An integrated process framework for engineering endeavours
- Erasmus, Jonnro, Pretorius, Jan-Harm C., Wessels, Arie
- Authors: Erasmus, Jonnro , Pretorius, Jan-Harm C. , Wessels, Arie
- Date: 2015-06-08
- Subjects: Systems engineering , Project management , Quality management
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5118 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/14076
- Description: With the exponential increase in the complexity of modern products, the enterprise which creates the product also increases in complexity. Projects to realise engineering products are often fraught with delays, budget overruns and unsatisfied clients. The study sets out exploring the domains of systems engineering, project management and quality management, by extensively referencing industry standards and international good practice in the quest of unravelling conflicts and uncertainties. Selected concepts and business processes of each domain are studied to arrive at an understanding of the objectives and scopes of those processes. This understanding enables the integration of these business processes and concepts by utilising the widely‐used plan‐do‐check‐act (PDCA) cycle. The business processes of each domain are divided into the four PDCA quadrants and integrated models of those quadrants are presented. The four quadrants are synthesised into a single framework which shows the project management, quality management and systems engineering processes performed during a single project phase. This Engineering Management Framework may be tailored for the design and realisation of any complex product, given adequate planning, understanding of the challenges and knowledge of the subject matter.
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- Authors: Erasmus, Jonnro , Pretorius, Jan-Harm C. , Wessels, Arie
- Date: 2015-06-08
- Subjects: Systems engineering , Project management , Quality management
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5118 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/14076
- Description: With the exponential increase in the complexity of modern products, the enterprise which creates the product also increases in complexity. Projects to realise engineering products are often fraught with delays, budget overruns and unsatisfied clients. The study sets out exploring the domains of systems engineering, project management and quality management, by extensively referencing industry standards and international good practice in the quest of unravelling conflicts and uncertainties. Selected concepts and business processes of each domain are studied to arrive at an understanding of the objectives and scopes of those processes. This understanding enables the integration of these business processes and concepts by utilising the widely‐used plan‐do‐check‐act (PDCA) cycle. The business processes of each domain are divided into the four PDCA quadrants and integrated models of those quadrants are presented. The four quadrants are synthesised into a single framework which shows the project management, quality management and systems engineering processes performed during a single project phase. This Engineering Management Framework may be tailored for the design and realisation of any complex product, given adequate planning, understanding of the challenges and knowledge of the subject matter.
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Purchasing and supply quality management in a power plant : a case study
- Authors: Mashazi, Bongumusa Austin
- Date: 2012-06-19
- Subjects: Procurement management , Power plants , Purchasing and supplier quality management , PSQM , Quality management
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:8770 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/5121
- Description: M. Ing. , This research study aims at presenting the management of quality problem issues that often result from procured items in a power plant. The motivation for carrying out this research was an unacceptable risk of undesirable impact on plant availability, or operating costs that arises from quality problem issues of procured items in a particular power plant. In this dissertation, the author aims to provide an overview of quality management and procurement management, by focusing on how purchasing and supplier quality management (PSQM) can be integrated into power plants in order to effectively manage quality problem issues. A case study of the particular South African power plant (called ABC Power Plant as a pseudonym for the sake of confidentiality) was done.
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- Authors: Mashazi, Bongumusa Austin
- Date: 2012-06-19
- Subjects: Procurement management , Power plants , Purchasing and supplier quality management , PSQM , Quality management
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:8770 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/5121
- Description: M. Ing. , This research study aims at presenting the management of quality problem issues that often result from procured items in a power plant. The motivation for carrying out this research was an unacceptable risk of undesirable impact on plant availability, or operating costs that arises from quality problem issues of procured items in a particular power plant. In this dissertation, the author aims to provide an overview of quality management and procurement management, by focusing on how purchasing and supplier quality management (PSQM) can be integrated into power plants in order to effectively manage quality problem issues. A case study of the particular South African power plant (called ABC Power Plant as a pseudonym for the sake of confidentiality) was done.
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Investigating the impact of poor utilisation of quality management system in a South African foundry
- Mpanza, Z., Nyembwe, D., Nel, H.
- Authors: Mpanza, Z. , Nyembwe, D. , Nel, H.
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Castings industries - Quality control , Quality management
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:4917 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13017
- Description: Background: In 2007 alone, twenty six foundries were closed down when the castings industries directory was released. A high scrap rate due to a lack of quality management is one of the root causes of low productivity and low profits, resulting in closures. Method: This research paper focusses on the impact of defects on productivity and monetary losses due to poor utilisation of the quality management system in sand casting. Data was gathered on defects and productivity and the company’s quality control records were used for monetary losses due to scrap. The study was conducted over a period of one year at a South African foundry. The standard multiple regression analysis method was used to assess the ability of five defects (cross jointed, bad mould, shrinkage, core fault, and gas porosity) to predict monetary and productivity losses. Results: Cross jointed and bad mould defects had a correlation coefficient of 0.727 and 0.716 respectively which indicated a strong positive correlation. The overall variance explained by the model was 61%, F = 16.263, p<.005. Thus the prevalence of these two types of defects can significantly predict monetary losses, while core fault predicted productivity. Conclusion: Foundry should concentrate on eliminating cross jointed and bad mould defects to avoid a high scrap rate, and core fault to improve productivity.
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Investigating the impact of poor utilisation of quality management system in a South African foundry
- Authors: Mpanza, Z. , Nyembwe, D. , Nel, H.
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Castings industries - Quality control , Quality management
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:4917 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13017
- Description: Background: In 2007 alone, twenty six foundries were closed down when the castings industries directory was released. A high scrap rate due to a lack of quality management is one of the root causes of low productivity and low profits, resulting in closures. Method: This research paper focusses on the impact of defects on productivity and monetary losses due to poor utilisation of the quality management system in sand casting. Data was gathered on defects and productivity and the company’s quality control records were used for monetary losses due to scrap. The study was conducted over a period of one year at a South African foundry. The standard multiple regression analysis method was used to assess the ability of five defects (cross jointed, bad mould, shrinkage, core fault, and gas porosity) to predict monetary and productivity losses. Results: Cross jointed and bad mould defects had a correlation coefficient of 0.727 and 0.716 respectively which indicated a strong positive correlation. The overall variance explained by the model was 61%, F = 16.263, p<.005. Thus the prevalence of these two types of defects can significantly predict monetary losses, while core fault predicted productivity. Conclusion: Foundry should concentrate on eliminating cross jointed and bad mould defects to avoid a high scrap rate, and core fault to improve productivity.
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Improvements of quality and performance management in the South African Postal Services : challenges and prospects
- Authors: Mokoena, Thabiso John
- Date: 2013-05-28
- Subjects: Quality management , Performance management , South African Postal Services - Quality control
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:7559 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/8421
- Description: M.Tech. (Operations Management) , This study entails and discusses the concepts of quality and performance management in the postal and related services. Quality and Performance Management fundamentally form part of critical strategic objectives and goals every organization set itself to successfully achieve; the practice of quality has been around for a very long time and has become a widespread phenomenon interpreted and implemented differently in the industry while performance management emerged in the 1970’s and grew to be appreciated with time bringing measures to quantify individual and organizational results. This study was aimed at determining the current and past scenarios in the South African Post Office (SAPO) with regards to the organization’s Quality and Performance Management efforts with the view of recommending improvements to be adapted and implemented for strategic business growth. The study was conducted at Capemail and Securemail which are two of other SAPO’s operational divisions that processes and conveys large volumes in clients’ mail and parcels. SAPO is in the process of organizational transformation where a number of projects are being implemented including Change Management, ISO 9001:2008, ISO 14001:2004, Total Operations Management Solutions, Productivity Engineering and others where most of these projects failed to yield the intended value. The techniques deployed for the study involved conducting observations in both Mail Centres, conducting informal interviews and distributing questionnaires for data collection; data was further scrutinized and analyzed with Statkon’s consultancy and statistical techniques were exploited to analyze it into meaningful information. The actual statistical tools used for analysis involved descriptives, factor analysis, normalities, comparisons and correlations; these were suffice to produce reliable and accurate data for the results of the study. The objectives of the study was achieved in that management need to seriously pay attention on factors such as empowering employees, enforcing and emphasizing the culture of good quality practice, adapting advanced project implementation frameworks benchmarking with industry competitors, standardizing processes and activities, encouraging the culture of continuous improvement, provision of support to operational requirements financially and otherwise, upgrading technology, viewing performance management from a holistic perspective and linking it directly with day to day activities of the organization and objectives.
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- Authors: Mokoena, Thabiso John
- Date: 2013-05-28
- Subjects: Quality management , Performance management , South African Postal Services - Quality control
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:7559 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/8421
- Description: M.Tech. (Operations Management) , This study entails and discusses the concepts of quality and performance management in the postal and related services. Quality and Performance Management fundamentally form part of critical strategic objectives and goals every organization set itself to successfully achieve; the practice of quality has been around for a very long time and has become a widespread phenomenon interpreted and implemented differently in the industry while performance management emerged in the 1970’s and grew to be appreciated with time bringing measures to quantify individual and organizational results. This study was aimed at determining the current and past scenarios in the South African Post Office (SAPO) with regards to the organization’s Quality and Performance Management efforts with the view of recommending improvements to be adapted and implemented for strategic business growth. The study was conducted at Capemail and Securemail which are two of other SAPO’s operational divisions that processes and conveys large volumes in clients’ mail and parcels. SAPO is in the process of organizational transformation where a number of projects are being implemented including Change Management, ISO 9001:2008, ISO 14001:2004, Total Operations Management Solutions, Productivity Engineering and others where most of these projects failed to yield the intended value. The techniques deployed for the study involved conducting observations in both Mail Centres, conducting informal interviews and distributing questionnaires for data collection; data was further scrutinized and analyzed with Statkon’s consultancy and statistical techniques were exploited to analyze it into meaningful information. The actual statistical tools used for analysis involved descriptives, factor analysis, normalities, comparisons and correlations; these were suffice to produce reliable and accurate data for the results of the study. The objectives of the study was achieved in that management need to seriously pay attention on factors such as empowering employees, enforcing and emphasizing the culture of good quality practice, adapting advanced project implementation frameworks benchmarking with industry competitors, standardizing processes and activities, encouraging the culture of continuous improvement, provision of support to operational requirements financially and otherwise, upgrading technology, viewing performance management from a holistic perspective and linking it directly with day to day activities of the organization and objectives.
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The design of QTrac: an automated quality and cost management system for projects
- Nel, Hannelie, Pretorius, Jan-Harm
- Authors: Nel, Hannelie , Pretorius, Jan-Harm
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Quality costing , QTrac , Quality management
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/124152 , uj:20880 , Citation: Nel, H & Pretorius, J.H. 2016. The design of QTrac: an automated quality and cost management system for projects.
- Description: Abstract: The value of Total Quality Management is demonstrated by the fact that quality products and service are non-negotiable as market-entry for organizations to compete globally. Quality costing is a measure of the efficiency of Total Quality Management and the metric that companies employ to measure their gain in profitability from investment in quality management programs. Current financial accounting systems, however, are not designed to measure and report quality related data in a format that allows informed decision-making. Two companies, BIE International and PACE Services, combined their expertise in quality management and cost engineering to design a quality and cost management system that measures and reports quality management and cost data and information. The program is called QTrac for Projects and Manufacturing and is designed as a quality decision-making and cost management system for the project and manufacturing sectors. The objectives of this paper are to present the design strategy of QTrac in response to the critique and limitations of existing quality cost and accounting methodologies.
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- Authors: Nel, Hannelie , Pretorius, Jan-Harm
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Quality costing , QTrac , Quality management
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/124152 , uj:20880 , Citation: Nel, H & Pretorius, J.H. 2016. The design of QTrac: an automated quality and cost management system for projects.
- Description: Abstract: The value of Total Quality Management is demonstrated by the fact that quality products and service are non-negotiable as market-entry for organizations to compete globally. Quality costing is a measure of the efficiency of Total Quality Management and the metric that companies employ to measure their gain in profitability from investment in quality management programs. Current financial accounting systems, however, are not designed to measure and report quality related data in a format that allows informed decision-making. Two companies, BIE International and PACE Services, combined their expertise in quality management and cost engineering to design a quality and cost management system that measures and reports quality management and cost data and information. The program is called QTrac for Projects and Manufacturing and is designed as a quality decision-making and cost management system for the project and manufacturing sectors. The objectives of this paper are to present the design strategy of QTrac in response to the critique and limitations of existing quality cost and accounting methodologies.
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The evaluation of the bus building industry's service performance logistics metrics in South Africa
- Authors: Wanda, Andrew P. L.
- Date: 2012-06-06
- Subjects: Customer service , Quality management , Competitive advantage , Bus manufacturing industry
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:2509 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/4963
- Description: M.Phil. , Competition in the bus industry is very fierce. To gain competitive advantage bus manufacturing companies have resorted to various strategies such as intensive marketing, advertising, product innovation, and creation of a wider range of products. These are not sufficient to remain competitive. Another strategy is improving service quality to their customers. A study by Oskrowski et al (1993) showed that the airline companies were able to acquire and retain customers‟ loyalty by continuing to provide perceived high quality services. Bus building companies operating in the transportation industry (which is the same as airline companies); see improvement of the service quality being a major pillar in acquiring new customers and also in retaining existing customers. Thus, providing superior service quality by implementing stringent “Service Performance Logistics Metrics” should be the main agenda for all bus building companies in order to remain competitive. Many empirical studies had tried to measure different dimensions of service quality of the bus building companies. Gourdin (1999) categorized the bus building industry‟s quality into three aspects: (a) price; (b) safety; and (c) timeless. Gilbert and Wong (2003) have revised and adapted the three-aspects of service quality to include: (a) reliability; (b) tangibility; (c) responsiveness; and (d) assurance. This research thesis have re-looked at the service quality metrics, and categorized them in eight (8) broad measures; namely: (a) reliability and availability; (b) parts and parts delivery; (c) repairs selection factors; (d) products design aspects & environmental; (e) product support and warranty; (f) cost and cost service; (g) technical resolution, information, & technical data/software; and (h) facilities characteristics and manpower. Gilbert and Wong (2003), empirical study focused on the airline industry service quality metrics. These are not quite adaptable to the bus building companies; hence this research was focused on the eight (8) broader aspects. The research was conducted by three sets of questionnaires: (a) one for customers for the bus building industry; (b) the second one for employees of the bus building companies; and (c) questionnaire for the customers for bus dealerships networks. These questionnaires are attached as annexure 3 to 5 of this thesis. Focus Groups Interviews (as per Annexure 2 of this thesis) were also held to guide the process of compiling the questionnaires, and also deciding which questions/aspects needed to be included on the final questionnaires. The sorting, analyses, and interpretation of data were primarily done by: - (a) Excel; (b) SPSS – Statistical Analysis Software; and (c) PowerPoint. Data was organized in the form of: Metrics; Graphs (e.g. bar, pie charts); and spreadsheets (with comments and explanatory notes). In general, the study was motivated by the following reasons: - (a) seasonality nature of the manufacturing volumes of buses in South Africa; (b) fragmentation nature of the bus building industry; (c) lack of available uniform performance measures of services provided by bus building companies; (d) lack of government manufacturing support program (i.e. almost the same as those that exist for car manufacturing in South Africa – MIDP). The re-focus of government transportation activities, moving peoples away from personal cars to buses; rail; and taxis - made the study even more important. The study will also serve as a benchmark measure of their services as they are at the moment. It will also help those bus manufacturing companies that are not well geared towards competiveness. It further contribute to the body of knowledge as there are limited studies (of this nature) being done in South Africa. Thus, for investors who wish to enter the bus building industry in South Africa; the study will prove to be very helpful in terms of the service status quo provided by bus building companies.
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- Authors: Wanda, Andrew P. L.
- Date: 2012-06-06
- Subjects: Customer service , Quality management , Competitive advantage , Bus manufacturing industry
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:2509 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/4963
- Description: M.Phil. , Competition in the bus industry is very fierce. To gain competitive advantage bus manufacturing companies have resorted to various strategies such as intensive marketing, advertising, product innovation, and creation of a wider range of products. These are not sufficient to remain competitive. Another strategy is improving service quality to their customers. A study by Oskrowski et al (1993) showed that the airline companies were able to acquire and retain customers‟ loyalty by continuing to provide perceived high quality services. Bus building companies operating in the transportation industry (which is the same as airline companies); see improvement of the service quality being a major pillar in acquiring new customers and also in retaining existing customers. Thus, providing superior service quality by implementing stringent “Service Performance Logistics Metrics” should be the main agenda for all bus building companies in order to remain competitive. Many empirical studies had tried to measure different dimensions of service quality of the bus building companies. Gourdin (1999) categorized the bus building industry‟s quality into three aspects: (a) price; (b) safety; and (c) timeless. Gilbert and Wong (2003) have revised and adapted the three-aspects of service quality to include: (a) reliability; (b) tangibility; (c) responsiveness; and (d) assurance. This research thesis have re-looked at the service quality metrics, and categorized them in eight (8) broad measures; namely: (a) reliability and availability; (b) parts and parts delivery; (c) repairs selection factors; (d) products design aspects & environmental; (e) product support and warranty; (f) cost and cost service; (g) technical resolution, information, & technical data/software; and (h) facilities characteristics and manpower. Gilbert and Wong (2003), empirical study focused on the airline industry service quality metrics. These are not quite adaptable to the bus building companies; hence this research was focused on the eight (8) broader aspects. The research was conducted by three sets of questionnaires: (a) one for customers for the bus building industry; (b) the second one for employees of the bus building companies; and (c) questionnaire for the customers for bus dealerships networks. These questionnaires are attached as annexure 3 to 5 of this thesis. Focus Groups Interviews (as per Annexure 2 of this thesis) were also held to guide the process of compiling the questionnaires, and also deciding which questions/aspects needed to be included on the final questionnaires. The sorting, analyses, and interpretation of data were primarily done by: - (a) Excel; (b) SPSS – Statistical Analysis Software; and (c) PowerPoint. Data was organized in the form of: Metrics; Graphs (e.g. bar, pie charts); and spreadsheets (with comments and explanatory notes). In general, the study was motivated by the following reasons: - (a) seasonality nature of the manufacturing volumes of buses in South Africa; (b) fragmentation nature of the bus building industry; (c) lack of available uniform performance measures of services provided by bus building companies; (d) lack of government manufacturing support program (i.e. almost the same as those that exist for car manufacturing in South Africa – MIDP). The re-focus of government transportation activities, moving peoples away from personal cars to buses; rail; and taxis - made the study even more important. The study will also serve as a benchmark measure of their services as they are at the moment. It will also help those bus manufacturing companies that are not well geared towards competiveness. It further contribute to the body of knowledge as there are limited studies (of this nature) being done in South Africa. Thus, for investors who wish to enter the bus building industry in South Africa; the study will prove to be very helpful in terms of the service status quo provided by bus building companies.
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Supply chain quality management : an implementation framework
- Authors: Joash Mageto , Rose Luke
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Supply chain , Quality management , Implementation framework
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/404438 , uj:33917 , Citation: Joash M. & Rose L. 2019. Supply chain quality management : an implementation framework.
- Description: Abstract: While firms across the globe compete by developing efficient and effective supply chains, it has been a daunting task integrating quality management practices in their supply chains. Researchers have made an attempt to develop conceptual models for integrating supply chain management and quality management. However, little is known about implementation of the supply chain management-quality management (SCM-QM) integration models in firms. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to examine the concepts of SCM and QM and propose a SCM-QM implementation framework. An extensive review of relevant literature helped to identify the dimensions of SCM and QM and those common to both. SCM-QM integration can be achieved following an agreed SCM quality standard by suppliers, internally and customers. In addition, successful implementation of the SCM-QM framework can be operationalized through procurement, internal logistics and physical distribution. The findings extend the literature on theoretical models of SCM-QM integration by providing an implementation framework. The knowledge is likely to inform regulatory agencies as well as business managers on appropriate SCM-QM implementation to attain improved quality of delivered products and services across supply chains.
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- Authors: Joash Mageto , Rose Luke
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Supply chain , Quality management , Implementation framework
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/404438 , uj:33917 , Citation: Joash M. & Rose L. 2019. Supply chain quality management : an implementation framework.
- Description: Abstract: While firms across the globe compete by developing efficient and effective supply chains, it has been a daunting task integrating quality management practices in their supply chains. Researchers have made an attempt to develop conceptual models for integrating supply chain management and quality management. However, little is known about implementation of the supply chain management-quality management (SCM-QM) integration models in firms. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to examine the concepts of SCM and QM and propose a SCM-QM implementation framework. An extensive review of relevant literature helped to identify the dimensions of SCM and QM and those common to both. SCM-QM integration can be achieved following an agreed SCM quality standard by suppliers, internally and customers. In addition, successful implementation of the SCM-QM framework can be operationalized through procurement, internal logistics and physical distribution. The findings extend the literature on theoretical models of SCM-QM integration by providing an implementation framework. The knowledge is likely to inform regulatory agencies as well as business managers on appropriate SCM-QM implementation to attain improved quality of delivered products and services across supply chains.
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