Critical success factors of implementing lean six sigma : a South African railway case study company
- Masekwameng, Dikankatla Maropene
- Authors: Masekwameng, Dikankatla Maropene
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Railway companies - South Africa , Production management , Service industries - Management , Six sigma (Quality control standard)
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/452598 , uj:39924
- Description: Abstract: The railway company based in South Africa has implemented the Lean Six Sigma as a strategy to improve efficiency and reduce non value-adding activities. The purpose of this study was to investigate the critical success factors in the implementation of Lean Six Sigma and the challenges experienced during the implementation. The case study was selected as an appropriate research strategy; it was supported by semistructured interviews and secondary data provided by the company. The thematic coding, frequencies and percentages were adopted for data analysis. The study followed a triangulation research strategy to ensure that the research objectives are met... , M.Phil. (Engineering Management)
- Full Text:
Critical success factors of implementing lean six sigma : a South African railway case study company
- Authors: Masekwameng, Dikankatla Maropene
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Railway companies - South Africa , Production management , Service industries - Management , Six sigma (Quality control standard)
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/452598 , uj:39924
- Description: Abstract: The railway company based in South Africa has implemented the Lean Six Sigma as a strategy to improve efficiency and reduce non value-adding activities. The purpose of this study was to investigate the critical success factors in the implementation of Lean Six Sigma and the challenges experienced during the implementation. The case study was selected as an appropriate research strategy; it was supported by semistructured interviews and secondary data provided by the company. The thematic coding, frequencies and percentages were adopted for data analysis. The study followed a triangulation research strategy to ensure that the research objectives are met... , M.Phil. (Engineering Management)
- Full Text:
An analysis of critical risk factors of sustainable supply chain in the South African mining industry
- Authors: Senkoto, Nthabiseng
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Business logistics , Physical distribution of goods , Production management , Mine management
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/425182 , uj:36392
- Description: Abstract: All over the world, the mining sector is gradually being considered accountable for the environmental, social and economic consequences generated by their internal operations and by their suppliers' operations. Sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) that is concerned with incorporating ecological, social and economic aims within a central company’s supply chain processes, has emerged as an approach for companies to enhance the three sustainability pillars (i.e. environmental, social and economic) results in their supply chains. However, the integration of sustainability within supply chain continues to be challenging in Global Supply Chains (GSC). In light of this, and given the limitations on the literature on the integration of sustainability practices within supply chain sustainability in mining sector particularly in South Africa, the primary goal of this study is to analyse critical risk factors for sustainable supply chain in the South African mining industry, which will assist decision makers in the mining sector regarding the factors affecting the sustainability of supply chain practices. The data used in this study was derived from primary and secondary sources. The secondary data for the study was derived from the review of literature. The primary data was obtained through the use of a structured questionnaire, which was distributed, to participants from the South African government, supply chain professionals in mining, supply chain specialists and managers. A total of 110 questionnaires were distributed with 100 responses, which represented a response rate of 90%. The data from the questionnaires formed the basis of this study. Frequency analysis and various statistics procedures were used to analyses the returned questionnaire data. Findings emanating from the survey revealed that the current state of mining sustainability particularly in South Africa with regard to supply chain is not taken into serious considerations by mining management, and there is also a lack of formal policies from the government that clearly state and regulate the use of land and other factors related to sustainability. This vacuum leads to a lot of industrial action in the mining industry, production interruptions and a decline in global competitiveness. , M.Tech. (Quality and Operations Management)
- Full Text:
- Authors: Senkoto, Nthabiseng
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Business logistics , Physical distribution of goods , Production management , Mine management
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/425182 , uj:36392
- Description: Abstract: All over the world, the mining sector is gradually being considered accountable for the environmental, social and economic consequences generated by their internal operations and by their suppliers' operations. Sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) that is concerned with incorporating ecological, social and economic aims within a central company’s supply chain processes, has emerged as an approach for companies to enhance the three sustainability pillars (i.e. environmental, social and economic) results in their supply chains. However, the integration of sustainability within supply chain continues to be challenging in Global Supply Chains (GSC). In light of this, and given the limitations on the literature on the integration of sustainability practices within supply chain sustainability in mining sector particularly in South Africa, the primary goal of this study is to analyse critical risk factors for sustainable supply chain in the South African mining industry, which will assist decision makers in the mining sector regarding the factors affecting the sustainability of supply chain practices. The data used in this study was derived from primary and secondary sources. The secondary data for the study was derived from the review of literature. The primary data was obtained through the use of a structured questionnaire, which was distributed, to participants from the South African government, supply chain professionals in mining, supply chain specialists and managers. A total of 110 questionnaires were distributed with 100 responses, which represented a response rate of 90%. The data from the questionnaires formed the basis of this study. Frequency analysis and various statistics procedures were used to analyses the returned questionnaire data. Findings emanating from the survey revealed that the current state of mining sustainability particularly in South Africa with regard to supply chain is not taken into serious considerations by mining management, and there is also a lack of formal policies from the government that clearly state and regulate the use of land and other factors related to sustainability. This vacuum leads to a lot of industrial action in the mining industry, production interruptions and a decline in global competitiveness. , M.Tech. (Quality and Operations Management)
- Full Text:
Developing project, operations and programme management methodologies for sustainable industrialisation in South Africa
- Authors: Lehohla, Thakaramahlaha
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Production management , Project management
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/444931 , uj:38906
- Description: Abstract: The study is based on the role that project, programme and operations management methodologies can play in terms of creating a climate conducive towards sustainable industrialisation in South Africa. The study focuses on industrial development funding, the soft and hard manufacturing and critical infrastructure projects, as well as special economic zones. From project financing, the study examines the efficiency and effectiveness of the investment reimbursement programmes within the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Industrial Development Corporation, the Development Bank of Southern Africa and other development financing institutions; to be more specific, the extent to which project and programme management is applied during the life of the programmes, mainly looking at the synchronisation between project budget, schedule, scope and quality of processing projects for funding... , Ph.D. (Operations Management)
- Full Text:
- Authors: Lehohla, Thakaramahlaha
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Production management , Project management
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/444931 , uj:38906
- Description: Abstract: The study is based on the role that project, programme and operations management methodologies can play in terms of creating a climate conducive towards sustainable industrialisation in South Africa. The study focuses on industrial development funding, the soft and hard manufacturing and critical infrastructure projects, as well as special economic zones. From project financing, the study examines the efficiency and effectiveness of the investment reimbursement programmes within the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Industrial Development Corporation, the Development Bank of Southern Africa and other development financing institutions; to be more specific, the extent to which project and programme management is applied during the life of the programmes, mainly looking at the synchronisation between project budget, schedule, scope and quality of processing projects for funding... , Ph.D. (Operations Management)
- Full Text:
Impact of total productive maintenance in manufacturing on overall equipment effectiveness
- Authors: Musengi, Tawandah
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Total productive maintenance , Manufacturing processes , Production engineering , Production management
