A systems dynamic approach to channel management

The purpose of this paper is to explore from a systems dynamic modelling approach ways in which to manage distribution channels in the control and instrumentation product market. In this market multi-faceted product lines, technological knowledge and the position of the product in its life cycle play important roles in the manner in which these products are diffused into the market. Due to the fast pace of emerging technologies, it is becoming increasingly difficult for manufacturers to keep their routes to the markets aligned to ensure profitability and customer satisfaction. Aims of the paper include the following: to asses whether driving factors identified by way of preliminary research case studies, qualitative methods and inductive reasoning are realistic and how the identified factors could be used within a systems dynamic modelling approach to understand the value additions derived from a distribution channel for the various types of product lines. In conducting the research, unlike many studies using qualitative methods, this paper additionally employs system dynamics simulation to develop an analysis of different scenarios that can be used by manufacturers in their channel management approach. This paper contributes to the field of technology business strategies and planning by introducing a systems dynamic model that can be of assistance to technology manufacturers to ascertain the appropriate route to market for their various product lines

Effects of culture on project management contributing to the success of managing culturally diverse engineering teams in a global environment

Abstract: The research in this paper measured the Cultural Intelligence capability of engineering project leaders and team members from around the world, and their awareness of cultural influences on project management. The focus was on comparing South African engineers to those in other countries. It was concluded that intercultural communication and differences in decision-making were two primary cultural factors influencing the success of managing culturally diverse engineering teams

An integrated systems approach to risk management within a technology-driven industry, using the design structure matrix and fuzzy logic

Risk interactions exist within a system and its sub-systems, between functional and physical elements in various dimensions such as spatial interaction, information exchange, material transfer, and energy exchange. These interactions are of a multi-dimensional complexity, and thus are not sufficiently interpreted using conventional management tools. Alternative system representation and analysis techniques are proposed – in particular the design structure matrix (DSM) and fuzzy logic thinking – to quantify the risk management effort necessary to deal with uncertain and imprecise interactions. A cement grinding plant case study is used to elaborate on the risk management methodolog

An approach to innovation in risk systems

Risk interactions exist between functional and physical elements within a system and its sub-systems in various ”dimensions” such as spatial interaction, information exchange, material transfer, energy exchange etc. The interactions are of a multi-dimensional complexity that cannot be sufficiently interpreted using conventional management tools (PERT, Gantt and CPM methods). Alternative system representation and analysis techniques are proposed, in particular the design structure matrix (DSM), and fuzzy logic thinking to quantify the risk management effort necessary to deal with uncertain and imprecise interactions. A Cement Grinding Plant case study is utilized to elaborate on the risk management methodology

A systematic approach for the implementation of an effective management model for gland service

Abstract:The aim of the research was to develop an Effective Management Model (EMM) for a Gland Service System (GSS). The Systematic Approach to Engineering Design focuses on the optimisation of the GSS which is a fundamental pillar for the functionality of the slurry pumps in a tailings plant. The EMM was considered for a wide variety of mining applications to innovatively create a method for the correct design, implementation, control and maintenance of a Gland Service System. A Production Performance Model (PPM) was created utilising the Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) Theory to provide an indication of the production capacity of a tailings plant. The subsystem of the PPM was the EMM, its core focus was on the optimisation of the Gland Service System, which in turn directly relates the improved performance of the tailings plant which ultimately results in the improved capability of the mines production process. Simulink was used to incorporate the optimisation inputs of the GSS, thus forming a model from Qualitative and Quantitative feedback as well as the Experimentation with regard to water quality and its effect on the GSS. By using these data sets, triangulation of the data sampling systems was used. The combination of non-probability sampling, and purpose sampling systems formed the basis of the triangulation system

Investigating the effect of team grouping principles on project success : a case study

Time is money, an expression very often used these days. As we know, deadlines and budgets form a critical part of any project. It is for this reason that the researcher decided to investigate the effect that project team composition has on project success. The reality however is that project teams are formed randomly or by availability of personnel and not with due regard to individual competency and the efficiency of team roles. This often leads to project failure. The research aim was to identify and apply various methods used to compose an optimal project team. One of the factors that influences teamwork within the project team is the behaviour of team members. Dr. R. Meredith Belbin developed a Self Perception Inventory (SPI) which is a tool used to determine the preferred team role for every team member. This SPI was applied to the chosen sample and the outcome, which is a report of the individual's preferred team role, was compared to the actual role these individuals performed in one of their unsuccessful projects. The result of the study showed that when individuals are not applied within their preferred team roles it could have a negative effect on the chances for project success

Application of the event chain project management methodology to a mining stope

Abstract: Although South Africa possesses more than 80% of the world’s platinum reserves, its reputation for reliability in supplying platinum to global markets is under threat. This is due to the 49% decrease in output per worker (1999–2014), while the domestic costs have risen by more than 10% annually for the past 5 years. In addition, the continued decline in the commodity price by 38.3% (2012–2016) has resulted in a significant portion of the sector producing at a loss in 2015. The Chamber of Mines (now the Minerals Councilof South Africa) has suggested that solutions to improve productivity and reduce cost pressures are required. This research aims to provide operational excellence through the application of event chain project management (ECPM) to improve productivity and reduce operational costs. A case study was used to carry out research in platinum mines, with data collected using a motion-time study to measure the current efficiency of operations in each mining stope through actual activity durations. The results indicate that through the application of the event chain project management methodology, risks affecting the mining stope schedule can be managed, the efficiency of operations was improved by reducing the time spent on each activity, productivity was increased by shortening the project duration, and operational costs were reduced in the process

Effectiveness of economic incentives on clients’ participation in health and safety programmes

The use of economic incentives to improve health and safety (H&S) performance in the construction industry in general has been investigated by various scholars. However, few studies have looked at the impact of economic incentives on construction clients, especially in the developing world. This paper reports findings on the feasibility of incentives to influence construction clients to perform on H&S. The investigation was conducted using a Delphi technique to determine the impact significance of economic incentives or disincentives on construction clients’ H&S performance. A panel of experts in construction H&S was assembled from most regions of the world. A three- round iterative Delphi study aimed at establishing consensus from the expert panel was then conducted. The study found that economic factors have critical impact significance on clients’ H&S performance, and that clients were ‘very likely’ to implement various H&S elements as a result of the economic incentives and or disincentives. There is little research on the use of incentives to influence construction clients’ H&S performance and the effectiveness of such incentives. This gap in literature, and the need for improvement in construction H&S performance, motivated the current study. Therefore it was necessary to investigate specifically the extent to which economic incentives could be used to influence construction clients to become involved in H&S programmes. Economic incentives are considered to be a proactive way of improving H&S performance among other key parties, such as employees in the construction industry. The paper reports on the findings from an analysis of the impact significance of economic incentives on clients. It underscores the point that economic incentives or disincentives for construction clients are necessary to encourage them to actively participate in H&S programmes, hence resulting in performance improvement

Master’s of engineering management : graduation rates lagging behind growth rate

Abstract: The Engineering Management degree at master’s level has been taught at a South African higher education institution for more than 20 years. The student enrollment numbers have seen significant growth over the last decade, with a year-on-year growth varying from 20% to 39% each year. The coursework master’s program consists of a number of lectured modules and a research component which accounts for fifty percent of the program. The students are very successful in completing the lectured modules, but they are less successful in completing the research component. The main problem is that students complete the lectured component within the required time, but when they start doing the research component they either take longer than the allocated time or they never reach completion..

Utilising high and premium efficiency three phase motors with VFDs in a public water supply system

The increased reliability and ultimately reduced life cycle cost of high and premium efficiency three phase motors in a process control application is discussed. The reduced energy consumption of these motors is evaluated in a public water system case study under variable frequency conditions. The importance of the consideration of a combined system, which includes variable speed control, motor and load - as opposed to only replacing with high efficiency motors for energy saving purposes - is practically observed and reported on. The paper reports on the marginal improvement in energy consumption at reduced supply frequency for motor replacement only (not surprising) but a very impressive 46% saving in energy consumption by controlling pumped water at a reduced but constant delivery rate