Engineering work integrated learning : a case study in problem-based research and development projects
- Tamin, M. Della, Meyer, J., Nel, H.
- Authors: Tamin, M. Della , Meyer, J. , Nel, H.
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Work-integrated learning , Research and development , Internship
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/215118 , uj:21366 , Citation: Tamin, M.D., Meyer, J & Nel, H. 2016. Engineering work integrated learning : a case study in problem-based research and development projects.
- Description: Abstract: The case study presented in this paper is based on an internship program at a company located in Johannesburg South Africa. It aims to show an innovative problem-based research and development approach through an engineering work-integrated learning programme with technologist engineering interns. Through the case study, theoretical, practical and proper decision making have emphasized the understanding of problem solving strategy in research and development with interns. A thorough follow-up of the processes described in this paper could potentially enable decision makers to develop the skills of more engineers. A working model is presented to show how the system can be replicated.
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- Authors: Tamin, M. Della , Meyer, J. , Nel, H.
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Work-integrated learning , Research and development , Internship
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/215118 , uj:21366 , Citation: Tamin, M.D., Meyer, J & Nel, H. 2016. Engineering work integrated learning : a case study in problem-based research and development projects.
- Description: Abstract: The case study presented in this paper is based on an internship program at a company located in Johannesburg South Africa. It aims to show an innovative problem-based research and development approach through an engineering work-integrated learning programme with technologist engineering interns. Through the case study, theoretical, practical and proper decision making have emphasized the understanding of problem solving strategy in research and development with interns. A thorough follow-up of the processes described in this paper could potentially enable decision makers to develop the skills of more engineers. A working model is presented to show how the system can be replicated.
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Development of a helium gas balloon flying system for aerial photographing and observation
- Mambou, Elie N., Yamga, Gabriel M., Meyer, J., Ferreira, Hendrik C.
- Authors: Mambou, Elie N. , Yamga, Gabriel M. , Meyer, J. , Ferreira, Hendrik C.
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Helium gas balloon , Flying height , Aerial observation
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/214250 , uj:21256 , Citation: Mambou, E.N. et al. 2016. Development of a helium gas balloon flying system for aerial photographing and observation.
- Description: Abstract: This paper describes the implementation of a helium gas balloon flying system equipped with a camera and tracking subsystem for aerial photography. This is partially the results of a successful project conducted in November 2012 by a group of electrical and electronic students from the University of Johannesburg. The goal of this project was to take aerial pictures at the highest possible altitude above the sea level from the flying system while tracking its position in real-time. The solution proposed was based on a low cost unmanned system for a reliable and optimal aerial observation and tracking, suitable for start-ups companies or research groups.
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- Authors: Mambou, Elie N. , Yamga, Gabriel M. , Meyer, J. , Ferreira, Hendrik C.
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Helium gas balloon , Flying height , Aerial observation
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/214250 , uj:21256 , Citation: Mambou, E.N. et al. 2016. Development of a helium gas balloon flying system for aerial photographing and observation.
- Description: Abstract: This paper describes the implementation of a helium gas balloon flying system equipped with a camera and tracking subsystem for aerial photography. This is partially the results of a successful project conducted in November 2012 by a group of electrical and electronic students from the University of Johannesburg. The goal of this project was to take aerial pictures at the highest possible altitude above the sea level from the flying system while tracking its position in real-time. The solution proposed was based on a low cost unmanned system for a reliable and optimal aerial observation and tracking, suitable for start-ups companies or research groups.
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Gender dynamics : a case study of role allocation in engineering education
- Von Solms, S., Nel, H., Meyer, J.
- Authors: Von Solms, S. , Nel, H. , Meyer, J.
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Gender Dynamics , Engineering , Engineering education
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/245383 , uj:25414 , Citation: Von Solms, S., Nel, H. & Meyer, J. 2017. Gender dynamics : a case study of role allocation in engineering education.
