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Author |
Abstract |
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E. van der Lingen, K-Y. Chan & M. Els |
Title: A Systems Approach To Strengthening Corporate Entrepreneurship Actions
Abstract: Corporate entrepreneurial activities need to be aligned extensively with a company’s strategy. This study offers a systems approach to linking a company’s strategy with corporate entrepreneurship through IDEF0 modelling. The IDEF0 model provides the framework from which enabling and controlling mechanisms are derived. The objective of the investigation is to identify areas within the organisational structure of a company (both vertical and horizontal) where the enabling mechanisms of corporate entrepreneurial actions are prevalent and areas where they are lacking. The research also aims to identify areas where the controlling mechanisms of corporate entrepreneurial actions might be lacking or overbearing. The results show that the engineering support department had a higher proclivity for corporate entrepreneurial activities, while the projects department had a lower proclivity for corporate entrepreneurship. The results also show that the higher the position of a person in the company hierarchy, the higher the proclivity for corporate entrepreneurship. |
South African Journal of Industrial Engineering November 2023 Vol 34(3), pp 43-55 |
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Hilda Kundai Chikwanda and Caleb Wisdom Mulaudzi |
Title: Fourth Industrial Revolution in the Vanadium Mining and Mineral Extraction Operations in South Africa
Abstract: The Fourth Industrial Revolution is a global phenomenon affecting all spheres of operations and all organisations. The South African vanadium mining and minerals extraction operations are included in this. The objective of this research was to understand work done on 4IR technologies for feasible future operations in SA’s vanadium sector so as to find out any necessary conditions or factors that contribute to the decision to adopt 4IR technologies. A secondary objective was to determine any correlations among the factors and organisational targets. These have been met by following an exploratory stance using both qualitative and quantitative methods to find and analyse the data gathered. The main findings were that the factors affecting vanadium mining activities in SA are technical feasibility, cost of automation, benefits of automation and regulation requirements. Seven levels of automation have been used to assess the current levels of automation. A framework has been proposed and used to investigate the factors that contribute to the decisions for automation in the vanadium industry in South Africa. |
African Journal of Development Studies, Special Issue June 2023 pp. 201 - 220 |
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Getnet Bogale Fanta and Leon Pretorius |
Title: Sociotechnical factors of sustainable digital health systems: A system dynamics model
Abstract: recursive interactions between new technology and existing social systems, technologies, and operating environments. Objectives: The study aims at developing a sociotechnical system dynamics model of digital health systems to assess the influence of sociotechnical factors on the sustainable use of an electronic Health Information Management System (eHMIS). Methods: A total of 40 face-to-face interviews in 18 healthcare facilities and two separate sessions of focus group discussions were conducted to study eHMIS implementation in Ethiopia. A system dynamics modelling of digital health systems implementation is developed, tested and verified with a case of eHMIS implementation in Ethiopia. Results: The long-term sustainability of the digital health system requires acceptance of technology, improved information quality to make appropriate decisions and better end-user satisfaction. The ‘individuals’ intention to use’ drives technology acceptance in the early years of the eHMIS use and social factors in the later stage. Besides, the role of technology to improve work performance determines the level of users’ satisfaction. The effort of improving ‘information quality’ is strongly influenced by the quality systems, i.e., reliable, easy to use, and capable to meet end-user requirements. Conclusions: The system’s acceptance was improved through effective training and communication, whereas the ‘information quality’ was enhanced through ‘system quality’ and users’ satisfaction. The ability of technology to improve work performance and reduce the burden on end-users has increased the satisfaction of end-users. |
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L. Nethamba & S. Grobbelaar |
Title: The Development Of An Action Priority Matrix And Technology Roadmap For The Implementation Of Data-Driven And Machine-Learning-Based Predictive Maintenance In The South African Railway Industry
Abstract: In improving railways for the future, artificial intelligence and machine learning were identified as top-priority technology systems that enable data-driven methods and predictive maintenance. A local survey using semi-structured interviews showed that the railway industry lags behind in adopting and implementing data-driven and machine-learning methods for predictive maintenance. Insights from international studies were found to be relevant in South Africa. Other implementation barriers were identified in the socio-economic and socio-political areas of South Africa. An action priority matrix and technology roadmap was developed to guide the South African railway industry towards the implementation of data-driven and machine learning-based predictive maintenance. The action priority matrix was developed by using a two-round Delphi technique to rank the prioritisation of the required activities. The research showed the importance of considering insights from both international studies and the local context when adopting and implementing technology systems to improve business objectives.
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South African Journal of Industrial Engineering November 2023 Vol 34(3), pp 318-335 |
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Katlego Seleka and Petrus Letaba |
Title: Readiness of transformation of the out-of-home advertising industry towards the 4th Industrial Revolution
Abstract: The shift to the 4th Industrial Revolution (4IR) is said to have potential to increase productivity and improve the quality of life. In the context of the Out-of-Home (OOH) advertising industry, the 4IR era is characterised by using emerging technologies to provide targeted advertising. Without the shift, the industry runs the risk of losing out on revenue growth prospects that are brought about by the adoption of emerging technologies such as Internet of Things (IoT), big data, machine learning and advanced real imaging technology. The aim of the study was to investigate and highlight the main actors, state of play and constraints of the South African OOH industry in relation to the shift towards the 4IR era. Coupled with the use of a technology adoption model, a customised framework was developed on how a South African OOH advertising organisation could go about transitioning towards the 4IR. The successful outcome of the research project would increase the body of knowledge of 4IR transformation strategies in an industry in which limited research has been done. The theory covered applies not only to the OOH advertising industry but could be beneficial to other industries through its contribution to the technology adoption theory. |
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Justine Geraldine Nanfuka , Rudolph Oosthuizen |
Title: Mbse-Lite: A Framework For Adopting Model-Based Systems Engineering In Small And Medium-Sized Enterprises In South Africa
Abstract: This research aims to characterise the landscape and factors for successfully implementing Systems Engineering (SE) and Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) in the enterprise. Research methodology – The study investigated the factors across different industries that affect the success of MBSE in an enterprise using a survey questionnaire. The research focussed on the uptake and implementation of MBSE in Small and Medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in South Africa. More than 100 industry professionals participated in the study. Findings – The survey revealed that SMEs have trouble adopting and implementing MBSE because they are unaware of its applicability and lack economic justification and support from upper management. Quantitative data analysis assessed how factors such as MBSE training, existing SE processes in the enterprise, and how long the company has been using MBSE contribute to the success of MBSE adoption in SMEs. Research limitations – The population size limited the study reached and the time available to conduct the research. However, it does not reduce the results’ strength and validity. Practical implications – The analysis showed that training and an existing SE structure are highly significant, while the age of MBSE in the enterprise does not correlate with its success. Therefore, these results proposed an adoption framework for SMEs in South Africa to aid MBSE adoption by incorporating training and a clear uptake and implementation process. Originality/Value – This research builds on the growing body of literature about implementing MBSE and enterprises. The conclusions provide valuable insights and guidelines for implementing MBSE in SMEs. |
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K. Abukalusa & R. Oosthuizen |
Title: Organisational Adaptive Leadership Framework Through Systems Thinking
Abstract: Leadership is a system that includes interconnected elements. Adaptive leadership is about enabling followers to handle adaptive challenges and to adapt to an ever-evolving environment. Organisations are experiencing the most dynamic era of the business environment owing to the influence of vulnerability, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity (VUCA). The VUCA nature of the environment presents adaptive challenges, which, unlike technical problems, need dynamic people-focused solutions. Current leadership frameworks are inadequate in practice, and a framework is needed to aid in creating adaptive organisations through systems thinking to succeed in a VUCA environment. This research approach starts with a systematic literature review to create a conceptual framework of adaptive leadership through systems thinking for a VUCA environment. The conceptual framework is validated through interviews with practising industry leaders to obtain their opinions and comments. The research provides a new perspective on using systems thinking in applying leadership practices to create an adaptive leadership framework to overcome the VUCA environment. |
South African Journal of Industrial Engineering November 2023 Vol 34(3), pp 245-257 |
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J. G. Nanfuka & R. Oosthuizen |
Title: System Dynamics Modelling Of The Water-Energy Nexus In South Africa: A Case Of The Inkomati-Usuthu Water Management Area
Abstract: The energy demand in African economies, including South Africa, is expected to double by 2040. The water-energy-food nexus, introduced at the Bonn 2011 conference, illustrates the interdependencies of these resources. In the case of South Africa, with its semi-arid climate and frequent power outages, this study focuses on the water-energy nexus. Water is necessary for electricity generation in coal-powered plants, while energy is required for water supply. Using system dynamics, the study models the current state of the nexus in South Africa and explores future scenarios considering population growth, GDP per capita, and water and energy intensities. The findings serve as a basis for discussing the country’s allocation of scarce water and energy resources. Further research could examine South Africa’s potential investment in renewable energy resources to solve the increasing energy demand. |
South African Journal of Industrial Engineering November 2023 Vol 34(3), pp 170-181 |
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C. du Plooy & R. Oosthuizen |
Title: Ai Usefulness In Systems Modelling And Simulation: Gpt-4 Application
Abstract: In this study, we investigate the potential of artificial intelligence (AI), specifically Generative Pre-trained Transformer 4 (GPT-4), to accelerate the development of system dynamics simulations within the broader context of systems engineering. The research aims to uncover the opportunities and limitations of leveraging AI to assist humans in constructing and refining system dynamics models. Through a systematic iterative process, GPT-4 was engaged in tasks such as creating, expanding, and stabilising simulations, identifying errors, generating expansion ideas, and converting models to Python code. Our findings reveal that GPT-4, while not flawless, can significantly enhance the modelling process, reduce human error, and expedite learning. This paper critically examines the role of AI in model development, emphasising the continued importance of human expertise in the evaluation and testing of simulations. Ultimately, we argue for a symbiotic relationship between AI and human modellers, harnessing the power of GPT-4 to augment human capabilities and advance the fields of system dynamics and systems engineering. |
South African Journal of Industrial Engineering November 2023 Vol 34(3), pp 286-303 |
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Martin Mbaya and John Ouma-Mugabe |
Title: Sociotechnical factors of sustainable digital health systems: A system dynamics model
Abstract: Background The introduction of digital health technology in a healthcare facility results in emergent and recursive interactions between new technology and existing social systems, technologies, and operating environments.
Objectives The study aims at developing a sociotechnical system dynamics model of digital health systems to assess the influence of sociotechnical factors on the sustainable use of an electronic Health Information Management System (eHMIS).
Methods A total of 40 face-to-face interviews in 18 healthcare facilities and two separate sessions of focus group discussions were conducted to study eHMIS implementation in Ethiopia. A system dynamics modelling of digital health systems implementation is developed, tested and verified with a case of eHMIS implementation in Ethiopia.
Results The long-term sustainability of the digital health system requires acceptance of technology, improved information quality to make appropriate decisions and better end-user satisfaction. The ‘individuals’ intention to use’ drives technology acceptance in the early years of the eHMIS use and social factors in the later stage. Besides, the role of technology to improve work performance determines the level of users’ satisfaction. The effort of improving ‘information quality’ is strongly influenced by the quality systems, i.e., reliable, easy to use, and capable to meet end-user requirements.
Conclusions The system's acceptance was improved through effective training and communication, whereas the ‘information quality’ was enhanced through ‘system quality’ and users’ satisfaction. The ability of technology to improve work performance and reduce the burden on end-users has increased the satisfaction of end-users.
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Johan Andries Muller Meyer and Leon Pretorius |
Title: Value creation in the African cement market: A model and validation
Abstract:
Purpose of the study: This research sets out to develop a systems-thinking-based conceptual model that can be used by the cement service industry to market its products and services in Africa; to review the literature to identify available systems-thinking approaches that are used in the industry and to determine how they are used in the field of value engineering; and to identify the key challenges that prevent the diffusion of engineering products and services in Africa. Design/methodology/approach: A descriptive narrative inquiry in the form of unstructured interviews with industry experts was conducted, together with a literature review, to validate and test the proposed model. Findings: The research findings suggest that, in today’s unforgiving economic climate and ever-changing business environment, characterised by globalisation and increased competitiveness, it is increasingly important for every cement manufacturer to streamline its processes, optimise its overall equipment effectiveness, and effectively implement tested cost-reduction methods to remain competitive in the market. Recommendations: It is recommended for future research that this model be tested in a real market environment by a company operating in the African cement industry. The real market environment would test the model’s stages for applicability, effectiveness, and reliability. Managerial implications: The research in this study supports the use of the proposed model to penetrate the African market and to help managers who are servicing the cement industry to be successful in the region. As suggested by the findings from the literature review, the success of this model would ultimately be determined by management, who should communicate the clear goals and expectations of this model and supply employees with the resources needed to help the company to achieve its set goals. |
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S. Pretorius, H.steyn & Taryn J Bond-Barnard |
Title: Project Management Maturity And Project Management Success In Developing Countries
Abstract: This paper explores whether organisations in a developing country have become more mature over time in their project management practices, and compares the current state to findings from a similar study conducted in 2010. It thus contributes to the scant literature on project management maturity in developing countries. Six hundred responses to a project management maturity questionnaire were used to investigate the perceived project management success of 9 389 projects. The results indicated that the perceived average project management maturity dropped from the 2010 value of 2.88 to 2.64 in 2020. Despite this, most of the projects surveyed were still perceived as successful
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South African Journal of Industrial Engineering August 2023 Vol 34(2), pp 36-48 |
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D Nhubunga, H Steyn & S Pretorius |
Title: The Roles That Project Sponsors Play At Stage Gates Of A Project Life Cycle Model: A Case Study Of A Water Utility In South Africa
Abstract: Project sponsors play significant roles at the stage gates of project life cycle models (PLCMs). However, research on the roles that sponsors play at stage gates, and the attributes required of the sponsor, are sparse. This study investigated the roles played by government and municipal sponsors at the PLCM stage gates of a water utility, and identified the attributes that the sponsor should have as well as the challenges they face. A case study approach was employed, and semi-structured interviews were conducted with relevant stakeholders. The findings could assist the senior management of water utilities, national government departments, and municipalities when appointing suitable project sponsors. |
South African Journal of Industrial Engineering December 2023 Vol 34(4), pp 18-31 |
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T Blom, H Steyn & T J Bond-Barnard |
Title: The Role Of Project Manager Competence In Project Management Success: The Case Of A Utility Company
Abstract: A project manager’s competency depends on the project’s complexity and includes a unique set of personal attributes and the ability to apply appropriate leadership styles. This paper reports on a Delphi study that includes the views of 30 experts – employed by a utility that executes projects with different levels of complexity. The results confirm that project manager competence is influenced by leadership styles that are appropriate for specific project lifecycle stages and levels of project complexity, as well as specific personal attributes. The study thus provides guidance regarding the project manager competence that is required for specific situations. |
South African Journal of Industrial Engineering May 2023 Vol 34(1), pp 143-154 |
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S Pretorius, H Steyn & T J Bond Barnard |
Title: Project Management Maturity and Project Management Success in Developing Countries
Abstract: This paper explores whether organisations in a developing country have become more mature over time in their project management practices, and compares the current state to findings from a similar study conducted in 2010. It thus contributes to the scant literature on project management maturity in developing countries. Six hundred responses to a project management maturity questionnaire were used to investigate the perceived project management success of 9 389 projects. The results indicated that the perceived average project management maturity dropped from the 2010 value of 2.88 to 2.64 in 2020. Despite this, most of the projects surveyed were still perceived as successful. |
South African Journal of Industrial Engineering August 2023 Vol 34(2), pp 36-48 |
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Gbeminiyi John Oyewole and George Alex Thopil |
Title: Data clustering: applications and trends
Abstract: Clustering has primarily been used as an analytical technique to group unlabeled data for extracting meaningful information. The fact that no clustering algorithm can solve all clustering problems has resulted in the development of several clustering algorithms with diverse applications. We review data clustering, intending to underscore recent applications in selected industrial sectors and other notable concepts. In this paper, we begin by highlighting clustering components and discussing classification terminologies. Furthermore, specific, and general applications of clustering are discussed. Notable concepts on clustering algorithms, emerging variants, measures of similarities/dissimilarities, issues surrounding clustering optimization, validation and data types are outlined. Suggestions are made to emphasize the continued interest in clustering techniques both by scholars and Industry practitioners. Key findings in this review show the size of data as a classification criterion and as data sizes for clustering become larger and varied, the determination of the optimal number of clusters will require new feature extracting methods, validation indices and clustering techniques. In addition, clustering techniques have found growing use in key industry sectors linked to the sustainable development goals such as manufacturing, transportation and logistics, energy, and healthcare, where the use of clustering is more integrated with other analytical techniques than a stand-alone clustering technique. |
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Prisha Mandree, George Alex Thopil and Santosh Ramchuran |
Title: Potential Opportunities to Convert Waste to Bio-Based Chemicals at an Industrial Scale in South Africa
Abstract: Globally, greater than 30% of waste is disposed of in some form of landfill, and it is estimated that annual waste-related emissions will increase by up to 76% by 2050. Emissions arising from fossil fuel-derived products and waste disposal in landfills have prompted the development of alternative technologies that utilize renewable resources. Biomass feedstock is being investigated globally to produce renewable fuels and chemicals. Globally, crop-based biomass and waste biomass are the major feedstocks for chemical production, and the market value of crop-based biomass is expected to increase at the fastest rate. South America, Europe, and North America are currently the global leaders in renewable or bio-based chemical production. In South Africa (SA), the country is still heavily reliant on landfilling as a waste solution. Wastes from agricultural production processes in SA are considered promising feedstocks for beneficiation opportunities to produce bio-based chemicals. The second generation (2G) agricultural feedstocks that can be used in SA include fruit waste; sugarcane byproducts and waste; forestry, timber, pulp, and paper waste; and invasive alien plants. Fermentation, or “green chemistry” technologies, can be used to convert various feedstocks into bio-based chemicals. Bio-based chemicals may be used as drop-in substitutes for existing petrochemical products, for use in end-user industries such as automotive and transportation, textiles, pharmaceuticals, consumer and home appliances, healthcare, and food and beverages. Bioethanol, specifically, can be used in transport fuel, as feedstock for power generation, as an energy source for fuel cells along with hydrogen, and as feedstock in the chemicals industry. Bio-butanol, an olefin derivative, can be used as a drop-in replacement for petroleum-based butanol in all its applications. Different monomers of biobased chemicals can be used to produce biopolymers, polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), and polylactic acid (PLA), which are subsequently used to produce bioplastics. A total of 25 bio-based chemicals and the technology used to produce them are summarized in this paper. Overall, bioethanol remains the dominant sugar platform product globally. Drawing on global trends, the potential options for the South African market include bioethanol, n-butanol, acetic acid, and lactic acid. It is estimated that the conversion of 70% of the lignocellulosic biomass available in SA would meet 24% of the country’s liquid fuel requirement as a bioethanol equivalent. The most feasible sources of lignocellulosic biomass or waste for beneficiation in SA are generated by the agricultural sector, including sugarcane by-products and waste. Taking into consideration the abundance of lignocellulosic biomass, adequate market segment sizes, and socio-economic factors, it is apparent that there are potential opportunities to investigate the co-production of bioethanol with lactic acid or other bio-based chemicals on an industrial scale. |
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Inger B. Petterson, Elin KubberØd, Elma van der Lingen, Adolph C. Neethling |
Title: Students’ Entrepreneurial Learning through an Internship Abroad: A Cross-cultural Experience
Abstract: Background: Cross-cultural learning provides students with the opportunity for improved self-awareness when they are placed in unfamiliar situations where their understanding of who they are and what they can do is challenged or expanded. This paper built on the concepts of experiential learning in rich contexts and self-image shocks and explored the research question on how cross-cultural learning in entrepreneurship exchange programmes offered students unique personal learning possibilities and outcomes. Aim: The aim was to build new theoretical and empirical knowledge on the influence and importance of cross-cultural learning in entrepreneurship education (EE). Setting: The study involved South African (SA) students taking part in an internship programme in the vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem of Bergen, Norway. Methods: Adopting a longitudinal design and purposive sampling, four SA students were included in the study. Data were acquired from two reflective group sessions, on two separate instances, and a final student reflection report. The interviews were transcribed and coded along with the written reflection reports and these data sources were subjected to thematic analysis. Results: Four themes were uncovered: Learning about the entrepreneurial culture triggers comparison with own culture, Embracing uncertainty and developing entrepreneurial capabilities, Transformational learning through self-image shocks, Can I become a future entrepreneur? Where am I going? Conclusion: The research highlighted the importance of cross-cultural experience and foreignness as powerful triggers in stimulating students’ introspection and development of self-image. Contribution: The research combines two research streams, hence advancing our theoretical conceptualisation of cross-cultural learning in EE. Keywords: cross-cultural learning; student internship; experiential learning; entrepreneurial self-efficacy; transformational learning; entrepreneurship education; self-Image shocks. |
The Southern African Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management, Vol. 15, No 1 (2023) |
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Kai-Ying Chan, Elma van der Lingen, Maryse M.H. Chappin |
Title: Formation of ties through action learning: A case from a multicultural entrepreneurship camp
Abstract: Background: Entrepreneurship camps are an important platform for students to learn through action-based learning, problem-solving, knowledge and information sharing, which is enhanced through the development of social networks and their dynamics within the networks. Aim: The research aims to: (1) explore the formation and development of networks and structure in the network over time and (2) explore the association between predominant personality traits and network position measures and network locations in the networks. Setting: This study is conducted on a multicultural entrepreneurship camp involving 35 master’s students from three Norwegian and two South African universities, which took place for two weeks in South Africa. The objective of the entrepreneurship camp is to empower students through entrepreneurship by knowledge and action-based learning. Methods: This is a quantitative study using social network analysis (SNA) in a case study. Three rounds of questionnaires were distributed to capture the network data, individual learning and personality traits. Results: There is an increase in network density over time, and the students’ network positions have improved during the camp. The two predominant personality traits that positively relate to network position and cliques are extraversion and openness to experience. Conclusion: The case provides evidence of a favorable climate for learning by improved network position and overall network density. The predominant of personality traits in relation to a specific network measure were also identified. Contribution: This study contributes to theory by offering one of the first empirical investigations of entrepreneurship camps using social network analysis and also exploring the personality traits (Big Five). Keywords: entrepreneurship camp; social network analysis; action-based learning; personality traits; network centrality; cliques; South Africa; Norway. |
The South African Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management pp. 1-14 |
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L.J.H. Fourie & C.C. van Waveren |
Title: An Analysis of the Knowledge Transfer Paradox in Projects with an Operational Improvement Objective in Mines
Abstract: The execution of operational improvement projects can create new knowledge that can be used to contribute to the success of future projects. A paradox exists, in that new knowledge is seldom transferred to future projects, and so the associated value-adding opportunities are lost. The objectives of this study are to determine whether lessons learned are captured during operational improvement projects, and to identify contextual factors that support or hinder the knowledge transfer processes. Through the use of interviews and subsequent data analysis, the research shows that the transfer of knowledge can be better facilitated by addressing the knowledge transfer inhibitors, recognising the value-adding potential of knowledge transfer during the execution of improvement projects, and creating a culture that is conducive to sharing knowledge – in particular, the lessons learned from mistakes and poor management practices. |
South African Journal of Industrial Engineering November 2023 Vol. 34(3), pp 126-139 |
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Scott John, David R. Walwyn, Kathryn DeFea, Tim G. Hales and Wendy Walwyn |
Title: Editorial: Opioids in the time of the COVID 19 pandemic: from cellular mechanisms to public health policy |
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Author(s) |
Journal/Conference |
Title and Abstract |
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Leon Oerlemans, Kai-Ying Chan, Joris Knoben & Patrick Vermeulen |
Industry and Innovation 2022,Volume 29, No. 1, 102-130 |
Title: Abstract: This paper examines how firms in an emerging economy cope with resource challenges by implementing compensation strategies for incremental product innovations. The model is empirically tested using firm-level survey data from 497 South African manufacturing firms. Results show that higher diversity among a specific set of external knowledge sources is associated with a higher likelihood of incremental product innovation. Stronger embeddedness in non domestic inter-organisational networks increases this likelihood as well. The positive effect of external knowledge diversity is more positive for higher levels of localised ties. Recommendations to enhance incremental product innovation concern the development of external relationships with domestic and international partners while limiting knowledge source diversity to a specific actor set. This paper shows that in an emerging economy firms have agency with which they can use contact learning leading to product innovations tailored to local market needs and opportunities. |
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Suzaan Pretorius, Herman Steyn, Taryn Jane Bond-Barnard |
The Journal of Modern Project Management, Volume 10, May/August 2022 |
Title: The relationship between project management maturity and project success Abstract: As businesses become increasingly ‘projected,’ the relationship between project management maturity and project success will likely grow more significantly. However, there is no unanimity regarding this relationship. This article examines the association between levels of project management maturity and project success. A structured online questionnaire was distributed using purposeful sampling, and it was decided to end the study when 600 replies were collected for economic considerations. Using descriptive statistics and the Kruskal-Wallis test, the hypothesis that higher levels of project management maturity improve the likelihood of project success was examined. The perceived project success of 9,389 projects and the project management maturity of the participating organizations were analyzed, and the results validated the theory. This research contributes to the little literature on the connection between project management maturity and project success. |
| Koen, HS. Cornelius, J.; Oosthuizen, R. | 0th International Southern African Transport Conference |
Title: Using topic modelling to analyse bus route data Abstract: The advent of the fourth industrial revolution and the need for connectedness have increased both data availability and quality. This data surge can also be seen in the transport and mobility industry. Anything from onboard global positioning system interfaces to vehicle trackers and wearable technology for passengers and drivers provide access to more data as an untapped source of valuable information and insights to many stakeholders. Topic modelling is traditionally used to structure and interpret text data from a large corpus of documents. In this paper, patterns in bus route data collected over several months by the onboard Global Positioning Systems (GPSs) of buses travelling in Gauteng and the Northwest province are analysed. Since topic modelling is traditionally used on text documents, the bus route coordinates had to be converted into a form readable by the algorithm. This is an ongoing project, but analyses thus far show that the most important terms per topic correspond to key nodes in city centres and points of interest where routes overlap. This information may be used in city planning to optimise the system of bus routes, terminals, and nodes. Organisations may also use this information for business development and job creation. |
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A.J. Zakarias,T.J. Bond-Barnard, & C.C. van Waveren |
South African Journal of Industrial Engineering Dec 2022 Vol 33 (4), pp 147-164 |
Title: Abstract: Skills and knowledge gaps between senior and junior staff is prevalent in engineering projects. This study aimed to identify the factors that affect knowledge transfer and methods to retain transferred knowledge between senior and junior staff in the South African engineering environment. Although several studies have examined the factors that influence knowledge transfer, very few have studied the factors affecting knowledge transfer between senior and junior staff in engineering projects. This study found that knowledge transfer is not made a priority in projects, and that there is a lack of knowledge transfer platforms and structures in projects. Incentivising knowledge transfer by making it a work outcome would improve knowledge transfer in projects. |
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Brighton Tshuma, Herman Steyn and Cornelius Cristo van Waveren |
International Journal of Managing Projects in Business Vol. 15 No. 1, 2022 pp. 150-174 |
