4. Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETDs) - Faculties submissions

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Subject: search.filters.subject.Manufacturing

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Now showing 1 - 4 of 4
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    The political economy of industrial policy – the case of improving manufacturing through localisation
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Mochaki, Koketso Mitchelle; Lekaba, Frank
    The scope of the study is defined within the field of development economics specifically focusing on localisation industrial policy aimed at stimulating manufacturing. The primary objective of this paper is to deepen understanding of the link between economic development and localisation of the manufacturing value chain. Through analysis and examination, this research delves into debates surrounding South Africa's adoption of a localisation policy as an instrument for increasing domestic output levels. The study also investigated factors contributing to South Africa’s de-industrialisation and declining manufacturing capacity. Through conversational semi-structured interviews, the researcher gained insights into the challenges facing manufacturing and the feasibility of localisation. According to the findings of the study, the manufacturing sector faces significant obstacles to localisation, including manufacturing costs, policy instruments, poor infrastructure and logistics networks, and inadequate demand. Both global and domestic factors have had an impact on the manufacturing sector dynamics. Significantly enough for the successful implementation of localisation policies will be the political will and support. The research findings highlight the need for the implementation of effective monitoring and evaluation systems to improve policy execution. If implemented well, localisation will not only foster industrial development but may also promote an inclusive economy.
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    The implementation of digital technologies in South African fast moving consumer goods factories
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Naidu, Yogandra
    The advent of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) has seen the implementation of digitaltechnologies, or digitalisation, spread across several different industries on a massive globalscale. As technologies improve, the applications for their uses can be expanded into differentindustrial sectors, and more specifically manufacturing. This study focuses on theimplementation of digital technologies in South African fast moving consumer goods(FMCG) factories and what enables and deters their successful rollout. A thematic, qualitativeanalysis of the data, obtained from conducting semi-structured interviews with participantswithin the industry, allowed for ten unique enablers and deterrents to be identified. TheTechnology-Organisation-Environment (TOE) framework was utilised to categorise thesefactors into relevant categories. The study was also able to establish a baseline for currentlyinstalled digital technologies in these firms, and what future technologies would be the mostbeneficial to the industry. In South Africa prohibitive costs, socioeconomic issues and a lackof infrastructure deter the implementation of digital technologies, while operational benefits,top management drive and global competitiveness drive digitalisation. A strategic roadmapwas also created to allow firms to better leverage their time and resources during theimplementation stages of digitalisation
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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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    Changes in Organizational Architecture of SME Manufacturers incorporating Smart Manufacturing Systems within Gauteng
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Radebe, Bongmusa; Maier, Christoph
    The South African Manufacturing SME is a thriving industry that has one of the biggest contributors to employment and impact in GDP contribution. The aim of the study is to understand the importance of Organizational Architecture and how adopting Smart Manufacturing Systems is imperative for improved Manufacturing SMEs overall performance. To skillfully contrive this inquiry, a quantitative approach was adopted, recording key driver responses to their perception of Organizational Architecture. These responses were captured through a survey questionnaire that was distributed using the desktop method of distribution. The results displayed insights on the perception of Organizational Architecture and reasons why key drivers of Manufacturing SMEs seldomly adopted Smart Manufacturing Systems to advance the manufacturing industry in Gauteng, South Africa. The insights brought forth from the research suggests that policy makers revise existing structures to cultivate activities that cultivate and protect the growth of Manufacturing SMEs. The research makes a significant contribution by identifying some of the insights on why the adoption of Smart Manufacturing Systems in Gauteng is lagging