of this dissertation is therefore to act as an example of modem risk management theory and implementation in an industrial engineering environment. The first part of the dissertation focuses on the theoretical background of risk management. It starts by giving the history of risk after which a definition of risk is concluded from a variety of text books. The history of risk shows how risk developed through the ages and evolved into a way of making sure that the right strategic decisions are taken. The following chapters focus on the frameworks that have been developed by different international parties to structure the risk management process. The financial environment is also highlighted as an industry in which risk has been developed to help companies tremendously in making investment decisions. Although there are fundamental differences between risk management in the industrial and financial environment, there are however a few similarities. One aspect that can be taken from the financial environment and be implemented in the industrial environment is the fact that risk management has to be done according to a fixed structure or framework. A short literature case study shows how businesses made crucial mistakes in the past, and how implementing modem risk management techniques can rectify these mistakes. A big part of risk management is not only the qualitative analysis, but also in the quantitative analysis, which was ignored in the literature case study. The theory behind these quantitative techniques is highlighted as the last theoretical background before the second part of the dissertation focuses on the risk involved in the expansion project of an oil refinery. After the theoretical background of the expansion project is given as an introduction to the case study, the quantitative analysis for the expansion project is done. Through A Case Study in Industrial Risk Management 2 the quantitative analysis, the high risks involved in the project are highlighted more clearly and numbers or figures will indicate how realistic the objectives of the project are. By monitoring and controlling these critical project variables through the project life cycle, the chances of achieving the project results are greatly increased.
- 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:
A case study on improving labour productivity in civil engineering projects
- Authors: Balci, Besim U.
- Date: 2012-01-25
- Subjects: Civil engineering , Construction industry , Labor productivity
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:1964 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/4321
- Description: M.Ing. , The ability of construction firms to stay solvent largely depends on productivity. Productivity improvement is the key to economic prosperity in the long term. It provides the basis for increasing wages and more prosperous firms. Various methods can be implemented to measure and increase productivity which will result an increased output and efficiency. The aim of this work is to address the methods to be used for labour productivity measurement and improvement in civil engineering context. A case study will be done on a current construction project.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Balci, Besim U.
- Date: 2012-01-25
- Subjects: Civil engineering , Construction industry , Labor productivity
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:1964 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/4321
- Description: M.Ing. , The ability of construction firms to stay solvent largely depends on productivity. Productivity improvement is the key to economic prosperity in the long term. It provides the basis for increasing wages and more prosperous firms. Various methods can be implemented to measure and increase productivity which will result an increased output and efficiency. The aim of this work is to address the methods to be used for labour productivity measurement and improvement in civil engineering context. A case study will be done on a current construction project.
- Full Text:
A case study on project initiation, implementation and termination in a heavy industry
- Authors: Cathey, Steve William
- Date: 2011-11-21
- Subjects: Project management , Industrial management
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:1705 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/4049
- Description: M.Ing. , The emphasis in this dissertation will thus be to apply a case study to project initiation, implementation and termination theoretical steps and practically apply these steps to a brick making plant environment so as to guide project managers in systematic steps of nmning their own heavy industry project. To familiarise the reader with the following issues is the main objective. Vital components include project planning of works, project time and cost control, monitoring and control of designed work, monitoring and control of on and off-site work, quality control and expediting operational commissioning. These issues will be discussed under the abovementioned headings of project initiation, implementation and tennination. The appendices contain a practical application and set format that could be used to run a project of small scale and adjusted to suite larger projects. The format and plmming tools of the case study has been developed by the author and is free to be used if so needed.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Cathey, Steve William
- Date: 2011-11-21
- Subjects: Project management , Industrial management
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:1705 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/4049
- Description: M.Ing. , The emphasis in this dissertation will thus be to apply a case study to project initiation, implementation and termination theoretical steps and practically apply these steps to a brick making plant environment so as to guide project managers in systematic steps of nmning their own heavy industry project. To familiarise the reader with the following issues is the main objective. Vital components include project planning of works, project time and cost control, monitoring and control of designed work, monitoring and control of on and off-site work, quality control and expediting operational commissioning. These issues will be discussed under the abovementioned headings of project initiation, implementation and tennination. The appendices contain a practical application and set format that could be used to run a project of small scale and adjusted to suite larger projects. The format and plmming tools of the case study has been developed by the author and is free to be used if so needed.