Title: The mediation role of the PMO in the transfer of knowledge between projects-a case study of 5 PMO’s Abstract: Purpose – This article describes advances in the study of knowledge transfer (KT) in project-based organizations (PBOs). Project management offices (PMOs) have both a moderation role and a mediation role to play in KT between projects. In order to improve KT between projects, this paper explores the mediation role of the PMO in the transfer of knowledge with different levels of articulability. The aim is to improve the usability of transferred knowledge. Design/methodology/approach – The case study method was used to investigate KT in five-divisional PMOs within a multinational engineering and project management PBO. Fifteen semi-structured interviews were conducted and the results were analysed using ATLAS.Ti (a computer-aided qualitative data analysis software). Findings – The findings show that it is the way in which the PMO structures knowledge management (KM) infrastructure and processes, which determines the success of its mediation role in the transfer of tacit and explicit knowledge between projects. The articulability of knowledge influences the PMO’s mediation role and the PMO’s mediation role in turn improves the usability of knowledge, thereby creating a conducive environment for a competitive advantage. Originality/value – This study offers a framework to assist scholars and practitioners to understand the mediation role of the PMO in the transfer of knowledge with different levels of articulability within the projects environment. Such understanding can improve the usability of transferred knowledge, thereby creating a competitive edge for a PBO. The study shows that the PMO can be used as an instrument for KT between projects, a theme that was not found in literature. The paper thus offers new empirical information. |
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David. R. Walwyn and Rebecca Hanlin |
Frontiers in Energy Research, 29 September 2022, Vol. 10 -2022 pp.1-13 |
Title: Abstract: Solar lighting has become the primary lighting source for households within rural Malawi, where many households remain off-grid and are unable to afford the purchase of large, independent power systems. However, this success has not been without its challenges. The paradox is that, historically, even the lowest cost systems require an initial investment beyond the means of low-income households, and hence necessitate the use of expensive and exploitative financing options, such as those offered by micro-financial institutions. In this study, we explore in a case-study, how one solar company, Yellow, has overcome this structural inequity by combining three low-cost technologies, namely pay-as-you-go, mobile money (MoMo), and cloud-based services (XaaS), to develop a novel platform, referred to as Ofeefee, which is able to deliver products into a market characterized by a weak retail infrastructure and low purchasing power. The result was better quality lighting at a lower levelized cost than traditional technologies. In so doing, the paper highlights the importance of thinking not just in broad energy access terms but the importance of discriminating between energy and lighting to disaggregate the needs of energy poor communities more appropriately. |
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M.S. Zulu, M.W. Pretorius & E. van der Lingen |
South African Journal of Industrial Engineering, November 2022, Vol 33 (3), pp. 169 - 189 |
Title: Strategy as a key driver of the Fourth Industrial Revolution transformation journey Abstract: With the advent of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), manybindustries find themselves having to identify, select, acquire, exploit, and protect their 4IR technologies. However, 4IR technologies are unique when compared with those of the preceding industrial revolutions, in that they are evolving at an exponential rate, and they are complex because they integrate the physical, digital, and biological spheres. Owing to the newfangledness’ of 4IR, limited empirical references, the agility of 4IR technologies’ encroachment, rapid technological changes, high levels of uncertainty, the premise that 4IR induces radical changes to business models, and the realisation that 4IR transformation has long-term consequences for businesses, there is a need for businesses to adopt 4IR transformation using a strategic management approach. The main objective of this paper is to report the findings from an integrative literature review to determine what existing systematic approaches different industries and businesses follow to formulate 4IR technology/transformation strategies. The findings of this study outline some important key principles underlying the formulation of 4IR transformation strategy. |
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M. Loots, S. Grobbelaar, and E.van der Lingen |
Journal of the South African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, Vol. 122, No. 7 pp. 387-396 |
Title: A review of remote-sensing unmanned aerial vehicles in the mining industry Abstract: The increased adoption of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) may improve the productivity and cost-effectiveness of remote sensing in the mining industry. This review’s objective is to enable stakeholders to identify possible application adoption, improvement, and innovation opportunities. The review merges a building block strategy and practical screening criteria to identify possible avenues of research to answer the review questions. After the screening process, 72 documents were included in the review. Papers were classified into four categories: exploration, development, exploitation, and reclamation. Fifteen applications were identified, the majority of which were in the exploration phase. The most often researched applications were topographic surveys, reclamation monitoring, and slope management. From the two UAV types identified, multi-rotor vehicles were the most favoured for all applications. From the eight remote sensing techniques identified, photogrammetry was the one most often used. Other techniques were limited because of complexity, cost, or the incompatibility of sensors and UAVs. The review was limited to published papers in academic journals. Future studies could aim to include empirical data on the latest UAV applications used in the mining industry. |
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M. Lekarapa & S. Grobbelaar |
South African Journal of Indusrial Engineering Nov 2022 Vol 33 (3), pp. 96-108 |
Title: Evaluation of budgeting methods for maintenance of heritage buildings Abstract: Heritage buildings have evolved into development catalysts that, when properly maintained, can improve their surrounding area’s liveability while sustaining productivity in an ever-changing global context. Unfortunately, the high uncertainty involved in preserving heritage buildings frequently leads to over-budget projects. This article evaluates the factors that contribute to projects being over budget and the methods used to develop project budgets. History-based budgeting methods, value-oriented budgeting methods, analytical budgeting methods, and budgeting by condition description are frequently used, while new artificial intelligence models are also emerging. In addition, the review considers the Monte Carlo method and compares it with artificial intelligence models. Considering the high uncertainty involved when maintaining heritage buildings, it is concluded that the Monte Carlo method could be a very effective tool. For this reason, it is recommended that its use be tested on heritage building projects. |
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R.A.P.D. Bisschoff & S. Grobbelaar |
South African Journal of Industrial Engineering Nov 2022 Vol 33 (3), pp. 218-232 |
Title: Evaluation of data-driven decision-making implementation in the mining industry Abstract: The ability of organisations to collect and store vast amounts of data has become increasingly more accessible and affordable in recent decades thanks to the advancement of Industry 4.0. This ability is an enabler of data-driven decision-making (DDDM). However, converting data into knowledge that can inform decision-makers has proven challenging for many companies. The ability to perform DDDM effectively depends on a combination of capabilities that encompass the technological, analytical, and managerial aspects of a business. This research focuses on the mining industry, and used a scoping literature review to identify the different DDDM tools that are currently available, the potential benefits of DDDM, the key enablers of DDDM, and the lessons learnt from previous implementations. The objective of the paper is to assist mining industry organisations in developing a DDDM implementation framework. |
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F.H. Barnard & E. van der Lingen |
South African Journal of Industrial Engineering December 2022 Vol 33 (4) pp. 32 - 46 |
Title: Adoption of software as a service: A fuzzy approach to ranking the determinants Abstract: ‘Software as a Service’ (SaaS) holds various benefits for organisations; however, SaaS solutions are not enjoying widespread adoption in South Africa. Hence, to improve the competitiveness of South African organisations, this study ranked SaaS adoption factors according to their influence on a SaaS adoption decision. This novel approach from a South African perspective implemented an integrated adoption model with the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (AHP) with linguistic preference relations (LinPreRa). The top five adoption factors were found to be trust, relative advantage, security risk, complexity, and trialability. Implications for researchers, vendors, and end-users are also discussed. |
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Matsepe, NT, & van der Lingen E |
South African Journal of Business Management 2022, Vol. 53 No1 |
Title: Determinants of emerging technologies adoption in the South African financial sector Abstract: PURPOSE The fourth industrial revolution (4IR) enables firms to leverage various emerging technologies to reduce operating costs, improve business efficiencies and gain competitive advantage. This article uncovers the determinants influencing emerging technology adoption, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing and distributed ledger technologies (DLT), in South African (SA) financial services firms. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH Seventeen technology experts from the SA banking, insurance, financial technology and financial regulation and compliance sectors were interviewed. A semi-structured interview was used to conduct one-on-one interviews, followed by a focus group interview. Qualitative data were analysed using a thematic network analysis. FINDINGS/RESULTS The results revealed that the determinants – adopter traits, technology usability, industry characteristics, organisational leadership and organisational characteristics – were influential towards technology adoption. It is suggested that the new model could be strengthened further by incorporating a new construct, leadership diversity, which had not been previously proposed in the literature. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS By understanding the influential adoption determinants, leaders can take bold, calculated risks in adopting AI, cloud computing and DLT. However, the importance, prior to adopting these technologies, of clearly understanding the need for them, and their business benefits is also emphasised. ORIGINALITY/VALUE Research on the adoption of AI, cloud computing and DLT in the SA financial sector is limited. This article leverages the models of the diffusion of innovations (DOI), the technology–organisation–environment (TOE) and the technology readiness index (TRI) to propose a new model that illustrates technology adoption in the SA financial sector at individual and firm levels. |
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Adrian von Maltitz & Elma van der Lingen |
The South African Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management Vol. 14 No 1 |
Title: Business model framework for education technology entrepreneurs in South Africa Abstract: Background: Education technology (EdTech) has been proven to make a positive impact on education outcomes in developed economies. There is an immense untapped opportunity to introduce more EdTech into the basic education ecosystem to help with the education crisis in South Africa. Aim: This study aimed to develop a framework that can be used to identify key considerations for EdTech entrepreneurs to create sustainable ventures. Setting: The South African Government issued a clear e-Education policy white paper in 2004, but not enough progress has been made to improve education. The EdTech entrepreneur is the entity in the education ecosystem with the highest level of agility to take on this opportunity, if properly positioned and supported. Methods: A multi-case study approach explored inputs from small business EdTech entrepreneurs. Qualitative analysis compared empirically based results, as identified themes with three predicted propositions. Results: Four themes emerged: mature product, complex support network, multiple infrastructure considerations and multiple sources of revenue. The findings confirmed teacher distrust as having the greatest impact on value creation, mobile networks as only one of the key impacts on value delivery and both private and public sectors providing value capture opportunities. Conclusion: Education technology entrepreneurs should develop mature products that teachers can endorse; build a support network, which would include an advisory board and low-cost infrastructure providers; and source multiple revenue streams from the private and public sectors. Better government policy and procurement implementation would also enhance the provision of simpler and predictable revenue streams to EdTech providers. |
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Warren M. Gertzen, Elma van der Lingen, Herman Steyn |
South African Journal of Economic and Management Sciences SAJEMS Vol. 25 No. 1 |
Title: Goals and benefits of digital transformation projects: Insights into project selection criteria Abstract: Digital transformation (DT) is a radical change in the way that business is performed (Wessel et al. 2021:44) through the use and integration of advanced digital technologies (Matt, Benlian & Hess 2015:339) to enable new business models, improve operational efficiency, and enhance customer experiences (Berman 2012:19; Henriette, Feki & Boughzala 2015:440; Morakanyane, Grace & O’Reilly 2017:433). Digital transformation projects use new technologies to radically change the ways of working in an organisation to improve efficiency, reduce waste, manage data and information better, support better decision-making, and implement the DT of a business. Henriette et al. (2015:432) discuss how simple technological innovation on its own (such as the use of smartphones, advanced analytics, and additive manufacturing) is best described as simple digitisation rather than as DT. |
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H. Mulder and M.C. Bekker |
The Journal of the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy September 2022, Vol 122 pp. 497 - 504 |
Title: Abstract: The principal objective of this investigation was to conduct a thorough literature review on the status of project readiness mechanisms, tools, techniques, and frameworks for mining projects. The review aimed at identifying common readiness evaluation criteria as well as potential shortcomings that prevent the establishment of a generalizable project readiness index. The literature review included a general overview of capital project performances and the importance of project readiness assessments to improve project delivery success. The study then progressed towards literature involving mining projects and how this differs from infrastructure and industrial project assessments. The paper concludes by summarizing the current state of mining project readiness assessments, the unique and differentiating factors to be considered, and suggests recommendations towards the development of generalizable readiness assessment criteria for mining projects. |
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H. Mulder and M.C. Bekker |
The Journal of the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, July 2022, Vol 122 pp.377 - 386 |
Title: A review of readiness assessments for mining projects Abstract: The objective of this paper is to describe the research followed in creating a generalized, readiness assessment tool for mining projects. We start by highlighting the need for the assessment tool and then progress towards explaining the methodology followed during the study. The selection and finalization of the list of elements, sections, and categories that make up the unweighted values are described, followed by a summary of the weighting process applied. The outcome of this process is a weighted readiness assessment tool for mining project studies. The main benefits of the tool are that it will guide decision-makers and project managers through the definition phases of the project and improve the likelihood of project success. |
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De Wet van Niekerk & Michiel Bekker |
Journal of Construction Project Management and Innovation, Vol 12 (1) pp. 1-16 |
Title: Evaluating modelling methods for mobile crane lifting operations in South Africa Abstract: The successful completion of construction projects is dependent on safe and efficient crane operations. As modularized (off-site) construction is increasingly replacing traditional on-site activities, the evaluation of mobile crane lifting modelling should be evaluated. This paper investigates current modelling practices adopted and utilised by South African firms for the planning and/or designing of mobile crane lifting operations, the influencing factors affecting the choice of modelling methods by firms, and the impact they have on project performance. Quantitative data gathered revealed that firms who are actively adopting virtual modelling as a planning tool for mobile crane lifting operations, have higher success rates with regards to achieving targeted project performance measures such as scheduling-, safety-, and achieving customer satisfaction goals. The research revealed that the two most significant factors influencing the choice of firms to adopt virtual modelling as a planning tool, was found to be Awareness and Perceived usefulness. Findings from the research suggest that failure to adopt innovation in this field could have long term negative consequences to the market share of firms operating within this industry. It is therefore suggested that South African firms within the lifting industry improve their competitiveness by ensuring they invest in the adoption of virtual modelling as a planning tool for mobile crane lifting operations. |
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Carl Marnewick and Giel Bekker |
Journal of Contemporary Management, Vol 19 Issue 1 |
Title: Projectification within a developing country: The case of South Africa Abstract: Background: Projectification is becoming a topic of interest within the project management community. Various authors discuss and debate the concept of projectification but little information is available about the level of projectification. Purpose of study: This article addresses this gap from an emerging economy's perspective, i.e. South Africa. The research is part of an international study and allows for a systematic comparison between countries and industry sectors.Design/Methodology/Approach: This study is based on an international study that originated in Germany. A quantitative approach was used to determine the level of projectification in South Africa and 303 participants completed the questionnaire. The results indicate a 10 percent growth in the share of project work over the next decade. Results /Findings: The level of projectification, from a South African perspective, is comparable with that of three international studies (Germany, Iceland, Norway), with a projectification average of close to 40 percent, which is the same as Germany's 41.3 percent. The results of this research contribute to the larger body of knowledge on projectification but, more importantly, provide a benchmark for other emerging economies.Managerial implication: Projectification is measured in terms of share of project work in relation to the total work performed by an organisation. The results from this study are comparable with those of previous studies in developed economies. The results indicate that there is no real difference between the level of project work in an emerging economy like South Africa and that of developed economies. |
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Anna Maria Oosthuizen, Roula Inglesi-Lotz, George Alex Thopil |
Elsevier Energy Vol 238, Part B, 1 January 2022 pp 1-9 |
Title: Abstract: The centrality of electricity to everyday life is indisputable, and the price thereof can have significant implications. Literature is inconclusive over the effect of the renewable energy share in the energy mix on retail electricity prices as a country-specific regulatory policy has a significant impact on retail electricity prices. The purpose of this paper is to determine the effect of the increasing renewable electricity share on retail electricity prices for 34-OECD countries, considering the change in market structure for 23 EU countries. The results show that the influence of the renewable energy share in the energy mix on retail electricity prices is positive and statistically significant. Increasing renewable sources is inescapable in reaching SDG7, while increased awareness of true price signals should prompt private investment while phasing out support schemes in the long run. A sound regulatory framework is required to account for renewable intermittency as well as effective supply and demand matching. The positive impact on electricity prices should not deter policymakers from promoting renewable energy as the effect is marginal and is expected to decline in forthcoming years, improving energy security. The benefits of employing renewables far outweigh the environmental cost. |
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Gbeminiyi John Oyewole & George Alex Thopil |
Springer Link Artificial Intelligence review 27 November 2022 |
Title: Data clustering: applications and trends Abstract: Clustering has primarily been used as an analytical technique to group unlabeled data for extracting meaningful information. The fact that no clustering algorithm can solve all clustering problems has resulted in the development of several clustering algorithms with diverse applications. We review data clustering, intending to underscore recent applications in selected industrial sectors and other notable concepts. In this paper, we begin by highlighting clustering components and discussing classification terminologies. Furthermore, specific, and general applications of clustering are discussed. Notable concepts on clustering algorithms, emerging variants, measures of similarities/dissimilarities, issues surrounding clustering optimization, validation and data types are outlined. Suggestions are made to emphasize the continued interest in clustering techniques both by scholars and Industry practitioners. Key findings in this review show the size of data as a classification criterion and as data sizes for clustering become larger and varied, the determination of the optimal number of clusters will require new feature extracting methods, validation indices and clustering techniques. In addition, clustering techniques have found growing use in key industry sectors linked to the sustainable development goals such as manufacturing, transportation and logistics, energy, and healthcare, where the use of clustering is more integrated with other analytical techniques than a stand-alone clustering technique. |
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Hilda Kundai Chikwanda and Gerald Tafadzwa Zimowa |
Regional Journal of Information and Knowledge Management, July 2022 Vol 7 Issue No.1 pp. 37-57 |
Title: Evaluation of Knowledge Management in the Project-Oriented Information Technology Services Sector Abstract: Rationale of Study – The purpose of this study was to explore how knowledge management (KM) in information technology (IT) companies that install, configure, develop, deploy and support IT software for mid- to large- size corporates, plays a key role in sustaining their businesses in an ever-evolving IT market. The study identifies five commonly researched knowledge management processes; knowledge creation, knowledge acquisition, knowledge sharing, knowledge storing and protection as well as knowledge utilisation and studies how these processes contribute to the success of software implementation projects. Methodology – Information was gathered by both qualitative and quantitative methods. Data was collected using structured questionnaires and interviews. Analysis of the collected data was done using data analysis methods in SPSS. Findings – The findings revealed that all the five knowledge management processes studied show a positive linear relationship to the success of projects implemented, as well as a positive linear relationship to the overall success of organisations that participated in this study. Implications – The findings of this research will be of benefit to researchers as it adds to the body of knowledge of KM research specific to project-oriented companies in the IT in the utilities space. Corporates may also benefit from the insights generated by this research. Originality – The study was an original research conducted on software implementation partners for large software corporations with well established brands and a global geographic spread. |
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Hilda Kundai Chikwanda and Lutho Qata |
Regional Journal of Information and Knowledge Management, December 2022 Vol 7 No. 2 pp 86 -103 |
Title: Abstract: Rationale of Study – This study investigated how knowledge management frameworks (KMFs) are implemented in an information communication technology (ICT) organisation’s retail operation. The specific objectives were to explore and establish the KMFs used, identify gaps and challenges of their application and recommend how to improve the implementation and use of KMFs. Methodology – The research adopted a mixed methods approach using quantitative and qualitative techniques. Data was collected from 72 participants with senior roles in an ICT organisation’s retail operations. Findings – The retail operations were aware of knowledge management (KM) as a concept. They had systems in place to store knowledge. The systems were accessible but had limited utilization. There was, however, no consensus on the frameworks in use. Gaps in implementing KMFs were found in knowledge acquisition, sharing, and transfer. Implications – The study recommends the adoption of enhanced existing KMFs to guide employees and the management of knowledge in retail operations. There is also a need for adequate, appropriate, and updated technologies appropriate for the operations’ KM processes. Retail operations can use the findings and recommendations of this study to leverage improvement on their competitive advantage. Originality – The paper has employed critical analysis and interpretation of empirical data from the extant literature. It provides new perspectives on the topic. Hence it is original in terms of context, scope, and application. |
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Willem Louw, Herman Steyn, Jan Wium, Wim Geyers |
International Journal of Managing Projects in Business, Vol. 15 No. 1, 2022 pp. 58-81 |
Title: An investigation of sponsor attributes on 6 megaproject cases Abstract: A Purpose Executive sponsors play a significant role in the success of megaprojects which, in turn, affect national economies and millions of people. However, the literature on the requisite attributes of project sponsors on megaprojects is still sparse. The purpose of the paper is to provide guidelines to company boards and executives who are tasked to appoint suitable executive sponsors to megaprojects. Thus, the paper contributes to the sparse literature on megaproject sponsors. Design/methodology/approach A total of 26 senior managers, with experience in megaprojects ranging from 8 to 15 years – and who were involved in 6 recent megaprojects with a combined value of US$13.75bn – were interviewed on the attributes of megaproject sponsors. Transcriptions of semi-structured, open-ended interviews were analysed with computer-assisted qualitative data analysis software (CAQDAS). Findings The study identified the most essential attribute as appropriate seniority, being empowered and accountable, with appropriate seniority, being empowered and accountable, with apposite credibility and with both personal and positional power. The study also uncovered 13 attributes – all components of “competence” – which have not previously been explicitly identified in literature as elements of sponsor “competence”. Originality/value In the current study guidelines are provided for the selection and appointment of appropriate megaproject sponsors. |
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Warren M Gertzen, Elma van der Lingen, Herman Steyn |
South African Journal of Economic and Management Sciences |
Title: Goals and benefits of digital transformation projects: Insights into project selection criteria Abstract: Background: Digital transformation (DT) is an increasingly relevant concept for businesses to remain competitive. As DT projects are disruptive to an organisation and are significantly different from traditional information technology projects, it is important to understand the value that specific DT projects will bring to an organisation before they are implemented, so that DT project portfolios can be optimally managed. Aim: This study aims to determine the key goals and benefits of DT projects, as well as the selection criteria for DT projects in South African businesses. The study also explores the most influential technologies for driving the implementation of DT projects. Setting: South Africa is an emerging economy. The study was performed in the initial phases of nationwide lockdown owing to COVID-19. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 leaders from South African businesses of varying sizes, but all in significant local markets. Content analysis using CAQDAS was used to analyse the primary data, using both inductive and deductive coding methods. Results: South African businesses use a combination of financial and non-financial project selection criteria across four main goals and benefit categories: customer experience, operational efficiency, business culture, and traditional project evaluation. The fifth proposed goal (new business models) was not used to evaluate DT projects. The most influential technologies that drive the selection of DT projects were data-related, such as data storage, data processing, machine learning, and data-driven decision-making. Conclusion: Companies in South Africa can use traditional project evaluation criteria together with several new criteria to determine the value of DT projects more holistically. This study also suggests several key practical takeaways for businesses that are aspiring to implement their own DT projects. |
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Cornelius Ruiters and Joe Amadi-Echendu |
Infrastructure Asset Management Vol. 9, Issue 4, December 2022, pp. 194-206 |
Title: Economic costs and investment challenges of water infrastructure in South Africa Abstract: South Africa is facing significant water infrastructure investment challenges, at the levels of both water resources and services. Principles for water use pricing, charges, tariffs and use are enshrined in South African legislation, but implementation thereof is a major problem. This research paper addresses (a) economic costs, (b) efficiencies, (c) investment challenges and (d) the application and maximisation of economic tools. A total of 269 municipalities were sampled, and the research exemplified that South Africa was losing approximately US$0.617–1.033 billion/annum to various inefficiencies: (a) water use underpricing was approximately US$0.413 billion/annum. Water use charges and/or tariffs closer to cost-recovery levels would provide and ensure financial sustainability. (b) Return on capital investment inefficiencies contributed approximately US$0.926 billion/annum. Revenue far lower than the asset value is illustrative of unsustainable revenue for investments. (c) Non-revenue water was 36.8% and approximately US$0.402 billion/annum. Investments in water infrastructure maintenance projects will minimise distribution losses. (d) The multipliers were varied and substantially high – namely, 3–27. This illustrates the extent and seriousness of prioritising the implementation of water conservation and demand-management measures. (e) The capital investment gap was estimated at US$2.258 billion/annum for the next 10 years (2019/2020–2029/2030). Under-capital investments have serious downstream implications for socio-economic development and growth. |
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Cornelius Ruiters and Joe Amadi-Echendu |
Water SA, Vol. 48 No. 4, October 2022 pp. 429-440 |
Title: Abstract: South Africa has a serious backlog in investment for the development and management of water infrastructure. This study aimed to assess the investment measures, needs and priorities for water infrastructure (engineering realities) through the following objectives: (i) the measurement of water infrastructure investments which demonstrate the budgets required; (ii) understanding the current water infrastructure investment needs and priorities, including benefits and limitations; and (iii) the principles and characteristics for alternative and/or innovative measures, sources and/or models for water infrastructure investments and the envisaged effects. The range innovative of investment models for water infrastructure needs in South Africa are wide, i.e.,15 models were identified depending on the project type and overall transaction costs. The existing public provision model continues to characterise much of the water infrastructure investment in South Africa. The research determined investments in strategic water infrastructure systems over more than 20 years (1998/99–2019/20). The correlations between the three investment measures (as share of GDP) were generally negative and not significant, except for between GFCF(GG) + PPI and GFCFCE) + PPI, which was highly significant. Total water infrastructure investments constituted only 0.35–0.74% of GDP for the last ca. 20 years and 3.97–14.35% of total infrastructure investments. The results identified under-investment estimated at 54.023 billion ZAR for the medium-term expenditure framework (MTEF) period of 3 years. |
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Cornelius Ruiters and Joe Amadi-Echendu |
Infrastructure Asset Management Vol. 9 Issue 4, December 2022 pp. 180-193 |
Title: Public-private partnerships as investment models for water infrastructure in South Abstract: The main proposition of the ISO 550xx series of standards is that any organization that intensively deploys engineered assets should implement a ‘management system for asset management’. As human impact on earth’s geology and ecosystems transcend the era of Society 5.0 powered by fourth industrial revolution technologies, curiously, the composite ISO 550xx series of standards are tantalizingly applied for auditing and certification in engineering asset management. What does it really mean to audit and certify on the basis of the ISO 550xx series of standards? The discourse in this paper uses empirical evidence from two case studies to examine the conundrum of auditing and certification according to the ISO 550xx series of asset management standards. |
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John Ouma-Mugabe, Kenneth Matengu, John Sifani, and Selma Lendevlo |
Journal of Public Administration, Vol. 57, No. 3, September 2022, pp. 625 - 643 |
Title: An analysis of barriers to public sector innovation in Namibia Abstract: This study is about barriers to public sector innovation in Namibia. It is motivated by the fact that while the Government of the Republic of Namibia has adopted a wide range of public policies and programmes, and established institutions to promote the efficiency and effectiveness of its public sector, not much is known as to whether these measures are enhancing innovation in service delivery and public administration. There is a paucity of evidence-based analysis on public sector innovation in Namibia. The study fills the gap and aims to stimulate further academic inquiry into this area. Based on an online survey, face-to-face interviews, and focus group discussions at regional and national workshops, we identified and analysed barriers to public sector innovation in the country. The study recommends a strategic policy framework and whole-of-government institutional configuration to spur on innovation in public service delivery and administration. It suggests further research on the measurement of public sector innovation, and detailed analysis of specific barriers to innovation in public services. |
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Getnet B. Fanta, Leon Pretorius, Louwrence D. Erasmus |
IJLC Vol 14 |
Title: Techno-organisational factors of eHealth acceptance: a system dynamics model Abstract: The sustained use of eHealth is influenced by the dynamic and nonlinear interactions of technological, social, organisational and economic factors. However, most eHealth implementation frameworks are modelled linearly without capturing the complex relationship among elements of the ecosystem to ensure technology acceptance. The model-based theory-building research approach followed in this study aimed at enhancing the understanding of techno-organisational factors’ influence on the acceptance of eHealth technology. A qualitative research approach and system dynamics modelling are applied to develop a system dynamic model of techno-organisational factors of eHealth acceptance. The ‘average workforce turnover’ showed a stronger influence on the simulated ‘acceptance rate’ of both eHMIS and SmartCare systems in the techno-organisational dimension. Therefore, retaining skilled workforces in the healthcare organisation should be the focus in the techno-organisational dimension of sustainable eHealth implementation to increase the ‘acceptance rate’ of eHMIS and SmartCare in Ethiopia. |
