The investigation of waterside operational inefficiencies at the Durban Container Terminal
- Authors: Mokgwetsi, Refiloe Palesa
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Business logistics , Container terminals - South Africa - KwaZulu-Natal , Containerization
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/225808 , uj:22815
- Description: M.Com. (Business Management) , Abstract: Ports are part of a value-chain system that operates in an intricate and competitive environment wherein measuring, monitoring and controlling are key to improving performance and thus the competitiveness. Achieving competitive supply chains which include ports hinges a great deal on the efficiency of the ports as significant nodes in supply chains which aids in the cost-effective flow of materials and services. In striving to achieve efficiencies, performance measurements with Key Performance Indicators as essential tools, can assist Durban Container Terminal (DCT) or any container terminal to survive and thrive in a very competitive industry. By the same token, container terminals and ports need to look outward and establish what the best performing ports are doing by benchmarking performance which provides a basis for identifying gaps in performance and adopting best practice. A mixed methods approach was applied in the study with quantitative KPI analysis, target and performance benchmarking, customer questionnaires, and interviews as the complementary qualitative methodology to collect data in order to address the research objectives. The four enablers of waterside operational efficiencies were identified as capacity to handle more vessels and improve turnaround times, the draft as the world is getting deeper, land for stowing additional containers and advanced systems and technology. The critical element that binds all the three enablers is the human element which speaks to intelligence, competency, willingness and knowledge. All this is governed, controlled and directed by high safety standards. It is important to note that given the incessant change in the market dynamics and the needs of the customers, operational efficiency and continuous improvement will always be an essential principle for business sustainability and operational competiveness. The adage “today's achievement is tomorrow's new start” stands true. The focus of the organisation should always be on performing better than the target and the competitors.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mokgwetsi, Refiloe Palesa
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Business logistics , Container terminals - South Africa - KwaZulu-Natal , Containerization
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/225808 , uj:22815
- Description: M.Com. (Business Management) , Abstract: Ports are part of a value-chain system that operates in an intricate and competitive environment wherein measuring, monitoring and controlling are key to improving performance and thus the competitiveness. Achieving competitive supply chains which include ports hinges a great deal on the efficiency of the ports as significant nodes in supply chains which aids in the cost-effective flow of materials and services. In striving to achieve efficiencies, performance measurements with Key Performance Indicators as essential tools, can assist Durban Container Terminal (DCT) or any container terminal to survive and thrive in a very competitive industry. By the same token, container terminals and ports need to look outward and establish what the best performing ports are doing by benchmarking performance which provides a basis for identifying gaps in performance and adopting best practice. A mixed methods approach was applied in the study with quantitative KPI analysis, target and performance benchmarking, customer questionnaires, and interviews as the complementary qualitative methodology to collect data in order to address the research objectives. The four enablers of waterside operational efficiencies were identified as capacity to handle more vessels and improve turnaround times, the draft as the world is getting deeper, land for stowing additional containers and advanced systems and technology. The critical element that binds all the three enablers is the human element which speaks to intelligence, competency, willingness and knowledge. All this is governed, controlled and directed by high safety standards. It is important to note that given the incessant change in the market dynamics and the needs of the customers, operational efficiency and continuous improvement will always be an essential principle for business sustainability and operational competiveness. The adage “today's achievement is tomorrow's new start” stands true. The focus of the organisation should always be on performing better than the target and the competitors.