- Full Text:
A materials management information system (MMIS) in a steel industry
- Van der Walt, Margaretha Susanna
- Authors: Van der Walt, Margaretha Susanna
- Date: 2012-08-20
- Subjects: Materials management - South Africa , Management information systems - South Africa , Steel industry and trade - South Africa
- Type: Mini-Dissertation
- Identifier: uj:2751 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/6191
- Description: M. Ing. , Purchasing/procurement, materials management, supply chain management and logistics are strategic elements linking customer requirements with the possibilities of the market. Purchasing is establishing itself as a center of competence for the strategic alliances and development partnerships with suppliers, for the continual process of improvement and for strategic cost management in product development. Materials Management within the Steel Industry is primarily concerned with the planning, acquisition, conversion, flow, and distribution of raw materials to finished goods. Through the use of Materials Management techniques, a company can initiate cost reduction programs. These can include lower stock levels, reduction in number of vendors used, better quality of goods used, integration of supply chain into company's own value chain, etc. As such, it is important to have an integrated, supporting information system, which can supply valid, up-to-date information as and when required. This thesis investigates whether it is necessary or more advantageous to buy a ready-to-use system, or to write a custom system, to fulfil the before mentioned requirement. New technologies create the opportunity to do business more effectively. Managers must however, take responsibility for participating in the planning and design of the information systems. Many computer-generated reports are designed to enable managers to keep track of day-to-day operations and to monitor the use of resources. Through effective design these reports can help manage not only the use of resources, but also the total cost of ownership. Decision support systems are designed to support semi-structured and unstructured decisions in situations in which information is incomplete. They are developed to support decisions that are so different each time that it would be hard to develop a standard set of procedures for programming them. Such decisions may be specific and may relate to a one-time-only situation. A decision support system should enable the decision-maker to apply the right decision rule to a problem, rather than using standard rules that may not apply because of changing conditions.After a sample group tested the custom software system and completed the questionnaires, the information was summarised. The most important conclusion is that while the smaller, custom written system is not ideally suited for every application within a larger company, it will be ideal for a smaller company. Ease of adaptation and the financial impact also influences the final decision, where the easier to adapt, 'cheaper' custom system is more suitable to a small company.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Van der Walt, Margaretha Susanna
- Date: 2012-08-20
- Subjects: Materials management - South Africa , Management information systems - South Africa , Steel industry and trade - South Africa
- Type: Mini-Dissertation
- Identifier: uj:2751 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/6191
- Description: M. Ing. , Purchasing/procurement, materials management, supply chain management and logistics are strategic elements linking customer requirements with the possibilities of the market. Purchasing is establishing itself as a center of competence for the strategic alliances and development partnerships with suppliers, for the continual process of improvement and for strategic cost management in product development. Materials Management within the Steel Industry is primarily concerned with the planning, acquisition, conversion, flow, and distribution of raw materials to finished goods. Through the use of Materials Management techniques, a company can initiate cost reduction programs. These can include lower stock levels, reduction in number of vendors used, better quality of goods used, integration of supply chain into company's own value chain, etc. As such, it is important to have an integrated, supporting information system, which can supply valid, up-to-date information as and when required. This thesis investigates whether it is necessary or more advantageous to buy a ready-to-use system, or to write a custom system, to fulfil the before mentioned requirement. New technologies create the opportunity to do business more effectively. Managers must however, take responsibility for participating in the planning and design of the information systems. Many computer-generated reports are designed to enable managers to keep track of day-to-day operations and to monitor the use of resources. Through effective design these reports can help manage not only the use of resources, but also the total cost of ownership. Decision support systems are designed to support semi-structured and unstructured decisions in situations in which information is incomplete. They are developed to support decisions that are so different each time that it would be hard to develop a standard set of procedures for programming them. Such decisions may be specific and may relate to a one-time-only situation. A decision support system should enable the decision-maker to apply the right decision rule to a problem, rather than using standard rules that may not apply because of changing conditions.After a sample group tested the custom software system and completed the questionnaires, the information was summarised. The most important conclusion is that while the smaller, custom written system is not ideally suited for every application within a larger company, it will be ideal for a smaller company. Ease of adaptation and the financial impact also influences the final decision, where the easier to adapt, 'cheaper' custom system is more suitable to a small company.
- Full Text:
An evaluation of just-in-time principles as part of the logistics chain in an engineering business
- Authors: Olckers, Nicolaas Johannes
- Date: 2012-08-20
- Subjects: Just-in-time systems. , Manufacturing processes.
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:2857 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/6291
- Description: M.Ing. , This report covers literature studies of Logistics, Warehousing (as one of the important components in the logistics chain) as well as Just-in-time (JIT) principles (as an important focus recently in logistics operations). The spareparts distribution function of a South African motorcar manufacturing business is then investigated and positioned within the logistics chain and warehousing concept, using the information from the literature study. The implementation of Just-in-time (JIT) principles with regards to specific components of the logistics chain is then investigated in the form of case studies. While most literature only discuss the implementation of JIT principles in a manufacturing environment, this report highlights the fact that substantial benefits can also be obtained by implementing JIT principles in a non-manufacturing environment. This investigation highlights specific benefits as well as negative points which support the literature and which could be used to guide future implementors of JIT principles.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Olckers, Nicolaas Johannes
- Date: 2012-08-20
- Subjects: Just-in-time systems. , Manufacturing processes.
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:2857 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/6291
- Description: M.Ing. , This report covers literature studies of Logistics, Warehousing (as one of the important components in the logistics chain) as well as Just-in-time (JIT) principles (as an important focus recently in logistics operations). The spareparts distribution function of a South African motorcar manufacturing business is then investigated and positioned within the logistics chain and warehousing concept, using the information from the literature study. The implementation of Just-in-time (JIT) principles with regards to specific components of the logistics chain is then investigated in the form of case studies. While most literature only discuss the implementation of JIT principles in a manufacturing environment, this report highlights the fact that substantial benefits can also be obtained by implementing JIT principles in a non-manufacturing environment. This investigation highlights specific benefits as well as negative points which support the literature and which could be used to guide future implementors of JIT principles.