- Description: Abstract: The underrepresentation of women in engineering remains a problem till this day where women made up 4% of its registered professional engineers in South Africa in 2014. The experience of women engineers in industry and women students in engineering courses can play a significant role in their decision to remain in engineering or pursue a different career path. The investigation of gender dynamics in small groups of engineering students, specifically focusing on the participation and role allocation of women students, can shed light on the experiences of women students in the engineering education environment. This study shows that, although women engineering students are still in the minority in engineering courses, many are active participators in groups and fulfil leadership roles in those groups.
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- Authors: Von Solms, S. , Nel, H. , Meyer, J.
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Gender Dynamics , Engineering , Engineering education
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/245383 , uj:25414 , Citation: Von Solms, S., Nel, H. & Meyer, J. 2017. Gender dynamics : a case study of role allocation in engineering education.
- Description: Abstract: The underrepresentation of women in engineering remains a problem till this day where women made up 4% of its registered professional engineers in South Africa in 2014. The experience of women engineers in industry and women students in engineering courses can play a significant role in their decision to remain in engineering or pursue a different career path. The investigation of gender dynamics in small groups of engineering students, specifically focusing on the participation and role allocation of women students, can shed light on the experiences of women students in the engineering education environment. This study shows that, although women engineering students are still in the minority in engineering courses, many are active participators in groups and fulfil leadership roles in those groups.
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A sustainable model for problem based learning in a South African school
- Von Solms, S., Hurter, W.S., Meyer, J.
- Authors: Von Solms, S. , Hurter, W.S. , Meyer, J.
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/124089 , uj:20872 , Citation: Von Solms, S., Hurter, W.S & Meyer, J. 2016. A sustainable model for problem based learning in a South African school.
- Description: Abstract: South Africa is currently facing an education dilemma with high numbers of youth unemployment and a growing specialized skills shortage in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). STEM problem based learning events, hosted by government and the corporate sector, has shown to improve science and technology literacy and to encourage the youth to pursue tertiary education in the field of science. Unfortunately, schools face a range of challenges which restricts them from participating in these learning methods, depriving learners of the advantages offered by problem based learning. This paper presents a model for the sustainable provision of STEM problem based learning opportunities in South African schools. The presented model is based on a two-team mentoring model which makes problem based learning sustainable in a South African school environments. The Shell Eco Marathon is in its third year, and the students that have passed through the program will now be progressing to university. The impact of this program, therefore, will be become evident by the success of the students’ studies in the near future.
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- Authors: Von Solms, S. , Hurter, W.S. , Meyer, J.
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/124089 , uj:20872 , Citation: Von Solms, S., Hurter, W.S & Meyer, J. 2016. A sustainable model for problem based learning in a South African school.
- Description: Abstract: South Africa is currently facing an education dilemma with high numbers of youth unemployment and a growing specialized skills shortage in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). STEM problem based learning events, hosted by government and the corporate sector, has shown to improve science and technology literacy and to encourage the youth to pursue tertiary education in the field of science. Unfortunately, schools face a range of challenges which restricts them from participating in these learning methods, depriving learners of the advantages offered by problem based learning. This paper presents a model for the sustainable provision of STEM problem based learning opportunities in South African schools. The presented model is based on a two-team mentoring model which makes problem based learning sustainable in a South African school environments. The Shell Eco Marathon is in its third year, and the students that have passed through the program will now be progressing to university. The impact of this program, therefore, will be become evident by the success of the students’ studies in the near future.
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Household energisation in rural South Africa : a systems approach towards energy access
- Authors: Makonese, T. , Meyer, J.
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Access , Energy options , Electrification
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/267551 , uj:28386 , Citation: Makonese, T. & Meyer, J. 2018. Household energisation in rural South Africa : a systems approach towards energy access.