- Full Text:
The supply chain value-adding role of strategic sourcing : a case study
- Authors: Bredenkamp, Jan-Daniel
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Industrial procurement , Business logistics
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/237566 , uj:24341
- Description: M.Com. (Business Management) , Abstract: The value that Procurement adds to the supply chain of a business organisation is frequently underestimated. Procurement is regularly not receiving the acknowledgement and recognition it is due for the contribution it delivers through strategic sourcing. It is commonly labelled as a function that is mainly concerned with reducing the cost of products and services. The purpose of this study was to explore the supply chain value-adding contributions made by Procurement in the sourcing of logistics services for a business organisation. More specifically, the research follows a case study design as it investigated the value-adding contributions of Procurement to a supply chain of a multinational company operating in the Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry. This is a qualitative study, which focuses on a descriptive case study. Internal stakeholders of the focal organisation’s supply chain were interviewed to determine the value-adding contributions made by Procurement. Secondary data and literature was consulted to triangulate the findings of the interviews. The findings of the analysis revealed that Procurement does not only reduce costs for the business, it has more value-adding contributions. It delivers value to the supply chain members in the form of best value for goods and services, business understanding and innovation and achieving customer satisfaction. In addition, Procurement delivers against its set deliverables and drives sustainable supplier relationships for the internal stakeholders of a typical FMCG company. Procurement has more to offer than the general perception held within the industry.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Bredenkamp, Jan-Daniel
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Industrial procurement , Business logistics
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/237566 , uj:24341
- Description: M.Com. (Business Management) , Abstract: The value that Procurement adds to the supply chain of a business organisation is frequently underestimated. Procurement is regularly not receiving the acknowledgement and recognition it is due for the contribution it delivers through strategic sourcing. It is commonly labelled as a function that is mainly concerned with reducing the cost of products and services. The purpose of this study was to explore the supply chain value-adding contributions made by Procurement in the sourcing of logistics services for a business organisation. More specifically, the research follows a case study design as it investigated the value-adding contributions of Procurement to a supply chain of a multinational company operating in the Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry. This is a qualitative study, which focuses on a descriptive case study. Internal stakeholders of the focal organisation’s supply chain were interviewed to determine the value-adding contributions made by Procurement. Secondary data and literature was consulted to triangulate the findings of the interviews. The findings of the analysis revealed that Procurement does not only reduce costs for the business, it has more value-adding contributions. It delivers value to the supply chain members in the form of best value for goods and services, business understanding and innovation and achieving customer satisfaction. In addition, Procurement delivers against its set deliverables and drives sustainable supplier relationships for the internal stakeholders of a typical FMCG company. Procurement has more to offer than the general perception held within the industry.
- Full Text:
The use of collaborative models to improve the performance of construction supply chains in South Africa
- Authors: Masemeni, Neo Malose
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Construction industry - Management , Construction projects - Management , Business logistics
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/213426 , uj:21151
- Description: Abstract: Construction supply chains around the world are known for their fragmented and adversarial methods, sometimes making contracting relationships very difficult to administer. The study intended to evaluate collaborative project management techniques to improve the overall performance of construction supply chains in South Africa. Secondary data on the subject matter was attained from articles in research journals, research books and other academic publications. A quantitative research method was adopted for the study. The research made use of primary data solicited from self-administered, open-ended questionnaires. These questionnaire were completed by industry professionals namely; contractors, consultants and clients that are or have been involved in large construction projects. To round up the research, case studies were used to shed light on some undertakings with collaborative models. Some of the challenges faced in construction supply chains are corruption, price-oriented selection methods, lack of commitment from other parties, unrealistic deadlines, selection of contract and pricing strategy, high stress levels, complex nature of projects, adversarial (aggressive) relationships, lack of trust, and the unpredictable nature of projects. The study revealed that for the project to be deemed a success, commonly practitioners focus on the time taken, the quality of workmanship of the finished commodity and the overall cost of the project compared to the planned cost. For the collaboration to work, practitioners need be mindful of the dynamics in the construction supply chain. These dynamics need to be nurtured through the duration of the project. In this study the most important factors for facilitating successful collaborative models were identified as good leadership, effective communication, top management support, adequate resources and a knowledgeable client. Selection of the correct team is also important. The quality of previous work, the ability to deliver on time, experience with similar work, technical ability and effective and efficient decision making should be the parameters used in the selection of the ideal partner. A paradigm shift to more innovative means of undertaking construction projects is desperately needed. Compared to the fragmented style of construction supply chains, a paradigm shift in the direction of more collaboratively structured construction supply chains will ensure that overall success is achieved. The study recommends that collaborative models and the philosophies associated with them be incorporated across all forms of construction supply chains. , M.Tech. (Construction Management)
- Full Text:
- Authors: Masemeni, Neo Malose
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Construction industry - Management , Construction projects - Management , Business logistics
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/213426 , uj:21151
- Description: Abstract: Construction supply chains around the world are known for their fragmented and adversarial methods, sometimes making contracting relationships very difficult to administer. The study intended to evaluate collaborative project management techniques to improve the overall performance of construction supply chains in South Africa. Secondary data on the subject matter was attained from articles in research journals, research books and other academic publications. A quantitative research method was adopted for the study. The research made use of primary data solicited from self-administered, open-ended questionnaires. These questionnaire were completed by industry professionals namely; contractors, consultants and clients that are or have been involved in large construction projects. To round up the research, case studies were used to shed light on some undertakings with collaborative models. Some of the challenges faced in construction supply chains are corruption, price-oriented selection methods, lack of commitment from other parties, unrealistic deadlines, selection of contract and pricing strategy, high stress levels, complex nature of projects, adversarial (aggressive) relationships, lack of trust, and the unpredictable nature of projects. The study revealed that for the project to be deemed a success, commonly practitioners focus on the time taken, the quality of workmanship of the finished commodity and the overall cost of the project compared to the planned cost. For the collaboration to work, practitioners need be mindful of the dynamics in the construction supply chain. These dynamics need to be nurtured through the duration of the project. In this study the most important factors for facilitating successful collaborative models were identified as good leadership, effective communication, top management support, adequate resources and a knowledgeable client. Selection of the correct team is also important. The quality of previous work, the ability to deliver on time, experience with similar work, technical ability and effective and efficient decision making should be the parameters used in the selection of the ideal partner. A paradigm shift to more innovative means of undertaking construction projects is desperately needed. Compared to the fragmented style of construction supply chains, a paradigm shift in the direction of more collaboratively structured construction supply chains will ensure that overall success is achieved. The study recommends that collaborative models and the philosophies associated with them be incorporated across all forms of construction supply chains. , M.Tech. (Construction Management)
- Full Text:
The use of radio frequency identification technology to improve inventory management practices
- Authors: Thuynsma, I. F.