- 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:
Aspects of business process re-engineering within a copper and nickle smelter
- Authors: Opperman, Shane Gary
- Date: 2012-09-10
- Subjects: Smelting furnaces , Reengineering (Management)
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:9918 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/7317
- Description: M.Phil. , Company XYZ is a marginal copper and nickel mine relying on emergency funding from the government in order to make it through difficult cash-flow periods. Previous change initiatives within the organisation have failed dismally. Changes within the organisation are however inevitable in order to prevent Company XYZ from closing down. This research proposes to study certain management philosophies and methodologies being used within Company XYZ, with a view to implementing change initiatives in order to ensure survival of the organisation. This was done by, comparing current management practices found in Company XYZ with literature. Topics include the direction in which the organisation is moving, the vision, management philosophies, reliability/quality and the restructuring of the organisation. A literature review of business process re-engineering was performed and a comparison to total quality management was made. Management philosophies were investigated and it is recommended that Company XYZ adopt Demings management philosophy as it focuses on quality, continuous improvement and employee involvement. Demings' 14 points were highlighted and the benefits were related to Company XYZ. The smelter is maintenance intensive and suffers from breakdown maintenance. As a result, it is recommended that reliability centred maintenance principles are implemented. Company XYZ further need to introduce design review meetings in order to improve the quality in which modifications are implemented. Along with business process re-engineering, four organisational designs were investigated, i.e. the functional organisation, the product organisation, the matrix organisation and the network organisation. Due to the size and complexity of the organisation and the need to focus on business objectives, it is recommended that Company XYZ adopt the network organisational structure and it is further recommended that the smelter focus on processes. Therefore the smelter is to be viewed as a business unit and based on the advice of BPR practitioners it is recommended that the smelter focus on processes. In order to ensure that the proposed changes are implemented successfully, the issue of change management and the importance thereof was investigated. Factors that can affect the change process were highlighted.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Opperman, Shane Gary
- Date: 2012-09-10
- Subjects: Smelting furnaces , Reengineering (Management)
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:9918 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/7317
- Description: M.Phil. , Company XYZ is a marginal copper and nickel mine relying on emergency funding from the government in order to make it through difficult cash-flow periods. Previous change initiatives within the organisation have failed dismally. Changes within the organisation are however inevitable in order to prevent Company XYZ from closing down. This research proposes to study certain management philosophies and methodologies being used within Company XYZ, with a view to implementing change initiatives in order to ensure survival of the organisation. This was done by, comparing current management practices found in Company XYZ with literature. Topics include the direction in which the organisation is moving, the vision, management philosophies, reliability/quality and the restructuring of the organisation. A literature review of business process re-engineering was performed and a comparison to total quality management was made. Management philosophies were investigated and it is recommended that Company XYZ adopt Demings management philosophy as it focuses on quality, continuous improvement and employee involvement. Demings' 14 points were highlighted and the benefits were related to Company XYZ. The smelter is maintenance intensive and suffers from breakdown maintenance. As a result, it is recommended that reliability centred maintenance principles are implemented. Company XYZ further need to introduce design review meetings in order to improve the quality in which modifications are implemented. Along with business process re-engineering, four organisational designs were investigated, i.e. the functional organisation, the product organisation, the matrix organisation and the network organisation. Due to the size and complexity of the organisation and the need to focus on business objectives, it is recommended that Company XYZ adopt the network organisational structure and it is further recommended that the smelter focus on processes. Therefore the smelter is to be viewed as a business unit and based on the advice of BPR practitioners it is recommended that the smelter focus on processes. In order to ensure that the proposed changes are implemented successfully, the issue of change management and the importance thereof was investigated. Factors that can affect the change process were highlighted.
- Full Text:
Aspects of engineering project failure: a managerial approach
- Authors: Pretorius, Yolandi
- Date: 2009-02-26T12:22:11Z
- Subjects: Project management , Building failures
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:8176 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/2180
- Description: M.Ing. , It is of cardinal importance to accept that failure is a fundamental part of every day life. The difference is however, that one does not only need to learn from ones own failures, but also from others’ failures. This is similar to the situation of not working harder, but working smarter. There are several factors within the project environment that can cause a project to fail, but once these factors have been identified the project manager can implement “preventive maintenance” to ensure that these factors do not affect the project. Further investigations on a recently failed project and questionnaires set-up by the author confirm the factors contributing to project failure as discussed in the literature case study. One way to manage these factors is by means of proper project management and risk management, which is a sub-set of project management. This dissertation highlights certain problem areas that can hinder project success and provides recommendations to achieve project success.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Pretorius, Yolandi
- Date: 2009-02-26T12:22:11Z
- Subjects: Project management , Building failures
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:8176 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/2180
- Description: M.Ing. , It is of cardinal importance to accept that failure is a fundamental part of every day life. The difference is however, that one does not only need to learn from ones own failures, but also from others’ failures. This is similar to the situation of not working harder, but working smarter. There are several factors within the project environment that can cause a project to fail, but once these factors have been identified the project manager can implement “preventive maintenance” to ensure that these factors do not affect the project. Further investigations on a recently failed project and questionnaires set-up by the author confirm the factors contributing to project failure as discussed in the literature case study. One way to manage these factors is by means of proper project management and risk management, which is a sub-set of project management. This dissertation highlights certain problem areas that can hinder project success and provides recommendations to achieve project success.
- Full Text:
Aspects of fluid flow over vibrating bluff bodies
- Authors: Henning, Barend Jacobus
- Date: 2012-09-11
- Subjects: Fluid dynamics -- Mathematical models , Fluid mechanics
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:9971 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/7366
- Description: D.Ing. , The aim of this thesis is to research the use of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) as design tool to predict fluid flow across stationary and moving bluff bodies. The principle of moving meshes is introduced to move the body vertically with respect to time. The moving mesh idea is first tested on a square body with a coarse discretized flow domain for transient conditions. The results can be animated to see how the flow pattern and mesh change with time. The idea is then implemented on a cylinder with a very fine mesh to capture the build-up and dispersion of vortices being shed from the cylinder as it moves cyclically for transient conditions. With this first approach a bluff body is forced to move cyclically with respect to time in cross flow. Many possibilities now exist to apply this idea further for other applications where forced vibration is important.The next approach is to use CFD to simulate flow-induced vibrations of bluff bodies. The pressure force on the bluff body is considered as a first approach to solve this problem. The inertia mass of the body balancing the effect of the pressure force on the body is first used, but the results indicate that damping and stiffness also have to be considered to obtain more realistic results. The effect of the pressure force on the body shows generally a downwards movement of the body for the first period of simulation and in the case of the square, after six time steps of the period of simulation the .pressure force switches to a positive value with resulting upwards movement of the body. The effect of the total force (shear + pressure) on a bluff body is not presented in this thesis. CFD as design tool is researched for various bundle configurations of cylinders. A new concept of split cylinders is researched and the best configuration obtained for various horizontal and vertical spacings of downstream- and upstream cylinders and cylinder halves. Experimental results on cylinders in a - small scale wind tunnel are used to compare the numerical results with the obtained pressure distribution around a stationary cylinder and the concept of velocity distribution over and between a split cylinder. Further development of the numerical flow model is necessary to include elasticity and longer three dimensional spanwise lengths of the object to obtain predictions of real flow-induced vibrations of bluff bodies. This first approach of numerical predictions of flow across stationary and moving bluff bodies creates many possibilities of complementing experimental results and comparing the obtained results with each other.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Henning, Barend Jacobus
- Date: 2012-09-11
- Subjects: Fluid dynamics -- Mathematical models , Fluid mechanics
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:9971 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/7366
- Description: D.Ing. , The aim of this thesis is to research the use of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) as design tool to predict fluid flow across stationary and moving bluff bodies. The principle of moving meshes is introduced to move the body vertically with respect to time. The moving mesh idea is first tested on a square body with a coarse discretized flow domain for transient conditions. The results can be animated to see how the flow pattern and mesh change with time. The idea is then implemented on a cylinder with a very fine mesh to capture the build-up and dispersion of vortices being shed from the cylinder as it moves cyclically for transient conditions. With this first approach a bluff body is forced to move cyclically with respect to time in cross flow. Many possibilities now exist to apply this idea further for other applications where forced vibration is important.The next approach is to use CFD to simulate flow-induced vibrations of bluff bodies. The pressure force on the bluff body is considered as a first approach to solve this problem. The inertia mass of the body balancing the effect of the pressure force on the body is first used, but the results indicate that damping and stiffness also have to be considered to obtain more realistic results. The effect of the pressure force on the body shows generally a downwards movement of the body for the first period of simulation and in the case of the square, after six time steps of the period of simulation the .pressure force switches to a positive value with resulting upwards movement of the body. The effect of the total force (shear + pressure) on a bluff body is not presented in this thesis. CFD as design tool is researched for various bundle configurations of cylinders. A new concept of split cylinders is researched and the best configuration obtained for various horizontal and vertical spacings of downstream- and upstream cylinders and cylinder halves. Experimental results on cylinders in a - small scale wind tunnel are used to compare the numerical results with the obtained pressure distribution around a stationary cylinder and the concept of velocity distribution over and between a split cylinder. Further development of the numerical flow model is necessary to include elasticity and longer three dimensional spanwise lengths of the object to obtain predictions of real flow-induced vibrations of bluff bodies. This first approach of numerical predictions of flow across stationary and moving bluff bodies creates many possibilities of complementing experimental results and comparing the obtained results with each other.
- Full Text:
Aspects of management in a research and development organization
- Authors: El-Hesnawi, Mohamed Rahoma
- Date: 2009-02-26T12:18:37Z
- Subjects: Industrial research management , Organizational change , Strategic planning
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:8155 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/2161
- Description: M.Phil. , The important role that research and development (R&D) plays in the economic well being of a nation, and by implication the profitability of a business enterprise, has long been recognized. In this era, in which the world live in turbulent times, technology advances at an ever-increasing pace and customers needs are constantly changing. Global competition has reached unprecedented levels. Globalisation brings new economic powers and opportunities constantly. The global marketplace has emerged as a battlefield of the world, were many competitors are fighting for a share. These factors urge the need more than ever for new products, processes and services to be able to enter this battlefield and emerge as a victorious. The way to these new products, processes and services is the adaptation of an effective program of R&D. It is therefore important to appreciate the many aspects of the R&D function, which is the subject of this work. This research stresses the benefits that R&D brings to the nation and what measures that nation can adopt to promote R&D programs. The work also stresses the importance of R&D to private firms, and how the performance of such firms is linked to their use of technology and to the intensity of their R&D programs. Firms sustain economic growth and secure a competitive position by creating new products and new services, and these are the natural results of the R&D process. In the course of executing their R&D programs, firms are faced with many barriers and constraints that impede successful R&D activities. Many barriers have been identified and classified into different categories. Firms function in different environments, have different sizes, and different affiliations, hence it is difficult to suggest that there is a fixed set of R&D management practices that will fit all kinds of firms. In this research many general R&D management practices are recommended, which if implemented may lead to a successful R&D results. R&D is one of the important functions of the business; hence its strategy should be a natural extension of the business and should support this strategy. The concept of business strategy and why firms need to develop business strategy are discussed. Also elements needed to develop a best R&D strategy are recommended.
