Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management (ETDs)

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Subject: search.filters.subject.SDG-12: Responsible consumption and production

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    Navigating Governance Processes in IT Startups: A Case Study within an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM)
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Rantho, Malekgene; Sylvester, Horvey
    This qualitative study explores the intricate aspects of governance procedures within agile software development teams in IT startups in Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM’s) environment in South Africa. The research aimed to gain a comprehensive understanding of how elements such as leadership styles, organizational culture, decision-making processes, team climate, and emotional aspects of leadership influence the navigation and effectiveness of governance in agile agile software development teams. A case study of an IT startup within an OEM was used to explore the research question. To answer this question, an investigation was conducted through interviews of a qualitative nature with 20 members of agile teams in the organization selected for the case study seeking to: (i) To examine the current governance practices employed by agile teams of software development organizations within an OEM environment in South Africa; (ii) To identify the key challenges and opportunities faced by software development organizations in implementing effective governance practices; and (iii) To recommend best practices and strategies for enhancing governance practices in software development organizations, based on the findings of the case studies and an analysis of industry trends and standards. The results indicate the necessity of adaptive leadership that balances transformational, transactional, and laissez-faire styles to effectively manage governance of agile software development teams; the importance of aligning governance frameworks with organizational cultures, fostering continuous improvement, and promoting effective communication; the challenges in role clarity and the impacts of missing team members on workload, job satisfaction, and project outcomes; and that culturally sensitive governance practices, supported by regular knowledge-sharing sessions and a culture of measured risk-taking, enhance team performance and innovation. Thus the recommendations include implementing adaptive leadership training, fostering a culture of continuous feedback, and enhancing risk management practices to ensure project stability and quality. This study contributes to understanding how governance processes can be tailored to support agile methodologies in complex organizational settings.
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    Designing an AI-based Predictive Maintenance Framework to Improve OEE for an Automotive Manufacturer in South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Phenyane, Siphamandla Sifiso; Sony, Michael
    This study presents a comprehensive approach to enhancing Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) in an automotive manufacturing setting by integrating artificial intelligence and Internet of Things technologies with people and processes. The research applies the Design Science Research (DSR) methodology to develop, deploy, and evaluate an AI-driven predictive maintenance framework. The first phase involves a detailed exploratory data analysis to understand the current state of OEE and identify critical bottlenecks within the production line, particularly operating below OEE industry standards. The second phase builds on the insights gathered from a semi-structured survey conducted among field experts, leading to the formulation of a cohesive framework that synergises the socio-technical aspects of the manufacturing environment. The core of the study revolves around the design and development of a Bi-directional Long Short-Term Memory (Bi-LSTM) model artefact, capable of analysing sequential data to predict the Remaining Useful Life (RUL) of machinery, thereby pre-empting production halts. The model's predictive capability is rigorously tested and validated using historical IoT data, demonstrating a high degree of accuracy across different spot-welding locations. Overall, the study highlights the critical role of AI in transforming manufacturing processes, emphasising the need for continuous adaptation and improvement of predictive models to maintain operational efficiency. The proposed framework aims to serve as a strategic tool in lean manufacturing, contributing to smoother operations and improved OEE in automotive manufacturing settings
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    Postmodernism, Postmodern marketing, and the consumption behaviours of Millennials and Generation Z in South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Mkhonto, Zonke Mbali; Saini, Yvonne Kabeya
    There is an insufficient degree of research-related exploration and analysis in the postmodern marketing field or sphere in the context of consumer behaviours of the Generation Y (Millennials) and Generation Z in South Africa. Accordingly, this study explores the integration of and its application to postmodern marketing strategies, and also analyses the influences of these strategies on the consumption habits and behaviours of the Generation Y and Generation Z youth cohorts. In its focus on contributin towards the resolution of these research-related gaps, the study explored and analysed the application of postmodernism in respect of the principles or constructs of hyperreality, fragmentation, and reversals of production and consumption. These principles were then examined and integrated with postmodern marketing approaches such as the gamification, omnichannel, user-generated content, and experiential marketing strategies for broader understanding of the nature and impact of the identified consumption behaviours of the Millennials and Generation Z in South Africa. The methodology entailed a quantitative methodological approach since it is objective, systematic, more efficient and further amenable to testing of hypotheses. A self- administered online questionnaire designed by the researcher was utilised for data collection and as reference framework for statistical data analysis. The findings supported all the developed hypotheses, and further revealed, amongst others, that a positive and significant relationship between all constructs concerning the nature and impact of the identified consumption behaviours of the Millennials and Generation Z in South Africa. Notwithstanding these findings, the study supports and recommends further research (future studies) in the adoption and application of the omnichannel marketing strategy, which seemed to display the most dynamism in the context of correlation analysis and path modelling more than the other postmodern marketing constructs
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    Gamification in production of a manufacturing firm in South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Jooste, Stephanie Margaret
    Gamification although an old concept, is only recently being adopted into various industries which have shown tremendous positive outcomes from the adoption of the concept. However, the manufacturing industry in South Africa lacks diversity and has failed to adopt the new concept. Therefore, it is critical to explore the potential of gamification in this sector. The extant body of literature on gamification highlights the concept's beneficial consequences; yet, as no research has been done to document gamification's long-term effects, caution is advised. Leaving adopters uncertain about the duration of time they can enjoy the advantages of higher output and staff engagement. The concept of gamification was investigated in the manufacturing industry todetermine if adoption is a viable option. This research provided insights on the complexity of the workforce and the resistance towards change. The industry is hungry for a disturbance to drive productivity and employee engagement to the next level. A qualitative methodology was employed, with 4 participants from one manufacturing firm supplying information on how gamification might be implemented in the manufacturing sector and the potential impact. The research findings provide insight into the difficulties the company would face if gamification was implemented. While highlighting the anticipated benefits, participants voiced concern about the workforce's divergent viewpoints. The overall viewpoint of the participants was that gamification can have a positive impact on productivity levels in the firm if introduced in a slow cautious manner. One of the main recommendations was to implement gamification in the company in conjunction with a motivational theory as a means of assisting the employees in adapting to the shift. It was recommended that the change must happen slowly and purposeful, it is imperative that the workforce understands the change and what is to be expected from it
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    Resolving Inter- and Extra-group Discord Between Forestry and Milling Industries Using Photo-optical Technology
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2022-03) Bierman, Rohan; Penman, Neale
    TWK Agri timber mills purchase significant volumes of timber from the forestry division of the group and external plantations. A process is followed when timber arrives at a mill to determine the volume of timber to pay in tons, and this process utilises a conversion factor to convert cubic meters to tons. This conversion factor, 1.37 m3/ton, has been in use for many years, although recently it has become apparent that timber suppliers are dissatisfied with this value as they believe it to be longer representative of the state of timber being supplied to the mills. Importantly, the conversion factor has a direct impact on the amount that suppliers are compensated. The implications of low trust relationships with disgruntled suppliers of a key raw material cannot be overstated: if suppliers withdraw from supply agreements, the timber mills will be unable to meet the demand of the mining industry and other markets. This consulting report is concerned with investigating whether the conversion factor is still representative or should be adjusted. The means of conducting this investigation is using a photo-optical mobile device application, Timbeter, which can determine the volume of timber on a truck through photographing every stack and inputting the length of the logs. The application can identify each log and size it accordingly to calculate volume. The implication is that it has greater accuracy than the current manual method to determine volume. Using volume data from the Timbeter application of trucks measured from February to October 2021, along with weighbridge data, the actual factors were statistically analysed in comparison with the current factor, as well as reviewing other variables of stack density for varying timber diameter classes, species, and season. It is shown that the current factor is no longer suitable and should be adjusted to 1.24 m3/ton. This will have a profound impact on suppliers in terms of additional revenue; using volume measurements from Timbeter with the new factor the timber mills would pay a minimum additional R7.2 – R7.8m to all suppliers combined. However, with better recovery from lower input volumes calculated, the timber mills can calculate lower cost prices for products, thereby increasing gross profit. It was also imperative to investigate the perceptions of key individuals employed at the timber mills in relation to technology and the implementation of Timbeter as a technological solution to calculate timber volume on trucks. This qualitative study was conducted through semi-structured interviews and identifying the main themes into which the response data could be grouped. Four main themes were identified, covering operational challenges, supplier treatment, training and implementation and acknowledging the issues that arise with new technology implementation. The main conclusions from the quantitative and qualitative components of the consulting project were presented. Finally, recommendations were made in respect of the conclusions from the quantitative and qualitative components.
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    The Role of Consultants in Ensuring Compliance to Engineering Standards in Steel Fabrication Projects
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Khumalo, Buhlebezwe; Owusu Junio, Peterson
    This research paper investigates the role played by engineering consultants on steel fabrication projects to provide compliance to engineering standards. Complying to all engineering standards increases chances of considering the project as successful. With significant number of engineering project that have failed, it was important to investigate the client’s satisfaction on the work conducted by engineering consultants. Criteria such as importance of engineering consultant, value added by engineering consultants and the percentage amount to be paid consultants were used to investigate clients’ satisfaction on the work done by engineering consultants on steel fabrication projects. Literature review revealed that engineering consultants need to keep up with latest technology to be able to comply with the engineering standards. Sharing of information was one the emphasis put by literature on the mandate for engineering consultants to assist the steel fabrication industry to grow. Results from the chosen sample indicated that 95% of clients involved in steel fabrication projects feels engineering consultants are important and should be remunerated between 10% and 20% of the total project cost. Engineering consultants were praised for assisting on compliance to standards. Clients indicated that engineering consultants do add value on steel fabrication projects. It is recommended as future research to investigate how satisfied engineering consultants are on steel fabrication projects. It is recommended to further investigate the engineering consultants’ satisfaction to conclude the study on the performance of the whole steel fabrication industry. Engineering consultants also need to indicate how working with clients have been to ensure the required delivery. They could indicate the challenges experience and factors that have contributed to their success. They could also indicate the gaps that will need to be closed to make the steel fabrication industry a highly successful sector. All these opinions could be integrated with those obtained from this report to ensure that a complete view of the industry is obtained.
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    Participation of previously disadvantaged people in the export of agricultural commodities
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2021) Makgale, Joas Moabi Seatile; Vanyoro, Kudzaiishe; Wotela, Kambidima
    South Africa’s agricultural industry is dualistic in nature and has been for decades. This structure has ensured that only a few are able to enjoy the profits from the industry. The main objective of the current study is to interrogate the barriers that previously disadvantaged people face in participating in the export of agricultural commodities in South Africa’s agricultural industry. This is done with a focus on grain crops and the chosen area of study of Rustenburg; a town located in Moses Kotane Local Municipality (MKLM) in the North West province. Data was collected from 30 respondents who are previously disadvantaged grain crop farmers. The data were analysed using thematic data analysis. The findings of the study indicate that there are existing barriers to entry in the export market that particularly affect previously disadvantaged groups. These barriers include lack of knowledge as well as high levels of illiteracy, which disproportionately affects aging farmers. The study finds that the major barrier to entry is the structural set-up of the value chain, which enables commercial farmers to profit from the labor of the smallholder farmers. Smallholder farmers are heavily in debt and can barely earn a profit from their farm produce. To address these challenges, the research proposes a business venture model that will ensure that smallholder farmers are included in the export markets and concurrently scale themselves up into commercial farmers. The research also proposes the establishment of shared storage infrastructure in rural communities and owning machinery and equipment throughout the municipality. This would require a facilities management company to assume a custodian role to ensure proper management and administration of the business.
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    The inclusion of persons living with disability in the South African Mining industry
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2021) Mmoloke, Kgosietsile; Totowa, Jacques
    The South African Mining industry remains one of the key economic drivers in the country’s economy. There has been a lot of progress made in transforming the industry by the inclusion of black people and women, however persons living with disabilities remain underrepresented in the industry. This study aimed to investigate the means that could increase the representation of persons living with disabilities by answering the following questions i. How do perceptions towards people living with disabilities impact their representation in the mining industry in South Africa? ii. What is the impact of the legislative framework on the employment of people with disabilities in the mining sector? iii. What are the main barriers to the inclusion of people with disabilities in the mining sector in South Africa? 12 participants were part of the interviews, which were put through a thematic analysis, and the main findings highlighting the perceptions of persons with disability in the industry, and the challenges & barriers that they face. The findings further give recommendations on how these barriers & challenges can be overcome
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    Drivers for the institutionalisation of public sector monitoring and evaluation in Zimbabwe
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2021) Moyo, Nodumo; Korth, Marcel
    The continued failure to monitor and evaluate the performance of public sector programmes and projects over the years prompted the institutionalisation of public sector monitoring and evaluation in Zimbabwe. Owing to the scant attention paid to monitoring and evaluation (M&E), and the fact that its emergence as a practice is a nascent development in Zimbabwe, this study contributes to this under-researched area by assessing the factors that accounted for the institutionalisation of public sector M&E. Guided by the qualitative research methodological approach coupled with a case study research design, the study established that the institutionalisation of M&E in Zimbabwe was an internally-driven process underpinned by the need to continuously improve government performance, the enhanced quest for evidence-based public decision making, programme and policy development, and to ensure compliance with regulations from the donor world, the fulfilment of the requirements in the Constitution of Zimbabwe, 2013 and the need for improved transparency and accountability in the public sector
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    Effects of cognitive biases and heuristics on mining equipment selection on platinum mines in Rustenburg, South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Ramaphakela, Thabo; Stacey, Anthony
    The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of cognitive bias and heuristics on mining equipment selection, on platinum mines in Rustenburg South Africa. Shaft Engineers, Procurement Manger and Engineering Managers from Rustenburg platinum mines were the participants in the study. A total number of eight interviews were conducted on five mines around Rustenburg. The exploratory design and qualitative approach were used in the study. Interpretive phenomenological and semi-structured interviews approach were used. Open ended question were asked, these kinds of questions allowed the participants to engage and participate effectively. The information was analysed using a thematic approach. Heuristics and bias across life span of a decision maker, have influence in the decision-making ability of the decision maker. Engineering Managers and Shaft Engineers are not immune from cognitive bias, heuristics, and their effects during mining equipment selection. Managers must be rational when selecting mining equipment, but the research indicate that under limited time and lack of information, managers turn to cognitive biasness and heuristics (“Mind shot cut”) during decision making. The study shows that the participants with more experience used fewer heuristics than those with less, especially when the stakes were high. These support that the decision maker who have high cognitive level (Knowledge) use their intuitive “gutfeel” to take a calculated risk. The "bounded rationality" of decision-makers has been acknowledged by decision theories, as having cognitive constraints. People tend to attribute meaning to changes based on their own set of beliefs, perspectives, and conceptions