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Business logistics , Radio frequency identification systems
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/124656 , uj:20943
- Description: Abstract: The application of RFID technology in supply chain management is well known and several authors and companies have argued that RFID technology can greatly improve supply chain visibility, inventory management and reduce some of the key inventory management costs. RFID technology is also known to the mining industry as many mining companies have applied RFID technology to manage the productivity and safety of employees and vehicles on mine sites. However, an extensive literature search yielded no proof that RFID technology has been deployed as an inventory management tool in the mining industry, both globally and in South Africa. Substantial amounts of working capital are tied up in the supply chains of gold producers in South Africa, specifically in equipment spare parts and process materials inventories. The high levels of inventory on hand are often associated with efforts to ensure production continuity. However, inventory on hand is a double edged-sword; high inventory on hand will be great for production continuity, but will negatively influence the gold producers’ balance sheets. On the other hand, low inventory on hand will improve the gold producers’ balance sheets, but will negatively impact the gold producers’ ability to ensure production continuity. This study set out to determine what benefits RFID technology could offer the three South African gold producers that participated in this study, if the technology was deployed as an inventory management tool at their central warehouses. An exploratory study with interpretivism as philosophical paradigm was undertaken to obtain an in-depth understanding of the inventory management practices at three of the four major gold production companies in South Africa. This was achieved by conducting semi-structured interviews with employees working in the inventory management function of the three participating gold producers. A literature review was undertaken to identify the quantified benefits that companies in other industries achieved as a result of implementing RFID technology as a tool to manage their inventory management programmes. The identified quantified benefits were used to determine the potential benefits the three participating gold producers could achieve if the deployed RFID technology as an inventory management tool. A cost and benefit comparison was included in this study to illustrate the potential financial... , M.Com. (Business Management)
- Full Text:
- Authors: Thuynsma, I. F.
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Business logistics , Radio frequency identification systems
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/124656 , uj:20943
- Description: Abstract: The application of RFID technology in supply chain management is well known and several authors and companies have argued that RFID technology can greatly improve supply chain visibility, inventory management and reduce some of the key inventory management costs. RFID technology is also known to the mining industry as many mining companies have applied RFID technology to manage the productivity and safety of employees and vehicles on mine sites. However, an extensive literature search yielded no proof that RFID technology has been deployed as an inventory management tool in the mining industry, both globally and in South Africa. Substantial amounts of working capital are tied up in the supply chains of gold producers in South Africa, specifically in equipment spare parts and process materials inventories. The high levels of inventory on hand are often associated with efforts to ensure production continuity. However, inventory on hand is a double edged-sword; high inventory on hand will be great for production continuity, but will negatively influence the gold producers’ balance sheets. On the other hand, low inventory on hand will improve the gold producers’ balance sheets, but will negatively impact the gold producers’ ability to ensure production continuity. This study set out to determine what benefits RFID technology could offer the three South African gold producers that participated in this study, if the technology was deployed as an inventory management tool at their central warehouses. An exploratory study with interpretivism as philosophical paradigm was undertaken to obtain an in-depth understanding of the inventory management practices at three of the four major gold production companies in South Africa. This was achieved by conducting semi-structured interviews with employees working in the inventory management function of the three participating gold producers. A literature review was undertaken to identify the quantified benefits that companies in other industries achieved as a result of implementing RFID technology as a tool to manage their inventory management programmes. The identified quantified benefits were used to determine the potential benefits the three participating gold producers could achieve if the deployed RFID technology as an inventory management tool. A cost and benefit comparison was included in this study to illustrate the potential financial... , M.Com. (Business Management)
- Full Text:
The use of supply chains and supply chain management to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of GIS units
- Authors: Schmitz, Peter Maria Urban
- Date: 2010-02-23T10:16:53Z
- Subjects: Business logistics , Geographic information systems
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:6629 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/3030
- Description: D.Phil. , This is a workbook to record the processes, responsible departments; current practices; business rules; inputs and outputs; and disconnects with regards to a “staple yourself to an order” exercise. This is done to establish problem areas within the supply chain and to provide guidance on improving the supply chain. This workbook should be used in conjunction with GISDataSCOR v1.0. and the results of the disconnect analysis. The “staple yourself to an order” exercise should start with SOURCE, MAKE, DELIVER, then followed by PLAN and RETURN.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Schmitz, Peter Maria Urban
- Date: 2010-02-23T10:16:53Z
- Subjects: Business logistics , Geographic information systems
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:6629 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/3030
- Description: D.Phil. , This is a workbook to record the processes, responsible departments; current practices; business rules; inputs and outputs; and disconnects with regards to a “staple yourself to an order” exercise. This is done to establish problem areas within the supply chain and to provide guidance on improving the supply chain. This workbook should be used in conjunction with GISDataSCOR v1.0. and the results of the disconnect analysis. The “staple yourself to an order” exercise should start with SOURCE, MAKE, DELIVER, then followed by PLAN and RETURN.
- Full Text:
Total cost of ownership : a strategic sourcing intent
- Authors: Khoza, M.M.
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Organizational effectiveness - Management , Strategic planning , Business logistics , Industrial procurement
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/233817 , uj:23881
- Description: M.Ing. (Engineering Management) , Abstract: Today’s competitive market climate call for organisations effectiveness in applying extra precautions on sourcing processes and decisions leading to assets acquisitions. Often than not, during sourcing activities, one of the key objectives is to find out all there is to know as far as the potential costs pertaining the acquisition in prospect is concerned. Beyond reengineering and enabling continuous improvement on supply chain processes to gain market competitiveness, organisations adopts the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) philosophy designed to deliver a beyond price-based outlook upon sourcing decisions to ensure that all possible costs elements incurable is fully accounted and outlined accordingly. This study intends to evaluate and analyse the typical perceptions surrounding the widespread adoption of the TCO philosophy by organisations’ acquisitions key decision-makers. Further evaluating the overall implications of adopting the concept of TCO upon strategic sourcing objectives towards fulfilling the organisations key bottom-lines in a cost effective manner. It is often common practice for purchasing organisations to base their performance measures on savings achieved. Thus making saving the key performance indicator (KPI) of the strategic sourcing function without enabling possibilities to consider a price-based approach as an enabler of savings. Savings breeding from reduced face value or purchase price with little insight of the total value cost of the offering and without considering the Life Cycle Cost (LLC) inherent some limitations as far as the consideration of all the cost effects is concerned. In order to enhance the understanding of the TCO concept to its widest sense and its applicability within the strategic sourcing function. Major value drivers within the strategic sourcing space are critically analysed to depict their major influences to the value chain and to the widespread adoption of the TCO concept. The empirical findings points out the prevalence of quality and reliability of the suppliers’ offering and the capability to adequately meet the purchaser’s stipulated requirements. High dependency of the quality and reliability levels of the offered suppliers’ expertise, the overall costs of such relationships is sought to carry ripple effects to the value chain. As a result, in pursuit of understanding all possible cost impacts breeding from supplier selection, TCO enables quantification of major cost drivers and channels continuous improvement initiatives for effective strategic sourcing intent’s fulfilment. There also exists an outlying dominance of lower price preferences as a major contributor to the reduction of TCO of the purchasing function leaving a loophole for non-quantified cost impacts, which is detrimental to organisational effectiveness. Moreover, the reduction of the purchasing function TCO directly prevails from the adoption of the Life Cycle Cost (LCC) as it enables quantification of all costs associated with the acquisitions during its validity or existence. Co-value creation between suppliers and buyers displayed a resounding significance towards...
- Full Text:
- Authors: Khoza, M.M.