- Description: Abstract: In South Africa, household electrification has improved significantly since the dawn of independence, with the current national electrification rate at 87%. However, poor households in rural communities, informal urban settlements and low-income urban Townships still rely heavily on traditional fuels to meet their basic energy needs. The majority of these households are energy poor, as they tend to expend a higher proportion (> 10%) of their disposable income on energy services. The continued use of traditional fuels is associated with health challenges including asphyxiation, upper and lower respiratory complications, and mortality. Notwithstanding the benefits of household electrification in rural areas, there is a great need to consider other cheaper alternative energy sources, as the cost of electricity tends to limit its use. Household “energisation” instead of “electrification” has the potential to provide households with access to clean renewable energy sources at minimal cost. Effective household energisation employs a systems approach towards a more comprehensive energy access strategy of meeting households’ energy needs using a suite of locally available renewable energy carriers. Energy options available for rural communities are assessed using a ‘systems thinking’ approach.
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- Authors: Makonese, T. , Meyer, J.
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Access , Energy options , Electrification
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/267551 , uj:28386 , Citation: Makonese, T. & Meyer, J. 2018. Household energisation in rural South Africa : a systems approach towards energy access.
- Description: Abstract: In South Africa, household electrification has improved significantly since the dawn of independence, with the current national electrification rate at 87%. However, poor households in rural communities, informal urban settlements and low-income urban Townships still rely heavily on traditional fuels to meet their basic energy needs. The majority of these households are energy poor, as they tend to expend a higher proportion (> 10%) of their disposable income on energy services. The continued use of traditional fuels is associated with health challenges including asphyxiation, upper and lower respiratory complications, and mortality. Notwithstanding the benefits of household electrification in rural areas, there is a great need to consider other cheaper alternative energy sources, as the cost of electricity tends to limit its use. Household “energisation” instead of “electrification” has the potential to provide households with access to clean renewable energy sources at minimal cost. Effective household energisation employs a systems approach towards a more comprehensive energy access strategy of meeting households’ energy needs using a suite of locally available renewable energy carriers. Energy options available for rural communities are assessed using a ‘systems thinking’ approach.
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Bake bread while the sun shines : solar bakery for off-grid rural community development
- Authors: Meyer, J. , Von Solms, S.
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Solar solutions , Rural development , Bakery
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/273545 , uj:29144 , Citation: Meyer, J. & Von Solms, S. 2018. Bake bread while the sun shines : solar bakery for off-grid rural community development.
- Description: Abstract: In South Africa there are still more than 1.5 million households which are unlikely to be connected to the utility grid in the near future. These rural communities are faced with economic development, social and environmental challenges brought about as result of not being connect to the utility grid. Renewable energy offers environmentally favourable and cost effective solutions which are attractive for rural development of communities not connected to the utility grid. Gwakwani is an off-grid rural village situated in northern Limpopo South Africa. As a result of being off-grid, economic and social development of the village was haltered and become near stagnant. In this paper a renewable solar energy solution is utilised in the Gwakwani rural off-grid community for the powering of a small bakery. A solarised container bakery was developed and installed in the community. The bakery operated by four bakers is capable of producing up to 160 loafs of bread per day. The bakery has become the main supplier of bread to the neighbouring communities and is now the largest source of income and employment in Gwakwani, driving economic development. An overview of the technical implementation, bakery operation as well as the social aspects are presented. Social development was facilitated through the training of community members on the operation of the bakery and the economic business development thereof. Results from the social and economic impact of the off-grid solar bakery are presented and discussed.
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- Authors: Meyer, J. , Von Solms, S.
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Solar solutions , Rural development , Bakery
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/273545 , uj:29144 , Citation: Meyer, J. & Von Solms, S. 2018. Bake bread while the sun shines : solar bakery for off-grid rural community development.
- Description: Abstract: In South Africa there are still more than 1.5 million households which are unlikely to be connected to the utility grid in the near future. These rural communities are faced with economic development, social and environmental challenges brought about as result of not being connect to the utility grid. Renewable energy offers environmentally favourable and cost effective solutions which are attractive for rural development of communities not connected to the utility grid. Gwakwani is an off-grid rural village situated in northern Limpopo South Africa. As a result of being off-grid, economic and social development of the village was haltered and become near stagnant. In this paper a renewable solar energy solution is utilised in the Gwakwani rural off-grid community for the powering of a small bakery. A solarised container bakery was developed and installed in the community. The bakery operated by four bakers is capable of producing up to 160 loafs of bread per day. The bakery has become the main supplier of bread to the neighbouring communities and is now the largest source of income and employment in Gwakwani, driving economic development. An overview of the technical implementation, bakery operation as well as the social aspects are presented. Social development was facilitated through the training of community members on the operation of the bakery and the economic business development thereof. Results from the social and economic impact of the off-grid solar bakery are presented and discussed.
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Attraction, education and retention of technical women in South Africa
- Authors: Nel, H. , Meyer, J.
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Women in engineering , Education , Retention
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/124127 , uj:20877 , Citation: Nel, H & Meyer, J. 2016. Attraction, education and retention of technical women in South Africa.
- Description: Abstract: Women engineers form a small but integral part of the South African and global engineering fraternity. The resultant gender disparity in all technical professions presents a significant challenge to women in the sector, as well as to governments, corporates and higher education institutions. If the future of engineering aims to be more gender equitable, the attraction, education and retention of technical women must be understood and addressed effectively. Research was conducted over a two-year period with nine technical women in South Africa to gain a deeper understanding of these factors. The respondents agree that a future exists for women engineers, but that current policies, education structures and financial systems must be restructured to make engineering a more attractive career for women. The paper presents the research findings and strategies for the future education and retention of technical women in the engineering and built environment sectors.
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- Authors: Nel, H. , Meyer, J.
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Women in engineering , Education , Retention
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/124127 , uj:20877 , Citation: Nel, H & Meyer, J. 2016. Attraction, education and retention of technical women in South Africa.
- Description: Abstract: Women engineers form a small but integral part of the South African and global engineering fraternity. The resultant gender disparity in all technical professions presents a significant challenge to women in the sector, as well as to governments, corporates and higher education institutions. If the future of engineering aims to be more gender equitable, the attraction, education and retention of technical women must be understood and addressed effectively. Research was conducted over a two-year period with nine technical women in South Africa to gain a deeper understanding of these factors. The respondents agree that a future exists for women engineers, but that current policies, education structures and financial systems must be restructured to make engineering a more attractive career for women. The paper presents the research findings and strategies for the future education and retention of technical women in the engineering and built environment sectors.
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Broadening access to problem-based learning : design of the shell eco-marathon car-in-a-box concept
- Von Solms, S., Hurter, W.S., Meyer, J.
- Authors: Von Solms, S. , Hurter, W.S. , Meyer, J.
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Car-In-A-Box , Design , Problem-based learning
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/124144 , uj:20879 , Citation: Von Solms, S., Hurter, W.S & Meyer, J. 2016. Broadening access to problem-based learning : design of the shell eco-marathon car-in-a-box concept.
- Description: Abstract: Problem-based learning has proven to develop teamwork, problem solving skills, communication and critical thinking skills amongst learners. Due to these advantages, secondary schools in South Africa engage with problem-based events to promote the participation of learners in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). However, many schools face lack of time, lack of available funds and lack of the required technical skill set, which limits them from participating in these events. The Car-In-a-Box concept was developed to broaden access to a STEM problem-based learning event, called the Shell Eco-Marathon. The Car-In-A-Box concept addresses the three challenges that would normally prevent a school from entering the Shell Eco-Marathon, disenabling learners to harness the advantages of problem-based learning. The impact of the Car-In-A-Box concept for broadening access to problem-based learning is discussed.
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- Authors: Von Solms, S. , Hurter, W.S. , Meyer, J.
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Car-In-A-Box , Design , Problem-based learning
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/124144 , uj:20879 , Citation: Von Solms, S., Hurter, W.S & Meyer, J. 2016. Broadening access to problem-based learning : design of the shell eco-marathon car-in-a-box concept.