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/437492 , uj:37989
- Description: Abstract: In order for manufacturing organisations to preserve and enhance their organisational competitiveness, it is imperative that they maintain optimal levels of overall equipment effectiveness. Overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) is a widely and well accepted measure of manufacturing plant performance. Low OEE suggests high manufacturing costs and in-turn low organisational competitiveness. As such, manufacturing organisations have adopted numerous techniques such as lean manufacturing and six-sigma in order to continually enhance their OEE. Nevertheless, total productive maintenance (TPM) is a business tool that is used in industry to improve organisational manufacturing capabilities. The techniques of TPM can hence be used to enhance the OEE of the organisation. It follows that the OEE of manufacturing companies is adversely affected when the principles of TPM are neglected in the manufacturing process. This research investigates what the effects of TPM initiatives are on OEE and how such effects are brought about through the various pillars of TPM. The research activity is done by method of case study on a production line where TPM was introduced where production reports, archival data and interviews were employed with reference to the period between August 2017 and October 2018 over-which TPM was implemented. It was found that through the adoption of TPM techniques on the production line the OEE was increased as the various losses of OEE were reduced. Furthermore, the logic behind how the various pillars of TPM inhibit respective OEE losses was explored, analysed and outlined in this work. Industry practitioners can use this work as a reference to promote the introduction of TPM initiatives in manufacturing organisations so as to preserve competitiveness and boost economic growth. The logic behind how the TPM pillars affect respective losses of OEE can be used by industry practitioners to target relevant specific losses in their organisations which may be causing economic loss. On the other hand, scholars and academics can employ this work as reference for future research and development. , M.Ing. (Engineering Management)
- Full Text:
- Authors: Musengi, Tawandah
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Total productive maintenance , Manufacturing processes , Production engineering , Production management
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/437492 , uj:37989
- Description: Abstract: In order for manufacturing organisations to preserve and enhance their organisational competitiveness, it is imperative that they maintain optimal levels of overall equipment effectiveness. Overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) is a widely and well accepted measure of manufacturing plant performance. Low OEE suggests high manufacturing costs and in-turn low organisational competitiveness. As such, manufacturing organisations have adopted numerous techniques such as lean manufacturing and six-sigma in order to continually enhance their OEE. Nevertheless, total productive maintenance (TPM) is a business tool that is used in industry to improve organisational manufacturing capabilities. The techniques of TPM can hence be used to enhance the OEE of the organisation. It follows that the OEE of manufacturing companies is adversely affected when the principles of TPM are neglected in the manufacturing process. This research investigates what the effects of TPM initiatives are on OEE and how such effects are brought about through the various pillars of TPM. The research activity is done by method of case study on a production line where TPM was introduced where production reports, archival data and interviews were employed with reference to the period between August 2017 and October 2018 over-which TPM was implemented. It was found that through the adoption of TPM techniques on the production line the OEE was increased as the various losses of OEE were reduced. Furthermore, the logic behind how the various pillars of TPM inhibit respective OEE losses was explored, analysed and outlined in this work. Industry practitioners can use this work as a reference to promote the introduction of TPM initiatives in manufacturing organisations so as to preserve competitiveness and boost economic growth. The logic behind how the TPM pillars affect respective losses of OEE can be used by industry practitioners to target relevant specific losses in their organisations which may be causing economic loss. On the other hand, scholars and academics can employ this work as reference for future research and development. , M.Ing. (Engineering Management)
- Full Text:
Improving operational efficiencies through integrated information systems
- Authors: Koen, Pinkie Indiphile
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Production management , Information storage and retrieval systems - Automation
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/414884 , uj:35010
- Description: Abstract: An integrated information system is critical in ensuring operational efficiency within all organisations. Disparate systems in organisations became costly to maintain in the long term. This makes it difficult to ensure internal collaboration, and cumbersome to extract any meaningful data to assist leaders in organisations to make well informed decisions. This research evaluated the benefits of integrated information systems and how this enabled operational efficiency within a Financial Services Regulator. A technique used to measure operational efficiency beyond the financials such as the balanced scorecard was discussed. Information systems (IS) integration facilitates operational efficiency within organisations. The qualitative research method was chosen for this study. Individual interviews were conducted for data collection. The dissertation concluded by recommending that the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) could adopt for implementation of integrated information systems. , M.Com. (Business Management)
- Full Text:
- Authors: Koen, Pinkie Indiphile
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Production management , Information storage and retrieval systems - Automation
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/414884 , uj:35010
- Description: Abstract: An integrated information system is critical in ensuring operational efficiency within all organisations. Disparate systems in organisations became costly to maintain in the long term. This makes it difficult to ensure internal collaboration, and cumbersome to extract any meaningful data to assist leaders in organisations to make well informed decisions. This research evaluated the benefits of integrated information systems and how this enabled operational efficiency within a Financial Services Regulator. A technique used to measure operational efficiency beyond the financials such as the balanced scorecard was discussed. Information systems (IS) integration facilitates operational efficiency within organisations. The qualitative research method was chosen for this study. Individual interviews were conducted for data collection. The dissertation concluded by recommending that the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) could adopt for implementation of integrated information systems. , M.Com. (Business Management)
- Full Text:
The impact of inventory in service pperations management in a South African warehouse
- Authors: Ndlala, Phindile Sphiwe
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Management audit , Production management , Inventory control - Decision making , Warehouses - Management
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/437508 , uj:37991
- Description: Abstract: Inventory is handled in different places, in the households, warehouses, stores, factories and service areas like banks and it is also controlled differently. However, across these diversity storages, there is the mutual problem of shrinkage. This research examine the impact of inventory loss in service operation management at Spar North Rand distribution. Experience has shown that even though inventory loss can be recognised to a few sources, such as, shoplifting, employee crime, seller fraud, administrative mistakes, there are still other unclear reasons. This study examined the impact of inventory loss in service operations management of warehouses with a view to preventing inventory loss for better productivity. In this study, the impact of inventory loss was measured using operational performance, drivers to effective inventory, inventory procedure and barriers to effective inventory. This paper adopted a quantitative research strategy. Using the five-point Likert scale, one hundred and fifty (150) Questionnaires were distributed to the employees at Spar North Rand distribution. 80.67 % questionnaires were completed, 5.3% was not returned, 4.67% where unusable, and 9.3% where returned uncompleted due to employees refusing to partake. Only 121 questionnaires were useable. The data were analysed using SPSS vision 24 to present and test the network of correlations between the variables. The results showed that there was a positive relationship (r = 0.510; p < 0.01) between operational performance and the drivers to effective inventory. From this research, it become evident that lack of training and lack of motivation such as recognition and incentives for staff acts as a huge negative impacts in service operations management. Insufficient training was identified as the main barrier, whereas lack of motivation was identified as the main driver to effective inventory management. Implementation of performance checklist was found to have the greatest impact to operational performance. , M.Tech. (Operations Management)
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ndlala, Phindile Sphiwe
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Management audit , Production management , Inventory control - Decision making , Warehouses - Management
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/437508 , uj:37991