- Full Text:
- Authors: El-Hesnawi, Mohamed Rahoma
- Date: 2009-02-26T12:18:37Z
- Subjects: Industrial research management , Organizational change , Strategic planning
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:8155 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/2161
- Description: M.Phil. , The important role that research and development (R&D) plays in the economic well being of a nation, and by implication the profitability of a business enterprise, has long been recognized. In this era, in which the world live in turbulent times, technology advances at an ever-increasing pace and customers needs are constantly changing. Global competition has reached unprecedented levels. Globalisation brings new economic powers and opportunities constantly. The global marketplace has emerged as a battlefield of the world, were many competitors are fighting for a share. These factors urge the need more than ever for new products, processes and services to be able to enter this battlefield and emerge as a victorious. The way to these new products, processes and services is the adaptation of an effective program of R&D. It is therefore important to appreciate the many aspects of the R&D function, which is the subject of this work. This research stresses the benefits that R&D brings to the nation and what measures that nation can adopt to promote R&D programs. The work also stresses the importance of R&D to private firms, and how the performance of such firms is linked to their use of technology and to the intensity of their R&D programs. Firms sustain economic growth and secure a competitive position by creating new products and new services, and these are the natural results of the R&D process. In the course of executing their R&D programs, firms are faced with many barriers and constraints that impede successful R&D activities. Many barriers have been identified and classified into different categories. Firms function in different environments, have different sizes, and different affiliations, hence it is difficult to suggest that there is a fixed set of R&D management practices that will fit all kinds of firms. In this research many general R&D management practices are recommended, which if implemented may lead to a successful R&D results. R&D is one of the important functions of the business; hence its strategy should be a natural extension of the business and should support this strategy. The concept of business strategy and why firms need to develop business strategy are discussed. Also elements needed to develop a best R&D strategy are recommended.
- Full Text:
Aspects of management of the electricity supply industry in a deregulated environment
- Authors: Pretorius, Zirk Bernardus
- Date: 2012-09-12
- Subjects: Electric power distribution - South Africa , Electric power distribution - Economic aspects , Deregulation - South Africa
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:10177 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/7554
- Description: M.Ing. , Traditionally, the Electricity Supply Industry (ESI) organisational structure consisted of generating plant, transmission and distribution networks, a regulating authority and network control, all vertically integrated into single organisational structure. The result of the vertically integrated organisational structure, in other words an organisation where all the functions belong to a single organisation, and some of the organisation's functions are not the sole responsibility of one specific functional area, has been a captive market for the industry. No real market forces existed to control the industry. The responsibility for the industry was traditionally left in the hands of a single organisation, accountable only to the regulating authority. However, the industry has recently been subjected to incredible pressure to reform. The incentive to reform is based on various factors, ranging from sound business decisions, the need to reduce government debt, reduction of primary energy cost for key industries to political pressure. A common thread throughout the reform exercise is the requirement that competition must be introduced into the ESI to ensure market forces on the industry. To introduce competition into the industry, the authorities often start by unbundling the different functions in the industry. The second step is to identify the functions that can only operate effectively as a monopoly. The authorities then need to determine the optimum balance between regulatory rules and requirements and market forces on the. industry. By introducing the optimum balance between industry regulation, market forces and the specific needs of each country, the changes in the industry may result in long term gain for the industry's host country. The gains are often measured in reduced electricity cost and growth in industries dependant on the ESI as a primary energy source. The study incorporates a wide range of issues, starting with the drivers behind the deregulation effort through management tools to regulatory rules and requirements in the deregulated environment. The study evaluates the risks and benefits of the deregulated market, and examines the tools adopted from the financial markets and used in the new electricity markets. The requirement for regulatory rules will be evident throughout the dissertation, and will be discussed in detail in the final chapter. The study is concluded with the message that the common factors and resultant solutions are of such a nature that it would not be necessary to develop a new set of rules, regulations and management tools for a country starting down the road of deregulation. It would however be required to determine the needs of the industry's host country and to adapt the current tools and regulatory rules to the country it is implemented in. The final outcome of the dissertation is that the post-deregulated industry has only just started operating under the new regulatory regime and using the newly developed electricity markets. The industry is still subject to a severe learning curve, adapting and developing daily to satisfy the needs of a deregulated industry. There are sections of the industry that still need to be examined and optimised. However, the success of some of the deregulation efforts in the industry, and especially the deregulation in the UK confidently underwrite any equivalent exercise in the ESI.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Pretorius, Zirk Bernardus
- Date: 2012-09-12
- Subjects: Electric power distribution - South Africa , Electric power distribution - Economic aspects , Deregulation - South Africa
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:10177 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/7554
- Description: M.Ing. , Traditionally, the Electricity Supply Industry (ESI) organisational structure consisted of generating plant, transmission and distribution networks, a regulating authority and network control, all vertically integrated into single organisational structure. The result of the vertically integrated organisational structure, in other words an organisation where all the functions belong to a single organisation, and some of the organisation's functions are not the sole responsibility of one specific functional area, has been a captive market for the industry. No real market forces existed to control the industry. The responsibility for the industry was traditionally left in the hands of a single organisation, accountable only to the regulating authority. However, the industry has recently been subjected to incredible pressure to reform. The incentive to reform is based on various factors, ranging from sound business decisions, the need to reduce government debt, reduction of primary energy cost for key industries to political pressure. A common thread throughout the reform exercise is the requirement that competition must be introduced into the ESI to ensure market forces on the industry. To introduce competition into the industry, the authorities often start by unbundling the different functions in the industry. The second step is to identify the functions that can only operate effectively as a monopoly. The authorities then need to determine the optimum balance between regulatory rules and requirements and market forces on the. industry. By introducing the optimum balance between industry regulation, market forces and the specific needs of each country, the changes in the industry may result in long term gain for the industry's host country. The gains are often measured in reduced electricity cost and growth in industries dependant on the ESI as a primary energy source. The study incorporates a wide range of issues, starting with the drivers behind the deregulation effort through management tools to regulatory rules and requirements in the deregulated environment. The study evaluates the risks and benefits of the deregulated market, and examines the tools adopted from the financial markets and used in the new electricity markets. The requirement for regulatory rules will be evident throughout the dissertation, and will be discussed in detail in the final chapter. The study is concluded with the message that the common factors and resultant solutions are of such a nature that it would not be necessary to develop a new set of rules, regulations and management tools for a country starting down the road of deregulation. It would however be required to determine the needs of the industry's host country and to adapt the current tools and regulatory rules to the country it is implemented in. The final outcome of the dissertation is that the post-deregulated industry has only just started operating under the new regulatory regime and using the newly developed electricity markets. The industry is still subject to a severe learning curve, adapting and developing daily to satisfy the needs of a deregulated industry. There are sections of the industry that still need to be examined and optimised. However, the success of some of the deregulation efforts in the industry, and especially the deregulation in the UK confidently underwrite any equivalent exercise in the ESI.
- Full Text:
Aspects of materials handling systems in the steel fabrication environment
- Authors: Roux, Ronelle
- Date: 2012-08-14
- Subjects: Materials handling , Materials management , Plant layout , Steel industry and trade
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:9141 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/5596
- Description: M.Ing. , This dissertation covers a literature survey of materials handling and plant layout in the steel fabrication environment. It covers some of the elements and principles of materials handling and how they interact with and influence the effective flow of materials in an operation. Some of the current materials handling methods and systems of a specific South African steel fabrication operation are then investigated. By using the information from the literature study, an evaluation is done on some of these handling methods and systems. The implementation of materials handling elements and principles is investigated in the form of a case study, by using methods proposed in the literature survey. This investigation identifies current materials handling problems in the steel fabrication environment. Recommendations are made that may aid the improvement of materials flow and production output in this particular steel fabrication operation.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Roux, Ronelle
- Date: 2012-08-14
- Subjects: Materials handling , Materials management , Plant layout , Steel industry and trade
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:9141 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/5596
- Description: M.Ing. , This dissertation covers a literature survey of materials handling and plant layout in the steel fabrication environment. It covers some of the elements and principles of materials handling and how they interact with and influence the effective flow of materials in an operation. Some of the current materials handling methods and systems of a specific South African steel fabrication operation are then investigated. By using the information from the literature study, an evaluation is done on some of these handling methods and systems. The implementation of materials handling elements and principles is investigated in the form of a case study, by using methods proposed in the literature survey. This investigation identifies current materials handling problems in the steel fabrication environment. Recommendations are made that may aid the improvement of materials flow and production output in this particular steel fabrication operation.
- Full Text:
Assessment of value added to engineering projects
- Authors: Mosweu, Collen
- Date: 2012-08-15
- Subjects: Value analysis (Cost control) , Systems engineering , Reengineering (Management) , Project management
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:9357 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/5796
- Description: M.Ing. , The topic of this research project is 'Assessment of value added to engineering projects'. In this dissertation the aim is to introduce the reader to the methodologies, which can be used to add value to engineering projects. Engineering has to do with the application of science in solving problems, while technology is the study or use of the mechanical arts or applied sciences. The author saw it fitting to combine value engineering principles, systems engineering, business process re-engineering, technology scanning and innovation technology management principles to base this dissertation on the research of the combined principles. The intention of this research is not to replace the current project management or processes on how to manage and create value in engineering projects. The research merely identifies an issue and proposes a process as an addition to the current processes rectifying this 'lack of value' issue.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mosweu, Collen
- Date: 2012-08-15
- Subjects: Value analysis (Cost control) , Systems engineering , Reengineering (Management) , Project management
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:9357 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/5796
- Description: M.Ing. , The topic of this research project is 'Assessment of value added to engineering projects'. In this dissertation the aim is to introduce the reader to the methodologies, which can be used to add value to engineering projects. Engineering has to do with the application of science in solving problems, while technology is the study or use of the mechanical arts or applied sciences. The author saw it fitting to combine value engineering principles, systems engineering, business process re-engineering, technology scanning and innovation technology management principles to base this dissertation on the research of the combined principles. The intention of this research is not to replace the current project management or processes on how to manage and create value in engineering projects. The research merely identifies an issue and proposes a process as an addition to the current processes rectifying this 'lack of value' issue.
- Full Text:
Asset evaluation methods for intellectual property
- Authors: Brewer, Cordell
- Date: 2012-03-26
- Subjects: Intellectual property valuation
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:2173 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/4553
- Description: M.Ing. , With the introduction of "International Financial Reporting Standards" (IFRS) through out Europe in April 2001, there is a requirement to accurately report the value of all company assets. This will include by implication all intangible assets and Intellectual Property, such as patents, trademarks, copyrights, and know-how. Items that have not been recorded before are much more visible under IFRS and will need to be carefully interpreted by investors and analysts. In order to meet the future needs of their business, companies will require stringent measures to determine and report the true value of their assets, including intangible assets like patents, trademarks, copyrights, and know-how. Currently there is a lack in methodology which can accurately and reliably determine the value of Intellectual Property for the European business community. Research is being performed by the Max Planck institute in Munich (home of the European Patent Office) to develop a comprehensive model to uniformly evaluate different types of intangible assets. There are several different quantitative models which are which are being used currently to value patents. The existing methods can not be used to objectively compare patents with one another. It is necessary to build a method that can be applied systematically to different patents in various contexts to achieve symetrical evaluations. This dissertation project will be focused on building a model to produce a score for European Patents indicative of their statistical survivability. The model will predict which patents will be maintained based on objective criteria that correlate with historical maintenance of previous patents. The model will examine different factors that have a statistically significant correlation to either higher or lower survivability or abandonment rates. Examples of the factors to be considered include: prior art citations, disclosure, claims, prosecutions, forward citing, ownership and others. This project will produce a model which indicates the statistically survivability of European Patents in terms of a qualitative score which gives an indication of how valuable a patent will be in terms of it's survivability in a legal landscape. This model will then be extended by research currently underway at the Max Planck Institute, to a more comprehensive model that takes additional variables into account, but this is 2 outside the scope of this project. The extension of this system is to encompass the technological, financial and business strategic and legal landscapes. This project contributes towards a system that will help determine the value of a company's Intellectual Property, allowing these intangible assets to be disclosed to shareholders as required by the new International Financial Reporting Standards in Europe.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Brewer, Cordell
- Date: 2012-03-26
- Subjects: Intellectual property valuation
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:2173 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/4553
- Description: M.Ing. , With the introduction of "International Financial Reporting Standards" (IFRS) through out Europe in April 2001, there is a requirement to accurately report the value of all company assets. This will include by implication all intangible assets and Intellectual Property, such as patents, trademarks, copyrights, and know-how. Items that have not been recorded before are much more visible under IFRS and will need to be carefully interpreted by investors and analysts. In order to meet the future needs of their business, companies will require stringent measures to determine and report the true value of their assets, including intangible assets like patents, trademarks, copyrights, and know-how. Currently there is a lack in methodology which can accurately and reliably determine the value of Intellectual Property for the European business community. Research is being performed by the Max Planck institute in Munich (home of the European Patent Office) to develop a comprehensive model to uniformly evaluate different types of intangible assets. There are several different quantitative models which are which are being used currently to value patents. The existing methods can not be used to objectively compare patents with one another. It is necessary to build a method that can be applied systematically to different patents in various contexts to achieve symetrical evaluations. This dissertation project will be focused on building a model to produce a score for European Patents indicative of their statistical survivability. The model will predict which patents will be maintained based on objective criteria that correlate with historical maintenance of previous patents. The model will examine different factors that have a statistically significant correlation to either higher or lower survivability or abandonment rates. Examples of the factors to be considered include: prior art citations, disclosure, claims, prosecutions, forward citing, ownership and others. This project will produce a model which indicates the statistically survivability of European Patents in terms of a qualitative score which gives an indication of how valuable a patent will be in terms of it's survivability in a legal landscape. This model will then be extended by research currently underway at the Max Planck Institute, to a more comprehensive model that takes additional variables into account, but this is 2 outside the scope of this project. The extension of this system is to encompass the technological, financial and business strategic and legal landscapes. This project contributes towards a system that will help determine the value of a company's Intellectual Property, allowing these intangible assets to be disclosed to shareholders as required by the new International Financial Reporting Standards in Europe.
- 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:
Challenges in starting an engineering consulting/test and certification facility in the explosion prevention field in South Africa
- Authors: Viljoen, Roelof
- Date: 2012-08-20
- Subjects: Consulting engineers - South Africa - Marketing , Strategic planning - South Africa. , Explosions - South Africa - Prevention.
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:2858 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/6292
- Description: M.Phil. , Three test and certification bodies in the explosion prevention field currently exist in South Africa. One of these bodies was started in 2003 and faced a significant number of challenges in competition with the two other wellestablished bodies / institutions. This dissertation covers some of the internal and external challenges especially with respect to strategic marketing in a small and specialized industrial market, but also in the global market. The dissertation is based on the basic requirements, analysis and implementation of a marketing strategy and marketing plan, covering both the theoretical aspects and the specific challenges as experienced by the body in the case study. Market research, market segmentation, industry analysis, competitive analysis, aspects of industrial marketing and SWOT Analysis are topics included in the development of the strategic and marketing plan for the business in the case study.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Viljoen, Roelof
- Date: 2012-08-20
- Subjects: Consulting engineers - South Africa - Marketing , Strategic planning - South Africa. , Explosions - South Africa - Prevention.
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:2858 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/6292
- Description: M.Phil. , Three test and certification bodies in the explosion prevention field currently exist in South Africa. One of these bodies was started in 2003 and faced a significant number of challenges in competition with the two other wellestablished bodies / institutions. This dissertation covers some of the internal and external challenges especially with respect to strategic marketing in a small and specialized industrial market, but also in the global market. The dissertation is based on the basic requirements, analysis and implementation of a marketing strategy and marketing plan, covering both the theoretical aspects and the specific challenges as experienced by the body in the case study. Market research, market segmentation, industry analysis, competitive analysis, aspects of industrial marketing and SWOT Analysis are topics included in the development of the strategic and marketing plan for the business in the case study.
- Full Text:
Controlling risk in a town house development : a case study
- Authors: Gordon-Watt, Matthew
- Date: 2011-12-06
- Subjects: Loss control , Risk management , Risk assessment , Project management , Housing development , Real estate development
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:1857 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/4214
- Description: M.Ing. , As the title of the dissertation implies, 'control' and 'risk' are the core issues regarding the dissertation. The approach by which a property development company manages these two issues are the focal points. The primary research objective was to draw conclusions from feedback obtained via a property developer and compare the findings to its literature counterpart. Expanding on the primary objective one aimed to determine commonalties and differences (case study and literature) and derive logical explanations for those differences. The second research objective was a by-product from the first. That being if the property developer is controlling his risk in the best manner possible given the inherent restrictions, in other words is the system efficient. It was evident that control measures and ways to identify and manage risk were put in place by the developer. Most of the literature theory corresponds with that of the property developer. Elements of risk were noted via analysis of the results. One way of increasing the efficiency of the system would be to increase the focus/resources in the evaluation/planning phase. In turn by improving the control mechanisms it may be possible to improve the systems efficiency. Risk can not be eliminated in its entirety - it is part and parcel of any business, particularly that of property development. Risk and control are therefore critical elements in any business. Understanding the core issues surrounding those elements can only prove beneficial to a company's success. Furthermore, the dissertation raised important issues that may be addressed in future research. Issues that may be followed up on in future research include and are not limited to the following: • Analysis of control and risk management' methods on a broader scale, in terms of a larger survey population. • Investigate and analyze the efficiency of a property development company/companies. • Expand on various risk issues: - return on investment, the market, project site, the project, the process, the organization and contingency. • Expand on various control measures: - tools (charts, schedules etc.), communication.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Gordon-Watt, Matthew
- Date: 2011-12-06
- Subjects: Loss control , Risk management , Risk assessment , Project management , Housing development , Real estate development
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:1857 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/4214
- Description: M.Ing. , As the title of the dissertation implies, 'control' and 'risk' are the core issues regarding the dissertation. The approach by which a property development company manages these two issues are the focal points. The primary research objective was to draw conclusions from feedback obtained via a property developer and compare the findings to its literature counterpart. Expanding on the primary objective one aimed to determine commonalties and differences (case study and literature) and derive logical explanations for those differences. The second research objective was a by-product from the first. That being if the property developer is controlling his risk in the best manner possible given the inherent restrictions, in other words is the system efficient. It was evident that control measures and ways to identify and manage risk were put in place by the developer. Most of the literature theory corresponds with that of the property developer. Elements of risk were noted via analysis of the results. One way of increasing the efficiency of the system would be to increase the focus/resources in the evaluation/planning phase. In turn by improving the control mechanisms it may be possible to improve the systems efficiency. Risk can not be eliminated in its entirety - it is part and parcel of any business, particularly that of property development. Risk and control are therefore critical elements in any business. Understanding the core issues surrounding those elements can only prove beneficial to a company's success. Furthermore, the dissertation raised important issues that may be addressed in future research. Issues that may be followed up on in future research include and are not limited to the following: • Analysis of control and risk management' methods on a broader scale, in terms of a larger survey population. • Investigate and analyze the efficiency of a property development company/companies. • Expand on various risk issues: - return on investment, the market, project site, the project, the process, the organization and contingency. • Expand on various control measures: - tools (charts, schedules etc.), communication.
- Full Text:
Cost-effectiveness investment analysis for property development projects
- Authors: Petrov, Daniel Borislavov
- Date: 2012-09-12
- Subjects: Housing development -- South Africa -- Cost effectiveness , Public housing -- South Africa -- Cost effectiveness
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:10191 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/7567
- Description: M.Ing. , In any development undertaking, costs and effectiveness are ever present factors, which need to be considered carefully and managed effectively. Cost effectiveness relates to the measure and forecast of benefits of a project in terms of mission fulfillment (project effectiveness) in monetary terms, and compares these with the project's total life-cycle cost in order to realise the full potential employed for investment decision purposes. In order to be persuaded to take on the risks (financial, political, and market) associated with property development projects, developers and/or investors need a higher return on investment. Why should developers and/or investors be concerned with cost-effectiveness analysis? The most superficial answer to this question could be, that references to such analysis can be viewed as an important source of persuasion, giving developers and/or investors an opportunity for proper determination of whether the strategy that is being proposed appears to be worthwhile. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to concentrate on one strand of a wide ranging research agenda, that should provide comprehensive and meaningful information concerned with the issue of cost effectiveness within the housing development industry.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Petrov, Daniel Borislavov
- Date: 2012-09-12
- Subjects: Housing development -- South Africa -- Cost effectiveness , Public housing -- South Africa -- Cost effectiveness
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:10191 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/7567
- Description: M.Ing. , In any development undertaking, costs and effectiveness are ever present factors, which need to be considered carefully and managed effectively. Cost effectiveness relates to the measure and forecast of benefits of a project in terms of mission fulfillment (project effectiveness) in monetary terms, and compares these with the project's total life-cycle cost in order to realise the full potential employed for investment decision purposes. In order to be persuaded to take on the risks (financial, political, and market) associated with property development projects, developers and/or investors need a higher return on investment. Why should developers and/or investors be concerned with cost-effectiveness analysis? The most superficial answer to this question could be, that references to such analysis can be viewed as an important source of persuasion, giving developers and/or investors an opportunity for proper determination of whether the strategy that is being proposed appears to be worthwhile. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to concentrate on one strand of a wide ranging research agenda, that should provide comprehensive and meaningful information concerned with the issue of cost effectiveness within the housing development industry.
- Full Text: