Technological capability assessment : case studies of SMEs operating in the South African motor body repair sector.
- Muyengwa, G., Dube, P., Battle, K., Mbohwa, Charles
- Authors: Muyengwa, G. , Dube, P. , Battle, K. , Mbohwa, Charles
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Autobody repair industry - South Africa - Evaluation , Technological capability assessment
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:6170 , ISBN 978-3-942100-03-8 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13777
- Description: The paper reports on the technological capability assessment of small, medium and micro enterprises operating in the South African motor body repair sector. Multiple case studies were done on six motor body repair workshops. The study focussed on two technological capabilities, namely tactical and supplementary. Tactical capability focussed on the small enterprise’s ability to carry out auto-body repair and service of motor vehicles. Supplementary capability focussed on training, planning, information support and networking. The technological capability assessment was done through a model with five factors. The research established that most small enterprises understood their value addition activities. Five out of the six studied enterprises had no business strategy and this was found to have contributed to their poor tactical technological capability. All six workshops had weak supplementary technological capability. This was due to non-supportive infrastructure for training and networking. The paper proposes training and setting up of supply chain networks to enhance business growth and sustainability of these businesses.
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- Authors: Muyengwa, G. , Dube, P. , Battle, K. , Mbohwa, Charles
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Autobody repair industry - South Africa - Evaluation , Technological capability assessment
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:6170 , ISBN 978-3-942100-03-8 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13777
- Description: The paper reports on the technological capability assessment of small, medium and micro enterprises operating in the South African motor body repair sector. Multiple case studies were done on six motor body repair workshops. The study focussed on two technological capabilities, namely tactical and supplementary. Tactical capability focussed on the small enterprise’s ability to carry out auto-body repair and service of motor vehicles. Supplementary capability focussed on training, planning, information support and networking. The technological capability assessment was done through a model with five factors. The research established that most small enterprises understood their value addition activities. Five out of the six studied enterprises had no business strategy and this was found to have contributed to their poor tactical technological capability. All six workshops had weak supplementary technological capability. This was due to non-supportive infrastructure for training and networking. The paper proposes training and setting up of supply chain networks to enhance business growth and sustainability of these businesses.
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The transition from high school mathematics to engineering mathematics
- Authors: Steenkamp, H. , Muyengwa, G.
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Mathematics Knowledge gap , Engineering education , Engineering mathematics
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceeding
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/289179 , uj:31371 , Citation: Steenkamp, H. & Muyengwa, G. 2018. The transition from high school mathematics to engineering mathematics. 11th South African Conference on Computational and Applied Mechanics, 17-19 Sept 2018.
- Description: Abstract: Mathematics is an essential course in the study of engineering. It can be argued that mathematics is the backbone of engineering. It is important for educators to have an understanding of the varying backgrounds of students and the way in which this affects their learning. This information will have an impact on teaching methods in the classroom which will ensure that they are inclusive and not exclusive. This is especially true in South Africa where we have a range of schools with different standards even though the final examination is the same. There seems to be a gap that exists between high school and first year engineering mathematics programs. First year engineering mathematics programs seem to present school learners joining the program with significant problems. This article attempted to identify whether there is a mathematics knowledge gap in South Africa. What the impact of this gap on engineering students was and who was responsible to address this problem. This study evaluated the differences between matric mathematics and university engineering mathematics 1. BTech and first year students interviewed and their opinion solicited with regard to the existence of a knowledge gap between matric mathematics and engineering mathematics 1. The pass rate for engineering mathematics 1 was compared over the past four years (2014 to 2017) to determine influence of CAPS on the engineering mathematics 1 results.
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- Authors: Steenkamp, H. , Muyengwa, G.
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Mathematics Knowledge gap , Engineering education , Engineering mathematics
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceeding
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/289179 , uj:31371 , Citation: Steenkamp, H. & Muyengwa, G. 2018. The transition from high school mathematics to engineering mathematics. 11th South African Conference on Computational and Applied Mechanics, 17-19 Sept 2018.
- Description: Abstract: Mathematics is an essential course in the study of engineering. It can be argued that mathematics is the backbone of engineering. It is important for educators to have an understanding of the varying backgrounds of students and the way in which this affects their learning. This information will have an impact on teaching methods in the classroom which will ensure that they are inclusive and not exclusive. This is especially true in South Africa where we have a range of schools with different standards even though the final examination is the same. There seems to be a gap that exists between high school and first year engineering mathematics programs. First year engineering mathematics programs seem to present school learners joining the program with significant problems. This article attempted to identify whether there is a mathematics knowledge gap in South Africa. What the impact of this gap on engineering students was and who was responsible to address this problem. This study evaluated the differences between matric mathematics and university engineering mathematics 1. BTech and first year students interviewed and their opinion solicited with regard to the existence of a knowledge gap between matric mathematics and engineering mathematics 1. The pass rate for engineering mathematics 1 was compared over the past four years (2014 to 2017) to determine influence of CAPS on the engineering mathematics 1 results.
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Managing transition from a small to a large business - the case of a drill rod manufacturer
- Authors: Muyengwa, G. , Dube, P.
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Drill rod manufacturers , Transition management
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:4960 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13061
- Description: Transitioning from a small entrepreneurial company to a larger, “structured”, organisation presents both organisational and management challenges to the founding entrepreneur and stakeholders. Various theories have been put forward that have studied the behaviour of the entrepreneur. However the dynamics that evolve with the change process from the behaviour and decisions of the entrepreneurial founder and managerial structures that emerge have not been well researched. Through a case study research this paper reports a longitudinal study done over three years on a company that is into manufacturing of drilling rods. Theory of organisation transition and a framework for longitudinal researching of entrepreneurial organisations making transition into structured organisations was used. The change process was studied through a conceptual framework that has five informational factors. New management systems and structures were put in place; a new manufacturing strategy and business model were developed. The “verbal culture”, of small companies was replaced by written instructions and proper records keeping, the manufacturing process was documented and standardised through the implementation of Total Quality Management. This paper contributes to the understanding of how an entrepreneurial company transition to a structured one and strengthens our ability to assist entrepreneurs in achieving sustainable growth.
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- Authors: Muyengwa, G. , Dube, P.
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Drill rod manufacturers , Transition management
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:4960 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13061
- Description: Transitioning from a small entrepreneurial company to a larger, “structured”, organisation presents both organisational and management challenges to the founding entrepreneur and stakeholders. Various theories have been put forward that have studied the behaviour of the entrepreneur. However the dynamics that evolve with the change process from the behaviour and decisions of the entrepreneurial founder and managerial structures that emerge have not been well researched. Through a case study research this paper reports a longitudinal study done over three years on a company that is into manufacturing of drilling rods. Theory of organisation transition and a framework for longitudinal researching of entrepreneurial organisations making transition into structured organisations was used. The change process was studied through a conceptual framework that has five informational factors. New management systems and structures were put in place; a new manufacturing strategy and business model were developed. The “verbal culture”, of small companies was replaced by written instructions and proper records keeping, the manufacturing process was documented and standardised through the implementation of Total Quality Management. This paper contributes to the understanding of how an entrepreneurial company transition to a structured one and strengthens our ability to assist entrepreneurs in achieving sustainable growth.
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Enhancing competitiveness and enterprise development needs through entrepreneurial skills training for SMEs in the South African Motor Body Repair sector
- Muyengwa, G., Battle, K., Mbohwa, Charles
- Authors: Muyengwa, G. , Battle, K. , Mbohwa, Charles
- Date: 2011-11-20
- Subjects: Entrepreneurship - Study and teaching , Auto-body repair shops , Competitiveness
- Identifier: uj:5190 , ISBN 978-0-620-52121-5 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/14433
- Description: The aim of this paper is to explore the potential of entrepreneurship education as a leverage tool in enhancing both competitiveness and enterprise development within small and medium enterprises (SMEs) operating in the Motor Body Repair (MBR) sector of the South African automotive industry. An exploratory survey was carried out to ascertain enterprise development needs and competitiveness requirements of these SMEs. The research established that curricula followed in auto body repair training do not consider entrepreneurship education as an important aspect. Major focus of auto body repair training is on repair and replacing of motor vehicle bodywork that would have been damaged in an accident or have suffered from vandalism. The research in addition, established that enterprise development is affected by poor infrastructure, lack of funding, use of poor and old equipment and limited access to markets. Competitive requirements noted were the need for certified multi-skilling training offered by Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) on new vehicle maintenance technologies, acquisition of recommended repair equipment from Original Equipment Suppliers (OES) and the need to integrate entrepreneurship education in the auto body repair curricula. The implications of entrepreneurship education in the auto body repair curriculum would enhance efficient business and financial management, creativity, innovativeness, marketing and job creation opportunities in the MBR sector. For educators’ entrepreneurship education in engineering would prepare students for the ever changing labour markets and encourage them to create new enterprises of their own rather than being perpetual job seekers.
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- Authors: Muyengwa, G. , Battle, K. , Mbohwa, Charles
- Date: 2011-11-20
- Subjects: Entrepreneurship - Study and teaching , Auto-body repair shops , Competitiveness
- Identifier: uj:5190 , ISBN 978-0-620-52121-5 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/14433
- Description: The aim of this paper is to explore the potential of entrepreneurship education as a leverage tool in enhancing both competitiveness and enterprise development within small and medium enterprises (SMEs) operating in the Motor Body Repair (MBR) sector of the South African automotive industry. An exploratory survey was carried out to ascertain enterprise development needs and competitiveness requirements of these SMEs. The research established that curricula followed in auto body repair training do not consider entrepreneurship education as an important aspect. Major focus of auto body repair training is on repair and replacing of motor vehicle bodywork that would have been damaged in an accident or have suffered from vandalism. The research in addition, established that enterprise development is affected by poor infrastructure, lack of funding, use of poor and old equipment and limited access to markets. Competitive requirements noted were the need for certified multi-skilling training offered by Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) on new vehicle maintenance technologies, acquisition of recommended repair equipment from Original Equipment Suppliers (OES) and the need to integrate entrepreneurship education in the auto body repair curricula. The implications of entrepreneurship education in the auto body repair curriculum would enhance efficient business and financial management, creativity, innovativeness, marketing and job creation opportunities in the MBR sector. For educators’ entrepreneurship education in engineering would prepare students for the ever changing labour markets and encourage them to create new enterprises of their own rather than being perpetual job seekers.
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Development and analysis of business models in the South African motor body repair sector
- Dube, P., Muyengwa, G., Battle, K.
- Authors: Dube, P. , Muyengwa, G. , Battle, K.
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Business models , Business plans , Auto-body repair shops
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:4976 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13077
- Description: Every enterprise makes use of a business model either explicitly or implicitly. A business model is an abstract of a business plan and is complimentary to the firm’s business strategy. It shows linkages within a business process as it transforms inputs into outputs, and how the enterprise creates and delivers value to its customers. Through a case study research two business models used by South African auto-body repairers were developed and analysed. One is for auto-body repair shops that are recognised by the South African Insurance Association, the panel system, and the other is not. The business models are presented as causal loop diagrams. Design parameters used to describe the architecture were content, structure, governance and complimentaries. These business models were used to explain low margins experienced in this sector. The business model helps small enterprise entrepreneurs, stakeholders in the automotive sector and policy makers to understand the logic of auto-body repair shops.
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- Authors: Dube, P. , Muyengwa, G. , Battle, K.
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Business models , Business plans , Auto-body repair shops
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:4976 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13077
- Description: Every enterprise makes use of a business model either explicitly or implicitly. A business model is an abstract of a business plan and is complimentary to the firm’s business strategy. It shows linkages within a business process as it transforms inputs into outputs, and how the enterprise creates and delivers value to its customers. Through a case study research two business models used by South African auto-body repairers were developed and analysed. One is for auto-body repair shops that are recognised by the South African Insurance Association, the panel system, and the other is not. The business models are presented as causal loop diagrams. Design parameters used to describe the architecture were content, structure, governance and complimentaries. These business models were used to explain low margins experienced in this sector. The business model helps small enterprise entrepreneurs, stakeholders in the automotive sector and policy makers to understand the logic of auto-body repair shops.
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Analyzing adoption of maintenance strategies in manufacturing companies
- Authors: Muyengwa, G. , Marowa, Y.N
- Date: 2015-06-08
- Subjects: Maintenance strategy , Competitive advantage , Manufacturing industries - Maintenance
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5106 , ISBN 978-1-77592-111-0 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13928
- Description: Maintenance is the combination of all technical and associated administrative actions intended to retain an item in, or restore it to, a state in which it can perform its required function. Companies are seeking to gain competitive advantage with respect to cost, quality, service and on time deliveries. The effect of maintenance on these variables has prompted increased attention to the maintenance areas as an integral part of productivity improvement. Due to numerous advantages of maintenance, manufacturing companies are trying to adopt maintenance strategies to support their businesses. The purpose of this study is to analyze maintenance strategies found in local manufacturing companies. In this paper we report on our findings on how maintenance strategy has improved company operations and performance. The paper is based on maintenance strategy theoretical overview and multiple case studies in which six companies were studied. The paper evaluates their views on the strategic impact of production maintenance. From literature two important elements of maintenance strategy that were focused on are structural and infrastructure decisions. A benchmarking process was also done on maintenance performance factors. A questionnaire that incorporated structural, infrastructural and maintenance performance factors was circulated in the studied companies. The research established that most employees now understand maintenance policies and concepts. An increase in in-house maintenance was observed, with improved overall equipment effectiveness. Improved spares availability was also noticed. The study noticed that equipment modifications was still lacking in most companies. Most maintenance personnel had no access to the computerized maintenance management systems, impacting negatively on their maintenance planning and control. The paper recommends that employees with design background must be incorporated into maintenance teams. Employees must be trained on computerized maintenance management systems. This paper contributes to the understanding of maintenance management constructs and the factors influencing the implementation of maintenance strategies.
- Full Text: false
- Authors: Muyengwa, G. , Marowa, Y.N
- Date: 2015-06-08
- Subjects: Maintenance strategy , Competitive advantage , Manufacturing industries - Maintenance
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5106 , ISBN 978-1-77592-111-0 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13928
- Description: Maintenance is the combination of all technical and associated administrative actions intended to retain an item in, or restore it to, a state in which it can perform its required function. Companies are seeking to gain competitive advantage with respect to cost, quality, service and on time deliveries. The effect of maintenance on these variables has prompted increased attention to the maintenance areas as an integral part of productivity improvement. Due to numerous advantages of maintenance, manufacturing companies are trying to adopt maintenance strategies to support their businesses. The purpose of this study is to analyze maintenance strategies found in local manufacturing companies. In this paper we report on our findings on how maintenance strategy has improved company operations and performance. The paper is based on maintenance strategy theoretical overview and multiple case studies in which six companies were studied. The paper evaluates their views on the strategic impact of production maintenance. From literature two important elements of maintenance strategy that were focused on are structural and infrastructure decisions. A benchmarking process was also done on maintenance performance factors. A questionnaire that incorporated structural, infrastructural and maintenance performance factors was circulated in the studied companies. The research established that most employees now understand maintenance policies and concepts. An increase in in-house maintenance was observed, with improved overall equipment effectiveness. Improved spares availability was also noticed. The study noticed that equipment modifications was still lacking in most companies. Most maintenance personnel had no access to the computerized maintenance management systems, impacting negatively on their maintenance planning and control. The paper recommends that employees with design background must be incorporated into maintenance teams. Employees must be trained on computerized maintenance management systems. This paper contributes to the understanding of maintenance management constructs and the factors influencing the implementation of maintenance strategies.
- Full Text: false
Risk assessment in infrastructural projects
- Authors: Marowa, Y.N. , Muyengwa, G.
- Date: 2015-06-08
- Subjects: Infrastructural projects , Risk assessment
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5105 , ISBN 978-1-77592-111-0 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13926
- Description: Infrastructural projects presents opportunities of economic growth and social development. These type of projects are normally undertaken by governments and include projects like building major roads, dams, power stations, railway lines, ports and airports. These projects, when completed supports varied economic activities including much needed employment creation. The life cycle of infrastructural projects is characterized by the involvement of various stakeholders who participate at different stages of the project. Projects of this magnitude are associated with diverse risks that include under management, under-financing, cost-overruns, delays, failed procurement, poor scheduling, inadequate designs, human risks, organizational risks and technological risks. The purpose of this research paper is to assess risks that were faced by Company A that is involved with power generation infrastructural projects. In this paper we report on the findings of risks that impacted negatively on the timeously delivery of an infrastructural project. This paper focusses on assessing risks that are found in infrastructural projects. A case study was carried out on Company A. The case study involved a survey, were 35 valid responses were received and six senior project managers were interviewed. The research found that planning, execution and delivery of infrastructural projects is very complex. Some of the risks that were noticed in Company A were poor designs, lack of skilled manpower and poorly defined roles between contractors and operators. Undercapitalization was found to be the major risk. To enhance the successful offering of projects companies must have a proactive approach. This paper builds up on the body of knowledge of risks found in infrastructural projects. To project practitioners the paper highlights the importance of project budgeting, scope creep, and soft issues on human factors such as cohesion among team members.
- Full Text: false
- Authors: Marowa, Y.N. , Muyengwa, G.
- Date: 2015-06-08
- Subjects: Infrastructural projects , Risk assessment
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5105 , ISBN 978-1-77592-111-0 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13926
- Description: Infrastructural projects presents opportunities of economic growth and social development. These type of projects are normally undertaken by governments and include projects like building major roads, dams, power stations, railway lines, ports and airports. These projects, when completed supports varied economic activities including much needed employment creation. The life cycle of infrastructural projects is characterized by the involvement of various stakeholders who participate at different stages of the project. Projects of this magnitude are associated with diverse risks that include under management, under-financing, cost-overruns, delays, failed procurement, poor scheduling, inadequate designs, human risks, organizational risks and technological risks. The purpose of this research paper is to assess risks that were faced by Company A that is involved with power generation infrastructural projects. In this paper we report on the findings of risks that impacted negatively on the timeously delivery of an infrastructural project. This paper focusses on assessing risks that are found in infrastructural projects. A case study was carried out on Company A. The case study involved a survey, were 35 valid responses were received and six senior project managers were interviewed. The research found that planning, execution and delivery of infrastructural projects is very complex. Some of the risks that were noticed in Company A were poor designs, lack of skilled manpower and poorly defined roles between contractors and operators. Undercapitalization was found to be the major risk. To enhance the successful offering of projects companies must have a proactive approach. This paper builds up on the body of knowledge of risks found in infrastructural projects. To project practitioners the paper highlights the importance of project budgeting, scope creep, and soft issues on human factors such as cohesion among team members.
- Full Text: false
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