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Qin XS, Jiang DD, Pretorius L |
International Journal of Agricultural Technology Vol 18 (1) pp. 329-346 |
Title: A conceptual framework for after-sales service risk reduction of Chinese agricultural machinery in South Africa Abstract: After-sales service (ASS) plays a significant role following the agricultural machinery being sold. With the development of trade and economic exchange between South Africa and China. Chinese agricultural machinery has increasingly sold to South African and Africa. After-sales service becomes crucial important to maintenance the machinery. Results found that the people whose age was between 30 and 49 that much involved in the research findings. Comparison between South African and China found to be more males participate (79.2%) in China, and more females (29.2%) in South Africa. It found that South African female engaged more than Chinese females. The staff and directors made up the majority of participants, where staff and directors accounted for 54.2% in South Africa and 70.9% from China’s side. The percentage on the degree of high school level of Chinese interviewees showed the highest among these five items, which were 50% compared to the highest degree of South African participants at the college level (37.5%). There was no interviewer who earned a major in engineering in South African involved in this study and there was an endeavor to employ more engineers in South Africa. The highest point was the value of spare parts factor from the perspective of South African participants, followed by the factors repairing, maintenance, technician and training. The focus group was concerned with the other factors that impacted on the ASS of AM. The focus-group in China showed that except for the factors that influenced the ASS of AM, Sanbao; three Guarantees: repair, replacement and return, and customer’s satisfaction played a significant role in the process of ASS of AM. With this, the factors included the revisiting, maintenance, technology assistance, tracking service and customer’s satisfaction. The focus-group in South Africa found that after-sales service was faced a crucial effect to ASS of AM. |
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T C Moeketsi and T P Letaba |
South African Journal of Industrial Engineering, December 2022, Vol. 33 (4) pp. 81-93 |
Title: Abstract: The relationship between Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies and innovation makes for an interesting case, as innovation seeks to unlock a level of competitiveness for its users, the extent of which is covered in this research paper. The premise of this study is that subsidiary firms lend themselves to the practice of process innovation. The focus of this study was on a South African automotive subsidiary firm, and a case study methodology was adopted. Data was collected in the form of questionnaire responses from specialists and interview feedback from managers in order to derive insights that would inform the state of firms’ technological capabilities, the dynamics behind them, and the leapfrogging measures that might be taken. This study showed that the current state of technological capabilities in the sample firm ranged from inadequate to satisfactory. Three priority areas were defined: robotics, big data and cloud computing, and advanced manufacturing systems. The workers’ mindsets were found to be a serious barrier to taking full advantage of Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies. This study covered measures that would be necessary to ensure a successful digital transformation, best realised through an incremental innovation strategy. The main metrics of firm competitiveness were outlined as quality, volume, and cost, all of which could be influenced by process innovations. |
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Mogabe Marcia Maja, Petrus Letaba |
Social Sciences & Humanities Open Vol 6, Issue 1, 2022, 100270, pp. 1-9 |
Title: Abstract: The South African banking industry has evolved from simply plugging technologies into its systems to a data-intensive domain. With data disrupting every known market, there is a significant need to take advantage of the magnitude and detail of data captured by the enterprise to augment traditional technology road mapping. With banks seeking more ways to exploit product trends, market dynamics, customer behaviour and emerging technologies using analytics, this study provides insights to developing a data-driven technology roadmap (TRM) for the bank of the future by harnessing big data analytics (BDA) tools and techniques. The study accentuates the significance of banks’ response to advancing digital and data disruptions by continuously scanning and searching their internal and external environments to respond to modern-day challenges of planning and understanding innovation pathways of emerging technologies. The study used non-probability sampling, specifically snowball sampling, to choose and collect data. The study results confirmed that principles of road mapping for the bank of the future based on the proposed framework include data literacy, data governance and culture as fundamentals to being data-led or data-driven. In addition, these principles include synthesising expert knowledge to teach or correct data models and remove bias. |
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Petrus.t Letaba and Marthinus W. Pretorius |
IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management, Vol 69, No.1, February 2022 pp. 195 - 208 |
Title: Abstract: Governments and industries continuously engage in large-scale projects aiming to unlock economic potential for commercial and social benefits of a country and its people. In the case of developing countries, where the dynamics of innovation ecosystems differ from those in developed countries, the need for sociotechnical transition projects are often quite high. The aim of this article is to propose a standardized framework suitable for developing countries for the technology road mapping of large projects aimed to bring about systemic sociotechnical transitions. The framework is developed through the integration of existing generic technology road mapping approaches with transition management theory and complex systems theory and was illustrated against a successful sociotechnical transition program that is characterized by Big Fast Results (BFR) requirements. Data were collected from qualitative interviews as well as from the critical analysis of relevant documents. The proposed sociotechnical transition technology roadmap accurately captured the key elements of the BFR project it was benchmarked against and even identified key elements that were not included in the BFR methodology. An advantage of the proposed sociotechnical transition technology framework is the fact that it makes use of a standard technology road mapping process with few customizations that are ideal for use in developing countries. Index Terms—Complex systems, developing countries, large scale projects, sociotechnical transitions, technology roadmaps. |
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Rudolph Oosthuizen and Leon Pretorius |
International Journal Learning and Change, Vol. 14, No. 5/6, 2022 |
Title: Bibliometric analysis of information communication technology for sustainable development: a machine-learning-based approach Abstract: Publication of research outputs is a method of researchers to capture their knowledge generated. Analysing the publication topics and trends in a research field can provide insight into the main research trends. A bibliometric analysis, based on the topics from published literature, provides insight into the focus areas and trends of a research field. The objective of this paper is to extract the main research topics from papers on 'sustainable development' and 'information communication technology'. The research topics are extracted from the abstracts and titles of papers using machine-learning for topic modelling. This paper identified the topics of knowledge management, design process, social change, and smart systems, as the primary focus of research into information communication technology for sustainable development. A deeper analysis into smart systems identified quality of citizen life, solutions for the urban setting, energy, and the environment as key research concerns. |
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R. Oosthuizen & D. Manzini |
South African Journal of Industrial Engineering Nov 2022, Vol. 33(3), pp. 262 - 273 |
Title: Systems Thinking for the Digital Economy: A Sociotechnical perspective Abstract: The digital economy has radically changed the way services and products are developed and deployed. Digital information and communication technology connects increasing numbers of people, organisations, and other systems. The interconnectedness of services and products in an organisation and the outside world drives complexity. These interactions include humans interacting in social networks with one another, the technology, and the environment. Therefore, systems thinking approaches are required to help develop these systems and resolve the complex problems encountered in this space. This paper proposes a systems thinking framework to address the challenges of the digital economy from a sociotechnical perspective, based on an exploratory literature review. This will serve as a guideline for implementing various systems thinking tools to support a successful digital transformation. |
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S Grobbelaar & R Oosthuizen |
Southern Forests: A Journal of Forest Science Vol 84:2, pp93 - 100 |
Title: A reflection on Southern Forests: a Journal of Forest Science using bibliometrics Abstract: Bibliometrics is used to determine patterns in published research. The aim of this paper is to illustrate the observable bibliometric patterns in the journal Southern Forests: a Journal of Forest Science. Frequency analysis and co-occurrence network analysis were performed to identify patterns. Natural Language Processing and Supervised Machine Learning were used to perform text classification. The objective of the text classification was to classify articles into 15 themes. Each article was categorised in terms of the two main themes associated with the article. The analysis included 1 574 publications from 1941 to 2020 and confirmed that the journal’s change in name and aims were successful in increasing the number of international researchers publishing in the journal. The research institute co-occurrence network diagram illustrates that there are two main research collaboration clusters. The one surrounds Stellenbosch University, and the other encompasses several South African universities and research institutes. Mondi and Sappi were the companies that collaborated the most with independent research institutes. The keywords and theme analysis confirmed that the journal’s aim and scope were supported in the publications. The theme analysis also identified themes or aspects with very few publications. The methods illustrated in this paper can be used to identify research strengths and weaknesses and may assist in strategic planning for future research prioritisation. |
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M. Lekarapa & S. Grobbelaar |
South African Journal of Industrial Engineering Nov. 222 Vol. 33 (3), pp. 96-108 |
Title: Evaluation of budgeting methods for maintenance of Heritage buildings Abstract: Heritage buildings have evolved into development catalysts that, when properly maintained, can improve their surrounding area’s liveability while sustaining productivity in an ever-changing global context. Unfortunately, the high uncertainty involved in preserving heritage buildings frequently leads to over-budget projects. This article evaluates the factors that contribute to projects being over budget and the methods used to develop project budgets. History-based budgeting methods, value-oriented budgeting methods, analytical budgeting methods, and budgeting by condition description are frequently used, while new artificial intelligence models are also emerging. In addition, the review considers the Monte Carlo method and compares it with artificial intelligence models. Considering the high uncertainty involved when maintaining heritage buildings, it is concluded that the Monte Carlo method could be a very effective tool. For this reason, it is recommended that its use be tested on heritage building projects. |
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R.A.D.P. Bischoff & S. Grobbelaar |
South African Journal of Industrial Engineering Nov. 222 Vol. 33 (3), pp.218-232 |
Title: Evaluation of data-driven decision-making implementation in the mining industry Abstract: The ability of organisations to collect and store vast amounts of data has become increasingly more accessible and affordable in recent decades thanks to the advancement of Industry 4.0. This ability is an enabler of data-driven decision-making (DDDM). However, converting data into knowledge that can inform decision-makers has proven challenging for many companies. The ability to perform DDDM effectively depends on a combination of capabilities that encompass the technological, analytical, and managerial aspects of a business. This research focuses on the mining industry, and used a scoping literature review to identify the different DDDM tools that are currently available, the potential benefits of DDDM, the key enablers of DDDM, and the lessons learnt from previous implementations. The objective of the paper is to assist mining industry organisations in developing a DDDM implementation framework. |
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M. Loots, S. Grobbelaar, and E. van der Lingen |
The Journal of the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy Vol. 122, July 2022, pp. 387-396 |
Title: A review of remote-sensing unmanned aerial vehicles in the mining industry Abstract: The increased adoption of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) may improve the productivity and cost-effectiveness of remote sensing in the mining industry. This review's objective is to enable stakeholders to identify possible application adoption, improvement, and innovation opportunities. The review merges a building block strategy and practical screening criteria to identify possible avenues of research to answer the review questions. After the screening process, 72 documents were included in the review. Papers were classified into four categories: exploration, development, exploitation, and reclamation. Fifteen applications were identified, the majority of which were in the exploration phase. The most often researched applications were topographic surveys, reclamation monitoring, and slope management. From the two UAV types identified, multi-rotor vehicles were the most favoured for all applications. From the eight remote sensing techniques identified, photogrammetry was the one most often used. Other techniques were limited because of complexity, cost, or the incompatibility of sensors and UAVs. The review was limited to published papers in academic journals. Future studies could aim to include empirical data on the latest UAV applications used in the mining industry. |
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A.J. Zackarias, T.J. Bond-Barnard & C.C. van Waveren |
South African Journal of Industrial Engineering Dec 2022 Vol 33 (4), pp 147-164 |
Title: Abstract: Skills and knowledge gaps between senior and junior staff is prevalent in engineering projects. This study aimed to identify the factors that affect knowledge transfer and methods to retain transferred knowledge between senior and junior staff in the South African engineering environment. Although several studies have examined the factors that influence knowledge transfer, very few have studied the factors affecting knowledge transfer between senior and junior staff in engineering projects. This study found that knowledge transfer is not made a priority in projects, and that there is a lack of knowledge transfer platforms and structures in projects. Incentivising knowledge transfer by making it a work outcome would improve knowledge transfer in projects. |
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Tshiamo Moleme and Schalk Grobbelaar |
Proceedings from 9th IPMA Research Conference, 12 – 13 June, 2021 online |
Title: Abstract: South Africa’s public universities get allocated funding to develop infrastructure. Their infrastructure delivery performance gets assessed against 7 key performance indicators (KPI’s) which gets summarised into an overall KPI rated as either good, fair or poor. In 2019, 42% of universities were rated as good, 31% as fair, and 27% as poor. The Department of Higher education and training (DHET) developed a project management maturity model as a support tool for universities. The model is based on client governance, client leadership at programme and project levels, and infrastructure procurement. Universities were requested to self-assess their maturity levels. DHET then analysed the maturity scores against overall KPI ratings, and the results seem to indicate a correlation between perceived maturity levels and overall KPI ratings. This research sought to confirm whether a correlation exists between perceived maturity levels and overall KPI ratings: determine whether universities rated as good in their overall KPI ratings have higher perceived maturity levels than the ones rated as fair or pure. The findings are: there is a statistically significant positive correlation between perceived maturity levels and overall KPI ratings: universities rated as good in the overall KPI do have higher perceived maturity levels. |
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Schalk Grobbelaar |
Proceedings of INCOSE SA 16th Annual Systems Engineering Conference 2022 |
Title: Using a free Excel add-in and Monte Carlo simulations to perform project risk analysis Abstract: Project Risk Analysis is used to manage the uncertainty associated with projects. Various tools can be used for this purpose. The Monte Carlo Technique is a random sampling technique that can be used to analyse project costs and schedules. It is a relatively simple method; however, its implementation has been limited due to low levels of training and the limited availability of free models. This paper illustrates how an Excel-based Monte Carlo Simulation could be built using a free Excel Add-in. Real Statistics Using Excel was used to develop models for the simulation of Project Costs and Project Schedule Risk. The paper illustrates the process followed, providing one Project Cost example and one Project Schedule example. The goodness-of-fit for the models is also evaluated. Finally, the limitations of the models are discussed, and future directions are recommended. |
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Tsireledzo Maliehe and Schalk Grobbelaar |
Proceedings of the 2022 IEEE 28th ICE/ITMC & 31st IAMOT joint conference |
Title: Abstract: Frugal innovation can be considered as a cost-effective, simplified solution for developing countries’ specific problems. This concept can potentially assist with alleviating poverty and waste and has been linked to sustainability in various publications. This literature review aimed to investigate the drivers of frugal innovation and its link with sustainability. The study shows similarities between frugal innovation and sustainability.; however the two are not the same. This review considered case studies and literature reviews to determine links between sustainability. (economic, environmental and social) and frugal innovation. The results show that frugal innovation is not always sustainable at it’s core, and in many cases, sustainability is an afterthought in it’s design. Different diffusion paths and the adoption of frugal innovation in developed countries were evaluated. The review illustrates how firms in developed countries can capitalise on frugal innovation. The review also considers definitions of frugal innovation, factors that affect the success of frugal innovation and the requirements for sustainable, frugal innovation. Most published research is related to India, and thus future research may focus more on developing countries. |
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Chandini Singh and Schalk Grobbelaar |
Proceedings of the 2022 IEEE 28th ICE/ITMC & 31st IAMOT joint conference |
Title: Abstract: The move to online learning from traditional methods has increased recently. With the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus, this change was suddenly at the doorstep of more students. The closing of educational institutions with particularly stringent rules on tertiary institutions, resulted in numerous challenges faced by students and lecturers alike. This systematic literature review (SLR) investigated the challenges of e-learning implementation faced during the pandemic globally. The main challenges identified included: (a) the digital divide; (b) adaptation to home studies by students; (c) government contributions; (d) course quality and content and lecturer competency; and € methods of assessment. These challenges were consistent within 36% of the articles analysed. The review discusses useful solutions and innovative teaching methods, including (a) amendment to teaching policies and curriculum design; (b) e-learning workshops to enhance teacher/learner capabilities; (c) cultivation of strong online communities; (d) blended learning methods and (e) course design with the guidance of thinking-based instruction theory. The solutions were considered in 34% of the articles analysed, while innovations were discussed in 11% of the articles. The challenges were generally observed within developing countries. The solutions and innovation were varied across different demographics. Discussion of the challenges with the known requirements can be informative to major stakeholders within the educational landscape such as parents, investors, unaware students and educators. The solutions and innovations discussed may be tailored according to the context in which an institution exists to enhance the digital learning and teaching experience. |
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Lindelani Nethamba, B.Eng., Schalk Grobbelaar PhD. |
Proceedings of the American Society for Engineering Management 2022 International Annual Conference |
Title: Abstract: The railway industry has high service demands that require increased assets and infrastructure availability, improved quality, safety, and reliability. As a result, there is a need for maintenance managers to make intelligent maintenance decisions that will protect the condition of the assets while also keeping the network available to service customers. A preliminary investigation suggests the railway industry of South Africa lags in the adoption and implementation of data-driven decision-making and machine learning in the predictive maintenance of its assets. For the railway industry to successfully develop and implement data-driven decision-making and machine learning in the predictive maintenance of assets, the existing barriers must be overcome, and enablers should be implemented. The objective of this study was to perform a scoping review on international studies related to the topic—this scoping review intended to identify the various technologies used for data-driven decision-making and machine learning-based predictive maintenance. After that, the potential benefits, barriers, and enablers of data-driven decision-making were identified. It is recommended that this study be used in combination with a local survey to develop a Technology Roadmap and Action Priority Matrix to implement data-driven and machine learning-based predictive maintenance in the South African railway industry. |
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Schalk Grobbelaar |
Proceedings of the 10th System Dynamics Conference 16 – 18 Nov 2022 |
Title: Developing an operations research Monte Carlo simulation with real statistics using Excel Abstract: The Monte Carlo method can determine probabilities for specific outcomes in operations research problems with multiple degrees of freedom. This paper illustrates how Real Statistics Using Excel can be used to develop Monte Carlo simulations for an operations research problem. The tool can be used to perform techno-economical feasibility studies, risk analysis or optimisation. Real Statistics Using Excel is a Free Excel add-in that extends Excel’s standard statistics capabilities and can subsequently be used to simplify the development of simulation models. Alternative options are briefly discussed and compared with this tool. A model was developed using breakeven analysis and the Theory of Constraints to illustrate the tool’s capabilities to solve a hypothetical problem developed using real-world inputs. The model assumes a steady state, can only simulate two buffer options and can only take triangular distributions as an input. The simulation outputs include a Weibull distribution and enable the user to predict the confidence level of a specific outcome. The paper discusses the options for Weibull parameter estimation, the difference between the two- and three-parameter Weibull distribution, the correlation of variables, and possibilities for including alternative distributions as inputs. |
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Anne-Marie van Wyk, Jan Harm C. Pretorius, Leon Pretorius |
Proceedings of PICMET 2022: Technology Management and Leadership in Digital Transformation-Looking Ahead to Post-COVID Era |
Title: Abstract: The journey to client centricity through structuredinnovation has a beginning but no end. It starts with the conceptualisation of an idea, develops through organisational alignment and iterations of implementation, learning and improvement. Client centricity has proven to be an elusive goal for many organisations. Agile disruptive innovation is required to remain re evant in the areas in which they operate. A paradigm shift is required and organisations need to change the strategies from being product centric to focusing on client centricity instead. The biggest issue and major challenge typically faced by organisations attempting make this shift, is the organisational culture. Qualitative research, combined with action-based research, was conducted to assess the technical and non-technical enablers required to implement a generic product and process innovation framework to establish a client-centric culture in a diverse and decentralised international logistics solutions organisation. |
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HS Koen, J Cornelius and R Oosthuizen |
Proceedings of The 40th Annual Southern African Transport Conference – 4 to 7 July 2022 |
Title: Using Topic Modelling to Analyse Bus Route Data Abstract: The advent of the fourth industrial revolution and the need for connectedness have increased both data availability and quality. This data surge can also be seen in the transport and mobility industry. Anything from onboard global positioning system interfaces to vehicle trackers and wearable technology for passengers and drivers provide access to more data as an untapped source of valuable information and insights to many stakeholders. Topic modelling is traditionally used to structure and interpret text data from a large corpus of documents. In this paper, patterns in bus route data collected over several months by the onboard Global Positioning Systems (GPSs) of buses travelling in Gauteng and the Northwest province are analysed. Since topic modelling is traditionally used on text documents, the bus route coordinates had to be converted into a form readable by the algorithm. This is an ongoing project, but analyses thus far show that the most important terms per topic correspond to key nodes in city centres and points of interest where routes overlap. This information may be used in city planning to optimise the system of bus routes, terminals, and nodes. Organisations may also use this information for business development and job creation. |
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Werner Els and Rudolph Oosthuizen |
Proceedings of INCOSE SA 16th Annual Systems Engineering Conference 2022, pp 27 - 43 |
Title: Establishing Resilient Enterprises through generative capacity building initiatives Abstract: The pandemic tested our personal and enterprise resilience. It prompted us to advance fromTaylorism’s reductionist linear closed-loop mechanical top-down thinking to critical open-loop non-linear complex adaptive systems thinking. This will enable us to design more interdependent, dynamic and regenerative living systems that can adapt quicker in future turbulent times (the “new MORE normal”) for projects, programs and enterprises to survive. This paper aims to understand resilience as a vital core competency for an enterprise as a living system and how we can increase that resilience through the Process Enneagram©. This study will first evaluate the Process Enneagram©'s usefulness as a sustainable systems intervention tool by comparing its design principles to the theoretical resilience elements identified. The approach will also be evaluated through the BMW South Africa case study. |
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Dumisani Manzini, Rudolph Oosthuizen, Hilda Kundai Chikwanda |
Proceedings of INCOSE SA 16th Annual Systems Engineering Conference 2022 |
Title: Measuring Organisational Resilience: A Systems Thinking Perspective Abstract: Organisations and industries in the 21st Century face challenges of understanding and working in a highly complex and uncertain environment. This complex environment is driven by accelerated and ever-increasing advancements in science, technology and innovation. The inter-connectedness of services and products within the organisation and the outside world drives complexity. These interactions include social humans interacting in networks, technology, and the environment. Therefore Systems Thinking approaches are required to help understand these systems and resolve complex problems encountered in the organisational resilience field. Resilience has been investigated as a multi-faceted and and multi-dimensional concept, which tends to incorporate systems and subsystems within an organisation to handle environmental uncertainties. Literature provides several resilience dimensions that can be used in organisational resilience assessment and measurement framework. However research on organisational resilience is considered a relatively new field, while academic efforts to shed light on resilience conceptualisation and dimensions remain unknown and viewed as a “black box”. This paper lays the foundation for measuring resilience through system dynamics as the methodological and simulation method for measuring organisational resilience. This study contributes to the literature by thoroughly investigating the current research on organisational resilience and proposes a causal loop model to improve the understanding of organisational resilience. |
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Leandi van der Linde, Prof. Leon Pretorius and Dr Rudolph Oosthuizen |
Proceedings of INCOSE SA 16th Annual Systems Engineering Conference pp. 131-147 |
Title: A systems approach to understanding cognitive bias influences on stakeholders in the Circular Economy Abstract: In today's ever-changing, unpredictable economy, it is crucial to understand stakeholder decision-making trends to ultimately change or better predict the system’s behaviour in which they interact. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, systems' economic changes and predictability changed so much that the term “new normal” emerged. A research gap currently exists in this “new normal” that hinders the full implementation of the Circular Economy (CE). The gap is due to the broken link between the stakeholder's mental models and their decisions' influences on the bio- and techno-spheres. The study aims to explore and analyse this complex system with system dynamics modelling. The sustainability field contributes to a clear set of concepts for a CE system framework encompassing stakeholder behaviours. The proposed solution presented in this paper is a system archetype as a starting point for system dynamic modelling. The process boundaries and strategies can further be developed and simulated through causal loop diagrams (CLD) and stock and flow diagrams (SFD) to understand and improve decision-making in the CE through simulation and experimentation. |
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Getnet Bogale Fanta, Leon Pretorius |
IEEE 28th ICE/ITMC & 31st IAMOT joint conference, pp. 577-582 |
Title: Supporting circular economy in health care through digital reverse logistics Abstract: The design of an efficient supply chain system is key to successful circular economy practices. The forward logistics has been well developed through time whereas reverse logistics is still progressing especially in the healthcare sector. Facilitating reverse logistics through industry 4.0 technologies play a critical role to close the material and energy supply chain loop. In this paper, we investigate the role of reverse logistics to facilitate the circular economy in the healthcare and the implication of industry 4.0 digital technologies on reverse logistics to support the circular economy. A system dynamics modelling approach is applied in this research to analyse the causal links between different elements of reverse logistics in the healthcare sector. A causal loop diagram (CLD) with 4 reinforcing and one balancing loop is developed as a conceptual model. The CLD has captured the critical role of reverse logistics in the implementation of circular economy and the enabling role of digital technology (artificial intelligence, internet of things and big data analysis) to drive the collection, sorting, treatment and recovery processes of reverse logistics. |
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Tshepiso P. Mollo, Jan Harm C. Pretorius, Leon Pretorius |
IEEE 28th ICE/ITMC & 31st IAMOT joint conference pp. 547 - 554 |
Title: Abstract: The importance of risk management has grown to such an extent in the past few years that the critical risk factors have managed to gain the attention of the construction industry. Projects on dolomitic land carry many risk factors and the completion of such projects requires proper management and due diligence. The occurrence of sinkhole formation has resulted in the closure of some facilities meant to cater for communities such as the Katlehong Swimming Pool, located in Katlehong, Gauteng, which is investigated as a case study in the research for this paper. Before establishing this community facility, there was no evidence of any dolomite instability investigations undertaken at this site before 2002. The South African government and the local municipalities have invested billions of rand in such facilities that have failed. Furthermore with the present economic situation in the country, financial resources to invest in these deserted facilities are limited. Therefore, this paper aims to contribute towards a risk-management plan to authorize the safe use f the facility by identifying and assessing the risks associated with dolomitic land in the case study municipality. The risk-management plan, referred to in this study, allows the rehabilitation of the communal pool site. However it is critical that all remedial measures provided are undertaken with special caution. This is especially important in the context of the socio-technical environment of this case study research where the community considered is extremely vulnerable. The risk management approach and results may also be applied to disaster management for other relevant environmental issues such as extreme flooding and mudslide risks that are for example prevalent in regions such as Kwazulu Natal in South Africa, Brazil and even India. These cases and comparisons may be considered as topics for future research. |
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Sello Mollo, Prof. Leon Pretorius, Prof. Jan harm C. Pretorius |
IEEE 28th ICE/ITMC & 31st IAMOT joint conference pp. 583-589 |
Title: A Framework for Maintenance Outsourcing in the Era of Industry 4.0 within the Petrochemical Industry Abstract: The 4th industrial revolution is transforming how maintenance management has always been seen. This revolutionary redefines the different skill sets required to execute the predictive maintenance management supported by the 4th industrial revolution developments. The world of maintenance as we know it will not be the same after adopting maintenance 4.0 enablers. Thus, there is a need to redefine how maintenance and maintenance outsourcing will look in the future. The radial shift in maintenance will force companies to adopt outsourcing of maintenance carefully and consciously. Exploratory research using a literature review was utilized to develop and formulate a draft conceptual framework to adopt maintenance outsourcing within the 4th industrial revolution, focusing on the petrochemical industries. |
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Noah Ormondi, Leon Pretorius |
IEEE 28th ICE/ITMC & 31st IAMOT joint conference pp. 460-464 |
Title: Infrastructure Projects in Sub Saharan Africa, Sensitivity to Political Risk Abstract: Governments in Sub-Saharan Africa are presently undertaking many infrastructure projects. However, many such projects face risks that often lead to project delays with significant cost overruns. Once such risk faced by stakeholders operating in this region is political risk. Political risk is a generic concept addressing the risk to projects, investments and contracts in general from political change or instability. It is inclusive of various aspects, such as regulatory risk, nationalisation of investment assets, legal risk, terrorism threat, and credit risks. This research work was done to develop a means and method by which risk can be better managed in projects in the electricity energy sector in Kenya and the Sub Saharan Africa region. This paper presents the System dynamics model earlier developed through the research process, but specifically focuses on, and dynamically explores the effect that differing levels of political risk has on project delivery, by carrying out sensitivity analysis on the political risk model variable. The results show that more stable political environments devoid of political risk would reduce project tasks that remain incomplete at the project completion time, reduce rework and lead to better completion of project tasks in the region and on time delivery of projects. This should be useful to government functionaries, other project stakeholders and contractors in projects in Sub Saharan Africa and developing countries at large. |
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Aubrey Nxumalo and Rudolph Oosthuizen |
Proceedings of INCOSE SA 16th Annual Systems Engineering Conference pp. 148-160 |
Title: Application of MBSE to Minimise Loss of Infrastructure Value at South African Water Utilities Abstract: A typical bulk water utility consists of an engineered system that includes water treatment works, booster pumping stations, bulk distribution pipeline network and a storage reservoir. The entity supplies potable water to a municipality which in turn supplies to households. However, the boundaries between these entities are not obvious to the public eye and create a complex environment. The utility consistently and continually creates infrastructure asset projects to design and implement new systems or improve existing ones to solve engineering problems. As such, the classic engineering design process is adopted by utilities to assist in solving engineering problems. This paper investigates if the systems engineering (SE) practice is applied during the design phase of the infrastructure asset development lifecycle in South Africa. Furthermore, the study will also propose a commercially available model-based system engineering (MBSE) method suitable for bulk water utilities in South Africa. |
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Bernard Musewu and Dr Rudolph Oosthuizen |
Proceedings of INCOSE SA 16th Annual Systems Engineering Conference pp. 190-207 |
Title: Model-based system engineering enabled approach for managing infrastructure construction projects in Africa Abstract: Infrastructure projects experience challenges due to inadequate documentation of engineering and management requirements, lack of coherence in stakeholder and system requirements, contractual issues, and misinterpretation of requirements, leading to poor quality of work and structural failure. The current practice of construction still relies on the traditional document-centric method to distribute and manage the data throughout the lifetime, despite the advent of Building Information Management (BIM) and system engineering (SE). The practice does not support the coordinated, incremental, and systematic description of project requirements, design specifications, and interactions that emerge from different stakeholders during building design. The adoption and application of Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) in the design and construction of complex buildings and civil infrastructure projects may significantly support systems integration, requirement management, verification, and configuration management as it addresses the information chaos introduced by the document-centric approach. This study analyses the practical application of the MBSE in the infrastructure construction industry by employing quantitative and qualitative methods for data collection. The research has found no consistent and structured MBSE procedures and guidelines to support MBSE implementation in the construction industry. Hence, the research proposed an MBSE framework for the construction domain, which is a key deliverable of this study. |
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Justine Geraldine Nanfuka and Dr Rudolph Oosthuizen |
Proceedings of INCOSE SA 16th Annual Systems Engineering Conference pp. 263-274 |
Title: MBSE-Lite: Implementing model-based systems engineering on small enterprise projects Abstract: Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) is the application of modelling to support systems requirements, design, analysis, verification, and validation activities from the concept development stage throughout all the life cycle stages. MBSE provides advantages over traditional document-based systems engineering, but its benefits and tools have long been favoured by larger organisations. Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) play a large role in many national economies, but MBSE research and development advances have side-lined their needs. The adoption of MBSE in an enterprise is done after the trade-off between the investment costs and the envisaged benefits. This may not be justifiable in SMEs, as the methods and tools are too complex and expensive for their culture and organisation structure. The author herein proposes a framework and recommended tools as a guideline for implementing MBSE in an SME. The process may be applied in different organisations to test its reliability for future research. |
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Henk van den Heever and Dr Rudolph Oosthuizen |
Proceedings of 32nd Annual INCOSE symposium June 25 – 30 2022 |
Title: Implementing cognitive work analysis to support early phases of sociotechnical system development Abstract: Systems engineering (SE) is applied to bring about complex systems, such as sociotechnical systems (STS), based on stakeholder requirements. Introducing new technology into an existing STS may result in unexpected emergent behaviour when prevailing processes, procedures and information flows are challenged. Due to the complexity associated with emergence, the resultant system may fail to achieve the desired utility fully, or the work system produced may not be desirable. Cognitive work analysis (CWA) provides a framework for analyzing, modelling, and designing STS. This study proposes applying CWA modelling to requirement analysis for new technology introduction as part of a validation workflow in aid of SE. Work domain analysis (WDA), the first step in the CWA framework, is applied to a test case, and the resultant abstraction hierarchy (AH) models are analyzed to evaluate the perceived utility. This article shows how analysts were able to apply the method and uncover possible design emergence. We hope that the methods presented herein will aid more designers in applying CWA as part of the SE life-cycle toward successfully implementing complex STS. |
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Dean Beale, Dorothy Mc Kinney, Rudolph Oosthuizen Phd and Gary Smith |
Proceedings of 32nd Annual INCOSE symposium June 25 – 30 2022 |
Title: System engineering heuristics for complex systems Abstract: Complex systems are challenging for engineers. In considering the challenges in addressing complex problems as well as designing and developing complex systems, the INCOSE Complex Systems Working Group (CSWG) Heuristics Focus Team, in conjunction with the INCOSE Heuristics Team, has considered a range of systems engineering heuristics that guide the engineering of complex systems. These heuristics provide some initial insight for understanding the engineering of complex systems. This work aims to identify, develop, analyze and curate these heuristics and their potential use in dealing with complexity and developing complex systems. This paper concludes that a range of beneficial heuristics have been identified that cover the breadth of complex problems, as assessed from multiple perspectives. This initial or preliminary set of heuristics needs to be tested through practice and use across the INCOSE community before effort is expended to make them more memorable, either individually, or as a set. |
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Justine Geraldine Nanfuka and Dr Rudolph Oosthuizen PhD |
Proceedings of the American Society for Engineering Management 2022 International Annual Conference |
Title: Abstract: Systems Engineering has mostly been implemented in large engineering enterprises. Many studies have revealed the benefits of Systems Engineering for large and complex organizations and projects. However, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) still lag in implementing traditional Systems Engineering approaches and processes. Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) is defined as the formalized application of modelling to support system requirements, design, analysis, verification, and validation activities from the conceptual design throughout development and other life cycle phases. MBSE provides a definite advantage over the more traditional Systems Engineering implementations. Despite its benefits, MBSE adoption by smaller enterprises has been slow or non-existent. The benefits of tools and technological advancement seem to favour larger corporations. However, SMEs are important drivers of economies worldwide and should benefit from implementing MBSE. Enterprises must perform a trade-off between the investment required for MBSE implementation to the possible gains and benefits. Implementing MBSE may not be justified in the SME context as it is not adequately tailored to the needs of the SME culture, resources, skills, and tools. This paper proposes an adoption framework for the uptake of MBSE in SMEs whose effectiveness shall be tested in future research. |
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Rudolph Oosthuizen PhD and Schalk Grobbelaar PhD |
Proceedings of the American Society for Engineering Management 2021 International Annual Conference |
Title: Abstract: This paper aims to inform the course curriculum development for a master's degree in Engineering Management. Implementing a bibliometric analysis with topic modelling performed on relevant publications in the field of Engineering Management provides valuable inputs to the selection of content for a curriculum. Topic modelling is a form of unsupervised machine-learning-based natural language processing. The algorithm extracts main topics from the titles and abstracts of a wide range of papers published about Engineering Management. These topics are identified and compared, for validation, to current thinking about Engineering Management curriculums. This approach is implemented to ensure that the course content is relevant to the field of Engineering Management. |
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Petrus Letaba |
Proceedings of PICMET 2022: Technology Management & Leadership in Digital Transformation-Looking ahead to Post -COVID Era |
Title: Framework for Assessment of Societal Impact of Innovation: A Case of Transport and Mobility Sector Abstract: A slow-down in economic performance of various countries created a huge attention in seeking the solutions and new sources of growth that can improve the GDP growth. These include the role of science, technology and innovation. However, there is also a recognition that innovation can be used for improvement of society in terms of health, education, mobility, food security, water security, security, etc. While there is a plethora of frameworks that deal with research, technology and innovation assessment for economic impact, there is still a knowledge gap regarding the impact on society. The challenges include the absence of common assessment framework and in some cases the lack of comparable indicators. A framework for assessment of innovation for social impact is proposed in this paper by identifying internationally comparable social indicators. Through citation analysis of scientific publications, the identified societal issues are then mapped to the science, technology and innovation activities. A transport and mobility sector is used as a case study. Both transport and mobility have great influence on the societal dynamics and quality of life. |
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Joe Amadi-Echendu, Kolomane Khoarai and Mapule Lebata |
Proceedings of the 15th World Congress on Engineering Asset Management 2021 |
Title: Case Study Critique of ISO 550xx Auditing and Certification Abstract: The main proposition of the ISO 550xx series of standards is that any organization that intensively deploys engineered assets should implement a ‘management system for asset management’. As human impact on earth’s geology and ecosystems transcend the era of Society 5.0 powered by fourth industrial revolution technologies, curiously, the composite ISO 550xx series of standards are tantalizingly applied for auditing and certification in engineering asset management. What does it really mean to audit and certify on the basis of the ISO 550xx series of standards? The discourse in this paper uses empirical evidence from two case studies to examine the conundrum of auditing and certification according to the ISO 550xx series of asset management standards. |
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Joe Amadi-Echendu, George Botlholo and Keaton Raman |
Proceedings of the 15th World Congress on Engineering Asset Management |
Title: Condition Assessment of Engineered Assets in the Era of Society 5.0 Abstract: In the era of Society 5.0 powered by fourth industrial revolution technologies, the pervading cliché of “information about everything” is aggressively transforming how we monitor and assess the reliability, resilience and vulnerability of engineered assets such as personal gadgets, equipment, machinery, interconnected and interdependent facilities and infrastructure that constitute modern day cyber physical systems. Two case studies of conventional approaches to condition assessments are briefly discussed in the paper. Given that the era of Society 5.0 proffers huge technology-driven paradigm shifts, the contention is that the sustainability imperative demands a wider and more holistic approach to condition and performance assessments of engineered discrete assets and asset systems. |
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Joe Amadi-Echendu, Pavlen Govender and Magretha Vlok |
IEEE 28th ICE/ITMC & IAMOT joint conference 2022 |
Title: Technology back casting: Retrospective case studies from mining and mineral processing Abstract: A feature of the fourth industrial revolution is the accelerated fusing of various forms of technology, and most sectors of human endeavour continue to seek ways to exploit rapidly evolving technologies to confront the very broad challenges encapsulated in the sustainability imperatives. Amid rapidly changing business models, technology developers, manufacturers, suppliers, and vendors are increasingly challenged to provide proof of concept, commercialize and validate new methods, processes, products and services within shorter time frames. Users acquire and deploy technology as a means to an end; they expect that deployed technology will be utilized to deliver desired outcomes. On the one hand, technology developers, manufacturers, suppliers and vendors are often limited to laboratory demonstrators, factory and prototype testing facilities, whereas full commercialization and acceptance often demands site validation in real world operating environments. On the other hand, users increasingly prefer technology as a service in order to improve business performance, especially in terms of economic, environmental, governance, and social performance metrics. This paper discusses back casting based on case studies of technology investigations in midstream mining and minerals processing operations |
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T. Mphafudi, TC. Drogbewu, HK. Chikwanda and I. Yadroitsau |
Proceedings from RAPDASA Conference 2018 |
Title: Abstract: The binary near equiatomic nickel-titanium alloy is a shape memory alloy, an intermetallic compound material which found applications in automotive, aerospace, robotics and biomedical industry due to its shape memory effect and superelasticity. The reversible martensitic transformation property and the biocompatibility of the material have drawn significant attention. However, the manufacturing and processing complications encountered when using the conventional methods to manufacture the NiTi alloy has brought shortcomings to homogeneity in the microstructure, which affects the material shape memory and superelastic behaviour. The current review will focus on the emerging additive manufacturing methods such as laser powder bed fusion that will be used to unearth the full potential of the alloy for biomedical applications. The laser powder bed fusion method could be used to manufacture NiTi objects with tailored geometrics which would enhance the biomechanical and biofunctional properties of the material and translate into quality life for implant patients. |
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Dumisani Manzini, Rudolph Oosthuizen, Hilda Chikwanda |
Proceeding 2022 IEEE 28th ICE/ITMC & 31st IAMOT Joint Conference |
Title: A Resilience Framework for Digital Transformation in the Banking Sector: A systems Thinking Approach Abstract: Organisations and industries in the 21st Century face challenges in understanding and working in a highly complex and uncertain environment. Traditional banks face challenges from digital and IT organisations penetrating the banking sector to offer innovative transactional technology products resulting in reduced traditional banking customers and revenues. The increased reliance upon complex and interconnected cyber systems to conduct daily operations and business operational requirements has also been accompanied by increased threats and disruptions from hackers, groups and even state government organisations. These sociotechnical systems drive organisational changes, requiring a set of dimensions and indicators to measure and evaluate the organisational resilience of service organisations. This paper focuses on the banking system as the test environment for an organisational resilience framework suited to the services industry. The concept of resilience enables organisational survival and sustainability that should be seen as an inherent emergent system property. Resilience helps mitigation of threats and risks to maintain sociotechnical system functionality proactively. The study will utilise these identified organisational resilience characteristics and dimensions to develop a conceptual framework and evaluation model based on a systemigram. |
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Hilda Kundai Chikwanda and Andile LN Zulu |
Proceedings of the International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Operations Management Monterrey Mexico, Nov 3-5 2021 |
Title: Technology innovation in supply chain logistics: A systematic literature review (2003 - 2019) Abstract: The key purpose of this study is to explore the supply chain logistics industry by focusing on the challenges existing in this industry together with the available technology innovation solutions to potentially address these challenges. To this aim, the paper systematically reviews the literature available in this industry, uncovering research strengths and limitations and discussing future research recommendations. The review was conducted by a key word search from selected databases. Overall, 34 relevant papers were identified through the inclusion and exclusion review process. After providing the review method, the paper introduces two main concepts, challenges and innovation technology in supply chain logistics. The literature review results relating to the two concepts are presented and principle findings are discussed. Based on reviewed literature, this study can be of value to future related studies in establishing the relation between existing challenges in supply chain logistics and available technology innovation solutions. |
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Daniel N. Otuokwu and Hilda Kundai Chikwanda |
Proceedings of the International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Operations Management Nsukka, Nigeria, 5-7 April 2022 |
Title: The Future of Civil Aviation Industry: Technology Management Abstract: The aviation industry has established itself to be a driving force behind global advances in technology and innovation, enabling lighter, quieter, and more efficient engine and aircraft designs. However, the industry is set to witness a paradigm shift by emerging technologies of the future, the likes of robotics, unmanned aerial systems, internet of things, artificial intelligence, with the demand for hybrid and electric aircraft as the industry’s response to the climate crisis. The information for this research was found using multiple search engines and was gathered by reviewing scientific publications, and publication reports from government and professional organizations reporting original work in the field of commercial aviation. The selection criteria were to review these publications and provide relevant information based on industry trends. This paper discusses the disruptive technologies of the Fourth Industrial Revolution that will impact the civil aviation industry in the not-too-distant future and the role of technology management in enabling organizations to manage their technological capabilities for sustainable competitive advantage. The paper also explores the possible dangers of over dependence on technology, although technology itself has a lot of positive outlooks in terms of simplifying life, yet it comes with multiple drawbacks. |
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Naude Scribante and Leon Pretorius |
Proceedings of INCOSE SA 16th Annual Systems Engineering Conference, pp. 161-176 |
Title: Can systems thinking as a process be used to solve real-world problems Abstract: We live in a complex, artificial world that leads to complex, socio-technical problems. Systems thinking is advocated as one of the methods to approach and deal with such complex problems. This article revisits some critical systems thinking concepts and then applies them to a real-world problem using a thought experiment. The real-world problem selected for this article is income inequality in South Africa. South Africa is currently classified as one of the worst countries in the world as measured by the Gini coefficient. The thought experiment’s outcome may provide new insight to policymakers that may result in new insights into the problem situation that can be beneficial to improving the current situation. |
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Jonathan Espach and Michiel C Bekker |
Proceedings of the 10th IPMA Research Conference: Value co-creation in the project society, 19 – 21 June 2022 |
Title: The impact of the relational charter on the project principal -agent relationship Abstract: This paper aims to identify variables that define the agency relationship and the relational charter, and the likelihood of the relational charter affecting the agency relationship. However, the link between the two constructs remains unclear. The results from the literature identified the variables that define the agency relationship and the relational charter. Results from a survey of 93 South African project engineers and project managers to demonstrate the impact of the relational charter on the agency relationship. As opposed to literature this research found that the relational charter does not affect the agency relationship positively in all aspects. Descriptive statistics and regression analysis were used to examine the influence of the relational charter on the agency relationship. This unique approach highlights the relational variables that influence agency variables, which should benefit both researchers and practitioners. The findings also revealed that most of the respondents lack an understanding of relational contracting. It is expected that the results of this study will provide project practitioners and other researchers with insight into the factors that impact the agency relationship and relational charter and suggest ways to improve the agency relationship. |
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W. Botha and KY Chan |
SAIIE33 The Industrials Marvelous World of IE proceedings 3 – 5 October 2022 pp. 1058 - 1066 |
Title: |
2021
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Moodley R, Steyn HDV, Bond-Barnard T |
International Journal of Project Organisation and Management, 13 (3), pp. 273 - 300.. |
Factors influencing the success of cross-border projects in Africa: A |
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Polisi M, Thopil GA, Pouris A |
Journal of Cleaner Production, 319 pp. 1- 8.. |
Quantification of the water footprint inventory in South African coal fuel cycle |
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Zulch B. Kitshoff J |
Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems, 267 pp. 289 - 298. |
The role of the Project Manager in delivering design-build projects. |
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Moyo P,Bond-Barnard T |
Project Management Research and Practice, 6 pp. 1 - 18.. |
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Letaba TP, Zulu S |
South African Journal of Industrial Engineering, 32 (2), pp. 100 - 109 .. |
The development of a Technology Roadmap for Ferrochrome |
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Louw W, Steyn HDV, Wium J, |
International Journal of Project Organisation and Management, 13 (1), pp. 1 - 30 |
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Chan K, Oerlemans LAG, Meslec N |
International Journal of Project Management, 39 pp. 308 - 320 |
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Joubert F, Steyn E, Pretorius L |
Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 147 (1), pp.1 - 15.. |
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Walwyn DR, Kraemer E |
Energy Research & Social Science, 78 pp. 1 - 7 |
Captives of Capital? Exploring economic models as recursive and performative agents |
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Grobbelaar S, Visser JK |
Southern Forests, 83 (1), pp.28 - 37.. |
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Jhamba A, Steyn HDV |
South African Journal of Industrial Engineering, 32 (1), pp. 182 - 195 |
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Oosthuizen R, Pretorius L |
Systems Engineering, 24 (4), pp. 203 - 220 |
Analysis of INCOSE Systems Engineering journal and international symposium research topics. |
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Bond Barnard T |
International Journal of Information Systems and Project Management, 9 (1), pp. 78 - 97.. |
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van Waveren CC. Oerlemans LAG, Pretorius MW |
South African Journal of Industrial Engineering, 32 (1), pp.119- 130.. |
Reliable and valid measurement scales for determinants of the |
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Thopil GA |
Edition:1st Edition In M.Asif (ed), Energy and Environmental Security in Developing Countries, Switzerland, Cham: Springer |
The evolution of electrification in South Africa and its energy-environmental impact. |
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Mugabe O, Chaminuka P |
Edition: 1st In T. Haastrup & L. Mah & N. Duggan (eds.), The Routledge Handbook of EU-Africa Relations, England, Oxford: Routledge. (pp. 224-232). 978-1-315-17091-6.. |
Africa-Europe science, Technology and Innovation Cooperation: Trends, Challenges And Opportunities. |
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Walwyn DR, Combrinck C |
Industry and Higher Education, 35 (5), pp. 598 - 608.. |
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Smith WA, Bekker MC, Marnewick C |
Journal of the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, 121 (5), pp.217 - 226 |
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Summers DJ, Visser JK |
South African Journal of Industrial Engineering, 32 (1), pp. 24 - 36.. |
Factors that influence the decision to outsource maintenance in the processing industry. |
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Qin X, Jiang D, Pretorius L |
Asian Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development, 11 (1), pp.71 - 78 |
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Krijkamp A, Knoben J, Oerlemans LAG, Leenders R |
Journal of Business Research, 129 pp. 703 - 713 |
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Atakhan-Kenneweg M, Oerlemans LAG, Raab J |
Journal of Business Research, 127 pp. 264 - 276 .. |
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Madlala NS. van Waveren CC |
Proceedings of the 32nd Annual Southern African Institute for Industrial |
A Framework for Measuring Knowledge Transfer Success in Projects |
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Schleith M, Pretorius L, Steyn HDV |
Proceedings of the 32nd Annual Southern African Institute for Industrial |
Systems Thinking and Strategy in the Context of Fast Adaptability: An |
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Kruger S, Pretorius L |
Proceedings of the 15th International Conference on Heat Transfer, Fluid |
Heat Transfer in Three-Dimensional Multi-Span Greenhouses Containing Ventilators |
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Van Ginkel C, Kruger S, Pretorius L |
Proceedings of the 15th International Conference on Heat Transfer, Fluid |
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Scribante NP |
Proceedings of the 30th International Conference of the International |
The Application of Systems Thinking in Technology and Innovation |
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Steyn P, Pretorius L |
Proceedings of the 30th International Conference of the International |
Pro-Active Methods in Design Improvement: A Best Practice Review |
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Sibe E, Amadi-Echendu JE |
Proceedings of the 30th International Conference of the International Association for Management of Technology - IAMOT 2021 |
A Sectoral Examination of Technological Capability. |
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Bisanda MP, Amadi-Echendu JE |
Proceedings of the 30th International Conference of the International Association for Management of Technology - IAMOT 2021 |
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Viljoen RB, Visser JK |
Proceedings of the 30th International Conference of the International Association for Management of Technology - IAMOT 2021 |
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Maluleke GT, Pretorius L |
Proceedings of the 30th International Conference of the International Association for Management of Technology - IAMOT 2021 |
The Impact Of A Pandemic On Education And The Opportunity To Fast Track Technology Adoption In Basic Education In Preparation For 4th Industrial Revolution Era Employment. |
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Grobbelaar S |
Proceedings of the 30th International Conference of the International Association for Management of Technology - IAMOT 2021 |
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Oosthuizen R |
Proceedings of the 30th International Conference of the International Association for Management of Technology - IAMOT 2021 |
A Bibliometric Approach to Support Redefining Management Of Technology For The Post-Digital World. |
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Letaba TP,Pretorius MW |
Proceedings of the 30th International Conference of the International Association for Management of Technology - IAMOT 2021 |
Sociotechnical Transition Technology Roadmap For Emerging |
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Walwyn DR, Magidimisa M, van Niekerk DB |
Proceedings of the 30th International Conference of the International Association for Management of Technology - IAMOT 2021 |
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Fanta GB, Pretorius L, Nunes B |
Proceedings of the 30th International Conference of the International Association for Management of Technology - IAMOT 2021 |
Enabling Circular Economy in Healthcare using Industry 4.0 Digital |
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Matiyenga FG, Pretorius MW |
Proceedings of the 30th International Conference of the International Association for Management of Technology - IAMOT 2021 |
Readiness For Fourth Industrial Revolution Technology Implementation in a developing Country |
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Subramani KC, Chan K |
Proceedings of the 30th International Conference of the International Association for Management of Technology - IAMOT 2021 |
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Naidoo P, Chan K |
Proceedings of the 30th International Conference of the International Association for Management of Technology - IAMOT 2021 |
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Van der Lingen E, Pretorius SR |
Proceedings of the 30th International Conference of the International Association for Management of Technology - IAMOT 2021 |
2020
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Chataway J, Daniels C |
Edition:1st Edition In E. Kreamer-Mbula & R. Tljssen & M. Wallace & R. McLean (eds.), Transforming Research Excellence - New Ideas from the Global South, South Africa, Cape Town, South Africa: African Minds. (pp. 39-58). 978-1-928502-07-4. |
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Angeli F, Raab J, Oerlemans LAG |
Edition: 1st Edition In T. Braun & J. Lampel (eds.), Tensions and Paradoxes in Temporary Organizing, United Kingdom, Bingley: Emerald Publishing. (pp. |
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Stephens A, Walwyn DR |
Edition: 1st Edition In K. Maalawi (ed.), ModellIng, Simulation and Optimization of Wind Farms and Hybrid Systems. United Kingdom, London: Intech. (pp. 65-84). 978-1-78985-612-5 |
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Daniels C, Schot J, Chataway J, Ramirez M, Steinmueller E, Kanger L |
Edition:lst Edition In M. Cele & T. Luescher & A. Fadiji (eds.). Innovation Policy at the Intersection. Global Debates & Local Experiences, South Africa, Cape Town: HSRC Press. (pp. 9-29). |
Transformative innovation policy: Insights from Colombia, Finland, Norway, South-Africa and Sweden. |
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Madikizela M |
Edition: 1st Edition In M. Cele & T. Luescher & A. Fadiji (eds.), Innovation Policy at the Intersection. Global Debates & Local Experiences, South Africa, Cape Town: HSRC Press. (pp. 60-74). 978-0-7969-2592-3.. |
Building regional innovation ecosystems and the role of Government. |
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Amo B, Pettersen I, Van der Lingen E, Voldsund K, Bragelien J |
Edition: 1st Edition In A. Novotny & E. Rasmussen & T. Clausen & J. Wiklund ( eds.), Research Handbook on Start-up Incubation Ecosystems, United Kingdom, Cheltenham: Edward Elgar Publishing Ltd. (pp. 335-348). 978-1-78897-353-3.. |
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Peach RH, Visser JK |
South African Journal of Industrial Engineering, 31 (4), pp. 104 - |
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Adenle AA |
Energy Policy, 137 pp. 1 - 16.. |
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Bai Y, Jiang D, Pretorius L |
Solid State Technology, 63 (3), pp. 4569 - 4576 |
Circulation Mode of Fresh Agricultural Products in Logistics. |
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Roux RN, van der Lingen E, Botha AP, Botes A |
Journal of the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, 120 (11), pp. 633 - 640.. |
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Van der Lingen E, Amo B, Pettersen I |
Education and Training, 62 (7/8), pp. 863 - 876 |
The relationship between entrepreneurial experience and preferred |
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Botha AP |
South African Journal of Industrial Engineering, 31 (3), pp. 170 - 182 .. |
Nature-inspired leadership - Seeking human-technology-earth |
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Walwyn DR |
Energy Research & Social Science, 70 pp. 1 - 10.. |
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Amadi-Echendu JE, Thopil GA |
IEEE Engineering Management Review, 48 (3), pp. 118 - 128 |
Resilience Is Paramount for Managing Socio-Technological Systems |
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Bambo TL, Pouris A |
Scientometrics, 125 (1), pp. 29 - 51 |
Bibliometric analysis of bioeconomy research in South Africa |
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Jacobs J, Pretorius MW |
South African Journal of Industrial Engineering, 31 (2), pp.40 - 61 |
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Chitongo A, Pretorius L |
South African Journal of Industrial Engineering, 31 (2), pp. 76 - 91 |
Impact of project participants' competition on project performance. |
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Tshuma B, Steyn H, van Waveren CC |
South African Journal of Industrial Engineering, 31 (2). pp. 143 - 155 .. |
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Thopil GA, Sachse CE, Lalk J, Thopil M |
Applied Energy, 275 pp. 1 - 20.. |
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Walwyn DR, Naidoo S |
African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development, 12 (1), pp. 33 - 46.. |
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Tshetshema CT,Chan K |
Technology Analysis & Strategic Management, 32 (8), pp. 955 - 967.. |
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Hove P, Grobbelaar S |
South African Journal of Industrial Engineering, 31 (1), pp. 47 - 64 |
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Joubert FJ, Pretorius L |
Journal of Waterway Port Coastal and Ocean Engineering |
Design and Construction Risks for a Shipping Port and Container |
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Sankaran S, Vaagaasar A, Bekker MC |
International Journal of Managing Projects in Business, 13 (6), pp. 1381 - 1402 |
Assignment of project team members to projects. Project managers' |
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Platzek B, Pretorius L |
International Journal of Innovation and Technology Management, 17 (3), pp 1- 24 |
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Amoah C, Pretorius L |
Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, 18 (3), pp. 611 |
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van Rooyen M, van der Lingen E, Ross V |
Journal of the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, 120 (4), pp. 269 - 276.. |
Technology commercialization front-end framework: Metallurgical |
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Potts S |
Journal of Energy in Southern Africa, 31 (2), pp. 1 - 18.. |
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Booyens DE,van Beek C |
Journal of Construction 13 (1) Pg 5 - 17 |
Assessing BIM application in the South African construction project management mileu |
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Visser JK |
Proceedings of the 61st SIMS Conference on Simulation and modelling, Virtual |
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Dakada MHC, Amadi-Echendu JE |
Proceedings of the 13th World Congress on Engineering Asset Management, Stavanger, Norway |
Asset replacement decisions in the context of the Mining sector |
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Ruiters C, Amadi-Echendu JE |
Proceedings of the 13th World Congress on Engineering Asset Management, Stavanger, Norway |
Engineering and financial realities of water infrastructure in South Africa. |
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John RS, Erasmus L |
Proceedings of 2020 International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE), Cape Town, South Africa. |
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Sparrius AJA |
Proceedings of 2020 International Council on Systems Engineering(INCOSE), Cape Town, South Africa |
The wisest system engineering mentor and mentee of the year award. |
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Sparrius AJA |
Proceedings of 2020 International Council on Systems Engineering(INCOSE), Cape Town, South Africa. |
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Oosthuizen R, Pretorjus L |
Proceedings of 2020 International Council on Systems Engineering(INCOSE), |
A bibliometric method for analysis of systems engineering research |
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Scribante NP, Pretorius L |
Proceedings of 2020 International Council on Systems Engineerlng(INCOSE), Cape Town, South Africa. |
Establishing a reference model for requirements elicitation behavior. |
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Inda PO, Lalk J |
Proceedings of 2020 International Council on Systems Engineering(INCOSE), Cape Town, South Africa. |
Synergetics as a systems theoretical and methodological lens in structuring energy poverty. |
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Amadi-Echendu JE, Ebersohn L, du Plessis C, van der Merwe AJ, Stols GH |
Proceedings of the 2020 IEEE Technology & Engineering Management Society Conference (TEMSCON), Detroit, USA. |
A multidisciplinary case study on managing the resilience of connected systems. |
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Pretorius L, Malik P |
Proceedings of the 2020 IEEE Technology & Engineering Management Society Conference (TEMSCON), Detroit, USA. |
Simulation of a generalized equation for innovation in complex adaptive systems. |
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van Rooyen M, van der Lingen E, Ross V |
Proceedings of the 31st Annual Southern African Institute for Industrial Engineering Conference, South Africa |
Success factors of technology innovation. An organisational perspective. |
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Ntuli PT, Visser JK |
Proceedings of the 31st Annual Southern African Institute for Industrial Engineering Conference, South Africa |
The selection of risk analysis methods in large scale project organisations in South Africa. |
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Theron PF, Botha AP |
Proceedings of the 29th International Conference of the International Association for Management of Technology, Cairo, Egypt. |
A conceptual framework for machine ethics development and adoption. |
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Botha AP |
Proceedings of the 29th International Conference of the International Association for Management of Technology, Cairo, Egypt. |
Management of technology in a post-digital world. |
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Steyn P, Pretorius L |
Proceedings of the 29th International Conference of the International Association for Management of Technology, Cairo, Egypt. |
Early life cycle design management. A case study on MBSE deployment in project execution. |
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Mthiyane NH, Pretorius MW |
Proceedings of |
Industry 4.0. A skills gap analysis at an electricity utility. |
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Oosthuizen R, Pretorius L |
Proceedings of the 29th International Conference of the International Association for Management of Technology, Cairo, Egypt |
Bibliometric analysis of technology management research topic trends. |
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Maluleke GT, Pretorius L |
Proceedings of the 29th International Conference of the International Association for Management of Technology, Cairo, Egypt |
Modelling the potential impact of e-content and e-learning in education |
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Coetzee J, Pretorius L |
Proceedings of the 29th International Conference of the International Association for Management of Technology, Cairo, Egypt |
Prognostics and health management modelling. Applying machine learning techniques to develop a predictive maintenance strategy in the railway environment. |
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Muller C, van Waveren CC |
Proceedings of the 29th International Conference of the International Association for Management of Technology, Cairo, Egypt |
Influences on knowledge use in projects. |
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Omondi N, Pretorius L |
Proceedings of the 29th International Conference of the lnternatlonal Association for Management of Technology, Cairo, Egypt |
Effect of variability in project management competence on project delivery. |
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Walwyn DR, Cloete JPL |
Proceedings of the 29th International Conference of the International Association for Management of Technology Cairo, Egypt |
Policy mix to support digital industry in developing countries. Do we |
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Mamphiswana R, Amadl-Echendu JE |
Proceedings of the 29th International Conference of the International Association for Management of Technology, Cairo, Egypt |
Paradigms for commercialising technologies in the 4IR era. |
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Sibe E, Amadi-Echendu JE |
Proceedings of the 29th International Conference of the International Association for Management of Technology, Cairo, Egypt |
Sectoral contextualization of technological capabilities. A view of the oil and gas sector. |
| Author(s) | Journal/Conference | Title and Abstract |
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Moodley Rajeshree, Steyn H Bond-Barnard Taryn |
International Journal of Project Organisation and Management, 13 (3), pp. 273 - 300 |
Title: Factors influencing the success of cross-border projects in Africa: A Abstract: Africa’s economic growth depends on direct foreign investment, primarily through global projects. However, literature on success factors for global/cross-border projects in Africa is non-existent. This paper reports on a study of ten projects, with a combined value of US$680 million, executed by a South African company in six other African countries. Best practices and success factors for cross-border projects were investigated, using a modified nominal group technique, a Delphi survey and thematic analysis. The top five success factors identified for African cross-border projects are: 1) front-end loading (FEL); 2) top management support; 3) planning, execution and control (including risk management); 4) leadership and establishing trust; 5) stakeholder satisfaction. A model of the success factors and best practices framework for African cross-border projects is proposed. The paper contributes to the development of project execution strategies to improve African cross-border project performance. |
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Polisi Msondezi, George Alex Thopil, Anastassios Pouris |
Journal of Cleaner Production, 319 pp. 1- 8 |
Title: Quantification of the water footprint inventory in South African coal fuel cycle Abstract: Due to the scarcity of the water footprint inventory data for the coal mining industry in South Africa, water footprint studies that are supposed to provide quantified and categorized environmental impacts are scarce. Consequently, water uses ecological implications within the industry are not well understood, albeit public perceptions suggesting that the industry is a water guzzler and polluter. This manuscript proposes water footprint inventory data for the industry to enable researchers to conduct water footprint studies. The median total water loss intensities for surface mines with and without beneficiation are 331 and 276 L/ton, whereas those of underground mines with and without beneficiation are 420 and 262 L/ton, respectively. The water-intensive sinks are evaporation, dust suppression, and discharge into the environment. Water management practices, i.e., the high recycling rate in mines with excess water, non-segregation of clean and dirty water streams, and deficient water treatment infrastructure, are the root causes of the water pollution in collieries. Although low pH, high sulfates, and high total dissolved solids in coal effluents are congruent to other jurisdictions, the high cyanide, iron, manganese, and mercury content make the country's pollutants inventory data uniquely different. Misalignment between drinking water and effluent discharge limits are the causes of regulatory challenges. The voluntary disclosure practice prohibits transparency within the industry. |
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Benita Zulch, Jean-Pierre Kitshoff |
Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems, 267 pp. 289 - 298 |
Title: The role of the Project Manager in delivering design-build projects. Abstract: The purpose of this study is to determine the roles and responsibilities of the project manager on Design-Build projects, in the context of projects completed in the Built Environment in the large metropoles of South Africa, as well as to study the factors that influences success on these projects. Utilising data obtained from interviews with relevant project managers, the components of success in projects and the success factors ensuring project success is compared with those components and factors found in the literature. The outcome of this comparison provides a summary of the differences in the roles and responsibilities of project managers appointed by clients and contractors respectively, as well as the links between project success components and factors. The application of these results guides the project manager to successfully deliver Design-Build projects. |
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Moyo Pedsizani,Bond-Barnard Taryn Jane |
Project Management Research and Practice, 6 pp. 1 - 18 |
Title: The role of trust in project negotiation: A case study. Abstract: Most projects include procurement processes which may consist of tendering, negotiation or a combination of the two. It has been found that if the procurement relationships in a project are healthy, then it has a significant influence on the success of the project. This may be because team performance in a project environment is influenced, amongst others, by the extent to which the contracting parties trust each other. However, most of these studies have been conducted in Europe, America, and Asia and in large international construction projects where tendering is the usual method of contract award. Few studies have investigated the role and types of trust during project initiation, specifically during project negotiation. RELEVANCE FOR RESEARCH AND EDUCATION : One significant practical implication of the findings is that the customer and the other negotiating parties should determine to what extent they have competence, integrity and intuitive trust in the other party. As all three, these trust types are essential for increasing the likelihood of a successful negotiation outcome. Where a successful negotiation outcome is determined by the extent to which expectations regarding the outcome are aligned, the outcome is perceived to be fair and where both parties reach consensus. RESEARCH DESIGN : This paper investigates the role that trust plays during procurement negotiations. Thein-depth case study research was done on an electrical turn-key trace heating contract at the Medupi Power Station in South Africa. Five semi-structured interviews were undertaken with the organisation representatives that participated in the negotiation process to appoint a new contractor to carry out the project work. The interviews were transcribed and analysed based on the propositions put forward in the conceptual framework. MAIN FINDINGS : A conceptual framework is developed which shows that competence trust, integrity, trust, and intuitive trust are essential for a successful negotiation process. Implications of these findings for researchers and project practitioners are discussed. RESEARCH IMPLICATIONS : Academics and project practitioners may use the results regarding the role and types of trust that are instrumental to successful project negotiation to conduct further research in this field and increase the likelihood of successful project negotiations, respectively. |
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Letaba TP, Zulu S |
South African Journal of Industrial Engineering, 32 (2), pp. 100 - 109 |
Title: The development of a Technology Roadmap for Ferrochrome Producers ABSTRACT: A 30-year technology roadmap for the South African ferrochrome industry is developed to address the increasing cost of electricity and competition from China. Research on possible technologies and their applicability in ferrochrome smelting is conducted, including Industry 4.0 technologies. The developed roadmap has three phases, with full-scale digitisation deferred to the second phase. The first phase addresses the stabilisation of the industry through the introduction of alternative energy sources. The last phase of the ferrochrome industry roadmap is sustainability, which builds on the successes of previous phases. This research contributes to methods the responsible introduction of Industry 4.0 technologies in industries with existing underlying challenges. The purpose of this article is to present a technology roadmap for ferrochrome producers in South Africa as chosen by the ferrochrome industry players. |
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Louw Willem, Steyn Herman, Wium Jan A, |
International Journal of Project Organisation and Management, 13 (1), pp. 1 - 30 |
Title: Executive sponsor attributes and megaproject success Abstract: Megaprojects are failing at a rate that affects national economies as well as millions of people. The role of the executive project sponsor is merely one of the decisive factors in the success of these projects, but it is still much neglected in project management literature. This paper investigates attributes required by executive sponsors of megaprojects. The paper reports on the perceptions of 26 executives who played key roles in six recently completed megaprojects. The findings include essential attributes that an executive sponsor should have in order to improve the probability of a megaproject's success. The single most significant attribute is seniority and power. |
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Chan Kai-Ying, Oerlemans Leon, Meslec Nicoleta |
International Journal of Project Management, 39 pp. 308 - 320 |
Abstract: In this paper, we investigate the effects of multiple project team membership on individual and team learning. Data from 435 members of 85 project teams shows that, at the individual level, membership variety has a positive impact on individual learning. Moreover, this positive relationship is stronger for individuals with an average need for cognition, in comparison to individuals with a high or a low need for cognition. At the project team level, the simultaneous inter-organizational memberships of a project team have a positive impact on the team’s external learning. However, the simultaneous intra-organizational project team memberships negatively moderate this positive relationship. Furthermore, cross-level analyses show that individual learning has a positive impact on both internal and external team learning. Our findings are relevant for project management practice as they suggest ways in which work design can be configured to increase individual and team learning. |
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Joubert F, Steyn E, Pretorius L |
Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 147 (1), pp.1 - 15 |
Abstract: This paper presents a method that can be used to conduct a safety risk assessment prior to the dismantling of large bulk materials handling machines. The method was developed during a dismantling project that involved the decommissioning and dismantling of two shiploaders and two stacker reclaimers that had been in operation for more than 40 years. The hazard and operability (HAZOP) risk assessment method was selected as a suitable risk assessment method. A research gap related to the availability of suitable HAZOP guide words for the safe dismantling of these machines was identified early in this project. The research method included (1) confirming the appropriateness of the HAZOP risk assessment method for this application; (2) the development and testing of a context-specific set of guide words, with input from appropriate standards; (3) applying these guide words to the dismantling HAZOP for the shiploaders; (4) incorporating lessons learned into the guide words and process for the HAZOP for the stacker reclaimers; and (5) presenting a proposed set of guide words. The proposed set of guide words may be practically applied in any dismantling project that involves large outdoor machines where the dismantling process includes a significant amount of rigging and lifting. |
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Walwyn David R, Kraemer-Mabula Erica |
Energy Research & Social Science, 78 pp. 1 - 7 |
Title: Captives of Capital? Exploring economic models as recursive and performative agents Abstract: The financial sector could play a more significant and transformative role in supporting the energy transition. Portraying techno-economic models, upon which the sector depends for the support of its investment decisions, as performative or self-fulfilling agents which serve only to entrench the hegemony of the present incumbents, undermines the potential for using these approaches to accelerate the energy transition. In this article, we outline the role of capital markets in the energy transition and show how techno-economic modelling has attracted a growing interest from authors within the renewable energy sector. We summarise the concerns of social scientists about economic modelling, neatly captured by its depiction as a calculative agency intent on its self-replication. We argue that there is a need to align the two perspectives, especially as a means of strengthening the support of the financial sector for the energy transition, and suggest several ways in which this alignment could be achieved. Important research questions include further exploration of the recursive and performative relationship between economic models and the economy, the inclusion of externalities in modelling studies, the use of economic models as agents of change rather than recalcitrance, and finally strengthening capital markets in the Global South. |
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Grobbelaar S, Visser JK |
Southern Forests, 83 (1), pp.28 - 37 |
Title: An analysis of South African sawmilling competitiveness. Abstract: The South African sawn timber market supply and demand are in equilibrium and significantly associated with the local residential construction market. During the great financial crisis (GFC), the local residential construction market contracted. This caused a reduction in sawn timber demand, price and margin. Subsequently, the competition between sawmillers increased and led to the closure of 41 mills. This study included a sawmilling competitiveness analysis for South African sawmills taking part in the Crickmay Intermill comparison from 2004 to 2017. The Crickmay Intermill comparison assumes that nett margin is the measurement for competitiveness. Spearman correlation tests were used to compare performance measurements with nett margin. This and other studies found significant associations between the implementation of value-adding strategies and competitiveness. Sawmills that effectively create more value from the raw material tend to be more competitive. In contrast with other studies, our research determined that people costs are significantly associated with competitiveness. However, like other studies, it was confirmed that labour productivity is not associated with competitiveness. This study argues that South African sawmillers can increase competitiveness by implementing value-adding strategies, implementing competitive remuneration policies and increasing the sawn timber usage intensity in South Africa. |
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Jhamba Abel, Steyn H |
South African Journal of Industrial Engineering, 32 (1), pp. 182 - 195 |
Abstract: Effective knowledge transfer is essential in obtaining a competitive advantage. In a project environment, knowledge transfer occurs across different boundaries and involves different stakeholders — a topic much neglected in the literature. This paper explores the processes at play when knowledge is transferred across different boundaries, and then focuses on the role played by the document management system in a project management office. Results from focus group workshops and interviews indicate that the project management office plays a vital role in ensuring effective knowledge transfer, and that the roles differ at different boundaries. In the mining case study, the document management system plays a key role in knowledge transfer. |
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Oosthuizen Rudolph, Pretorius Leon |
Systems Engineering, 24 (4), pp. 203 - 220 |
Title: Analysis of INCOSE Systems Engineering journal and international symposium research topics. Abstract: The pressure on systems engineering is ever-increasing to support the development and implementation of systems that meet a complex environment's demands. As a growing discipline, systems engineering requires insight into past research to identify opportunities for future growth. Analyzing the bibliometric data on published research provides valuable information on a scientific discipline's past progress and future prospects. Therefore, this paper extracts the research topics published in INCOSE's journal Systems Engineering and the annual international symposium proceedings to analyze their composition and allocation to papers. The implemented process applies natural language processing and topic modeling to extract the main topics from these papers' titles and abstracts. Analyzing these research topics' composition and mapping them to processed articles helps to understand their relative importance. The analysis's output confirms the importance of modeling in systems engineering, as it is the most popular topic. The additional focus of research papers on the systems engineering process, practice, and methodologies also indicates that the field is still growing and evolving. Some important topics to systems engineering, which were not found as prominent topics, are humans' roles in systems, verification and validation, and other specialty fields. This new knowledge about the structure of research into systems engineering can identify future research project opportunities to continue growing the field. |
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John van Besouw, Taryn Bond- Barnard |
International Journal of Information Systems and Project Management, 9 (1), pp. 78 - 97 |
Abstract: Engineering projects are becoming increasingly complex as projects get larger and as technology improves. Greater competition worldwide has meant that projects are delivered quicker and cheaper. This necessitates sophisticated Project Management Information System (PMIS) technologies to be adopted to improve efficiency and quality on projects. PMIS data and reports can be used to better understand the risk exposure, resource utilisation, profitability, and scheduling of a project. It also informs strategic project decisions and performance monitoring and reporting. Unfortunately, project data is often fragmented and embedded in different systems. This paper investigates several commercially available PMIS, to understand and compare the functionality of these systems. A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews was conducted with purposively selected project systems experts at twelve project-based organisations. Thematic analysis revealed what functions PMIS fulfils, how these systems are integrated and how they facilitate project monitoring and reporting. Moreover, a novel model for the basic architecture of a ‘Smart’ Project Management Information System (SPMIS) is proposed, which would facilitate software integration and intelligence based on identified industry needs and requirements. The model addresses the shortcomings of existing models by combining models and incorporating system intelligence i.e. the automation of certain project management activities. |
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van Waveren Cornelis C. Oerlemans Leon, Pretorius MW |
South African Journal of Industrial Engineering, 32 (1), pp.119- 130 |
Title: Reliable and valid measurement scales for determinants of the Abstract: Before any acquired knowledge is used or adds value to the receiving project (members), it must be accepted by its recipients leading to an increase in the recipients' positive attitudes towards and intended use of the acquired knowledge. To be willing to accept knowledge it must have value and be easy to use as perceived by the receiving project's team members. The focus of this exploratory paper is to develop and empirically test relevant sub-dimensions of perceived value and ease-of-use. The sub-dimensions were identified through a literature review and measurement scales were developed empirically by applying a well-established scale development methodology. |
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Thopil, George Alex |
Edition:1st Edition In M.Asif (ed), Energy and Environmental Security in Developing Countries, Switzerland, Cham: Springer |
Title: The evolution of electrification in South Africa and its energy-environmental impact. Abstract: South Africa is amongst the largest economies in Africa and is considered the most industrialised country in Africa. One of the primary reasons for industrialisation has been affordable electricity that was made available for manufacturing. South Africa accounted for 32% of the electricity generated in Africa in 2015, of which 92% was generated from coal. However electricity access and penetration within the local population was still lagging (at 86% in 2018) in spite of relatively large volumes of generation. In order to address the lopsided nature of electricity access, national policy prioritised access to electricity, which meant diversifying the nature of electricity from primarily thermal generation to include renewable sources. As part of the diversification, South Africa embarked on an ambitious renewable energy programme that involves private participation. As of 2017, South Africa generated 41% of wind energy, 56% of solar PV and 62% of solar thermal energy, for electricity generation on the African continent. The penetration and prevalence of renewable electricity generation is bound to increase considering the abundance of resource in the region. While renewable energy plants are environmentally less harmful due to limited emissions, limited information is available about the effects of utility scale renewable power plants in developing countries. This chapter aims to provide an investigation into the potential external (or unaccounted) effects of utility scale renewable plants particularly from a developing country perspective, where utility scale adoption is relatively new and where plant data is not readily available. The chapter aims to provide a comparison of external effects and external costs of renewable technologies with external effects and external costs of conventional thermal electricity generation within South Africa. Based on data considerations, a life-cycle based approach is employed, where possible. The investigation compares three power plants employing different technologies, namely coal power, on shore wind power and concentrated solar power (CSP). The results of the analysis indicate that environmental costs (USD 2.76 c/kWh) from coal fired electricity are significantly high by more than an order, whereas non-environmental impacts that include human health, have lesser variation depending on the technology. Wind power was observed to have the least impact and cost across totalled environmental and non-environmental impacts (USD 0.08 c/kWh). While investigation of the coal plant was limited to the generation stage, a full life cycle analysis was considered for other technologies. It was seen that the extraction and manufacturing stages of renewable technologies have a higher share of impacts whereas operations and maintenance had the least, which was prominent for the CSP plant, that had a total impact cost of USD 0.23 c/kWh. It is expected that, with more developing countries adopting utility scale renewable plants, such energy-environmental impact assessments within a developing country context will be useful in understanding localised impacts on the environment related to energy generation activities. |
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Mugabe John Ouma, Chaminuka Petronella |
Edition: 1st In T. Haastrup & L. Mah & N. Duggan (eds.), The Routledge Handbook of EU-Africa Relations, England, Oxford: Routledge. (pp. 224-232). 978-1-315-17091-6 |
Title: Africa-Europe science, Technology and Innovation Cooperation: Trends, Challenges And Opportunities. Abstract: Africa and Europe are intensifying their cooperation in various areas of science and technological development and building capacity for expanding the knowledge base and fostering innovation. This is manifested in the growing number of collaborative science, technology and innovation (STI) initiatives that have been launched in the last decade. This chapter discusses the evolution of STI cooperation between Africa and Europe within the Joint Africa-EU Strategy (JAES) and related policy instruments. It highlights the need to strengthen technology and innovation cooperation, moving beyond the established research and development (R&D) or science initiatives towards more equitable sustainable partnerships in product and process development. Greater private sector participation, including by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), is recommended to spur more technology development and innovation. The future of Africa-Europe STI cooperation is in building bi-regional partnerships for SDG9- industry, infrastructure and innovation, in addition to the current focus on food and nutritional security (SDG2), health and well-being (SDG3) and climate change (SDG13). |
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Walwyn David Richard, Combrinck Celeste |
Industry and Higher Education, 35 (5), pp. 598 - 608 |
Abstract: Current pedagogical approaches to science and technology policy studies in southern African universities may fail to provide students with the necessary capabilities to be effective as innovation policy practitioners. This study investigated whether consideration of epistemic diversity and the situatedness of knowledge could enhance student outcomes in terms of agency and self-efficacy. A pedagogical intervention was designed and implemented for a postgraduate course in engineering economics, following which the students rated their experiences through an online questionnaire. The COVID-19 pandemic partly disrupted the intervention, but also accelerated the use of blended learning as a means of mitigating the harmful effects of the consequent lockdown. The study revealed that most respondents felt that the intervention had helped them to feel more confident, respected and included. However, blended learning could not prevent the stressful experiences due to forced sheltering at home. The results support the importance of finding innovative ways to transform curricula and teaching methods in science and technology studies. Pedagogy based on the principles of epistemic justice, essential to ensure that students from different backgrounds have equal opportunities for personal growth, is challenging under remote learning conditions. |
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Smith WA, Bekker MC, Marnewick C |
Journal of the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, 121 (5), pp.217 - 226 |
Title: Projectification in the South African mining industry. Abstract: Projects or project-orientated approaches have become a common form of work in nearly all sectors of economies. This has led to concepts such as 'projectified' and 'project orientated' organizations. By defining projectification of a company, industry, or economy as the share of project work in total work, one can reasonably determine the impact that project management, and by default projectification, has had on that company, industry, or economy in terms of staff optimization and allocation. |
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Summers DJ, Visser JK |
South African Journal of Industrial Engineering, 32 (1), pp. 24 - 36 |
Title: Factors that influence the decision to outsource maintenance in the processing industry. Abstract: The success rate of outsourcing in South Africa is fairly low. Companies that make the incorrect decision to outsource maintenance place themselves at risk of poor maintenance performance, a high operational cost of maintenance, and substantial costs to redevelop internal maintenance capabilities. The identification of the factors applicable to the decision to outsource maintenance can form the basis of a decision framework or model, and has the potential to improve the quality of decision-making in maintenance management. This paper discusses the results of a survey that was carried out to determine the main decision factors that maintenance and asset managers could use when they consider outsourcing some maintenance work. Most of the 62 respondents were from the oil and energy sector or the chemicals sector of South African industry. The main decision factors were identified as contractor experience, the availability of a suitable contractor, and the scarcity of skills or employees. The findings of this survey are useful for maintenance and asset managers to decide whether or not to outsource an activity, and to rank potential contractors. |
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Qin Xiaoshun, Jiang DongDong, Pretorius Leon |
Asian Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development, 11 (1), pp.71 - 78 |
Abstract: Compared to other countries, the level of agricultural mechanization in Africa and South Africa is relatively low. Among the factors that influence agricultural mechanization, after-sales service of agricultural machinery is among the most significant. On the other hand, financial resources primarily impact on improvement and enhancement of after-sales service of farm equipment. In this paper, a questionnaire was employed as the method of quantitative data collection to assist in the analysis of data from 739 respondents in the Chinese context. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 (Mmbengwa & Qin, 2020), no questionnaires were collected from South Africa for the purposes of this paper. A standard multiple regression analysis (MRA) was utilized to analyze the data collected from the structured questionnaires. Evidence from this study suggests that combining these financial resource factors has a major effect (F2 = 0.802) on the after-sales service of farm equipment. The high scores obtained for economic factors and analyzed in this study mean that, to a large extent, these have a major impact on China’s after-sales service for agricultural machinery in South Africa. |
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Krijkamp Anefleur R, Knoben Joris, Oerlemans Leon AG, Leenders Roger TAJ |
Journal of Business Research, 129 pp. 703 - 713 |
Abstract: A large body of the literature has found that occupying structural holes positively affect organizational outcomes. Structural holes pose strategic opportunities for organizations that are knowledgeable of their advantageous position. However, most studies do not consider whether organizations observe their structural holes accurately. Such observational (in)accuracy might explain variation in return-on-structural-holes. This study investigates the effects of (in)accurate perceptions of organizations’ structural holes position on organizational reputation. We consider scenarios where organizations (correctly) observe or (incorrectly) miss existing structural holes or where they incorrectly observe structural holes. We collected data in two whole networks in the healthcare industry. We find that accurately observing one’s structural hole position increases organizational reputation. Contrary, organizations that perceive structural holes that actually do not exist, suffer negative reputation effects. Our research implies that similar network positions can yield differential reputation effects depending on the accuracy of the knowledge of the organization occupying this position. |
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Atakhan-Kenneweg M, Oerlemans LAG, Raab J |
Journal of Business Research, 127 pp. 264 - 276 |
Abstract: To what extent does the relocation of a firm affect the formation of new knowledge ties with new partners in a subsequent period? This study aims at answering this question. It assesses empirically to what extent the spatial and temporal context of relocation and the relational context of a focal firm affect new knowledge tie formation with new partners in the post-relocation phase. Based on a sample of 83 relocated firms operating in the sector of architecture and engineering consultancy in the Netherlands, the results show that both the number of continued knowledge ties of firms and the time passed after relocation hamper the formation of new knowledge ties. These findings point out that firms are well aware of their knowledge deficits and consequently act quickly to compensate for it after relocation. Therefore, policy makers should target to facilitate knowledge sharing practices particularly for small firms in the post-relocation period |
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Madlala NS. van Waveren CC |
Proceedings of the 32nd Annual Southern African Institute for Industrial |
A Framework for Measuring Knowledge Transfer Success in Projects |
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Schleith M, Pretorius L, Steyn HDV |
Proceedings of the 32nd Annual Southern African Institute for Industrial |
Systems Thinking and Strategy in the Context of Fast Adaptability: An |
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Kruger S, Pretorius L |
Proceedings of the 15th International Conference on Heat Transfer, Fluid |
Heat Transfer in Three-Dimensional Multi-Span Greenhouses Containing Ventilators |
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Van Ginkel C, Kruger S, Pretorius L |
Proceedings of the 15th International Conference on Heat Transfer, Fluid |
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Scribante NP |
Proceedings of the 30th International Conference of the International |
The Application of Systems Thinking in Technology and Innovation |
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Steyn P, Pretorius L |
Proceedings of the 30th International Conference of the International |
Pro-Active Methods in Design Improvement: A Best Practice Review |
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Sibe E, Amadi-Echendu JE |
Proceedings of the 30th International Conference of the International Association for Management of Technology - IAMOT 2021 |
A Sectoral Examination of Technological Capability. |
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Bisanda MP, Amadi-Echendu JE |
Proceedings of the 30th International Conference of the International Association for Management of Technology - IAMOT 2021 |
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Viljoen RB, Visser JK |
Proceedings of the 30th International Conference of the International Association for Management of Technology - IAMOT 2021 |
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Maluleke GT, Pretorius L |
Proceedings of the 30th International Conference of the International Association for Management of Technology - IAMOT 2021 |
The Impact Of A Pandemic On Education And The Opportunity To Fast Track Technology Adoption In Basic Education In Preparation For 4th Industrial Revolution Era Employment. |
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Grobbelaar S |
Proceedings of the 30th International Conference of the International Association for Management of Technology - IAMOT 2021 |
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Oosthuizen R |
Proceedings of the 30th International Conference of the International Association for Management of Technology - IAMOT 2021 |
A Bibliometric Approach to Support Redefining Management Of Technology For The Post-Digital World. |
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Letaba TP,Pretorius MW |
Proceedings of the 30th International Conference of the International Association for Management of Technology - IAMOT 2021 |
Sociotechnical Transition Technology Roadmap For Emerging |
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Walwyn DR, Magidimisa M, van Niekerk DB |
Proceedings of the 30th International Conference of the International Association for Management of Technology - IAMOT 2021 |
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Fanta GB, Pretorius L, Nunes B |
Proceedings of the 30th International Conference of the International Association for Management of Technology - IAMOT 2021 |
Enabling Circular Economy in Healthcare using Industry 4.0 Digital |
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Matiyenga FG, Pretorius MW |
Proceedings of the 30th International Conference of the International Association for Management of Technology - IAMOT 2021 |
Readiness For Fourth Industrial Revolution Technology Implementation in a developing Country |
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Subramani KC, Chan K |
Proceedings of the 30th International Conference of the International Association for Management of Technology - IAMOT 2021 |
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Naidoo P, Chan K |
Proceedings of the 30th International Conference of the International Association for Management of Technology - IAMOT 2021 |
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Van der Lingen E, Pretorius SR |
Proceedings of the 30th International Conference of the International Association for Management of Technology - IAMOT 2021 |
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Chataway J, Daniels C |
Edition:1st Edition In E. Kreamer-Mbula & R. Tljssen & M. Wallace & R. McLean (eds.), Transforming Research Excellence - New Ideas from the Global South, South Africa, Cape Town, South Africa: African Minds. (pp. 39-58). 978-1-928502-07-4. |
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Angeli F, Raab J, Oerlemans LAG |
Edition: 1st Edition In T. Braun & J. Lampel (eds.), Tensions and Paradoxes in Temporary Organizing, United Kingdom, Bingley: Emerald Publishing. (pp. |
Article: Adaptive responses to performance gaps in project networks. Abstract: Project networks are an increasingly salient organizational temporary form to deal with complex problems. It remains unclear, however, whether and how project networks adapt over time, and hence implement changes, both within the span of the specific project, and across projects. We apply the performance feedback perspective to explore how adaptive responses to performance feedback are organized and absorbed within project networks. We investigate these matters in the area of humanitarian and development aid efforts, which represent complex social issues. In this context, project networks involve a multitude of actors at different distances from the implementation field, from the donor, through an international Non-Governmental Organization, to the NGO’s country offices, local NGOs and the beneficiary communities. Our qualitative findings, which we generate through an abductive analytical process, highlight that project networks dealing with complex social issues face six paradoxes based on DeFillipi and Sydow (2016): the distance, difference, identity, learning, temporal and performance paradoxes. Collective goal-setting, adaptive monitoring and evaluation practices, and continuous re-negotiation of aspiration levels emerge as coping mechanisms enabling project networks to internalize insights from the field and translate them into adaptive behavioral responses, mainly at the intra-project level. We contribute to a better understanding of adaption in these temporary forms, and particularly in its behavioral consequences. The study also advances knowledge on the performance feedback perspective, through its application in temporary settings, on the level of the project network and in the context of complex social issues, where organizational arrangement strive to pursue multiple interdependent goals. |
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Stephens A, Walwyn DR |
Edition: 1st Edition In K. Maalawi (ed.), ModellIng, Simulation and Optimization of Wind Farms and Hybrid Systems. United Kingdom, London: Intech. (pp. 65-84). 978-1-78985-612-5 |
Abstract: Real-time records of energy generation in the UK and Germany have been used to develop models for each country’s electricity generation system, the objective being to provide a means of determining the likely economic limits of wind fleets and their consequent ability to decarbonise their grids. The results from the models, expressed in the form of marginal efficiencies, have then been codified in a pair of simple look-up tables, obviating the need for further reference to the models and providing a simple means of assessing the implications for the grids and their wind fleets of a range of future grid configurations, including increases in wind and solar fleet capacities, anticipated future loss in both countries of nuclear-generating capacity, possible replacement of petrol and diesel passenger vehicles with electric vehicles, and, for the UK only, the conversion of domestic boilers from gas to electricity. It is apparent that headroom, being the difference between annual average grid demand and base generation, is the single most important factor in determining how much wind capacity may be economically deployed in decarbonising grids. |
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Daniels C, Schot J, Chataway J, Ramirez M, Steinmueller E, Kanger L |
Edition:lst Edition In M. Cele & T. Luescher & A. Fadiji (eds.). Innovation Policy at the Intersection. Global Debates & Local Experiences, South Africa, Cape Town: HSRC Press. (pp. 9-29). |
Title: Transformative innovation policy: Insights from Colombia, Finland, Norway, South-Africa and Sweden. Abstract: Numerous and critical interlocking economic, social, environmental, technological, political and cultural challenges confront our world. These challenges include resource depletion, environmental degradation, population growth, industrialisation, climate change, urbanisation, inequality and exclusion. These challenges are expressed in various national, regional and continental frameworks. One such continental framework is the United Nations Agenda 2030, which articulates 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs) towards addressing such challenges (United Nations 2015). These challenges concern both low- and high-income countries, and they exceed the ability of any single country, government, body of governance or scientific discipline to manage them |
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Madikizela M |
Edition: 1st Edition In M. Cele & T. Luescher & A. Fadiji (eds.), Innovation Policy at the Intersection. Global Debates & Local Experiences, South Africa, Cape Town: HSRC Press. (pp. 60-74). 978-0-7969-2592-3.. |
Building regional innovation ecosystems and the role of Government. |
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Amo B, Pettersen I, Van der Lingen E, Voldsund K, Bragelien J |
Edition: 1st Edition In A. Novotny & E. Rasmussen & T. Clausen & J. Wiklund ( eds.), Research Handbook on Start-up Incubation Ecosystems, United Kingdom, Cheltenham: Edward Elgar Publishing Ltd. (pp. 335-348). 978-1-78897-353-3.. |
Abstract: Universities are supposed to prepare students for an entrepreneurial career. This chapter investigates how entrepreneurship education influences students’ entrepreneurial intentions. It does so by exploring 799 students enrolled in entrepreneurship classes in South Africa and Norway and their likelihood of establishing a new firm. The hierarchical regressions show that exposure to entrepreneurship educational elements influences their intention to start their own firm. The study revealed that also the influence from important others and the students’ own previous entrepreneurial experience are positively associated with the students’ intention to start their own firm. This study then informs on how universities as an incubation ecosystem nurture students’ entrepreneurial dream. These insights are valuable for universities and policy makers interested in shaping or fulfilling universities’ goal of preparing students for an entrepreneurial career. |
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Peach RH, Visser JK |
South African Journal of Industrial Engineering, 31 (4), pp. 104 - |
Title: Measuring human factors in maintenance: A literature review Abstract: Strategies to manage the human factors in maintenance are documented in the maintenance management and human sciences spaces. However, it is unclear from the literature which indicators and measurements should be used for these factors. It is also unclear how to integrate them into traditional maintenance performance frameworks. This article summarises the maintenance human factors and measurements found in the literature. A systematic literature review of the most often cited human factors indicated a statistically significant correlation with the 'human factors analysis and classification system - maintenance extension' framework. A hierarchal maintenance measurement framework that includes these maintenance human factors is proposed. |
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Adenle AA |
Energy Policy, 137 pp. 1 - 16..Abstract: |
Abstract: Renewable energy sources like solar energy have an important role to play towards the implementation of the 2030 agenda and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Africa. While renewable energy was not stated as one of the technologies for the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), it played an indirect role towards meeting MDG targets especially in the areas such as household application, health, education and poverty reduction in Africa. However, renewable energy's impacts (including solar energy technologies) were not quantified, and lack of performance assessment could be in part attributed to the weak implementation of solar energy projects in the developing world including countries in Africa. The aim of this paper is to conduct meta-analysis of the literature on the performance of solar energy technologies in order to determine solar energy adoption trends in African countries. This is supplemented with expert interviews and data gathered from the World Bank/Global Environment Facility. Using three case studies of Ghana, Kenya and South Africa, this paper examines the benefits and challenges that are associated with the application of solar energy technologies for meeting SDGs in Africa. Finally, the paper concludes by highlighting the policy implication for the application of solar energy technologies. |
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Bai Y, Jiang D, Pretorius L |
Solid State Technology, 63 (3), pp. 4569 - 4576 |
Title: Circulation Mode of Fresh Agricultural Products in Logistics. Abstract: Agricultural products are an essential element of people’s life. The issue of agricultural products, quality is a vital interest to everyone. Based on the existing research, this paper will introduce the main existing agricultural product logistics (APL) modes from a literature review perspective. An effective agricultural product operation mode can improve the status of agricultural product market development and promote the development of agricultural product logistics. A summary of current fresh agricultural products (FAP) logistics development status and existing problems will be presented and discussed. Some comments on APL optimization and future research will be presented. |
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Roux RN, van der Lingen E, Botha AP, Botes A |
Journal of the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, 120 (11), pp. 633 - 640.. |
Title: The fragmented nature of the titanium metal value chain. Abstract: This study investigates the fragmented nature of the global and local titanium metal value chains. South Africa has the fourth most abundant titanium reserves in the world. However, South Africa mainly exports titanium ore and imports value-added titanium products, which impacts the potential to derive more economic benefit from this resource. For South Africa to benefit from its titanium reserves, an understanding of the current fragmented nature of the global titanium value chain would assist in entering the global titanium industry. Information on the global and South African titanium value chains was collected by means of a desktop study. It was found that the leading countries operating within both the upstream and the downstream titanium industry are the USA, China, Japan, Russia, and Kazakhstan. The key drivers that caused fragmentation were identified as technology, markets, production costs, and the availability of titanium mineral reserves. An important outcome of this study is the identification of the local need for a technological foundation in support of downstream titanium processing to marketcompetitive titanium mill and powder products. |
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Van der Lingen E, Amo B, Pettersen I |
Education and Training, 62 (7/8), pp. 863 - 876 |
Title: The relationship between entrepreneurial experience and preferred Abstract: Purpose Entrepreneurship is a process of learning. The entrepreneurial learning process incorporates a cumulative series of multifaceted entrepreneurial experiences, which generally involve the development of new insights and behaviours. This study aimed to determine whether entrepreneurial experience has an influence on the preferred learning styles of students. The study also investigated the appropriateness of the Reduced Kolb Learning Style Inventory as a measuring instrument. Design/methodology/approach The study was conducted on 586 male and 690 female students from South Africa ( n = 1042) and Norway ( n = 244). The Reduced Kolb Learning Style Inventory, making use of principal correspondence analysis, was used to determine the preferred learning styles, while the students' level of entrepreneurial experience was captured by items addressing prior entrepreneurial experience. Findings The analysis revealed a simpler measure of students' preferred learning styles, comprising a total of 12 items with three items per learning style. The study revealed that the preferred learning style was more important for students who had entrepreneurial experience than for those with less entrepreneurial experience. If students with entrepreneurial experience have stronger concerns for how they learn, it contributes to the understanding of the content of entrepreneurial learning. Originality/value A modified Reduced Kolb Learning Style Inventory resulted in a concise instrument measuring students' preferred learning style in adherence to Kolb's work and evidenced its usefulness. This study contributes to a field that has been under-researched, related to the association between students' past and current entrepreneurial experience and their learning style preference, and aims to bridge the two research fields. This research explores these links and points to how these insights could inform entrepreneurship education. |
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Botha AP |
South African Journal of Industrial Engineering, 31 (3), pp. 170 - 182 .. |
Title: Nature-inspired leadership - Seeking human-technology-earth Abstract: "Go to the ant, ... consider its ways and be wise!" (Proverbs 6:6). We have progressed using biomimicry to inform our engineering designs and processes. Yet we have learnt very little in finding our inspiration from nature for leading in our complex world. In nature, those species that learn by observing, listening, making sense, internalising, thinking, and resting at the right time, survive and thrive in their environments - on plains, in mountains, in the bush, rivers, oceans, deserts, and the sky. Fight or flight takes place in both nature and business. Challenges are shared in coexistence, patience, perseverance, resilience, and adaptation. Leadership challenges that are emerging in the new world of human and machine coexistence will also be enriched by lessons from nature that inspire new behaviour, that are not conceived in business schools or legacy cultures, but that are flexible, effective, and work efficiently - as natural solutions have done for millennia. We discuss the makings of a conceptual thought model of leadership inspired by nature. It is a starting point to create an awareness of how nature-inspired leadership may be applied. Yet, when modelling anything on nature, one has to realise that all models are simplifications, which means that nature itself, as a complex system, is not fully understood. Our aim should not be to copy nature, but to extract principles from it. |
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Walwyn DR |
Energy Research & Social Science, 70 pp. 1 - 10.. |
Abstract: Existing socio-technical systems tend to be intransigent to change. Decarbonisation, on the other hand, is an imperative, leading to an obvious conflict between the need for, and highly effective resistance to, change. Moreover, the abandonment of fossil fuel-based technologies in favour of more sustainable alternatives will require substantial reallocation of government’s operational expenditure, particularly in countries like South Africa with high per capita greenhouse gas emissions and low per capita income. In this article, it is argued that reallocation will require more than niche experimentation and destabilisation of the present socio-technical regime. Based on a study of South Africa’s budget processes, it is concluded that change will only occur when four separate pre-conditions converge, namely a rapidly growing environmental problem capable of leading to civil unrest, a supportive and recently developed policy framework, decreasing techno-economic costs for its solution, and strong political support from an effective ministry or minister. Turning points for transition, although infrequent, can be reached through strategic attention to these pre-conditions. A modified Kingdon multiple streams approach, which introduces the additional dimension of techno-economic feasibility, is proposed as a useful framework for anticipating when and how to act in order to mobilise sufficient public resources for decarbonisation. |
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Amadi-Echendu JE, Thopil GA |
IEEE Engineering Management Review, 48 (3), pp. 118 - 128 |
Title: Resilience Is Paramount for Managing Socio-Technological Systems Abstract: The spread of the coronavirus concomitant with the Covid-19 disease highlights the interconnectedness between systems that serve humanity. These systems are typically portrayed in economic, ecology and environment, physical/technological, and socio-political contexts and maybe delineated in terms of the interconnectedness between these contexts. Any delineated socio-technological system represents an intriguing class of interconnected systems in the novel era of Society 5.0 concomitant with fourth industrial revolution. This article describes a framework and resiliency model for socio-technological systems plus an application of the lens of vulnerability and resilience to a case study energy systems enterprise. It is intriguing that the energy systems enterprise is usurping extant socio-economic robustness thereby undergoing an absorptive phase of resilience. The discourse complements existing body of literature on energy systems and society by emphasizing that the principles of vulnerability and resilience are paramount for sustainable management of socio-technological systems, and more so in a post-Covid-19 world. |
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Bambo TL, Pouris A |
Scientometrics, 125 (1), pp. 29 - 51 |
Title: Bibliometric analysis of bioeconomy research in South Africa Abstract: This document provides an analysis of bioeconomy research in South Africa and it discusses sources of growth in the country’s bioeconomy literature in general. We performed bibliometric analysis as indexed in the Web of Science (WoS) for number of South African authored publications and citations in bioeconomy, and compared them with Brazil, Russia, India and China (BRICS) and selected countries for the period 2008 to 2018. The WoS is used for research dealing with the scientific dynamic of a particular topic in most widely diffused journals and for citation analysis. The results highlight South Africa ranked last in the BRICS group in terms of number of bioeconomy publications produced in the selected period, and has a world share of 0.8%, which is higher than the national research average of 0.5%. The citations growth for South Africa bioeconomy publication increased by 6.8%, higher than Brazil, Russia and world citations during the period under review. The University of Cape Town is a leader in bioeconomy publications in South Africa followed by University of Stellenbosch and the University of KwaZulu Natal, with majority of the publications on environmental sciences ecology. South Africa collaborates the most with institutions from the United States of America in bioeconomy research, and the percent of international collaboration is similar with that of national scientific publications. However, South Africa experienced a decline in bioeconomy industry collaboration publications during this period. |
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Jacobs J, Pretorius MW |
South African Journal of Industrial Engineering, 31 (2), pp.40 - 61 |
Abstract: Organisations are finding it increasingly difficult to create value in the current dynamic, globalised, interconnected, and ever more complex business and technology environments. The Fourth Industrial Revolution (FIR) is set to increase these challenges as a result of the increasing complexity and dynamic changes in market, societal, and technological trends. While current technological trends potentially offer great value to organisations, emerging technological implementations and transformations often fail to realise the desired value-creation outcomes. Following an exploratory study with qualitative interviews, it was determined that most of these challenges to technology-enabled value-creation initiatives, in the current FIR related environment, can be linked to a dynamic capabilities perspective of strategic management. This perspective encompasses the enabling capabilities and strategic alignment between the external environment, an organisation's strategies, its strategy execution, and its capability creation, adaptation, and management. |
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Chitongo A, Pretorius L |
South African Journal of Industrial Engineering, 31 (2), pp. 76 - 91 |
Title: Impact of project participants' competition on project performance Abstract: The use of competition as a conflict-handling style aimed at win-lose end results has been highlighted by some researchers to be common during project execution. However, the impact of such competition on project performance remains largely under-researched. This article seeks to address this gap in the existing literature. A system dynamics simulation model of competition between two key project participants (client and engineering consultant) was formulated through a mixed methods research methodology incorporating the system dynamics approach. Data gathered for two sets of unique projects were used separately to conduct model calibrations, simulation experiments, and impact analyses. The results suggested that the competition negatively influenced project performance. |
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Tshuma B, Steyn H, van Waveren CC |
South African Journal of Industrial Engineering, 31 (2). pp. 143 - 155 .. |
Abstract: A conceptual model for the role of a project management office (PMO) in improving the usability of knowledge that is transferred between projects is proposed, and a method to investigate the role of PMOs in knowledge transfer is validated. The case of a PMO in a multinational engineering company was selected, and 24 codes within three themes were identified through qualitative data analysis of a semi-structured interview. Provisional support was found for three propositions related to three variables: the articulability of knowledge, the usability of knowledge, and the role of the PMO. The study fine-tuned a case study protocol for future investigation of the role of PMOs in improving the usability of knowledge that is transferred between projects. |
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Thopil GA, Sachse CE, Lalk J, Thopil M |
Applied Energy, 275 pp. 1 - 20.. |
Abstract: It was seen that CIGS panels delivered on average 11.6% more yield when compared to monocrystalline technologies per kWp, with sustained outputs even during relatively colder periods. The improved financial performance of CIGS panels over monocrystalline panels was seen via a 24% increase in discounted return on investment, 7.8% reduction in payback period and 21% improvement in net present value. The regression model indicates that CIGS panel yields are less sensitive to lower solar irradiation and more sensitive towards higher temperatures. Overall variation of financial indicators for a range of yield outputs, is lowest for CIGS panels compared to both types of crystalline panels. CIGS panels show lower variability in financial returns particularly in conditions with higher temperatures that makes the results valid in geographical locations with higher temperatures and higher solar irradiation. The findings are useful for multiple stakeholders within the PV industry who have an interest in sub-Saharan Africa and the southern hemisphere, where such investigations are limited though solar resource is abundant. |
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Walwyn DR, Naidoo S |
African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development, 12 (1), pp. 33 - 46.. |
Abstract: Although innovation policy mix as an analytical framework has been widely used and reported for developed countries, its application to developing countries has been minimal. In this study, an exploratory sequential approach has been followed in order to initially profile the policy mix in South Africa and then develop an understanding of how the policy mix could be rebalanced, and hence be more effective, in addressing the requirements within its manufacturing sector. The characterization followed the typology as used by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development in order to allow a cross-case comparison with two other countries (India and Canada). This analysis has concluded that South Africa’s policy mix is dominated by supply-side measures which support early stage research with more limited assistance for market development. Rebalancing the innovation policy mix towards the use of more demand-side instruments, combined with generic rather than population targeted policies, could address these deficiencies and improve the prospects for the sector. It is further proposed that the methodology be routinely applied in developing countries, particularly as a means of ensuring policy cohesion and synergy. |
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Tshetshema CT,Chan K |
Technology Analysis & Strategic Management, 32 (8), pp. 955 - 967.. |
Abstract: Demographic diversity is a relevant aspect to consider when forming innovation teams, particularly where the labour market needs to be transformed in terms of age, gender and race (as in South Africa). Existing research reports mixed findings about the effects of demographic diversity on innovation performance of teams. This study contributes to the existing equivocal research by systematically reviewing the literature about the effects of demographic diversity and its dimensions on innovation performance of teams. Results show that high diversity of demographic dimensions, namely age, gender and culture increases team innovation performance when considered individually while the overall team demographic diversity has mixed effects. This review also confirms the existence and effects of various moderators that can be leveraged to develop team-formation policies such that the direct effects of demographic diversity and its dimensions on team performance can be influenced to foster the desired innovation performance. |
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Hove P, Grobbelaar S |
South African Journal of Industrial Engineering, 31 (1), pp. 47 - 64 |
Abstract: Inclusive education aims to identify and minimise barriers to learning and maximise learner participation in the education system. With a focus on the use of information and communication technologies in the South African primary education system, this study aims 1) to create a framework with which to evaluate the current state of ICT uptake across core functions for a school; 2) to audit the current state of innovation uptake; 3) to use the audit outcomes to identify challenges to the uptake of ICTs; and 4) to identify measures for facilitating an improved uptake of these innovations. The researchers conclude that a need exists for government to ensure consistent ICT uptake and use throughout the education system through a better implementation of standards, policies, and processes that facilitate technology uptake. |
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Joubert FJ, Pretorius L |
Journal of Waterway Port Coastal and Ocean Engineering |
Title: Design and Construction Risks for a Shipping Port and Container Abstract: This paper presents the risk identification process, a checklist of 215 different risks, and an associated risk breakdown structure (RBS) for the design and construction phases for a shipping port and associated container terminal. The case study project scope for the research includes a 3,500-m breakwater, 80 ha of reclaimed land, a 1,000-m-long quay wall, port equipment, and buildings. The checklist is categorized according to the project work breakdown structure (WBS) and includes risks associated with (1) breakwater, (2) reclaimed land, (3) entrance canal and basin, (4) quay wall, (5) container yard and buildings, (6) power supply, and (7) project management office. Since the research outcome was developed by subject matter experts during an actual project, it can be used during risk identification, as a completeness check after risk identification on similar projects, or for individual activities (e.g., quay wall construction) per the required project scope. The research also includes a list of risks that specifically relate to marine construction. |
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Sankaran S, Vaagaasar A, Bekker MC |
International Journal of Managing Projects in Business, 13 (6), pp. 1381 - 1402 |
Title: Assignment of project team members to projects. Project managers' Abstract: Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate how project managers, influence the assignment of project team members by directly assigning or specifying who they want or by indirectly using lateral influence strategies to secure the appropriate resources. This study is part of a wider study investigating the balance between vertical and horizontal leadership in projects in which nomination (or assignment) was identified as a key event contributing to balancing the leadership. It focuses specifically on the nomination or assignment event at the start of a project. Design/methodology/approach Based on the philosophy of critical realism, case studies were used to collect data through 70 semi-structured interviews in Australia, Scandinavia and South Africa. Interviews were conducted with senior managers, project managers and project team members. Two project team members who worked with the same project manager were interviewed to gather diverse views. The data were analyzed individually by researchers from each location using a coding method proposed by Miles et al. (2014). The researchers then jointly analyzed the findings to arrive at five common themes from that explained how team members were assigned in practice. Findings Despite the recognized need for project managers to form their own teams, this study found that project team members were often assigned by others. This was because project managers lacked authority to secure their resources. Therefore, they used lateral influence strategies to help with assigning project team members. The study identified five lateral influencing strategies adopted by project managers to assign team members: creating an image of competence; creating coalitions; taking a gamble; waiting for the right moment; and reasoning with facts. Two of these lateral influencing strategies were not identified in the previous literature on influencing strategies used in organizations. Research limitations/implications The findings should not be viewed as representative of the respective continents where the cases were studied. However, this study contributes to the literature on project management, illuminating how project teams are assigned and by whom and, specifically, the role that influence plays during this event of the balanced leadership theory. It also identifies the types of lateral influence strategies used by project managers when assigning team members to their projects. It provides a pathway to explore the use of lateral influencing strategies by project managers beyond the assignment process. Practical implications This study will help project managers to become aware of influencing strategies that they can use in practice while assigning team members to their projects. It will also highlight the importance of assigning the right resources to projects with a view to achieving balanced leadership. Originality/value This research is of value to organizations using projects to successfully deliver their strategies by assigning suitable resources to their projects.
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Platzek B, Pretorius L |
International Journal of Innovation and Technology Management, 17 (3), pp 1- 24 |
Abstract: In this research, we investigate the role of innovation and entrepreneurship as well as entrepreneurial communities in the process of economic growth and development. Current research on development issues strongly focusses either on the micro-level or on the macro-level of national economies disregarding the holistic nature of economic development. Entrepreneurial communities represent a conceptual link between the macro-perspective on economic development and the micro-perspective on entrepreneurial initiatives as a tipping point for economic development. In this paper, we present a theoretical construct of entrepreneurial communities. Additionally, we introduce a qualitative model of thriving entrepreneurial economies following a holistic perspective on development issues. The theoretical analysis is based on systems thinking and systems approaches to management. Structures of entrepreneurial communities and networking between regional communities will be explored and reflected in a theoretical exploration. The introduced theoretical construct of an entrepreneurial community is based on living systems theory. The qualitative systems model of the thriving entrepreneurial economy is deduced from a descriptive model (word model). |
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Amoah C, Pretorius L |
Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, 18 (3), pp. 611 |
Abstract: PURPOSE : Risk management has become an integral part in businesses around the world. In the construction industry, risk management has also been introduced and has been mainly entrusted in the hands of the project team to go through a laid down risk management processes to identify possible risk events, which may occur during the project execution and the impact they may have on the project deliverables should they occur. It is, however, believed that small construction firms do not take risk management as a serious exercise even though most of the project risks are transferred to them as subcontractors. The purpose of this study was, therefore, to investigate risk management processes in the small construction companies and the impact of risk management on their project deliverables. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH : A case study of a single construction company was used for this study. Data were collected through structured questionnaire to 16 respondents who are involved in the project execution in the case study company. Two managing directors of the case study company were also interviewed. In total, 11 project site meetings were also attended to observe meeting proceedings and to record issues discussed. In total, 15 monthly project reports and project close-out reports were also studied. In total, One hundred and five completed projects of which 58 per cent were renovation projects, 27 per cent were new projects and 15 per cent were civil/structural works were also examined. The data were then analysed using excel analytical tool and the content analysis method. FINDINGS : The findings indicate that small construction companies with respect to the case study company do not have a specific laid down risk management processes that project team are made to go through before and during the execution of their projects. There is, however, no conclusive evidence regarding the impact of risk management on project performance as a significant number of projects done were able to meet a successful project performance indicators even though risk management exercises were not done. Some of the identified risk events that caused project failures are payment delays, labour related issues, subcontractor/main contractor related issues, insufficient contingency reserves/plan, etc. RESEARCH LIMITATIONS/IMPLICATIONS : Only one construction company was used as a case study for this research and all sources of data were related to a single company. The results may, therefore, be not generalisable. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS : The research has discovered that projects outcome could have improved tremendously if proper risk management exercises were implemented before project execution as most of the causes of project failures could have been identified through the risk management processes. This study, hence, gives an insight as to why small construction firms like the case study company should take risk management seriously in their projects execution to improve on the performance of their projects. ORIGINALITY/VALUE : The research has discovered that projects outcome could have improved tremendously if proper risk management exercises were implemented before project execution as most of the causes of project failures could have been identified through the risk management processes. This study, hence, gives an insight as to why small construction firms like the case study company should take risk management seriously in their projects execution to improve on the performance of their projects. |
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van Rooyen M, van der Lingen E, Ross V |
Journal of the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, 120 (4), pp. 269 - 276.. |
Title: Technology commercialization front-end framework: Metallurgical Abstract: The development and commercialization of technologies within the metallurgical industry often spans a time-frame of decades. This paper proposes a managerial framework that aims at increasing the success rate and speed of technology commercialization within this industry, focusing on the front end of the process. |
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Potts S |
Journal of Energy in Southern Africa, 31 (2), pp. 1 - 18.. |
Abstract: Wide-scale deployment of renewable energy is required to meet the global challenges of climate change and energy security. Solar photovoltaic (PV) and wind energy occupy the majority of global installed renewable energy technology (RET), but they are intermittent sources of energy and cannot be relied upon to solely meet the energy needs of the future. The problem of energy storage has therefore emerged as a significant barrier to the mass deployment of RET. Concentrated solar power (CSP), with its inherent storage capacity, offers dispatchable electricity at large scale. However, its deployment to date has been restricted by high capital costs and the limited geographical locations with optimal solar radiation to attain required efficiencies. South Africa, with its abundant solar resources, has the potential to develop an export competitive CSP industry by leveraging existing capabilities in innovation, manufacturing and construction. It has however yet to attain this goal. This study applies a qualitative, exploratory approach to understand the factors that are currently prohibiting South Africa from being the global leader in CSP by evaluating the functions of the Technological Innovation Systems (TIS) framework through semi-structured interviews with experts within the South African CSP TIS. The assessment revealed the presence of a largely unfulfilled TIS, with the advancement of the current TIS contingent on further allocation of CSP procurement targets in the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) and sufficient support to develop entrepreneurial activity. A procurement-driven industrial policy strategy was recommended to address these barriers to further advance the diffusion of CSP towards the end goal of developing an export competitive industry in South Africa. |
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Booyens DE,van Beek C |
Journal of Construction 13 (1) Pg 5 - 17 |
Title: Assessing BIM application in the South African construction project management mileu Abstract: This study aimed to identify the prevalence BIM has in South Africa. To determine the level of understanding of BIM’s capabilities with regards to four dimensional (4D) and five dimensional (5D) BIM, and its level of implementation amongst South Africa’s most prominent individuals in Project and Construction Management – members of the South African Council for the Project and Construction Management Professionals. This research is important for council members and government as it attempts to highlight the lack of BIM implementation and the value that it can add within the South African context. |
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Visser JK |
Proceedings of the 61st SIMS Conference on Simulation and modelling, Virtual |
Abstract: Uncertainty and risk analysis is becoming an ever-increasing part of transport demand forecasting because it can significantly influence the feasibility of a transportation project. Probabilistic assessment using Monte Carlo simulation is one of the most common approaches to uncertainty evaluation. This method implies generating random draws from probability distributions for the input variables. Often the empirical data that allow fitting the distribution are not available or involve additional costs to be obtained. In this case, the modeler makes an assumption of the shape of the probability distribution and its parameters in a context of information shortage, and this assumption introduces additional error to the uncertainty analysis. The main goal of this study is to quantify the impact of the distribution choice on the estimates of the model uncertainty present in its attributes and, more specifically, of its shape, skewness, and correlations among variables by using the case study of a high-speed railway project in Portugal. The results suggest that the mode location of the distribution, its shape, and correlations significantly affect the outcome of the uncertainty analysis.
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Dakada MHC, Amadi-Echendu JE |
Proceedings of the 13th World Congress on Engineering Asset Management, Stavanger, Norway |
Title: Asset replacement decisions in the context of the Mining sector Abstract: This paper examines the application of theoretical models for practical decisions to replace engineered assets deployed for mining operations. Although return on investment, net present value, and internal rate of return are widely acknowledged theoretical approaches towards capital replacement decisions, however, the respondents mostly rely on the experience of operations and maintenance personnel in combination with adhoc service life estimates to decide when and how to replace an asset. Interestingly, the availability of funding, technical support from the asset manufacturer, supplier or vendor, and technological advancements were highlighted as having the greatest influence on replacement decisions. Noting that practical decisions to replace engineered assets deviate significantly from the theoretical models, the study proposes that asset replacement decisions should derive from a broader value-driven ethos. |
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Ruiters C, Amadi-Echendu JE |
Proceedings of the 13th World Congress on Engineering Asset Management, Stavanger, Norway |
Engineering and financial realities of water infrastructure in South Africa. |
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John RS, Erasmus L |
Proceedings of 2020 International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE), Cape Town, South Africa. |
Abstract: The objective of this study was to analyse the development of radar systems in a government research and development environment from a systems engineering perspective and identify which, if any, systems engineering tools and methods are used. The practical portion of the research took a mixed methods approach where both qualitative and quantitative data collection techniques were used. The quantitative portion of the research assessed aspects of systems engineering in the context of the research environment the participant is working in using categories of the Systems Engineering Capability (SECM) EIA/IS 731 model. Analysis of the data indicated that, in principle, systems engineering methods and tools are supposed to be applied in this research area, however this was not done consistently across projects. Some of the challenges in this research area included eliciting clear customer requirements, resource constraints and budget and schedule overruns. Recommendations were made based on the findings from a systems engineering perspective |
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Sparrius AJA |
Proceedings of 2020 International Council on Systems Engineering(INCOSE), Cape Town, South Africa |
Title: The wisest system engineering mentor and mentee of the year award. Abstract: In 2016 the Wisest System Engineering Mentor and Mentee of the Year Award was launched as part of the INCOSE SA annual conference. This annual award has now occurred three times, in 2016, 2017 and 2018, with a total of nineteen mentor-mentee teams of which three teams received the award. This paper summarizes the process, results and explains the lessons learnt. |
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Sparrius AJA |
Proceedings of 2020 International Council on Systems Engineering(INCOSE), Cape Town, South Africa. |
Title: The greatest young system engineers of the year challenge. Abstract: In 2016 the Wisest System Engineering Mentor and Mentee of the Year Award was launched as part of the INCOSE SA annual conference. This annual award has now occurred three times, in 2016, 2017 and 2018, with a total of nineteen mentor-mentee teams of which three teams received the award. This paper summarizes the process, results and explains the lessons learnt. |
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Oosthuizen R, Pretorjus L |
Proceedings of 2020 International Council on Systems Engineering(INCOSE), |
Title: A bibliometric method for analysis of systems engineering research Abstract: Since systems engineering is still a relatively young and growing discipline, it requires a periodic analysis, taking into account past research to derive the requirements for future growth. Published research provides a good indication on the progress and maturity of a scientific discipline. Bibliometric analysis is a valuable tool to assess published research. This paper establishes a method to determine the main research topics published in the Systems Engineering Journal (INCOSE) since its inception. The research and associated analysis method applies Natural Language Processing with Topic Modelling to extract the main topics from the abstracts of all the papers published in the journal. The analyzed data provides the trends in topic coverage over time. |
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Scribante NP, Pretorius L |
Proceedings of 2020 International Council on Systems Engineerlng(INCOSE), Cape Town, South Africa. |
Title: Establishing a reference model for requirements elicitation behavior. Abstract: Eliciting the correct requirements for a given product, project or service is crucial for the success of the endeavour. The requirements engineering process in general and the requirements elicitation process is fraught with pitfalls. This paper proposes a mechanism that can be used to model the requirements elicitation behaviour. The results of the modelling process can then provide reference modes against which to compare the actual requirements elicitation process. The result of this comparison can enable the requirements engineer to observe elicitation challenges earlier in the requirements engineering process. |
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Inda PO, Lalk J |
Proceedings of 2020 International Council on Systems Engineering(INCOSE), Cape Town, South Africa. |
Title: Synergetics as a systems theoretical and methodological lens in structuring energy poverty. Abstract: Energy poverty, as part of the energy trilemma, remains a global challenge in the 21st century. More than 1.7 billion people remain without access to modern energy sources while more than 3 billion people rely only on fossil fuel resulting in negative health and environmental impacts. While admittedly modern biomass fueled energy systems benefit from newer technologies their use is still blamed for detrimental effects on social, economic and environmental aspects of human existence. No wonder then that in many parts of the world distributed renewable energy systems show promise in addressing some of the more important issues of energy access challenges, particularly energy poverty and fuel poverty; this is specifically evident in the global south through improved efficiency, effectiveness, access and quality of energy services. Nevertheless, understanding the complexities and subsequent structuring of energy poverty becomes a complex systems issue since energy technology plays a dual role in enhancing and inhibiting energy access. This paper, borrowing from systems thinking theory, applies a synergetic elements framework where the authors attempt to enhance the comprehension and structure of the wicked problem of energy poverty; this is done by developing a conceptual model. The paper continues by showing the critical role played by interactions between socio-technical system elements, notably those between soft and hard systems. This includes energy poverty depicted in multiple and complex synergetic subsystems, micro and macro elements, exogenous and internal barriers, control parameters and the environment. |
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Amadi-Echendu JE, Ebersohn L, du Plessis C, van der Merwe AJ, Stols GH |
Proceedings of the 2020 IEEE Technology & Engineering Management Society Conference (TEMSCON), Detroit, USA. |
A multidisciplinary case study on managing the resilience of connected systems. |
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Pretorius L, Malik P |
Proceedings of the 2020 IEEE Technology & Engineering Management Society Conference (TEMSCON), Detroit, USA. |
Simulation of a generalized equation for innovation in complex adaptive systems. |
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van Rooyen M, van der Lingen E, Ross V |
Proceedings of the 31st Annual Southern African Institute for Industrial Engineering Conference, South Africa |
Success factors of technology innovation. An organisational perspective. |
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Ntuli PT, Visser JK |
Proceedings of the 31st Annual Southern African Institute for Industrial Engineering Conference, South Africa |
The selection of risk analysis methods in large scale project organisations in South Africa. |
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Theron PF, Botha AP |
Proceedings of the 29th International Conference of the International Association for Management of Technology, Cairo, Egypt. |
A conceptual framework for machine ethics development and adoption. |
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Botha AP |
Proceedings of the 29th International Conference of the International Association for Management of Technology, Cairo, Egypt. |
Management of technology in a post-digital world. |
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Steyn P, Pretorius L |
Proceedings of the 29th International Conference of the International Association for Management of Technology, Cairo, Egypt. |
Early life cycle design management. A case study on MBSE deployment in project execution. |
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Mthiyane NH, Pretorius MW |
Proceedings of |
Industry 4.0. A skills gap analysis at an electricity utility. |
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Oosthuizen R, Pretorius L |
Proceedings of the 29th International Conference of the International Association for Management of Technology, Cairo, Egypt |
Bibliometric analysis of technology management research topic trends. |
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Maluleke GT, Pretorius L |
Proceedings of the 29th International Conference of the International Association for Management of Technology, Cairo, Egypt |
Modelling the potential impact of e-content and e-learning in education |
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Coetzee J, Pretorius L |
Proceedings of the 29th International Conference of the International Association for Management of Technology, Cairo, Egypt |
Prognostics and health management modelling. Applying machine learning techniques to develop a predictive maintenance strategy in the railway environment. |
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Muller C, van Waveren CC |
Proceedings of the 29th International Conference of the International Association for Management of Technology, Cairo, Egypt |
Influences on knowledge use in projects. |
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Omondi N, Pretorius L |
Proceedings of the 29th International Conference of the lnternatlonal Association for Management of Technology, Cairo, Egypt |
Effect of variability in project management competence on project delivery. |
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Walwyn DR, Cloete JPL |
Proceedings of the 29th International Conference of the International Association for Management of Technology Cairo, Egypt |
Policy mix to support digital industry in developing countries. Do we |
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Mamphiswana R, Amadl-Echendu JE |
Proceedings of the 29th International Conference of the International Association for Management of Technology, Cairo, Egypt |
Paradigms for commercialising technologies in the 4IR era. |
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Sibe E, Amadi-Echendu JE |
Proceedings of the 29th International Conference of the International Association for Management of Technology, Cairo, Egypt |
Sectoral contextualization of technological capabilities. A view of the oil and gas sector. |
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Govender I, Thopil GA, InglesiLotz R |
J of Cleaner Production, 214, pp. 154 - 165 |
Title: Financial and economic appraisal of a biogas to electricity project Abstract: Biogas generated through anaerobic digestion of organic waste, offers unique benefits compared to other renewables, by addressing environmental concerns relating to organic wastes together with creating electricity generation potential. Given the magnitude of benefits for biogas, the utilization of the technology has been increased exponentially worldwide. This study thus aims to identify constraining factors that limit investment in biogas to electricity projects in South Africa, by conducting a financial and economic appraisal of a biogas to electricity project that was proven to be unviable by a large petrochemical company, within the context of the country's renewable energy framework. The study was further benchmarked against a similar biogas to electricity project in Germany. The results indicate that the sale of thermal energy generated via the biogas combined heat and power process largely affects a positive appraisal outcome while the renewable energy policy framework incentivises investors for biogas. Irrespective of the non-viability of the project mainly attributed to high capital costs, the potential for biogas projects exists via the South African renewable energy programme. The financial viability of biogas projects can be improved if the policy frameworks are amended to cater for sale of heat and if independent smaller scale projects are allowed as part of the renewable programme. |
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Van den Berg J, Van der Lingen E |
South African Journal of Industrial Engineering, 30 (1), May, pp. 124 -146 |
Title: An empirical study of the factors affecting the adoption of mobile enterprise applications Abstract: Mobile enterprise application (MEA) technology has been identified as a technology that could help organisations to improve productivity, reduce cost, and gain and sustain competitive advantages through enterprise-wide technology implementations. Despite its many potential benefits, the adoption of MEA has not been as extensive globally as anticipated. Research results indicate that perceived technology usefulness, ease of use, perceived competitive pressure, industry trends, information technology (IT) infrastructure, organisational policies processes and systems, employee knowledge and readiness, and organisational resources are important factors that shape the adoption intent of organisations towards MEA technology. Implications for practice and research are also discussed |
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Naicker P, Thopil GA |
J of Cleaner Production, 214, pp. 154 - 165 |
Title: A framework for sustainable utility scale renewable energy selection in South Africa Abstract: A range of varying criteria with trade-offs need consideration when selecting a suitable renewable energy technology (RET) for a specific area or location. In this study RETs in South Africa, in accordance with the national renewable energy program, were assessed to compare and highlight feasible technology options. A key objective of the study was to develop a framework that could be used to assess the various RETs at utility scale. Important criteria contributing toward the assessment of RETs were identified from literature. The criteria were used within the framework for analysis which consisted of the following factors: technical, economic, environmental, social and political. The goal of assessing RETs in South Africa was located at the top of the framework hierarchy. A total of 15 criteria were identified to use as part of the assessment. A decision-making matrix based on both qualitative and quantitative data was used to score the criteria. The RETs (solar PV, wind, CSP, hydro, biogas and biomass) in South Africa were evaluated with respect to each criterion. The study aims to contribute towards - from a developing country perspective - highlighting key barriers to technology adoption, assist in investment decisions, and ultimately contribute toward a sustainable energy infrastructure. From the analysis performed, solar PV and wind were favoured due to technology maturity and financier perception while CSP also scored favourably due to the potential to meet the baseload energy requirements. The key policy barriers identified that require attention include improved knowledge transfer and better maintenance skills across all technologies while site suitability was identified as a major barrier for hydro and biomass RETs. |
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Visser HR, Thopil GA |
Renewable Energy , 139, pp. 9 - 21 |
Title: Life cycle cost profitability of biomass power plants in South Africa within the international context Abstract: South Africa's renewable energy programme has been widely considered a success. Biomass is one of the selected technologies, on which capacity and tariff caps are set in place. It is unclear whether the price caps allow for sufficient profits for private role-players. The aim of the study is to investigate the potential profit margins for biomass power plant companies entering the programme. Costs throughout the lifespan of the power purchase agreement were determined by using the Levelised Cost of Electricity (LCOE) metric. The method used cost inputs which were determined using a mixture of local and international indicators for three scenarios, the worst case (WC) scenario representing highest input costs, the most likely case (MLC) scenario representing median costs, and best case (BC) scenario representing lowest input costs. The results show that the WC, MLC and BC LCOE for biomass power plants in South Africa are 3.53 ZAR/kWh (0.235 USD/kWh), 1.30 ZAR/kWh (0.086 USD/kWh) and 0.78 ZAR/kWh (0.052 USD/kWh), respectively. In all three scenarios, the bulk of the cost constitute delivered fuel costs. Considering sales tariffs at ZAR1.475/kWh, profit margins for WC, MLC and BC scenarios were determined as −139%, 12% and 47%, respectively. These figures compare favourably with China, the United States of America, and Europe in general, opposed to Canada, where higher profit margins are achievable.
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Kagogo TS, Steyn HdeV |
South African Journal of Industrial Engineering, 30 (1), May, pp. 257 -269 |
Title: Effect of scope readiness on capital projects in mining: A Namibian case study Abstract: Although project scope definition is regarded as a key element in successful project management, research on the subject is sparse. This paper investigates the relationship between project scope readiness and project performance in the Namibian mining industry. A survey was done on ten projects from seven Namibian mining companies, using the project definition readiness index (PDRI) tool as a scope definition indicator, while cost and schedule performance were used as performance indicators. Support was found for the proposition that readiness of project scope definition improves schedule performance, but the relationship between the PDRI score and cost performance was less conclusive. |
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Hattingh E, Van Waveren CC, Chan KY |
South African Journal of Industrial Engineering, 30 (1), May, pp. 37 - 53 |
Title: A learning curve theory perspective on projects. Ranking the key determinants to improve project efficiency Abstract: The desire to gain knowledge about the quality and timing of construction projects delivered to clients has become an increased focus point in the field of construction management. Clients have expectations that are often based on their assumptions about the validity of making the learning curve theory applicable to construction projects. This research aims to determine what criteria need to be met for the learning curve theory to have some validity for construction projects. The results from the questionnaire survey, completed by professionals from the construction industry, show that several concepts were found to be of importance: project specifications, design, scope, budget, site management, planning, monitoring and controlling, and quality. If these concepts correspond between two projects, the chance of successfully applying the learning curve theory increases. Practical recommendations are made that highlight the concepts identified as critical for the successful application of the learning curve theory to construction projects, and that can be used by clients and contractors as a basis for negotiating project schedules. |
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Wang L, Goh M, Ding R, Pretorius L |
Decision Support Systems, 122 (113062), pp. 1 - 12 |
Title: Improved simulated annealing based risk interaction network model for project risk response decisions Abstract: Risk interaction changes the probability and impact of a given risk, which may result in a less effective risk response decision (RD). This study presents an approach for supporting the project manager in making RDs, comprising a simulation model of risk interaction network (RIN) for evaluating the RDs and an improved simulated annealing (SA) algorithm for optimizing the RDs. The simulation model considers different risk levels and the corresponding risk interaction cases, which is closer to the reality. In addition to tailoring the SA algorithm to optimize RDs, it is improved through enhancing its neighborhood search with the aid of social network analysis. Specifically, two new network indices are designed for calculating the quantitative significance of RIN elements, i.e. the nodes that denote risks and edges that reflect the risk interactions. The element with a higher significance is more likely to be dealt with when generating a new RD in the neighborhood search. An application is provided to illustrate the utility of the proposed approach; a contrastive analysis of the improved SA and standard SA is also conducted to validate the effectiveness and efficiency of the former. |
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Hare C, Walwyn DR |
South African J of Business Management, 50 (1), pp. 1 - 12 |
Title: A qualitative study of the attitudes of South African spaza shop owners to coopetitive relationships Abstract: Background: Coopetition is a powerful means by which microenterprises can compete against large firms in low margin sectors, such as the small retail outlets in South African townships, known locally as spaza shops. Although coopetition is widely used by foreign nationals who own and manage such shops, and who are reported to be more successful, South African owners have failed to establish such relationships. Objectives: The objective of this study was to explore the reasons why South African owners do not form such relationships Method: The study used a qualitative, exploratory approach. Results: An absence of trust and a general lack of awareness of the potential benefits of coopetition are the major barriers. Moreover, the volatile environment within which these spaza shops operate, characterised by extensive unemployment and high crime rates, and makes the establishment of coopetitive relationships more difficult. Conclusion: Any intervention designed to improve the survival rate of spaza shops should include measures to address issues of trust and the benefits of coopetitive relationships. Keywords: Spaza shop; South Africa; coopetition; trust; microenterprise. |
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Okhori J, Amadi-Echendu JE, Aderemi H, Uhunmwangho R, Okwubunne A |
African J of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development, 11 (4)m pp. 523 - 531 |
Title: Disconnect between policy and practice in developing countries: Evidence of managing e-waste from Nigeria Abstract: There are insufficient management functions that begin with planning, institutional arrangements and technical handling of e-waste materials in Nigeria. Modern trends in recycling still fall short of global practices. This study examined Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) management strategies in Southeastern Nigeria with a view to suggesting appropriate implementable measures. It used an investigative approach through questionnaire administration. Twenty local government areas were purposively selected from five mutually exclusive strata of states. Data from 36 government agencies/offices were analyzed using percentage and linear multiple regression. Results revealed that WEEE management strategies were inadequate. The study concluded that WEEE management strategies were inapt and poorly implemented. Regulatory bodies should therefore urgently embrace and adopt appropriate management strategies, conduct periodic inventories of WEEE types and quantity and encourage the set-up and enforcement of cutting edge standards for modern facilities designated for the disposal of e-waste materials. |
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Ameen AM, Lalk J |
South African Journal of Industrial Engineering, 30 (2), August, pp. 176 - 189 |
Title: Wind energy development in Sub-Saharan Africa: Application of the SATSA framework Abstract: There is a need for a framework that can be applied to wind energy developments in the sub-Saharan African (SSA) context that will facilitate technology-sustainable assessments to promote wind energy. This paper applies such a framework to potential wind energy developments in Namibia and Mozambique. In addition, the use of a system dynamics approach allows for wind turbine and power considerations to be adequately integrated into the application of the framework. The study applies the framework to both these countries to develop an outlook for potential wind energy developments. This results in the identification of key success factors. |
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Botha AP |
South African Journal of Industrial Engineering, 30 (3), November, pp. 20 - 28 |
Title: Innovating for market adoption in the fourth industrial revolution Abstract: Will the market adoption of innovative products and services in the fourth industrial revolution require an alternative reality? This question is investigated in a concept paper in which new product adoption patterns, alternative innovation regimes that include intelligent machines as innovation partners with humans, disruption of the producer, the fourth industrial revolution consumer, and a fundamental change in business models are considered. Thought models are proposed in which these four entities drive a new concept of ‘life-world’ products through which consumers innovate for their own personalisation and customisation, manufacturing plants for volume products become algorithm factories, and the linear value chain is destroyed and replaced by the value network. This happens because the consumer becomes part of the value chain, and overlaps of producer and consumer functions as we know them merge into a new production ecosystem driven by social commerce. Innovation by the consumer takes away the producer’s concerns about market adoption; they may now servitise innovation support. This paper is meant to stimulate academic debate and to initiate research that will validate the thought models it suggests. |
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Pienaar C, Van der Lingen E, Preis EP |
South African Journal of Industrial Engineering, 30 (3), November, pp. 199 - 209 |
Title: A framework for successful new product development Abstract: Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to propose a framework of critical success factors, metrics, and tools and techniques for implementing metrics for each stage of the new product development (NPD) process. Design/methodology/approach: To achieve this objective, a literature review was undertaken to investigate decades of studies on NPD success and how it can be achieved. These studies were scanned for common factors for firms that enjoyed success of new products on the market. Findings: The paper summarizes NPD success factors, suggests metrics that should be used to measure these factors, and proposes tools and techniques to make use of these metrics. This was done for each stage of the NPD process, and brought together in a framework that the authors propose should be followed for complex NPD projects. Research limitations/implications: Several different research directions could provide additional useful information both to firms finding critical success factors (CSF) and measuring product development success as well as to academics performing research in this area. The main research opportunity exists in implementing or testing the proposed framework. Practical implications: The framework can be followed by managers of complex NPD projects to ensure success. Originality/value: While many studies have been conducted on critical success factors for NPD, these studies tend to be fragmented and focus on one or a few phases of the NPD process. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first time a framework that synthesizes these studies into a single framework. |
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Botha AP |
J of Manufacturing Technology Management, 30 (8), pp. 1250 - 1264 |
Title: A mind model for intelligent machine innovation using future thinking principles Abstract: Purpose The purpose of this paper is to address the possible future evolution of innovation from a human-only initiative, to human–machine co-innovation, to autonomous machine innovation and to arrive at a conceptual mind model that outlines the role of innovation regimes and innovation agents. Design/methodology/approach This is a concept paper where a theoretical “thought experiment” is done, using future thinking principles and data that originate from the literature. Findings A conceptual mind model is developed to facilitate a better understanding of complexity at the edge of innovation where intelligent machines will emerge as innovators of the cyber world. It was found that innovation will gradually evolve from a human-only activity, to human–machine co-innovation, to incidences of autonomous machine innovation, based on the growth of machine intelligence and the adoption of human–machine partnership management models in future. Research limitations/implications Very little information is available in the literature on intelligent machines doing innovation. The work is based on a theoretical approach that presents new concepts to be debated, but have not been tested in engineering and technology management practice, except for a conference presentation and academic discussion. Practical implications The current world view is that future “smartness” is only possible through the creative abilities that humans have, but as machines are entering the workplace and our daily lives, not only as static robots on a manufacturing line, but as intelligent systems with the potential to replace lawyers and accountants, doctors and teachers, companions and partners, their role in innovation in complex environments needs to be explored. Social implications Human–machine interaction is often an emotional social issue of concern in terms of the replacement of human intelligence with machine intelligence. It should be asked whether humans will or should remain in control of innovation? Artificial intelligence (AI) may complement and even substitute human intelligence, but huge value is embedded in the new goods, services and innovations AI will enable, especially in manufacturing, where value embedded in the project becomes complex and dynamic. Originality/value The thinking presented in this paper is original and should lead to debate to question the way innovation systems will work in future and inspires thinking about AI and innovation. |
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Pettersen I, Amo B, Van der Lingen E, Voldsund K, Bragelien J |
Education + Training, 61 (9), pp. 1138 - 1150 |
Title: Developing engineering students' willingness and ability to perform creative tasks Abstract: Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore creativity and how it changes over time among engineering students in practice-based entrepreneurship in higher education. This change was examined in students over a one-semester course in entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurship courses that use creativity tools for practice-based learning are expected to develop creativity as a learning outcome. This study discusses the extent to which some learning outcomes are more easily developed than others. Design/methodology/approach This research uses a longitudinal design by applying a pre- and post-test survey. The student population consists of engineering students enrolled in an entrepreneurship course with practice-based learning involving creativity tools. The course includes team-based idea generation and business model development. To measure actual changes in students’ creativity, two measures were used to reflect different aspects. Findings The results show that students’ ability to perform creative tasks increased, while students’ willingness to engage in and their enjoyment of creative tasks decreased as a result of the course. Non-significant differences in changes were found between the two measures, but a difference was found in how the two measures changed during the course. In line with the research question, the results suggest that education may influence ability to a greater extent than willingness. Originality/value The research used two different creativity measures to explore the extent to which engineering students experienced a change in creativity over a one-semester entrepreneurship course. In this way, the research contributes to the discussion on what could be learnt and by what means. |
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Walwyn DR, Bertoldi A, Gable C |
J of Manufacturing Technology Management, 30 (8), pp. 1179 - 1195 |
Title: Building the hydrogen economy through niche experimentation and digitalisation Abstract: rpose Hydrogen fuel cells could play an important role in meeting the challenges of the Two Degrees Scenario. The purpose of this paper is to review the development of this technology in South Africa with the aim of understanding how the country can transform its existing socio-technical systems and act to support a hydrogen-based technological innovation system (TIS). Design/methodology/approach A mixed methods approach has been followed in this study. Secondary data analysis was used initially to build a profile of South Africa’s present energy system, followed by a stakeholder survey of the emerging hydrogen economy. Respondents were selected based on a convenience/snowball sampling approach and were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire, covering opportunities for South Africa in the global hydrogen economy; sources of competitive advantage; the present phase of development; the maturity of each function and the main weaknesses within the TIS; and finally the appropriate policy instrument to remedy the weakness and/or maximise opportunities for local companies. Findings The research has shown that the hydrogen economy is still at a pre-competitive level and requires ongoing government support to ensure an energy transition is realised. In particular, it is important that niche experimentation, a proven strategy in respect of successful sustainability transitions, is further pursued. Importantly, the net cost of hydrogen-based transportation, which is still several times larger than the cost of transport based on the internal combustion engine (ICE), must be reduced, especially in the key applications of public transport and underground vehicles. Furthermore, the development of digital technologies to manage supply fluctuations in energy grids must be accelerated. Originality/value The South Africa economy will be severely affected by the replacement of the ICEs with battery electric vehicles due to the country’s reliance on ICEs for platinum demand. Fuel cells represent a new market for platinum but the hydrogen TIS is still at a vulnerable point in its development; without policy support, it will not contribute to a successful socio-technical transformation, nor provide an alternative outlet for platinum. |
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Roux RN, Van der Lingen E, Botha AP |
South African Journal of Industrial Engineering, 30 (3), November, pp. 199 - 209 |
Title: A systematic literature reiew on the titanium metal product value chain Abstract: This article presents a systematic literature review (SLR) on the titanium metal product value chain. Globally this value chain is fragmented, meaning that successive production stages rarely occur within the same country, and information published on the value chain is limited. The aim of this review was to collect the literature to create and elaborate on the titanium metal product value chain. The SLR followed a combined building block searching strategy and a criterion analysis to obtain relevant literature on production stages in the value chain. The value chain was based on the three main sections that comprise the titanium metal industry: the raw material, the processes and technologies, and the market. From the main sections, eight production stages were identified and discussed. Arising from the literature review, these stages will be applied as a baseline to understand the requirements for improving the underdeveloped titanium industry in South Africa. |
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Malik P, Pretorius L |
South African Journal of Industrial Engineering, 29 (1), May: pp 1-20 |
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Chitongo MA, Pretorius L |
South African Journal of Industrial Engineering, 29 (1), May: pp 169-183 |
Client project time schedule controls - An empirically-based system dynamics conceptual model |
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Mahlangu N, Thopil GA |
Journal of Cleaner Production, 195, pp 32-43 |
Life Cycle analysis of external costs of a parabolic trough concentrated solar power plant |
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Armstrong A, Van der Lingen E, Lourens R, Chen J |
South African Journal of Business Management, 49 (1) March: pp 1-8 |
Towards a new model of grit within a cognitive-affective framework of self-regulation |
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Muller R, Sankaran S, Drouin N, Vaagaasar A, Bekker MC |
International Journal of Project Management, 36, pp 83-94 |
A theory framework for balancing vertical and horizontal leadership in projects |
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Barnard TJ, Fletcher L, Steyn HDV |
International Journal of Managing Projects in Business 11(2), pp 432-457 |
Linking trust and collaboration in project teams to project management success |
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Chudy M, Thopil GA, Alonso G, Slabber JFM |
Safety Science, 105, pp 1-8 |
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Manyuchi AE & Ouma JM |
Politikon, 45 (2), pp 261-275 |
Public policies and institutions influencing South Africa's outward foreign direct investment |
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Steenkamp JR, Bekker MC |
South African Journal of Industrial Engineering, 29 (1), May: pp 74 - 85 |
Validating a project life cycle review framework for mining projects at Exxaro |
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Knoben J, Oerlemans LAG, Krijkamp A, Provan K |
Organization Science, 29 (3), May: pp 471-488 |
What do they know? The anticedents of information accuracy differentials in interorganizational networks |
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Manyuchi AE, Ouma JM |
Journal of Science and Technology Policy Management, 9(1), null: pp 21-41 |
The production of use of indicators in science, technology and innovation policy-making in Africa: Lessons from Malawi and South Africa |
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Walwyn DR, Nkolele AT |
Health Research Policy and Systems, 16 (3) : pp 1-17 |
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Liu H, Pretorius L, Jiang D |
Eurasip Journal of Wireless Communications and Networking, 2018 (158), pp 1-9 |
Optimization of cold chain logistics distribution network terminal |
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Xu D, Pretorius L, Jiang D |
Eurasip Journal of Wireless Communications and Networking, 2018 (156), pp 1-7 |
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Behane TD, Grobbelaar S |
South African Journal of Industrial Engineering, 29 (1) May: pp 195 - 204 |
The process of intra-film technology transfer: A case study of a marine mining company |
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Tshuma B, Steyn HdeV, Van Waveren CC |
South African Journal of Industrial Engineering, 29 (2) : pp 127 - 140 |
The role played by PMO's in transfer of knowledge between projects: A conceptual framework |
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Bekker MC, Mashaba JT |
South African of Agricultural Extension, 46 (1), pp. 83 -91 |
A critical review of agricultural related construction project failures at the Department of Agricultural, Rural Development and Environmental Affairs (DARDLEA): Mpumalanga |
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Van der Blink PA, Steyn JS |
Int. J of Innovation and Technology Management,15 (5), pp. 1- 31 |
Strategic complexity of impactful innovation in automotive component manufacturing in an emerging economy |
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Van der Lingen, Paton AN |
J of the Southern African Institute of Mnint and Metallurgy, 118, October, pp. 1087 - 1094 |
Market implications for technology acquisition modes in the South African ferrochrome context |
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Hlophe SC, Visser JK |
South African Journal of Industrial Engineering, 29 (3) : pp 82 - 91 |
Risk management during outage projects at power plants |
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Chitongo MA, Pretorius L |
South African Journal of Industrial Engineering, 29 (3) : pp 121 - 131 |
Unintended negative effects of client project cost controls: A system dynamics approach |
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Fanta GB, Pretorius L |
South African Journal of Industrial Engineering, 29 (3) : pp 132 - 147 |
A conceptual framework for sustainable eHealth implementation in resource-contrained settings |
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Botha AP |
South African Journal of Industrial Engineering, 29 (3) : pp 148 - 160 |
Rapidly arriving futures: Future readiness for industry 4.0 |
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Pretorius S, Steyn HdeV, Barnard TJ |
South African Journal of Industrial Engineering, 29 (3) : pp 161 - 172 |
Leadership styles in projects: Current trends and future opportunities |
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Louw W, Wium J, Steyn HdeV, Gevers W |
South African Journal of Industrial Engineering, 29 (3) : pp 173 - 187 |
The megaproject sponsor as leader |
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Stephens A, Walwyn DR |
Renewable Energy Focus, 27 December, pp. 44 - 58 |
Wind energy in the United Kingdom: Modelling the effect of increases in installed capacity on generation efficiency |
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Ouma JM, Chaminuka P, Melo A |
South African J of International Affairs, 25 (4), December, pp. 531 - 545 |
Characterising partnership for research and innovation in Sub-Saharan Africa: Lessons from the case of the Africa-EU ProIntensAfrica initiative |
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Bubou G, Amadi-Echendu JE |
South African Journal of Industrial Engineering, 29 (4), December pp. 65 - 81 |
An assessment of the innovativeness of firms in Nigeria's petroleum sector |
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Hugo F, Pretorius L, Benade SJ |
South African Journal of Industrial Engineering, 29 (4), pp. 116 - 128 |
Some aspects of the use and usefulness of quantitative risk analysis tools in project management |
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Letaba TP, Pretorius MW, Pretorius L |
South African Journal of Industrial Engineering, 29 (4), pp. 171 - 183 |
Innovation profile from the perspective of technology roadmapping practitioners in South Africa |
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Walwyn DR, Cloete JPL |
South African J of Science, 114 (11), pp. 1 - 6 |
Draft White Paper on Science, Technology and Innovation neglects to prioritise issues of performance and human capability |
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Prinsloo JW, van Waveren CC, Chan KY |
South African Journal of Industrial Engineering, 28 (1) May: pp. 1-11 |
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Curseu P, Ceri-Booms M, Oerlemans L |
Human Resouce Management Review, 27(1), March: pp. 178-192 |
Task and Person Focused Leadership Behaviours and Team Perfomance: A Meta-Analysis. |
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Staphorst L, Pretorius L, Pretorius MW, Holland M |
Engineering Management Journal, 29 (1) |
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Ogano NO, Pretorius L |
South African Journal of Industrial Engineering, 28 (1) May: pp. 20-35 |
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Van Druten ES & Bekker MC |
Journal of the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, Vol 117 May: pp. 485-490 |
Towards an inclusive model to address unsuccessful mine closures in South Africa |
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Kunniger D, Walwyn DR |
International Journal of technological learning, innovation and development, 9 (2), pp.137-152 |
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Steenhuis H, Pretorius L |
Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, vol 28(1), pp. 122-143. |
The additive manufacturing innovation: A range of implications |
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Mulamula GS, AmadiEchendu JE |
International Journal of Technology Management and Sustainable Development, 16 (2), June: pp. 119-139 |
An examination of the potential links between ICT technology transfer and sustainable development |
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Zhong Z, Chudy M, Ruiz H, Zhang X, Coombs T |
Physica C-Superconductivity and its applications, 536 May: pp. 18-25 |
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Boshoff DGB, Krugell JC, van Heerden AHG |
Acta Structilla, 24(1), June: pp. 99 - 127 |
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Amsterdam HF, Thopil GA |
Waste Management, October 2017 Vol 68 pp. 774-785 |
Enablers towards establishing and growing South Africa's waste to electricity industry |
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Singh V & Walwyn DR |
Journal of Research Practice, Vol 13 Issue 2 |
Influence of personal epistemology on research design: Implications for research ethics |
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Liu H, Jiang D & Pretorius L |
Jounal of Residuals Science & Technology, vol 14 No 3 pp. 675-682 |
Research on standardised cold-container system based on one vehicle with multi-temperature control |
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Joubert F & Petorius MW |
SAJIE Vol 28 No 2 pp 133-147 |
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Engelbrecht H, Meyer W & Steyn H |
Journal of Contemporary Management, Vol 14 no 1 pp 893-919 |
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Louw IR, Steyn H & Van Waveren Cc |
Journal of Contemporary Management, Vol 14 no 1 pp 986-1010 |
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Visser JK & Kirstein J |
SAJIE Vol 28 No 4 pp 66 - 79 |
Risk modelling of heavy mobile equipment to determine optimum replacement ages |
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Steyn H, Barnard T & Pretorius S |
SAJIE Vol 28 No 4 pp 95 - 108 |
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Kruger HJ, Focke WW, Mhike W, Taute AT, Roberson A |
Fire & Materials 41 pp 573-586 |
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Smit MC, Barnard TJ, Streyn HDV, FabrisRotelli IN |
South African Journal of Information Management 19(1) pp 1 - 10 |
Email communication in project management: A bane or a blessing? |
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Khumalo M, Van der Lingen E |
South African Journal of Industrial Engineering 28(3) pp 147 - 160 |
The open business model in a dynamic business environment: A literature review |
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Van Waveren CC, Oerlemans L, Pretorius MW |
South African Journal of Economic & Management Sciences 20 (1) pp 1-16 |
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Murwira D, Bekker MC |
.Acta Structilia 24(2) pp 128 - 145 |
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Kirstein JC, Brent A |
South African Journal of Industrial Engineering 28(4) pp 14 - 31 |
An investigation into the normalisation of water and energy usage in the brewery industry |
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Okorhi J, AmadiEchendu J |
African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development Online pp1 -9 |
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Manyuchi AE, Ouma JM |
Politikon, Online pp 1-15 |
Public policies and institutions influencing South Africa's outward foreign direct investment |
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Joubert F & Petorius L |
Business, Management and Education 15 pp 1 - 13 |
Using risk simulation to reduce the capital cost requirement for a programme of capital projects |
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Xu D, Jiang D, Pretorius L |
Boletin Técnico (Technical Bulletin) 55 pp 321-334 |
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Makhoba XS, Pouris A |
South African Journal of Science, 113 (1), pp 1-8 |
Bibliometric analysis of the development of nanoscience research in South Africa |
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Walwyn DR, Cloete L |
South African Journal of Science, Vol 122(7), July: pp. 121-128. |
Universities are becoming major players in the national system of innovation. |
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Nkiwane NH, Meyer WG, Steyn HDV |
South African Journal of Industrial Engineering, vol 27(1), May: pp.192-203 |
The use of earned value management for initiating directive project control decisions: A case study. |
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van der Linde J, Steyn HDV |
South African Journal of Industrial Engineering, vol 27(1), May: pp. 151-161 |
The effect of a project management office on project and orginisational performance: A case study |
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Khan MR, Thopil GA, Lalk J |
Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, vol 62 September, pp.326-335 |
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Thopil GA, Pouris A |
Renweable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, vol 62 September, pp. 1106-1121. |
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Salazar H, Oerlemans LAG |
Journal of Consumer Affairs, vol 50(2), 2016 pp.286-314 |
Do we follow the leader or the masses? Antecedents of the willingness to pay extra for eco-products. |
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Ebers M, Oerlemans LAG |
Journal of Management, vol 42(6), September: pp.1491-1529 |
The variety of governance structures beyond market and hierarchy. |
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Hoffman DJ, Nkadimeng LM |
Journal Of Construction, vol 9(1), March: pp. 1-7 |
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Oosthuizen R, Pretorius L |
South African Journal of Industrial Engineering, vol 27(2), August: pp. 15-29 |
Assessing the impact of new technology on complex sociotechnical systems. |
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Meyer IP, Barnard TJ, Steyn HDV, Jordaan JC |
South African Journal of Industrial Engineering, vol 27(2), August: pp. 60-71. |
Exploring the use of computer-mediated video communication in engineering projects in South Africa. |
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Peach RH, Ellis HJP, Visser JK |
South African Journal of Industrial Engineering, 27(2), August: pp. 177-189. |
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Barnard TJ, Fletcher L, Steyn HDV |
Acta Structilla, 23(1), pp. 36-69. |
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Makhoba XS, Pouris A |
African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development, vol 8(2), pp. 187-196. |
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Staphorst L, Pretorius L, Pretorius MW |
Technological Forcasting and Social Change, vol 111, October: pp. 110-123. |
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Riley DL, Walwyn DR, Edlin C |
Organic Process Research & Development, vol 20(4), April: pp.742-750. |
An improved process for the prepation of Tenofo vir Disoprixil Fumarate. |
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Meleloe KE, Walwyn DR |
South African Journal of Business Management, vol 47(3), September: pp. 63-72 |
Success factors for the commercialisation of gas-to-liquids tecnology. |
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Singh R, Lalk J |
South African Journal of Industical Engineering, vol 27(3), November: pp. 287-302. |
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Oerlemans LAG, Chan KY, Volschenk J |
Renewable & Sustainable Energy Reviews, vol 66, December: pp. 875-885 |
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Wang N, Jiang D, Pretorius L |
Technology in Society, vol 47 November: pp. 140-147. |
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Ligthart R, Oerlemans LAG, Noorderhaven N |
Organization Studies, vol 37 (12), December: pp. 1721-1743. |
In the shadows of time: A case study of flexibility behaviours in an interorganizational project. |
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Steenhuis H, Pretorius L |
Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, vol 27(7), pp. 990-1012. |
Consumer addictive manufacturing or 3D printing adoption: an exploratory study. |
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Bell L, van Waveren CC, Steyn HDV |
South African Journal of Industrial Engineering, vol 27(4), December: pp. 18-33. |
Knowledge-sharing within the project-based organization: A knowledge-pull framework. |
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Maluleke GT, Pretorius L |
South African Journal of Industrial Engineering, 27 (4), December: pp.66-76. |
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Banda RM, Pretorius L |
South African Journal of Industrial Engineering, vol 27(4), December: pp. 203-214. |
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Pouris A, Ho Y |
South African Journal of Science, Vol 112(3), March: pp. 83-88. |
A bibliometric analysis of research on Ebola in Science Citation Index Expanded. |
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Pouris A |
South African Journal of Science, 112 (11), November: pp. 1-8 |
A bibliometric assessment of energy research in South Africa. |
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InglesiLotz R, Pouris A |
Energy Sources Part B-Economics Planning & Policy, 11 (7), pp. 626-636 |
On the casuality and determinants of energy and electricity demand in South Africa: A review |
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