Electronic Theses and Dissertations (Masters/MBA)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10539/37942

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End date: 2024Subject: search.filters.subject.SDG-7: Affordable and clean energy

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    The use of 4IR technology in accelerating net zero transition in the South African mining industry
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Belur, Ramaprasad Deepak; Lee, Gregory John
    This quantitative study aimed to assess the impact of fourth industrial revolution (4IR) technology adoption on the ability of South African mining companies to accelerate their transition to net zero, focusing specifically on the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. There has been an urgent need to research the nature of association, and if so, the impact of such association between rate of adoption of 4IR technology's ability to accelerate net zero transition, given the new challenges in the South African mining sector in the wake of the phase 2 carbon tax regime. Through a comprehensive survey, desktop analysis and subsequent statistical analysis involving multiple mining entities across South Africa, this study investigated the direct and indirect relationships between 4IR technology maturity and the efficacy of GHG emission reduction strategies, thereby accelerating net zero transition. The study revealed a complex relationship between 4IR maturity and GHG emissions, moderated by organisations' access to financial and skill resources. Contrary to expectations, no significant direct indirect linear relationship was found between aspects of 4IR maturity and GHG emissions. The research suggests a moderate, statistically insignificant negative association, which becomes more pronounced and statistically significant when considering organisations' financial status and employee size. The study was conducted using a cross-sectional method using a non- experimental approach and focused on establishing the corelation between two key variables namely, 4IR maturity and acceleration of net zero transition through GHG reduction. The causality of these two variables was not investigated. The study was undertaken by choosing a sample which was representative of the JSE listed mining companies. Hence extended population of global mining organisation needs to consider specific regional considerations before generalising the findings. iii By emphasising the crucial relationship between technological innovation and climate change mitigation, these findings not only advance our understanding of technology's role in environmental sustainability within the mining sector, but also provide useful information to industry stakeholders, policymakers, and sustainability strategists. This work offers a fundamental structure for subsequent investigations and tactical planning with the objective of harnessing 4IR developments to promote a more ecologically conscious and sustainable mining sector in South Africa
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    Exploring employees’ resistance towards the creation of an executable process model for innovation adoption in mining
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Xheko, Sibongile Amos
    Background: Mining is one of the oldest and most essential industries in the world, but it is also one of the most conservative and resistant to change. Despite the potential benefits of modern technology innovation, such as improved productivity, safety, efficiency, and environmental performance, mining companies face significant challenges in adopting and implementing them. In this document, we will identify the biggest challenge for mining companies when they introduce modern technology innovation and suggest some workable solutions to overcome it. Objective: The purpose of this comprehensive research study is to identify how change management process facilitate the adoption of modern technology like collision avoidance systems (CAS level 9) in the South African mining industry? There has been known and unknown challenges, strategies, and unusual decisions related to implementation of modern technology in the mining sector. Methods: The study applied a qualitative research approach dissection based on organizations' readiness to implement modern technology, while putting emphasis on change management. In total, 16 individuals were interviewed with four questions posed on each group. The records were obtained from 2015 which was the first year of introducing proximity detection systems, until December 2022 after the pronouncement of the collision avoidance system level 9. Then, we updated the search to the 2023, which was the first year of full implementation of CAS level 9. After removing duplicates and reviewing articles according to inclusion and exclusion criteria, 16 interviewees were used for the study. Finally, the study proposed a conceptual framework of technology implementation executable process model for implementation of new technology based on the literature findings to fight against the loss of life on the mining industry due to collision of vehicle to vehicle or vehicle to man. Results: The failure of proper technology implementation posed numerous adverse consequences, such as organisational cultural shock, safety crisis, change in user/operator behaviours, and challenges at the organization level to continue business operations. Besides, the strategies included flexibility, strengthening internal efficiency, talent acquisition, and making innovative changes based on organizational assessment and needs for smooth business activities. v Conclusion: The appropriate modern technology strategies implementations would increase employees’ well-being, satisfaction, productivity, and health safety at the workplace. Resistance to change was pointed as one of the key factors that leads to failure to implement modern technology innovations in the mining sector. Proper change management process is one of the key factors that will assist the mining industry in the implementation of modern technology
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    Improving the Productivity of the Styldrift Platinum Mine using the Theory of Constraints
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Tingini, Tinotenda Lionel
    The purpose of this research was to apply Theory of Constraints (TOC) to identify constraints affecting the Styldrift mine’s productivity and develop strategies on how TOC can be used to improve productivity in operations. Due to limitations in resources, the study was focused only on one crew. To identify the constraints limiting production at Styldrift mine, time and motion studies were conducted for a period of a month. The data was collected from direct observations as well as end of shift production reports. Control charts were then used to summarise the observations of the time and motion studies for each critical activity in each shift. The data from the Control charts was then analysed to identify the constraints. From the Control Charts, it was observed that the main constraint limiting productivity at the crew was the issue of blockages, as it contributed the most (42%) to the factors affecting production. After identifying the main constraint, a root cause analysis was conducted using TOC’s Current Reality Tree (CRT). The root cause analysis identified the mine’s cost cutting drives, the role of the union, long working hours, the mine’s local empowerment policies, and the utilization of the axess rig for other task other than the installation of secondary support, as the core problems leading to the blockages. To develop strategies to solve these core problems, the TOC’s Evaporating Cloud (EC) thought process (TP) tool was applied to come up with more optimal solutions to the identified problems. A Future Reality Tree (FRT) was then constructed using the EC. This research illustrated how the TOC’s thought process tools such as the EC, CRT and FRT can be applied in the mining context to identify constraints limiting productivity and develop strategies to exploit and eliminate those constraints. It however did not manage to illustrate explicitly how the five focus steps of TOC can be applied to improve productivity in the mining context. This is an area further research can focus on
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    Leadership styles and performance of teams in underground South African coal mines
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Smith, Corne; Stacey, Anthony
    The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between leadership styles and team performance in underground South African coal mines. The mining industry, particularly in South Africa, is critical to the country's economic development, therefore excellent team performance is essential to guaranteeing safety, productivity, and long-term prosperity. To collect thorough data, the study adopted a rigorous literature review combined with a quantitative survey issued to underground mining supervisors. The study investigated the various leadership styles used in different mining situations and examined their impact on team performance measures using this method. The study investigated the effectiveness of various leadership styles in building team overall performance by identifying prevalent leadership styles such as situational and transformational leadership styles. The quantitative survey analysed team performance using key variables such as productivity rates. The obtained data was then statistically analysed to uncover relationships between leadership styles and team performance outcomes. The findings of this study have important implications for both the mining industry and leadership theory. This study helps mining businesses adopt more targeted and meaningful leadership development programs by providing insights into the most effective leadership styles and productivity improvement for developing high- performing teams. Furthermore, the study added to a broader understanding of leadership practices in challenging and high-risk contexts, giving insight into the complex relationship between leadership styles and team success. Finally, this study shed light on the relationship between leadership styles and team performance in the particular environment of South African underground coal mines. It provided practical ideas for optimizing leadership methods to improve team performance, and overall productivity in this essential industry through its methodology and analysis
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    Adoption of Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Technology in Residential Sectional-Title and Townhouse Community Schemes Market in South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Nkuna, Howard Siboniso; Mazonde, Nomusa
    The research was undertaken based on the experienced load-shedding and power outages in SouthAfrica. It was observed that other market segments, such as commercial real estate, businesses,industries, and residential customers with standalone houses, have adopted solar PV technology tomitigate the impact of load-shedding and power outages. The research was undertaken to identifyand analyse the factors hindering or facilitating solar PV technology adoption and identify activities ofresponsive business model elements that can facilitate solar PV system installation in the residentialsectional-title and townhouse community schemes in South Africa. A qualitative research approachwas used to undertake the study.The research conducted on the factors hindering and facilitating solar PV technology adoption in thesectional-title and townhouse community schemes segment of the residential market in South Africahas revealed significant insights. The study identified many barriers that impede the widespreadadoption of solar PV systems in these community schemes. These barriers encompass social andstakeholder collaboration challenges, institutional, policy, and legislative hurdles, financialconstraints, limitations in land, building, and roof resources, technical and technological obstacles, aswell as company resources and operational barriers.On the contrary, the study also sheds light on various factors that facilitate the adoption of solar PVtechnology in these residential communities. These facilitating factors include the impact of load-shedding on the demand for backup solutions like solar PV, the influence of social, stakeholder, andindustry players in driving awareness and engagement, the role of incentives, policy, and legislativeinstruments in promoting solar PV investment, the principle of economies of scale in driving adoptionin larger communities, and the perceived benefits of solar PV adoption across economic,environmental, social, and energy security domains.The research question focused on exploring the activities of a responsive business model that canfacilitate solar PV system installation in the residential sectional-title and townhouse communityschemes in South Africa. The study findings revealed two business models, i.e., the customer-ownedbusiness model (COBM) and the third-party-owned business model (TPOBM).
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    Factors Contributing to Employee Turnover in the South African Renewable Energy Sector
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Ngema, Dumsile Nondumiso; Seiff, Grant
    The primary objective of this study was to identify the key factors drivingemployee turnover. Concurrently, the study aimed to investigate the underlyingorganisational culture disparities across different age groups and gender profiles.Additionally, it explored the impact of leadership on turnover and the relationshipbetween employee compensation and turnover. Considering the complex natureof employee turnover's impact, the development of effective retention strategieshas become a crucial need for organisations in this rapidly growing industry.Implementing these strategies is vital for retaining top talent, safeguardinginstitutional knowledge, mitigating turnover-related costs, and enhancing overallorganisational productivity. To address the study’s objectives, a digitalquantitative research survey was conducted with a sizable sample of 300employees employed in the renewable energy sector. The survey achieved a95.67% response rate, providing a robust dataset for analysis. The collected dataunderwent rigorous statistical examination, which included both inferential anddescriptive statistics. Among the key findings, organisational culture emerged asthe primary driver of employee turnover within South Africa's renewable energysector. This highlights the significance of elements such as inclusivity, employeesupport, respect, work-life balance, and ethical conduct as crucial components ofthe organisational culture. Employee compensation also played a significant rolein influencing employee turnover in this sector, with job satisfaction acting as acritical mediator in explaining the relationship between culture and employeeretention. Interestingly, the study did not identify a similar mediating role betweencompensation and turnover. Additionally, other factors such as leadership andtraining and development did not demonstrate a significant relationship withturnover. The practical implications of these findings are significant for improvinghuman resource practices in the renewable energy sector. These findings alsohighlight the importance of strengthening organisational culture while alsofocusing on job satisfaction and competitive compensation packages.Policymakers and industry associations can draw valuable insights from thefindings of this study to enhance employee retention strategies. This studycontributes meaningfully to the understanding of employee turnover in thevrenewable energy sector, not only within South Africa but with potential relevancein a broader context
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    Sustainability and performance of the South African mining industry in supply chain management post Covid-19
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Malebana, Marakeng; Totowa, Jacques
    The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted global supply chains, disrupted operations, and caused delays across various industries. The mining industry in South Africa was not immune to some of these problems. Gradually, restrictions eased, businesses reopened, and supply chain performance slowly improved. However, the pandemic has highlighted the importance of building resilience in supply chains to prepare for future disruptions. Mining firms in South Africa should re-evaluate their supply chain strategies, looking to diversify suppliers, shorten lead times, and increase transparency to mitigate risks. Moreover, adopting advanced technologies like artificial intelligence, Blockchain, and the Internet of Things should assist firms in managing their supply chains better, improving visibility, and enhancing overall performance. This study examined the post-COVID-19 supply chain management performance in the mining industry. This was quantitative research, and the population of the study was 319 and 175 respondents across five mining companies in South Africa. The study developed and empirically tested hypotheses to determine the influence of supply chain network design, information systems, organizational structure, and supply chain strategy on supply chain finance and performance. The research suggests that mining firms in South Africa must radically improve their supply chain design, organization structure, and strategy and deploy information systems such as blockchain, machine learning, AI, and ERP to enhance industry performance. The current supply chain challenges in the industry require building capabilities and sharing resources among firms to alleviate the cost and other problems in logistics. The study contributes to the body of knowledge in supply chain management and offers a proposition to management on how to resolve the bottleneck in industry support to improve industry performance
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    Coal and the Environment: Some implications for South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Makhombothi, Ntuthuko; Rangasamy, Logan
    South Africa’s coal industry faces an existential threat from the need to transition to a low carbon economy. This study analyses the implications of the Just Energy Transition (JET) on the coal industry of South Africa using mixed methods approach and secondary data from industry reports, government reports and academic sources. The study demonstrates the significant economic contribution of coal to the GDP, employment and energy security, while evaluating the JET framework against international principles. Although the JET framework is largely aligned with international principles, there are some areas for improvement. The decommissioning of the Komati power station illustrates the shortcoming in the distributive, restorative and redistributive justice. The findings suggest a need for a balanced JET that ensures economic growth, energy security and environmental sustainability. Further research is required to develop transition pathways that mitigate against the negative socioeconomic consequences for coal dependent communities
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    The Relationship between Renewable Energy Products and Cost-Effective Electricity among Middle-class consumers in Gauteng
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Ludick, Sheldon; Venter, Robert
    This executive summary presents a business venture proposal to address the need for stable electricity in South Africa, by offering renewable energy solutions to middle to upper-income households. The proposal focuses on charging customers per kilowatt basis, thereby eliminating the initial capital outlay typically required for setting up renewable energy systems in homes by providing renewable energy infrastructure at no upfront cost to the consumer. A pay-as-you-use model stands as the unique selling proposition of Renew Able Technologies, giving it a distinct competitive advantage. By partnering with residents in the target living standards measure LSM bracket, the business aims to provide long-term electricity supply through renewable energy technologies at a competitive per- unit or kilowatt cost, creating a monthly income stream, while creating a long-term partnership with consumers. Additionally, renewable energy is environmentally friendly, and contributes to a greener, cleaner, and sustainable future. As a consequence, this proposal is not purely based on the current supply issues of electricity in South Africa, but instead, it aims to create a profitable business, at once contributing to the planet's sustainability. The business venture proposal will calculate the average daily usage of kilowatt hours to determine the appropriate solution for each household. Implementation costs will vary based on individual household needs; correspondingly, larger households will incur higher charges based on their monthly usage. Estimates suggest that by 2030, there will be over 100 million homes globally equipped with solar energy or other renewable energy sources, a significant increase from 25 million homes in 2020. This proposal aims to support this growth, by enabling households with limited upfront resources to access renewable energy through a per-unit supply model. The proposal suggests offering an affordable monthly electricity bill to attract customers who desire to switch to renewable energy but are put off by the upfront expenses. This proposal presents a solution to the current lack of renewable energy accessibility for households. The pricing strategy will adopt a competition-oriented approach, ensuring that the shift to renewable energy minimizes household monthly spending for electricity while promoting long-term self- sufficiency. Our marketing efforts will be geared towards middle- to upper-income homeowners through promotions at various events, roadshows, and advertising agencies. We will ensure that product and pricing information is easily accessible to everyone through radio and television channels. By doing so, we aim to reach as many potential customers as possible and provide them with the best possible service. To finance the venture, we plan to seek equity and loan funding. Specifically, we are proposing a split of 60% equity and 40% loan. In summary, this business venture proposal aims to capitalise on the growing demand for renewable energy, by offering households an affordable alternative to traditional electricity. In eliminating the initial capital outlay, the proposal seeks to tap into a market segment that desires renewable energy solutions but is hindered by cost constraints
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    The Perceived Business Value of a Business Intelligence System in the South African Energy Sector
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Kgasago, Kgoramele Joseph; Oba, Pius
    The use of the BI System is assumed to be beneficial to organisations based on several conceptual and empirical studies which were undertaken to establish the business value of this information system. The current era of the fourth industrial revolution is characterised by innovative solutions such as Robotic Process Automation (RPA), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Internet of Things (IoT) and Big Data Analytics (BD), which have furthermore elevated the significance of BI System. The adoption of these technologies creates voluminous amounts of data and information, which need BI System to integrate and manage these data and generate relevant insight to enhance decision-making. However, the literature about how the adoption and use of BI Systems add business value to organisations is still limited. Most studies on the impact of the adoption and use of BI Systems to establish its business value have adopted quantitative empirical studies. Furthermore, the extant literature on BI System is still very limited when it comes the impact and business value that the BI System has on the South African energy sector. This study adopted a modified version of the Balanced Scorecard (BSC) as a theoretical framework that underpinned its investigation on how the use of BI System adds value in the South African energy sector. A qualitative research methodology was assumed to explore this phenomenon about perceived business value of BI Systems in the energy sector. Six professionals working in the South African energy sector’s oil and gas segment were sampled thorough purposive sampling technique and interviewed collect qualitative data about the BI System is perceived to impact this sector. Thematic analysis strategy was used to analyse the data from the opinion, views, values, and perspectives of participants to identify themes, concepts, and ideas that adequately explains this phenomenon. The findings of the study revealed that, BI System impacts organisations indirectly by providing actionable insight that supports the decision-making process in key business areas. As such, the BI System impacts organisations' performance through financial control, customer relationship management, revenue and sale increase, Internal controls and governance management, business process and enhanced asset performance. Consequently, the adoption and use of the BI System is deemed as a strategic initiative which must be embraced to enable organisations to respond to global business dynamics promptly and sustainably