- Description: Abstract: Inventory is handled in different places, in the households, warehouses, stores, factories and service areas like banks and it is also controlled differently. However, across these diversity storages, there is the mutual problem of shrinkage. This research examine the impact of inventory loss in service operation management at Spar North Rand distribution. Experience has shown that even though inventory loss can be recognised to a few sources, such as, shoplifting, employee crime, seller fraud, administrative mistakes, there are still other unclear reasons. This study examined the impact of inventory loss in service operations management of warehouses with a view to preventing inventory loss for better productivity. In this study, the impact of inventory loss was measured using operational performance, drivers to effective inventory, inventory procedure and barriers to effective inventory. This paper adopted a quantitative research strategy. Using the five-point Likert scale, one hundred and fifty (150) Questionnaires were distributed to the employees at Spar North Rand distribution. 80.67 % questionnaires were completed, 5.3% was not returned, 4.67% where unusable, and 9.3% where returned uncompleted due to employees refusing to partake. Only 121 questionnaires were useable. The data were analysed using SPSS vision 24 to present and test the network of correlations between the variables. The results showed that there was a positive relationship (r = 0.510; p < 0.01) between operational performance and the drivers to effective inventory. From this research, it become evident that lack of training and lack of motivation such as recognition and incentives for staff acts as a huge negative impacts in service operations management. Insufficient training was identified as the main barrier, whereas lack of motivation was identified as the main driver to effective inventory management. Implementation of performance checklist was found to have the greatest impact to operational performance. , M.Tech. (Operations Management)
- Full Text:
The link between financial performance and supply chain process strategy
- Authors: Kotze, Albertus Charles
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Corporations - Finance - Management , Production management , Business planning , Strategic planning , Industrial productivity
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/414885 , uj:35009
- Description: Abstract: Many organisations set corporate goals and objectives focused on the financial targets they aim to meet. Meeting these targets ensures the long-term viability of the organisation and increases the likelihood of private and corporate investors investing in the organisation. To meet the financial targets that organisations wish to achieve; however, they need to align the strategies and processes within the organisation. Nevertheless, this is not always the case in many organisations as there is often a disconnect between the corporate strategy, goals and objectives and individual operations within the organisation. In many cases, the different strategies compete, which leads to sub-optimal operations and processes that ultimately result in poor financial performance and the organisation not meeting its targeted goals and objectives. Supply chain management and the different supply chain processes, therefore, are receiving increased attention as a discipline that provides opportunities for increased operational excellence, optimised business processes, and improved customer service, and consequently as a source of both competitive advantage and improved profitability. All related supply chain processes should support and contribute positively to the organisation’s corporate goals and objectives. This requires greater alignment between the corporate goals and objectives that an organisation sets itself to achieve and the supply chain processes the organisation employs. This study, therefore, focuses on the link between the financial performance objectives of the organisation, and the best supply chain process strategy which supports achieving the financial performance objectives of the organisation. The objective of this study is to determine which supply chain process contributes most to align best with the corporate financial performance objectives of the organisation. This research entails a case study of Pharma X, a major pharmaceutical organisation with markets in South and Southern Africa. The DuPont analysis was used to analyse the financial performance of the organisation. The Analytic Hierarchy Process method was used to establish the organisation’s preferences in terms of financial objective, supply... , M.Com. (Business Management)
- Full Text:
- Authors: Kotze, Albertus Charles
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Corporations - Finance - Management , Production management , Business planning , Strategic planning , Industrial productivity
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/414885 , uj:35009
- Description: Abstract: Many organisations set corporate goals and objectives focused on the financial targets they aim to meet. Meeting these targets ensures the long-term viability of the organisation and increases the likelihood of private and corporate investors investing in the organisation. To meet the financial targets that organisations wish to achieve; however, they need to align the strategies and processes within the organisation. Nevertheless, this is not always the case in many organisations as there is often a disconnect between the corporate strategy, goals and objectives and individual operations within the organisation. In many cases, the different strategies compete, which leads to sub-optimal operations and processes that ultimately result in poor financial performance and the organisation not meeting its targeted goals and objectives. Supply chain management and the different supply chain processes, therefore, are receiving increased attention as a discipline that provides opportunities for increased operational excellence, optimised business processes, and improved customer service, and consequently as a source of both competitive advantage and improved profitability. All related supply chain processes should support and contribute positively to the organisation’s corporate goals and objectives. This requires greater alignment between the corporate goals and objectives that an organisation sets itself to achieve and the supply chain processes the organisation employs. This study, therefore, focuses on the link between the financial performance objectives of the organisation, and the best supply chain process strategy which supports achieving the financial performance objectives of the organisation. The objective of this study is to determine which supply chain process contributes most to align best with the corporate financial performance objectives of the organisation. This research entails a case study of Pharma X, a major pharmaceutical organisation with markets in South and Southern Africa. The DuPont analysis was used to analyse the financial performance of the organisation. The Analytic Hierarchy Process method was used to establish the organisation’s preferences in terms of financial objective, supply... , M.Com. (Business Management)
- Full Text:
Enhancing African small enterprises through world class manufacturing
- Authors: Kleynhans, Heinrich
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Manufacturing industries - South Africa - Management , Manufacturing industries - Economic aspects - South Africa , Manufacturing processes - South Africa - Management , Production management
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/269157 , uj:28589
- Description: M.Phil. (Engineering Management) , Abstract: All nations that exist on earth today depend on its small, medium and micro enterprise business sector for the creation of employment opportunities. The unemployment rate of a country remains a topic of discussion for all people that call a country their home. Being employed remains a fundamental necessity to all human beings. Employment opportunities are created through businesses. Businesses manufacture products. A product may be tangible or intangible. A strategy or plan is required to manufacture a product. Failing to develop a strategy that can be used to produce a product, will result in a product not being made to acceptable customer standards. When the product fails, the business fails. When the business fails, employment opportunities are foregone. The development and implementation of a manufacturing strategy is thus a business activity that should not be underestimated. The failure rate of small, medium and micro enterprises within a South African context has been recorded to be as high as 50%. This discouraging number is subsequently accompanied by a South African unemployment rate of 27.70%. The correlation between these two variables is studied and considered. Small business failure rates, reasons for failure, as well as the manufacturing strategy of World Class Manufacturing is researched. The benefits of adopting the elements of World Class Manufacturing by the small, medium and micro-sized enterprises are explored, evaluated and discussed. All the information and data for this research project is collected from the small business owners themselves. Their views and responses are then compared to peer-reviewed literature that is focused on the topics associated with the activities and challenges that small, medium and micro enterprises face. An evaluation of the current levels of understanding that small business owners have of the aspects in World Class Manufacturing is tested and evaluated. The patterns that emerge from the data collected from small business owners indicate that small, medium and micro enterprises have not yet adopted the elements of World Class Manufacturing to its full capacity. The benefits that can be attained through the implementation of the elements of World Class Manufacturing are not fully realized yet and presents the small business owner with an incredible opportunity to excel the performance of the small business. Organizations that decide to invest the time, effort and money on the development of a suitable manufacturing strategy that is centered on the elements of World Class Manufacturing soon find themselves in a far more superior position than their competitors.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Kleynhans, Heinrich
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Manufacturing industries - South Africa - Management , Manufacturing industries - Economic aspects - South Africa , Manufacturing processes - South Africa - Management , Production management
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/269157 , uj:28589
- Description: M.Phil. (Engineering Management) , Abstract: All nations that exist on earth today depend on its small, medium and micro enterprise business sector for the creation of employment opportunities. The unemployment rate of a country remains a topic of discussion for all people that call a country their home. Being employed remains a fundamental necessity to all human beings. Employment opportunities are created through businesses. Businesses manufacture products. A product may be tangible or intangible. A strategy or plan is required to manufacture a product. Failing to develop a strategy that can be used to produce a product, will result in a product not being made to acceptable customer standards. When the product fails, the business fails. When the business fails, employment opportunities are foregone. The development and implementation of a manufacturing strategy is thus a business activity that should not be underestimated. The failure rate of small, medium and micro enterprises within a South African context has been recorded to be as high as 50%. This discouraging number is subsequently accompanied by a South African unemployment rate of 27.70%. The correlation between these two variables is studied and considered. Small business failure rates, reasons for failure, as well as the manufacturing strategy of World Class Manufacturing is researched. The benefits of adopting the elements of World Class Manufacturing by the small, medium and micro-sized enterprises are explored, evaluated and discussed. All the information and data for this research project is collected from the small business owners themselves. Their views and responses are then compared to peer-reviewed literature that is focused on the topics associated with the activities and challenges that small, medium and micro enterprises face. An evaluation of the current levels of understanding that small business owners have of the aspects in World Class Manufacturing is tested and evaluated. The patterns that emerge from the data collected from small business owners indicate that small, medium and micro enterprises have not yet adopted the elements of World Class Manufacturing to its full capacity. The benefits that can be attained through the implementation of the elements of World Class Manufacturing are not fully realized yet and presents the small business owner with an incredible opportunity to excel the performance of the small business. Organizations that decide to invest the time, effort and money on the development of a suitable manufacturing strategy that is centered on the elements of World Class Manufacturing soon find themselves in a far more superior position than their competitors.
- Full Text:
Overall equipment effectiveness optimisation for a reserves constrained underground coal mine in South Africa
- Authors: Maimela, Moeketsi
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Coal mines and mining - South Africa , Coal reserves - South Africa , Coal - Geology - South Africa , Mining machinery - Maintenance and repair - Safety measures , Production management
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/393654 , uj:32578
- Description: Abstract: The aim of the research is to investigate factors that optimize the Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) of an underground Bord and Pillar coal mine that has limited coal reserves and unfavorable geological conditions. OEE is a Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) tool that was first introduced by Nakajima. It is used to identify and quantify losses in a manufacturing system by taking into account the six big production losses and grouping them into 3 efficiency baskets known as downtime losses, speed losses and quality losses. The OEE equation is a function of Availability x Performance Rate x Quality, with the key OEE measure applications being for benchmarking purposes, improving performance of individual equipment and that of pieces of equipment functioning as a single manufacturing line or batch process. The research focusses on OEE improvement of a Bord and Pillar mining operation that consists of 10 Continuous Miner (CM) sections, mining both the higher seam and lower seam coal operations. The equipment-suit functions as a batch process and consists of the CM, Shuttle Cars, Feeder Breaker, Conveyor Belts and Roof Bolter. The equipment-suit in use, has to be adequately allocated for correct mining application in order to ensure optimal mining operation with considerations of constrained reserves and poor geological conditions. Three elements making up the OEE equation (Availability, Performance Rate and Quality), are all under review to establish factors that influence the OEE value in a Bord and Pillar mining operation. Availability is a combination of Equipment Availability (EqA) and Use of Equipment Availability (UEA). The EqA is primarily a function of unplanned engineering and operational downtime events such as electrical/ mechanical downtimes, cable damages, changing picks and sleeves on CM cutter head. UEA is driven by production and consequential delays such as conveyor belt downtimes, excessive number of belt extensions/ section moves and roof support due to geological conditions. The average OEE figures for this Bord and Pillar operation are in the region of 45%. The planned qualities and de-rated productivity rate percentages are high with average figures of 85% and 103% respectively. The results demonstrate that Availability is at an average of 52% and presents an area of opportunity for overall OEE improvement. Geological mining conditions inherently contain mining inefficiencies that lead to a loss of direct operating hours (DOH), which effectively affects the availability component of OEE... , M.Phil. (Engineering Management)
- Full Text:
- Authors: Maimela, Moeketsi
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Coal mines and mining - South Africa , Coal reserves - South Africa , Coal - Geology - South Africa , Mining machinery - Maintenance and repair - Safety measures , Production management
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/393654 , uj:32578
- Description: Abstract: The aim of the research is to investigate factors that optimize the Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) of an underground Bord and Pillar coal mine that has limited coal reserves and unfavorable geological conditions. OEE is a Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) tool that was first introduced by Nakajima. It is used to identify and quantify losses in a manufacturing system by taking into account the six big production losses and grouping them into 3 efficiency baskets known as downtime losses, speed losses and quality losses. The OEE equation is a function of Availability x Performance Rate x Quality, with the key OEE measure applications being for benchmarking purposes, improving performance of individual equipment and that of pieces of equipment functioning as a single manufacturing line or batch process. The research focusses on OEE improvement of a Bord and Pillar mining operation that consists of 10 Continuous Miner (CM) sections, mining both the higher seam and lower seam coal operations. The equipment-suit functions as a batch process and consists of the CM, Shuttle Cars, Feeder Breaker, Conveyor Belts and Roof Bolter. The equipment-suit in use, has to be adequately allocated for correct mining application in order to ensure optimal mining operation with considerations of constrained reserves and poor geological conditions. Three elements making up the OEE equation (Availability, Performance Rate and Quality), are all under review to establish factors that influence the OEE value in a Bord and Pillar mining operation. Availability is a combination of Equipment Availability (EqA) and Use of Equipment Availability (UEA). The EqA is primarily a function of unplanned engineering and operational downtime events such as electrical/ mechanical downtimes, cable damages, changing picks and sleeves on CM cutter head. UEA is driven by production and consequential delays such as conveyor belt downtimes, excessive number of belt extensions/ section moves and roof support due to geological conditions. The average OEE figures for this Bord and Pillar operation are in the region of 45%. The planned qualities and de-rated productivity rate percentages are high with average figures of 85% and 103% respectively. The results demonstrate that Availability is at an average of 52% and presents an area of opportunity for overall OEE improvement. Geological mining conditions inherently contain mining inefficiencies that lead to a loss of direct operating hours (DOH), which effectively affects the availability component of OEE... , M.Phil. (Engineering Management)
- Full Text:
Procedures to accommodate system fluctuations that result in buffer compromised systems governed by the theory of constraints
- Authors: Reddy, Jivashan
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Computer integrated manufacturing systems , Theory of constraints (Management) , Production management , Aircraft industry - Management
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/233669 , uj:23862
- Description: M.Ing. (Engineering Management) , Abstract: AEROSUD Aviation is a South African based manufacturer of aircraft components and assemblies. The company’s customer base includes various international Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). The organisation adopts the Theory of Constraints (ToC) manufacturing methodology and management focus is placed on process improvements across all aspects of the business. The proprietary Manufacturing Execution System (MES) of AEROSUD is responsible for prioritisation of the Work In Process (WIP) complement in each manufacturing cell. In order to achieve a short term objective of achieving weekly customer demand, the system is reliant on human heuristic manipulation of production priorities as defined by a drafted Mode Of Operation (MOO). A combination of systems engineering and ToC principles is used to develop and constrain a multi-method simulation model, aimed at identifying and analysing the effects of the current prioritisation MOO in relation to a proposed MOO for a defined WIP complement. The current MOO is defined as the baseline in the comparative analysis. The model allows for execution of multi-case scenarios under a set of controlled ToC related parameters. The analysis involves establishment of the relative effectiveness of each MOO through comparison. The multi-method model is developed with the use of the Anylogic modelling platform. The results provide insights into optimising the facility through proposal of the most effective prioritisation MOO. Selection of an MOO that supports ToC principles allows for significant lead time reduction through a constrained manufacturing flow line. This improves organisational agility as the short term objective of satisfying customer demand is achieved through the improvement in ToC performance.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Reddy, Jivashan
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Computer integrated manufacturing systems , Theory of constraints (Management) , Production management , Aircraft industry - Management
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/233669 , uj:23862
- Description: M.Ing. (Engineering Management) , Abstract: AEROSUD Aviation is a South African based manufacturer of aircraft components and assemblies. The company’s customer base includes various international Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). The organisation adopts the Theory of Constraints (ToC) manufacturing methodology and management focus is placed on process improvements across all aspects of the business. The proprietary Manufacturing Execution System (MES) of AEROSUD is responsible for prioritisation of the Work In Process (WIP) complement in each manufacturing cell. In order to achieve a short term objective of achieving weekly customer demand, the system is reliant on human heuristic manipulation of production priorities as defined by a drafted Mode Of Operation (MOO). A combination of systems engineering and ToC principles is used to develop and constrain a multi-method simulation model, aimed at identifying and analysing the effects of the current prioritisation MOO in relation to a proposed MOO for a defined WIP complement. The current MOO is defined as the baseline in the comparative analysis. The model allows for execution of multi-case scenarios under a set of controlled ToC related parameters. The analysis involves establishment of the relative effectiveness of each MOO through comparison. The multi-method model is developed with the use of the Anylogic modelling platform. The results provide insights into optimising the facility through proposal of the most effective prioritisation MOO. Selection of an MOO that supports ToC principles allows for significant lead time reduction through a constrained manufacturing flow line. This improves organisational agility as the short term objective of satisfying customer demand is achieved through the improvement in ToC performance.
- Full Text:
Managing changeover waste in manufacturing plants when using single minute exchange of dies
- Authors: Madhav, Rushil
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Lean manufacturing , Production management , Industrial management , Process control
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/213270 , uj:21127
- Description: Abstract: The research aimed to determine how single minute exchange of dies (SMED) is implemented in practice when considering the critical success factors (CSFs) of lean. It also aimed to determine what effect these factors had on waste generated within changeover processes and the possible savings that could be generated when considering these factors during the implementation of SMED. Six case studies across two production lines were conducted in order to investigate the importance and the impact of considering the CSFs of lean when implementing SMED in an organization. It helped determine that the CSFs of lean form a part of SMED’s implementation process and its prerequisites. The consideration and presence of the CSFs are critical and the analysis conducted between the two production lines indicated that these factors influence the implementation process of SMED. These factors also have a direct impact on the waste and helped manage the levels of wastes, which in turn reduced the costs of changeovers. It provided practical guidelines that integrated the soft and technical areas to achieve a fully integrated management and manufacturing system that resulted in efficient changeover processes. The result ultimately provides organizations with the required flexibility to satisfy customers as changeovers can take place more frequently with better quality, reasonable delivery periods, affordable rates, smaller lot/batch sizes and lower inventory levels. , M.Ing. (Engineering Management)
- Full Text:
- Authors: Madhav, Rushil
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Lean manufacturing , Production management , Industrial management , Process control
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/213270 , uj:21127
- Description: Abstract: The research aimed to determine how single minute exchange of dies (SMED) is implemented in practice when considering the critical success factors (CSFs) of lean. It also aimed to determine what effect these factors had on waste generated within changeover processes and the possible savings that could be generated when considering these factors during the implementation of SMED. Six case studies across two production lines were conducted in order to investigate the importance and the impact of considering the CSFs of lean when implementing SMED in an organization. It helped determine that the CSFs of lean form a part of SMED’s implementation process and its prerequisites. The consideration and presence of the CSFs are critical and the analysis conducted between the two production lines indicated that these factors influence the implementation process of SMED. These factors also have a direct impact on the waste and helped manage the levels of wastes, which in turn reduced the costs of changeovers. It provided practical guidelines that integrated the soft and technical areas to achieve a fully integrated management and manufacturing system that resulted in efficient changeover processes. The result ultimately provides organizations with the required flexibility to satisfy customers as changeovers can take place more frequently with better quality, reasonable delivery periods, affordable rates, smaller lot/batch sizes and lower inventory levels. , M.Ing. (Engineering Management)
- Full Text:
Supply chain responsiveness as a means to a sustainable competitive advantage in the manufacturing sector
- Authors: Mailula, Onicca
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Business logistics - Management , Customer services , Consumer satisfaction , Production management , Just-in-time systems
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/225753 , uj:22809
- Description: M.Com. (Business Management) , Abstract: The aim of this study is to determine if supply chain responsiveness, or the ability for an organisation to respond to customer needs or market signals, has an impact on competitive advantage in the manufacturing sector. The case study is conducted at company GSC which is a supplier with market dominance in the carbohydrate sector. A survey was distributed to the employees to gauge their perception of responsiveness in the organisation. A different survey was distributed among customers to gauge their perceptions about the responsiveness of company GSC. The study also investigates drivers and attributes that enable responsiveness in the organisation. Improved production reliability is an important driver for supply chain responsiveness at company GSC according to the findings of the study. Production reliability impacts product availability which in turn influences the ability of the organisation to meet customer needs. The major source of competitive advantage for company GSC is local market presence and the ability to meet customer needs, which defines supply chain responsiveness and will provide a barrier for competition. The study also indicates that if customer needs are met in all dimensions of quality, quantity and timeliness, supply chain responsiveness criteria is achieved.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mailula, Onicca
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Business logistics - Management , Customer services , Consumer satisfaction , Production management , Just-in-time systems
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/225753 , uj:22809
- Description: M.Com. (Business Management) , Abstract: The aim of this study is to determine if supply chain responsiveness, or the ability for an organisation to respond to customer needs or market signals, has an impact on competitive advantage in the manufacturing sector. The case study is conducted at company GSC which is a supplier with market dominance in the carbohydrate sector. A survey was distributed to the employees to gauge their perception of responsiveness in the organisation. A different survey was distributed among customers to gauge their perceptions about the responsiveness of company GSC. The study also investigates drivers and attributes that enable responsiveness in the organisation. Improved production reliability is an important driver for supply chain responsiveness at company GSC according to the findings of the study. Production reliability impacts product availability which in turn influences the ability of the organisation to meet customer needs. The major source of competitive advantage for company GSC is local market presence and the ability to meet customer needs, which defines supply chain responsiveness and will provide a barrier for competition. The study also indicates that if customer needs are met in all dimensions of quality, quantity and timeliness, supply chain responsiveness criteria is achieved.
- Full Text:
Productivity improvement in a specific furniture manufacturing company
- Authors: Steyn, J. M. C.
- Date: 2015-08-19
- Subjects: Production management , Industrial productivity , Furniture making , Technological innovations - Management
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:13915 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/14265
- Description: M.Tech. (Operations Management) , Please refer to full text to view abstract
- Full Text:
- Authors: Steyn, J. M. C.
- Date: 2015-08-19
- Subjects: Production management , Industrial productivity , Furniture making , Technological innovations - Management
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:13915 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/14265
- Description: M.Tech. (Operations Management) , Please refer to full text to view abstract
- Full Text:
Productivity improvement in engineering-procure-construct projects through a value stream based scope change management system
- Authors: Cleaver, Jayson
- Date: 2014-09-17
- Subjects: Production management , Industrial procurement
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:12336 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/12122
- Description: M.Ing. (Engineering Management) , This dissertation provides a study of productivity improvement to project Scope Change Management (SCM) processes in the Engineer-Procure-Construct (EPC) project environment using lean techniques. The motivation for carrying out this study was, to optimise the typical scope change management systems to improve efficiency and most importantly the process productivity. It aims to present a conceptual approach to reduce bottom line impact brought about by the management of scope change events. A brief literature study of the industry, scope change management systems and the EPC project environment is provided together with an overview on the Value Streams (VS) mapping methodology for lean systems improvement. The improvement study sets out to establish the current status quo of EPC project change management systems through survey and literature study. The assessment establishes a necessary baseline and identifies various aspects within the scope change management system that need to be improved. An improvement effort is made on the current state map using lean principles and Design Structure Matrix (DSM) techniques to establish process efficiency and hence productivity increase. The study presents the results of the lean improvement; this is presented in the form of a process future state map proposal for further lean intervention and implementation. The study concludes with a brief discussion of an implementation plan. Collectively, the study aims to provide tools for VS based improvement and consequently meet the objective of a solution for bottom line productivity improvement in EPC Scope Change Management systems.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Cleaver, Jayson
- Date: 2014-09-17
- Subjects: Production management , Industrial procurement
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:12336 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/12122
- Description: M.Ing. (Engineering Management) , This dissertation provides a study of productivity improvement to project Scope Change Management (SCM) processes in the Engineer-Procure-Construct (EPC) project environment using lean techniques. The motivation for carrying out this study was, to optimise the typical scope change management systems to improve efficiency and most importantly the process productivity. It aims to present a conceptual approach to reduce bottom line impact brought about by the management of scope change events. A brief literature study of the industry, scope change management systems and the EPC project environment is provided together with an overview on the Value Streams (VS) mapping methodology for lean systems improvement. The improvement study sets out to establish the current status quo of EPC project change management systems through survey and literature study. The assessment establishes a necessary baseline and identifies various aspects within the scope change management system that need to be improved. An improvement effort is made on the current state map using lean principles and Design Structure Matrix (DSM) techniques to establish process efficiency and hence productivity increase. The study presents the results of the lean improvement; this is presented in the form of a process future state map proposal for further lean intervention and implementation. The study concludes with a brief discussion of an implementation plan. Collectively, the study aims to provide tools for VS based improvement and consequently meet the objective of a solution for bottom line productivity improvement in EPC Scope Change Management systems.
- Full Text:
Learning material supply chain practices at public schools in Limpopo
- Authors: Kwinda, Tshifhiwa Phanuel
- Date: 2014-05-05
- Subjects: Business logistics , Production management , Industrial efficiency
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:10929 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/10502
- Description: M.Com. (Business Management) , More than fifteen years have gone by since the fall of the apartheid regime in South Africa (SA) in 1994. From 1994, it became critical for every institution of the government to work towards the transformation of the public sector. The ultimate aim of this transformation has been to bring about a better life for all. However, the pace at which improvement in the general life of people from the historically disadvantaged communities is moving slowly. The best weapon that can be employed to ensure that life is improved is through the provision of quality education. There is a serious need for an improvement in the educational system of our country which is counted among the lowest in the world in terms of literacy and mathematics. This situation is continuing to prevail despite the fact that South Africa has some of the best infrastructure in the world. The researcher has undertaken this study with the assumption that the Supply Chain Management (SCM) plays a critical role in the improvement of service delivery and cost reduction as well as inventory reduction. Initially, the SCM was applied in the private sector only where the focus is on profitability. However, for the past few years, the SCM has been overlapping into the public sector. The SA government is amongst the first to adopt SCM as a tool to improve service delivery and to reduce costs. The focus of the SCM in the SA public sector is efficiency, effectiveness and the economic use of resources in the context of development and equity. There are many potential benefits that can be gained in the public sector when SCM is implemented effectively. These benefits include improved service delivery, inventory reduction and cost reduction. The Department of Basic Education (DoBE) is investing heavily towards the improvement of the standard of education in the country. Despite this, there are still learners who attend schools without all the necessary textbooks, the basic source of information for learning. The shortage of books prevails even in Limpopo Province which is one of the poorest provinces in SA. As a poor province, learners in Limpopo do not have easy access to other sources of information such as the internet and only very few schools in Limpopo Province have libraries. These learners rely on the textbooks to get information and therefore the failure to provide adequate textbooks to these learners leaves them with nothing to depend on for their studies. Consequently, their performance at schools is affected to the point that they may fail at the end of the school year.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Kwinda, Tshifhiwa Phanuel
- Date: 2014-05-05
- Subjects: Business logistics , Production management , Industrial efficiency
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:10929 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/10502
- Description: M.Com. (Business Management) , More than fifteen years have gone by since the fall of the apartheid regime in South Africa (SA) in 1994. From 1994, it became critical for every institution of the government to work towards the transformation of the public sector. The ultimate aim of this transformation has been to bring about a better life for all. However, the pace at which improvement in the general life of people from the historically disadvantaged communities is moving slowly. The best weapon that can be employed to ensure that life is improved is through the provision of quality education. There is a serious need for an improvement in the educational system of our country which is counted among the lowest in the world in terms of literacy and mathematics. This situation is continuing to prevail despite the fact that South Africa has some of the best infrastructure in the world. The researcher has undertaken this study with the assumption that the Supply Chain Management (SCM) plays a critical role in the improvement of service delivery and cost reduction as well as inventory reduction. Initially, the SCM was applied in the private sector only where the focus is on profitability. However, for the past few years, the SCM has been overlapping into the public sector. The SA government is amongst the first to adopt SCM as a tool to improve service delivery and to reduce costs. The focus of the SCM in the SA public sector is efficiency, effectiveness and the economic use of resources in the context of development and equity. There are many potential benefits that can be gained in the public sector when SCM is implemented effectively. These benefits include improved service delivery, inventory reduction and cost reduction. The Department of Basic Education (DoBE) is investing heavily towards the improvement of the standard of education in the country. Despite this, there are still learners who attend schools without all the necessary textbooks, the basic source of information for learning. The shortage of books prevails even in Limpopo Province which is one of the poorest provinces in SA. As a poor province, learners in Limpopo do not have easy access to other sources of information such as the internet and only very few schools in Limpopo Province have libraries. These learners rely on the textbooks to get information and therefore the failure to provide adequate textbooks to these learners leaves them with nothing to depend on for their studies. Consequently, their performance at schools is affected to the point that they may fail at the end of the school year.
- Full Text:
The training needs of the operations manager, services, with specific reference to the banking industry
- Authors: Van den Berg, L. M. M.
- Date: 2014-02-04
- Subjects: Executives, Training of , Production management
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: http://ujcontent.uj.ac.za8080/10210/371525 , uj:8043 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/8976
- Description: M.Tech. (Production Management) , This thesis provides some information, techniques and innovations that will equip operations managers in the service industry to develop technical, conceptual and interpersonal skills. These skills will help them make better operating decisions.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Van den Berg, L. M. M.
- Date: 2014-02-04
- Subjects: Executives, Training of , Production management
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: http://ujcontent.uj.ac.za8080/10210/371525 , uj:8043 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/8976
- Description: M.Tech. (Production Management) , This thesis provides some information, techniques and innovations that will equip operations managers in the service industry to develop technical, conceptual and interpersonal skills. These skills will help them make better operating decisions.
- Full Text:
Values and behaviours that the lean production philosophy supports
- Authors: Lotz, Gerrit
- Date: 2013-12-09
- Subjects: Lean manufacturing , Production management , Organisational learning
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:7834 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/8728
- Description: M.Phil. (Leadership, Performance & Change) , *Orientation - More and more South African organisations are turning to prominent productivity improvement systems such as Lean Production (LP). Sustaining LP, however, requires the creation of a discernible management system. One of the perennial questions in LP is whether a management system with such a strong Japanese orientation can be successfully transplanted into a heterogeneous culture such as South Africa. * Research purpose - This research aimed to investigate whether the behaviours and values adopted by successful middle managers in supporting a sustainable LP management system differ from those identified by Van Dun (2008) in a comparative study conducted in the Netherlands. The research also aimed to establish whether managers from different ethnic groups in South Africa adopt different behaviours and values. * Motivation for the study – Identifying the behaviours and values of LP middle managers in the context of both national and sub-cultures will assist in making the necessary allowances in order to limit dissonance and strengthen LP transformation. * Research design, approach and method – The study was conducted in two phases. Firstly, a two round Delphi-study was undertaken to identify criteria for the identification of successful LP middle managers, and to ensure that the Behavioural Leadership Questionnaire developed in the Netherlands has theoretical equivalence in South Africa. During the second phase, successful LP managers, their immediate superiors, subordinates and internal LP practitioners were surveyed in order to identify the extent to which certain LP behaviours and values were demonstrated. The data from the survey was analysed using parametric and comparative statistics. * Main findings – The results indicate that altough LP behaviours and values appear universal, these behaviours and values are to a large extent influenced by national culture. Cross-cultural influences based on racial demographics in South Africa is however inconsequential.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Lotz, Gerrit
- Date: 2013-12-09
- Subjects: Lean manufacturing , Production management , Organisational learning
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:7834 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/8728
- Description: M.Phil. (Leadership, Performance & Change) , *Orientation - More and more South African organisations are turning to prominent productivity improvement systems such as Lean Production (LP). Sustaining LP, however, requires the creation of a discernible management system. One of the perennial questions in LP is whether a management system with such a strong Japanese orientation can be successfully transplanted into a heterogeneous culture such as South Africa. * Research purpose - This research aimed to investigate whether the behaviours and values adopted by successful middle managers in supporting a sustainable LP management system differ from those identified by Van Dun (2008) in a comparative study conducted in the Netherlands. The research also aimed to establish whether managers from different ethnic groups in South Africa adopt different behaviours and values. * Motivation for the study – Identifying the behaviours and values of LP middle managers in the context of both national and sub-cultures will assist in making the necessary allowances in order to limit dissonance and strengthen LP transformation. * Research design, approach and method – The study was conducted in two phases. Firstly, a two round Delphi-study was undertaken to identify criteria for the identification of successful LP middle managers, and to ensure that the Behavioural Leadership Questionnaire developed in the Netherlands has theoretical equivalence in South Africa. During the second phase, successful LP managers, their immediate superiors, subordinates and internal LP practitioners were surveyed in order to identify the extent to which certain LP behaviours and values were demonstrated. The data from the survey was analysed using parametric and comparative statistics. * Main findings – The results indicate that altough LP behaviours and values appear universal, these behaviours and values are to a large extent influenced by national culture. Cross-cultural influences based on racial demographics in South Africa is however inconsequential.
- Full Text:
Application of lean product development at a manufacturing organisation : a case study
- Authors: Dem, Andile Charles
- Date: 2012-08-01
- Subjects: Lean manufacturing , Lean manufacturing - Case studies , Production management , Production control , Costs, Industrial
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:8895 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/5367
- Description: M.Ing. , The principles of lean were understood to be relevant to the operations of a manufacturing enterprise meaning processes associated with material supply, component production and delivery of products and services to the customer. It was identified there was growing awareness that lean principles could be transferred readily to other functions and sectors. The purpose of the study was to investigate the application of lean principles to knowledgebased activities such as engineering design and product development. The organization under study was Olifant Manufacturing Company (OMC), a division of British Aerospace Systems, Land Systems South Africa. Lean product developments (LPD) was identified as one of the leading approaches currently adopted by organizations attempting to maximize value, increase quality, shorten lead times, and lower the costs for product development (PD) processes. The justification for the research was due to and in response to current adverse market trends. There would be the adoption of processes that would radically reduce the product development lead time, product introduction lead time to market, increase process efficiency and product quality and reduce development costs at OMC. The problem statement was formulated as: “Would the researched Lean principles enable OMC to improve its traditional PD to LPD?” The Life Cycle Management (LCM) framework was the mandated organizational framework that guided the execution of projects at BAE Systems The development of the research literature was guided by research questions that sought to identify the relevant framework that would be tailored within the overarching (LCM) framework to enable process improvements. The main findings were that Lean transformation is an organizational journey that would begin with a top down philosophy or strategy approach. Aspects of Lean Product Development were identified and were found to be integrated into a system framework that integrated the transformation of people, processes and tools and technologies.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Dem, Andile Charles
- Date: 2012-08-01
- Subjects: Lean manufacturing , Lean manufacturing - Case studies , Production management , Production control , Costs, Industrial
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:8895 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/5367
- Description: M.Ing. , The principles of lean were understood to be relevant to the operations of a manufacturing enterprise meaning processes associated with material supply, component production and delivery of products and services to the customer. It was identified there was growing awareness that lean principles could be transferred readily to other functions and sectors. The purpose of the study was to investigate the application of lean principles to knowledgebased activities such as engineering design and product development. The organization under study was Olifant Manufacturing Company (OMC), a division of British Aerospace Systems, Land Systems South Africa. Lean product developments (LPD) was identified as one of the leading approaches currently adopted by organizations attempting to maximize value, increase quality, shorten lead times, and lower the costs for product development (PD) processes. The justification for the research was due to and in response to current adverse market trends. There would be the adoption of processes that would radically reduce the product development lead time, product introduction lead time to market, increase process efficiency and product quality and reduce development costs at OMC. The problem statement was formulated as: “Would the researched Lean principles enable OMC to improve its traditional PD to LPD?” The Life Cycle Management (LCM) framework was the mandated organizational framework that guided the execution of projects at BAE Systems The development of the research literature was guided by research questions that sought to identify the relevant framework that would be tailored within the overarching (LCM) framework to enable process improvements. The main findings were that Lean transformation is an organizational journey that would begin with a top down philosophy or strategy approach. Aspects of Lean Product Development were identified and were found to be integrated into a system framework that integrated the transformation of people, processes and tools and technologies.
- Full Text:
Criteria for selecting project priority
- Authors: Engelbrecht, Nicole
- Date: 2012-06-06
- Subjects: Project management - Cost effectiveness , Industrial productivity - Management , Project management , Production management
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:2520 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/4976
- Description: M.Ing. , A company can execute a number of different projects. Some of these projects will increase production volumes, plant efficiency or plant productivity. Others may only be projects that are executed in order to conform to legislation requirements. As such projects can broadly be placed in the following categories: • Compliance • Emergency • Operational • Strategic and • Sustainability A project needs to go through a number of steps before it is decided to finally execute the project. The first step is to place the project in the correct category. The second step is to screen the project on a high level to ensure that it meets all of the required criteria. The third phase would be to prioritise the projects. The final step would then be to decide which projects to execute. This type of staged approach determines which projects to complete and ensures that resources are not wasted unnecessarily on projects that should not be executed and that do not meet the minimum criteria.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Engelbrecht, Nicole
- Date: 2012-06-06
- Subjects: Project management - Cost effectiveness , Industrial productivity - Management , Project management , Production management
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:2520 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/4976
- Description: M.Ing. , A company can execute a number of different projects. Some of these projects will increase production volumes, plant efficiency or plant productivity. Others may only be projects that are executed in order to conform to legislation requirements. As such projects can broadly be placed in the following categories: • Compliance • Emergency • Operational • Strategic and • Sustainability A project needs to go through a number of steps before it is decided to finally execute the project. The first step is to place the project in the correct category. The second step is to screen the project on a high level to ensure that it meets all of the required criteria. The third phase would be to prioritise the projects. The final step would then be to decide which projects to execute. This type of staged approach determines which projects to complete and ensures that resources are not wasted unnecessarily on projects that should not be executed and that do not meet the minimum criteria.
- Full Text:
The development of a report card for the production section in the explosives industry
- Authors: Blythe-Wood, David Ryan
- Date: 2010-11-22T08:01:39Z
- Subjects: Performance measurement , Organizational effectiveness , Production management , Explosives industry management
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:7011 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/3519
- Description: M.Comm. , This study establishes an introductory management tool in the form of a computergenerated report card. The report card displays an overview of ~II pertinent key performance areas within an explosives production plant. The key performance areas cater for the planning, organising, staffing, reporting and controlling of explosives within an explosives production facility. The concept of the report card for the explosives production manager, makes use of the balanced scorecard as well as other key performance management tools to encourage management control, open communication and enhance performance drivers. The overall objective of the dissertation is to use certain assumptions that have become current in academic discussions of management control with particular relevance to aligning strategic control in order to establish what constituents may influence the production facilities' effectiveness, safety, efficiency and future focus areas for managers in the explosives production environment. There is nothing new about the basic notion of combining a number of performance measures in a compact description for a business operation. Recent developments have yielded useful approaches for management control within production companies. This research paper takes an avid search into the various communication tools, financial views, production flexibility, performance drivers, experience as well as development aspects that take place on a day-to-day basis within the explosives production facility. The essential indicators that constitute attention from management are outlined and drafted as a management tool that allows for the total comprehensive picture of the explosives production factory to be accurately reported and acted upon. This allows for more precise information upon which easier decision-making can take place.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Blythe-Wood, David Ryan
- Date: 2010-11-22T08:01:39Z
- Subjects: Performance measurement , Organizational effectiveness , Production management , Explosives industry management
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:7011 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/3519
- Description: M.Comm. , This study establishes an introductory management tool in the form of a computergenerated report card. The report card displays an overview of ~II pertinent key performance areas within an explosives production plant. The key performance areas cater for the planning, organising, staffing, reporting and controlling of explosives within an explosives production facility. The concept of the report card for the explosives production manager, makes use of the balanced scorecard as well as other key performance management tools to encourage management control, open communication and enhance performance drivers. The overall objective of the dissertation is to use certain assumptions that have become current in academic discussions of management control with particular relevance to aligning strategic control in order to establish what constituents may influence the production facilities' effectiveness, safety, efficiency and future focus areas for managers in the explosives production environment. There is nothing new about the basic notion of combining a number of performance measures in a compact description for a business operation. Recent developments have yielded useful approaches for management control within production companies. This research paper takes an avid search into the various communication tools, financial views, production flexibility, performance drivers, experience as well as development aspects that take place on a day-to-day basis within the explosives production facility. The essential indicators that constitute attention from management are outlined and drafted as a management tool that allows for the total comprehensive picture of the explosives production factory to be accurately reported and acted upon. This allows for more precise information upon which easier decision-making can take place.
- Full Text: