The effect of ventilator configurations in naturally ventilated greenhouse applications

In this paper the climate inside a greenhouse subject to various vent configurations is investigated. The greenhouse considered is a four span glass greenhouse, containing a plastic partition separating the greenhouse into two compartments. The temperature and velocity distribution at plant level is numerically analyzed with computational fluid dynamics. Six cases were considered. The first three cases have the roof vents open to the leeward side, while the side ventilators are opened at 30° and 45° respectively, after which a second row of side ventilators opened at 45° were added to the geometry. The last three cases have the roof vents open towards the windward side, with the same side ventilator configuration as mentioned for the first three simulations. Contour plots for both temperature and velocity are discussed and analyzed. Results seem to indicate that the temperature and velocity at plant level are significantly influenced by the arrangement and number of vents. The presence of a plastic partition also has an effect on the climate. The temperature in the east span of the greenhouse is slightly higher for the leeward ventilators compared to the windward roof ventilators, and the temperature distribution is also less homogeneous if the roof ventilators are opened leeward. The velocity distribution in the west span for leeward roof ventilators are higher compared to windward ventilators, and also less homogeneous. Comparing the velocity distribution in the east span for both leeward and windward roof ventilators, the results show an increase in air movement for the east span of the greenhouse. It is also shown that CFD can be a useful tool in development and design of greenhouses

Towards the sixth generation of R&D management : an exploratory study

It is apparent that understanding the link between the role of innovation in competitiveness and economic development is essential. This is because innovation ultimately holds the key to addressing the most pressing a nation’s social and human challenges. In the past, some organizations viewed research and development (R&D) as an intangible, difficult to manage and measure process and do their best to stay away from it. On the other hand, organizations that have a clear understanding and mastery of R&D management seem to have great success in exploiting R&D in commercializing new technologies with speed and precision that enabled them to achieve numerous competitive edge, such as first-to-market advantages, greater market shares for their innovations, premium prices and dominant designs relative to their counterparts). However, the upsurge in enabling technologies such as the internet is changing the perceptions on managing R&D processes, moving from technology-oriented model to a more interactive and collaborative model. While it is evident that there is increased focus on fine-tuning R&D management processes the majority of these efforts were confined to the USA, Europe, Asia and other developed economies, with limited focus on R&D management on the African continent. This paper evaluates and discusses relevant aspects of the five generations of R&D management practices using an exploratory research approach and attempts to predict some of the most appropriate practices R&D managers may adopt in the R&D sixth generation. The findings suggest that the sixth generation of R&D management will be characterized by greater multi-disciplinary approach emphasizing cross-functional communication, collaboration, greater inclusion of stakeholders, such as suppliers, customers and partners in the full life cycle of the R&D management process. That is, from conception to market development, evaluation, reporting and re-conceptualization. This research provides further insight into the next generation of R&D

Revisiting trade unions’ response to new public management: a case from Zambia

This article discusses the strategic responses by public-sector unions to new public management (NPM) reforms in Zambia. The article is based on a qualitative research methodology focusing on the Civil Servants and Allied Workers Union of Zambia. The study shows that public-sector workers in developing countries are more vulnerable to the effects of externally imposed NPM reforms, which include job cuts. However, the implementation of these reforms faces opposition especially from trade unions. In line with the assumptions of strategic choice theory, union responses to NPM reforms are strategic. Despite the high vulnerability of public workers in developing countries, their unions use strategies that can also be observed in developed countries to mitigate the negative consequences of NPM reforms on the public sector. These strategies follow a three-stage process, namely, opposing the reforms, negotiating for favorable reform measures, and shifting from centralized structures to networks.IS

Using leadership and strategic planning functions to improve management performance: the progress made by small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) in the province of Gauteng, South Africa.

This study investigated the use of the leadership and strategic planning functions in improving the management performance of small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) in the province of Gauteng, South Africa. The primary objective was to establish the extent to which SMMEs in the construction industry in the study area utilised leadership and strategic planning to achieve continuous improvement in management performance. Primary data were collected through structured interviews with 326 respondents from 64 randomly selected SMMEs in the built environment. The findings showed the necessity of educating the owner-managers of SMMEs concerning the use of appropriate management measurement tools and strengthening the implementation of the leadership and strategic planning functions in order to improve management performance. These findings suggest that specific management function-focused courses should be designed and implemented. Rewards should be introduced for SMMEs that show signs of continuous improvement

Reliable and valid measurement scales for determinants of the willingness to accept knowledge

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 their positive attitudes towards, and intended use of, the acquired knowledge. To be willing to accept knowledge, the receiving project's team members must perceive it to have value and be easy to use. 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

Technology forecasting in the National Research and Education Network technology domain using context sensitive Data Fusion

Using inductive reasoning this paper develops a framework for the Structural Equation Modeling based context sensitive Data Fusion of technology indicators in order to produce Technology Forecasting output metrics. Data Fusion is a formal framework that defines tools, as well as the application of these tools, for the unification of data originating from diverse sources. Context sensitive Data Fusion techniques refine the generated knowledge using the characteristics of exogenous context related variables, which in the proposed framework entails non-technology related metrics. Structural Equation Modeling, which is a statistical technique capable of evaluating complex hierarchical dependencies between latent and observed constructs, has been shown to be effective in implementing context sensitive Data Fusion. For illustrative purposes an example model instantiation of the proposed framework is constructed for the case of the National Research and Education Network technology domain using knowledge gained through action research in the South African National Research Network, hypotheses from peer-reviewed literature and insights from the Trans- European Research and Education Network Association’s annual compendiums for National Research and Education Network infrastructure and services trends. This example model instantiation hypothesizes that a National Research and Education Network’s infrastructure and advanced services capabilities are positively related to one another, as well as to the contextual influence it experiences through government control. Also, positive relationships are hypothesized between a National Research and Education Network’s infrastructure and advanced services capabilities and its usage, which is defined as the technology forecasting output metric of interest for this example. Data from the 2011 Trans-European Research and Education Network Association compendium is used in the Partial Least Square regression analysis of the example model instantiation, which confirms all hypothesized relationships, except the postulation that a National Research and Education Network’s infrastructure and advanced services capabilities are positively related. This latter finding is explained by observing the prevalence of technology leapfrogging in the National Research and Education Network global community.The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, as well as the University of Pretoria.http://www.journals.elsevier.com/technological-forecasting-and-social-change2017-10-31hb2016Graduate School of Technology Management (GSTM

Results-Based Monitoring and Evaluation and Knowledge Management Approaches in Government to Government Partnerships: The Case of the Shandong and WCG Partnership

Government to Government (G2G) partnerships between countries in the BRICS partnerships have significantly increased and with it, the need for more effective evidence-based decision-making. In this process, improved M&E and KM has become prominent. In this context, the study investigated the need for Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E), as well as knowledge management (KM) systems in partnerships. This study focused on the development management aspects of such partnerships and the article is based on research information obtained through the PhD study by Dr Ivy Chen as well as updated research perspectives.The article concluded that a need existed to establish more advanced M&E and KM systems in G2G partnerships. The Readiness Assessment conducted regarding M&E showed that a need existed for Results-Based M&E that can be used to ensure evidence-based decision-making in the G2G partnerships. The Readiness Assessment showed that a definite need existed for Communities of Practice (COPs) beyond the formal meetings and that professionals and practitioners on both sides needed to exchange explicit and implicit knowledge. A need also existed for improved ICTs based-systems including dedicated portals where policy documentation, programme information and data, as well as M&E results, can be loaded and shared by Governments

A CASE STUDY VALIDATION OF THE APPLICATION OF A GENERALISED EQUATION OF INNOVATION IN COMPLEX ADAPTIVE SYSTEMS

This article leverages a mathematical model of innovation for complex adaptive systems (CAS) to explore, ex post facto, organisational innovation investigations conducted by the first author at Stanford University Medical Center. Tapping into the meta-level and more varied sources of innovation, as illustrated by a generalised equation of innovation, requires that habitual patterns along the physical, vital, mental, and integral dimensions be overcome. The experimental work used frameworks and software consistent with the generalised equation of innovation in CAS to assist in overcoming such patterns at the personal, team, and departmental levels, thereby allowing deeper sources of innovation to come into being

The application of ergonomic research principles for workstation enhancement of apparel machinists

The SA clothing industry shed over 67 000 jobs in the past three years (Bell, 2006).There is a possibility that more jobs may be shed in Durban (Kwa-Zulu Natal). The Alexander Report mentions that between July 2006 and May 2007 there was a drop of 5275 in employment figures (Palmi, 2007). The cut, make and trim (CMT) industries find it difficult to negotiate wage increases as production costs escalate beyond proportion. If the lay off of workers continues in the clothing industry, it would increase the unemployment rate, thus impacting on the economy. Statistics South Africa estimates that the South African population stands at approximately 47.4-million and the unemployment rate stands at 25% of the total population (www.southafrica.info).The clothing manufacturing industry is labourintensive with repetitive and skilled manipulation of fabric. With a challenge of skills development, SA faces a dilemma in terms of its productivity status. Poorly-designed workstations contribute to cumulative trauma disorders (CTD) such as musculoskeletal disorders of the neck, shoulder and upper limb, collectively known as repetitive strain injuries (RSI). This highlights the importance of the implementation of effective ergonomic practices in the clothing industry, that would improve the competitive status of organisation and in effect the country. The importance is further enhanced by the necessity for a productive economy and thus, the necessity for a productive workforce. The methodology includes a questionnaire, discussions with the workforce and management on ergonomics issues in the workplace.Mechanical and Industrial Engineerin

Analysis of INCOSE Systems Engineering journal and international symposium research topics

http://wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/syshj2021Graduate School of Technology Management (GSTM