- Description: Abstract: Problem-based learning has proven to develop teamwork, problem solving skills, communication and critical thinking skills amongst learners. Due to these advantages, secondary schools in South Africa engage with problem-based events to promote the participation of learners in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). However, many schools face lack of time, lack of available funds and lack of the required technical skill set, which limits them from participating in these events. The Car-In-a-Box concept was developed to broaden access to a STEM problem-based learning event, called the Shell Eco-Marathon. The Car-In-A-Box concept addresses the three challenges that would normally prevent a school from entering the Shell Eco-Marathon, disenabling learners to harness the advantages of problem-based learning. The impact of the Car-In-A-Box concept for broadening access to problem-based learning is discussed.
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Social innovation, research and community engagement : managing interdisciplinary projects for societal change
- Janse van Rensburg, N., Meyer, J., Nel, H.
- Authors: Janse van Rensburg, N. , Meyer, J. , Nel, H.
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Project management , Social innovation , Higher education
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/124136 , uj:20878 , Citation: Janse van Rensburg, N., Meyer, J & Nel, H. 2016. Social innovation, research and community engagement : managing interdisciplinary projects for societal change.
- Description: Abstract: A transformative research paradigm is rooted in knowledge mobilization processes involving close collaboration between researchers and the community. A formalized approach to managing multi-stakeholder participation and community engagement in a science and technology research environment is presented. Design science research methodology is applied with a systems thinking approach to implement an integrated research, development and project management network at a tertiary education institution. The network is presented as a Research and Projects Office that enables a projects-based approach to facilitate interdisciplinary and community-driven research for social change through technology development.
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- Authors: Janse van Rensburg, N. , Meyer, J. , Nel, H.
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Project management , Social innovation , Higher education
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/124136 , uj:20878 , Citation: Janse van Rensburg, N., Meyer, J & Nel, H. 2016. Social innovation, research and community engagement : managing interdisciplinary projects for societal change.
- Description: Abstract: A transformative research paradigm is rooted in knowledge mobilization processes involving close collaboration between researchers and the community. A formalized approach to managing multi-stakeholder participation and community engagement in a science and technology research environment is presented. Design science research methodology is applied with a systems thinking approach to implement an integrated research, development and project management network at a tertiary education institution. The network is presented as a Research and Projects Office that enables a projects-based approach to facilitate interdisciplinary and community-driven research for social change through technology development.
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Cultural intermediaries and the circuit of culture : the digital ambassadors project in Johannesburg, South Africa
- Benecke, D.R., Simpson, Z., Le Roux, S., Skinner, C.J., Janse van Rensburg, N., Sibeko, J., Bvuma, S., Meyer, J.
- Authors: Benecke, D.R. , Simpson, Z. , Le Roux, S. , Skinner, C.J. , Janse van Rensburg, N. , Sibeko, J. , Bvuma, S. , Meyer, J.
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Circuit of culture , Culture-centred approach , Public relations
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/214217 , uj:21252 , Citation: Benecke, D.R. et al. 2016. Cultural intermediaries and the circuit of culture : the digital ambassadors project in Johannesburg, South Africa.
- Description: Abstract: The question raised by Cheney and Christensen (2001) as to “what a non-Western, nonmanagerial and non-rationalist form of public relations will look like” (p.182), together with the call made by Gregory (2014) for public relations practitioners (PRPs) to be active social change agents, motivated this paper. The aim of this research is to follow a culture-centred approach and apply the circuit of culture (Curtin & Gaither, 2005) to investigate the meanings that young people (aged 18 to 34), as cultural intermediaries, ascribe to their participation in a digital empowerment project implemented by the City of Johannesburg, South Africa. This research forms part of a larger, ongoing multi-disciplinary research project...
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- Authors: Benecke, D.R. , Simpson, Z. , Le Roux, S. , Skinner, C.J. , Janse van Rensburg, N. , Sibeko, J. , Bvuma, S. , Meyer, J.
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Circuit of culture , Culture-centred approach , Public relations
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/214217 , uj:21252 , Citation: Benecke, D.R. et al. 2016. Cultural intermediaries and the circuit of culture : the digital ambassadors project in Johannesburg, South Africa.
- Description: Abstract: The question raised by Cheney and Christensen (2001) as to “what a non-Western, nonmanagerial and non-rationalist form of public relations will look like” (p.182), together with the call made by Gregory (2014) for public relations practitioners (PRPs) to be active social change agents, motivated this paper. The aim of this research is to follow a culture-centred approach and apply the circuit of culture (Curtin & Gaither, 2005) to investigate the meanings that young people (aged 18 to 34), as cultural intermediaries, ascribe to their participation in a digital empowerment project implemented by the City of Johannesburg, South Africa. This research forms part of a larger, ongoing multi-disciplinary research project...
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AfrikaBot : design of a robotics challenge to promote STEM in Africa
- Ettershank, M., Venter, J., Meyer, J., Nel, H.
- Authors: Ettershank, M. , Venter, J. , Meyer, J. , Nel, H.
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Robotics , STEM , AfrikaBot
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/214225 , uj:21253 , Citation: Ettershank, M. et al. 2016. AfrikaBot : design of a robotics challenge to promote STEM in Africa.
- Description: Abstract: Science, technology, engineering and mathematics education for high school learners in developing countries is a challenge for two significant reasons: equipment for education is expensive and complex, and economically-marginalized youth must be integrated in pre-engineering programs to prepare them for technical programmes at university. The goal of establishing AfrikaBot is to prepare high school learners to study engineering at the University of Johannesburg; thus to train teenagers from disadvantaged communities with no prior experience in STEM to participate in a challenge to build and program a robot. Also, AfrikaBot aims to equip teenagers from low-income households with technology and entrepreneurial skills in a repressed economy. AfrikaBot achieves the above with a build-it-yourself robot that can be used after the competition to invent systems with real world applications. Anticipated long-term outcomes of the AfrikaBot program will influence the structure of future robotics challenges, and promote a higher number of technical candidates from marginalized communities. By transferring enabling technology skills in a fun and engaging way, participants will rapidly build the confidence to pursue careers in STEM fields. Participants can also acquire entrepreneurial skills that may lead to the establishment of new businesses and the creation of local jobs in both the formal and informal sectors in Africa. This paper presents the organizational and physical design of AfrikaBot, a robotics challenge that will be held in the latter half of 2016.
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- Authors: Ettershank, M. , Venter, J. , Meyer, J. , Nel, H.
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Robotics , STEM , AfrikaBot
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/214225 , uj:21253 , Citation: Ettershank, M. et al. 2016. AfrikaBot : design of a robotics challenge to promote STEM in Africa.
- Description: Abstract: Science, technology, engineering and mathematics education for high school learners in developing countries is a challenge for two significant reasons: equipment for education is expensive and complex, and economically-marginalized youth must be integrated in pre-engineering programs to prepare them for technical programmes at university. The goal of establishing AfrikaBot is to prepare high school learners to study engineering at the University of Johannesburg; thus to train teenagers from disadvantaged communities with no prior experience in STEM to participate in a challenge to build and program a robot. Also, AfrikaBot aims to equip teenagers from low-income households with technology and entrepreneurial skills in a repressed economy. AfrikaBot achieves the above with a build-it-yourself robot that can be used after the competition to invent systems with real world applications. Anticipated long-term outcomes of the AfrikaBot program will influence the structure of future robotics challenges, and promote a higher number of technical candidates from marginalized communities. By transferring enabling technology skills in a fun and engaging way, participants will rapidly build the confidence to pursue careers in STEM fields. Participants can also acquire entrepreneurial skills that may lead to the establishment of new businesses and the creation of local jobs in both the formal and informal sectors in Africa. This paper presents the organizational and physical design of AfrikaBot, a robotics challenge that will be held in the latter half of 2016.
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Cooking sequences : the realistic utilization of fuel/stove combinations in standardised experiments
- Authors: Makonese, T. , Meyer, J.
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Cooking sequence , Solid fuels , Stove testing standards
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/267550 , uj:28387 , Citation: Makonese, T. & Meyer, J. 2018. Cooking sequences : the realistic utilization of fuel/stove combinations in standardised experiments.
- Description: Abstract: The development of stove performance evaluation standards and protocols has received significant attention in the past decade. This was given the impetus by the advent of the Global Alliance for Clean Cookstove (GACC). Currently, there is a huge drive to developing an international stove-testing standard that addresses real-world uses of fuel/stove combinations. The study was conducted to evaluate the performance of a biomass pellet cookstove using uncontrolled cooking test (UCT) with cooking sequences derived from food dishes prepared in the lowincome stratum of Johannesburg. Results show that cooking sequences, when incorporated in standardised stove testing protocols, offer the potential to correlate better the laboratory and field performances of fuel/stove combinations. This is because cookstoves are operated, during technical test experiments, the way they would in real world-uses by mimicking the preparation of specific food dishes. Results from this study have implications for the development of future stove testing protocols.
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Cooking sequences : the realistic utilization of fuel/stove combinations in standardised experiments
- Authors: Makonese, T. , Meyer, J.
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Cooking sequence , Solid fuels , Stove testing standards
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/267550 , uj:28387 , Citation: Makonese, T. & Meyer, J. 2018. Cooking sequences : the realistic utilization of fuel/stove combinations in standardised experiments.
- Description: Abstract: The development of stove performance evaluation standards and protocols has received significant attention in the past decade. This was given the impetus by the advent of the Global Alliance for Clean Cookstove (GACC). Currently, there is a huge drive to developing an international stove-testing standard that addresses real-world uses of fuel/stove combinations. The study was conducted to evaluate the performance of a biomass pellet cookstove using uncontrolled cooking test (UCT) with cooking sequences derived from food dishes prepared in the lowincome stratum of Johannesburg. Results show that cooking sequences, when incorporated in standardised stove testing protocols, offer the potential to correlate better the laboratory and field performances of fuel/stove combinations. This is because cookstoves are operated, during technical test experiments, the way they would in real world-uses by mimicking the preparation of specific food dishes. Results from this study have implications for the development of future stove testing protocols.
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A reverse order life cycle approach to enhance systems engineering education at undergraduate level
- Authors: Meyer, J. , Von Solms, S.
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Engineering education , Industry 4.0 , Reverse Life Cycle
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/404177 , uj:33885 , Citation: Meyer, J. & Von Solms, S. 2019. A reverse order life cycle approach to enhance systems engineering education at undergraduate level.
- Description: Abstract: The advances of Industry 4.0 lead the transition into the era of complex systems, requiring systems solutions for complex problems, increasing the interest in the development of systems engineers. However, traditional systems thinking may lose its effectiveness in this new context, which leads to a challenge in systems engineering education. This research aims to better prepare systems engineers of the future by addressing the disconnect which exist between systems engineering education at undergraduate level, and the real-life complex systems seen in society today though the implementation of a reverse order life cycle approach. By following the reverse order life cycle approach with a familiar electrical appliance, such as the electric kettle, in the classroom, undergraduate systems engineering students were able to gain the necessary insight and understanding regarding the dynamics of complex systems the underlying systems engineering concepts.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Meyer, J. , Von Solms, S.
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Engineering education , Industry 4.0 , Reverse Life Cycle
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/404177 , uj:33885 , Citation: Meyer, J. & Von Solms, S. 2019. A reverse order life cycle approach to enhance systems engineering education at undergraduate level.
- Description: Abstract: The advances of Industry 4.0 lead the transition into the era of complex systems, requiring systems solutions for complex problems, increasing the interest in the development of systems engineers. However, traditional systems thinking may lose its effectiveness in this new context, which leads to a challenge in systems engineering education. This research aims to better prepare systems engineers of the future by addressing the disconnect which exist between systems engineering education at undergraduate level, and the real-life complex systems seen in society today though the implementation of a reverse order life cycle approach. By following the reverse order life cycle approach with a familiar electrical appliance, such as the electric kettle, in the classroom, undergraduate systems engineering students were able to gain the necessary insight and understanding regarding the dynamics of complex systems the underlying systems engineering concepts.
- Full Text:
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