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Organizational effectiveness - Management , Strategic planning , Business logistics , Industrial procurement
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/233817 , uj:23881
- Description: M.Ing. (Engineering Management) , Abstract: Today’s competitive market climate call for organisations effectiveness in applying extra precautions on sourcing processes and decisions leading to assets acquisitions. Often than not, during sourcing activities, one of the key objectives is to find out all there is to know as far as the potential costs pertaining the acquisition in prospect is concerned. Beyond reengineering and enabling continuous improvement on supply chain processes to gain market competitiveness, organisations adopts the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) philosophy designed to deliver a beyond price-based outlook upon sourcing decisions to ensure that all possible costs elements incurable is fully accounted and outlined accordingly. This study intends to evaluate and analyse the typical perceptions surrounding the widespread adoption of the TCO philosophy by organisations’ acquisitions key decision-makers. Further evaluating the overall implications of adopting the concept of TCO upon strategic sourcing objectives towards fulfilling the organisations key bottom-lines in a cost effective manner. It is often common practice for purchasing organisations to base their performance measures on savings achieved. Thus making saving the key performance indicator (KPI) of the strategic sourcing function without enabling possibilities to consider a price-based approach as an enabler of savings. Savings breeding from reduced face value or purchase price with little insight of the total value cost of the offering and without considering the Life Cycle Cost (LLC) inherent some limitations as far as the consideration of all the cost effects is concerned. In order to enhance the understanding of the TCO concept to its widest sense and its applicability within the strategic sourcing function. Major value drivers within the strategic sourcing space are critically analysed to depict their major influences to the value chain and to the widespread adoption of the TCO concept. The empirical findings points out the prevalence of quality and reliability of the suppliers’ offering and the capability to adequately meet the purchaser’s stipulated requirements. High dependency of the quality and reliability levels of the offered suppliers’ expertise, the overall costs of such relationships is sought to carry ripple effects to the value chain. As a result, in pursuit of understanding all possible cost impacts breeding from supplier selection, TCO enables quantification of major cost drivers and channels continuous improvement initiatives for effective strategic sourcing intent’s fulfilment. There also exists an outlying dominance of lower price preferences as a major contributor to the reduction of TCO of the purchasing function leaving a loophole for non-quantified cost impacts, which is detrimental to organisational effectiveness. Moreover, the reduction of the purchasing function TCO directly prevails from the adoption of the Life Cycle Cost (LCC) as it enables quantification of all costs associated with the acquisitions during its validity or existence. Co-value creation between suppliers and buyers displayed a resounding significance towards...
- Full Text:
Visible optimisation of inventory management system
- Authors: Kganyago, Nebo John
- Date: 2014-06-04
- Subjects: Inventory control , Business logistics
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:11390 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/11028
- Description: M.Tech. (Industrial Engineering) , This research investigates the influence of supply chain visibility on the performance of inventory management. A mixed method approach was used in this study. A questionnaire was used to collect data that was statistically analysed; interviews were carried out to supplement in-depth understanding of inventory management practices. The research study used the four constructs of supply chain visibility as proposed in the literature which are visibility for sensing, visibility for learning, visibility for coordinating and visibility for integrating. Data obtained was analysed mainly through correlation and mean score analysis. The results from the study demonstrated that 42% of the variance in the performance of inventory management was explained by the two constructs of supply chain visibility that’s coordinating and integrating at a statistical confidence of 95%. The study could not establish the influence of sensing and learning on the performance of inventory management. The paper contributes to the body of knowledge of supply chain visibility variables that can be associated with the performance of inventory management. The survey was done on a small population in one manufacturing company impacting negatively on the generalisation of the results.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Kganyago, Nebo John
- Date: 2014-06-04
- Subjects: Inventory control , Business logistics
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:11390 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/11028
- Description: M.Tech. (Industrial Engineering) , This research investigates the influence of supply chain visibility on the performance of inventory management. A mixed method approach was used in this study. A questionnaire was used to collect data that was statistically analysed; interviews were carried out to supplement in-depth understanding of inventory management practices. The research study used the four constructs of supply chain visibility as proposed in the literature which are visibility for sensing, visibility for learning, visibility for coordinating and visibility for integrating. Data obtained was analysed mainly through correlation and mean score analysis. The results from the study demonstrated that 42% of the variance in the performance of inventory management was explained by the two constructs of supply chain visibility that’s coordinating and integrating at a statistical confidence of 95%. The study could not establish the influence of sensing and learning on the performance of inventory management. The paper contributes to the body of knowledge of supply chain visibility variables that can be associated with the performance of inventory management. The survey was done on a small population in one manufacturing company impacting negatively on the generalisation of the results.
- Full Text: