Browsing by Subject "Operations Management"

Now showing 1 - 4 of 4
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    Open Access
    Development of computer software support for interpretive structural modelling
    (1995) Lawrie, Peter Richard; Ryan, Tom
    Interpretive Structural Modelling is a computer-driven method for dealing with complexity, by allowing individuals or groups to interpret the inter-relationships between different aspects or elements of a problem. In doing this interpretation, the elements are structured, and from this structuring, a graphical model is produced, allowing the modeller(s) to better understand the problem. The main contribution of this thesis was to develop a computer package for Interpretive Structural Modelling (ISM), for use at the School of Engineering Management at the University of Cape Town. The package was developed for the IBM PC.
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    The effect of the implementation of lean production principles on the financial performance of a rail refurbishing plant of a large South African company
    (2001) Meiring, AC; Hipkin, Ian
    The study emanated from the needs for (i) effective management systems in the currently changing South Africa, (ii) empirical, "real world" research in the operations management field as well as (iii) the requirement by local management to verify the effects of an implemented intervention. In terms of this background, the study investigates the effects of the implementation of lean Production principles in a South African Government-owned Rail Refurbishing Plant with a Job production system on financial performance as measured by Return On Investment (ROI). The research question formulated for the study investigates the possible differences in financial performance as measured by ROJ between the Transwerk (Bloemfontein) Rail Refurbishing plant, which implemented lean Production Principles, and three similar Transwerk Rail Refurbishing plants which had no lean implementation initiatives. The literature review discusses the constructs Lean Production and Return On Investment (ROI). Emphasis is placed on the elements and transferability of lean Production, as well as the proven and potential effects of lean Production principles on ROI. Despite cited criticism of lean Production, the overall conclusion was reached (on the basis of case studies, research and postulations) that the implementation of Lean Production principles in a South African, Government owned, Rail Refurbishing plant with a job production system can improve ROI The research design (a case study) is reviewed next. Data sources are identified to be financial statements and questionnaires, while data collection methods are listed as the documentary approach and the survey approach. Sampling is non-random, and the generalisation of results is listed as a potential weakness of the study. The richness of in-depth descriptions of lean Production principles as applied in the case study plant accompanied by descriptions of results and obstacles encountered, however, are listed as strong points of the study. A MANOVA is chosen as an appropriate statistical test to evaluate the collected data with α = 5% to answer the research question of the study, while two χ² tests are performed to answer the secondary questions.
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    Identifying delay factors in electrical distribution projects at Eskom Northern Cape Operating Unit
    (2017) Ntshangase, Bonga; Tuan, Nien-Tsu
    Delays on electrical engineering projects are a phenomenon at Eskom distribution due to a wide range of causes. These project delays result in Eskom to contravene with Electricity Regulation Act 4 of 2006 in terms of providing efficient, effective and sustainable operation of electricity supply infrastructure, promoting the use of renewable energy sources and energy efficiency as well as to facilitate universal access to electricity for South African consumers (Gazette, 2006). Eskom strives to comply with the Electricity Regulation Act by initiating and implementing strengthening projects, refurbishment (reliability) projects, direct customer projects, infills projects and electrification projects (Eskom, 2014).The severe delays experienced in the delivery of electrical distribution projects have a negative impact on South African economic growth and population. This research study adopted interactive management methodology for the identification of project delay factors in Eskom distribution projects through the use of the idea writing technique, nominal group technique, and interpretive structural modelling technique. The interactive management methodology allows a group of people collaboratively to develop a structure that defines the relationship among the system elements. Using interactive management approach, a total of one hundred and twelve project delay factors were reduced to twenty six significant project delays which formed part of interpretive structural modelling. This research study revealed the hierarchical model illustrating interrelationships between the twenty six identified project delay factors. The research study identified three root causes of delays in electrical distribution projects at Eskom Northern Cape Operating Unit, namely "poor communication", "poor planning", and "project scheduling not properly done". The three identified root causes can be used as critical points for eradicating delays in electrical distribution projects at Eskom Northern Cape Operating Unit. The research study found that a total of ten out of twenty six project delay factors were unique to electrical distribution projects at Eskom Northern Cape Operating Unit.
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    Towards systems engineering approach applicable for small developing organisation
    (1998) Jaroslawski, S R; Ryan, Tom
    The purpose of this thesis was to create the model which could be used to optimise the operational effectiveness of the general type of small developing business/system. The small developing organisation is the system which has the same type of components as a big organisation but the structure is much simpler. These components develop a system in the Technical, Economic and Environmental areas. Each of these components has its own purpose and together these purposes optimise the entire system. The identification of the purpose of the components of the small developing organisation should be analysed by: • investigating the component's performance; • investigating the component's behavioural pattern; and • investigating the component's support requirement. Further, the analysis of the general characteristics of the small developing organisation is such that: * analysis of the performance considers only the main point of the component's operation but not the entire operational function; * the behavioural pattern (i.e. failure and repair occurrence) is random; * the evaluation of the support requirements is subjective where the statistical tools may not be applicable; • the relationship between the elements of the aforementioned three activities is often unpredictable; • the components are usually analysed according to the hierarchy of importance to the development of the entire system.