Research Articles (Graduate School of Technology Management (GSTM))

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://hdl.handle.net/2263/1703

The Graduate School of Technology Management was established as a fourth school in the Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology with effect from 1 January 2007.

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Now showing 1 - 20 of 501

Implementing resilience engineering in engineering project teams in South African fast-moving consumer goods manufacturing companies
Singh, A.; Oosthuizen, Rudolph (South African Institute of Industrial Engineers, 2025-12-12)
ENGLISH : The volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous nature of modern manufacturing, intensified by the Fourth Industrial Revolution and competition, requires resilient systems for safe operations. This study examines resilience engineering in the fast-moving consumer goods sector, emphasising its role in managing safety within complex socio-technical systems. Resilience emerges from management, decision-making, and system participants' actions. A key finding is the limited practical understanding of resilience engineering, highlighting the importance of a learning culture. A conceptual framework links resilience engineering principles to essential organisational cultures, guiding implementation. The paper suggests future research on the application of resilience engineering in African manufacturing sectors.
Factors contributing to the failure of SMMEs in the mining construction sector in the Northern Cape
Pretorius, Suzaan; Carls, L. (South African Institute of Industrial Engineers, 2025-12-08)
ENGLIH : Small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) play an important role in economic development, employment, and poverty reduction in South Africa. However, SMMEs in the mining construction sector have very high failure rates, particularly in regions such as the Northern Cape, where the mining sector is a prime pillar of the economy. This study investigates the failure of SMMEs, using a case study methodology. It focuses on key factors that could influence the management of these SMMEs. Four propositions are presented, all of which were validated by the findings. Interviews were conducted with 12 SMME owners, and secondary data were obtained from the SMMEs and other external sources. This study aims to contribute to the limited literature on the factors that influence the success of SMMEs in the mining construction sector in developing countries.
Evaluation of a state-owned South African oil refinery's maintenance strategy selection process and its performance effectiveness
Nqandela, A.; Peach, Rina Helena (South African Institute of Industrial Engineers, 2025-12-08)
ENGLISH : The ageing infrastructure at a state-owned South African petroleum refinery has led to frequent equipment breakdowns and increased downtime, shifting maintenance from preventive to reactive. This study investigates the most suitable maintenance strategy for nitrogen compressors, which are essential for purging and pressurising reactor systems. Using structured questionnaires and analysing the responses through frameworks such as reliability-centred maintenance (RCM), total productive maintenance (TPM), and risk management theory, the study identifies critical maintenance needs, including functionality tests, lubrication, and vibration monitoring. The findings emphasise the value of early failure detection through daily inspections and condition monitoring to support preventive and predictive maintenance approaches. Risk management plays a vital role in strategy selection, with risk assessments guiding the prioritisation of maintenance tasks. The limited application of failure mode, effects, and criticality analysis (FMECA) suggests room for improvement. This research underscores the need for a holistic maintenance approach that integrates proactive practices and risk management, offering a foundation for future studies of advanced maintenance strategies in refineries.
Power relations in sustainable operations management in a non-profit organisation : a Cynefin framework perspective
Harmse, Martha Fredricka Petronella; Bean, Wilna L. (South African Institute of Industrial Engineers, 2025-12-08)
ENGLISH : The Cynefin framework was used to address power relations in sustainable operations management in a non-profit organisation (NPO). An integrated definition of sustainability was applied to refer to the management of resources and processes to address organisational needs and to build long-term resilience. The research problem entailed the sustainability of NPOs, which is at risk globally. NPOs could improve their sustainability through operations management, but require appropriate models to make sense of the complexities that surround their operations – including power relations. A methodology of action design research was applied to develop appropriate models in a specific NPO. These included using the Cynefin framework to make sense of and address power relations. The findings entail stakeholders having power over the NPO, empowering the NPO, and being empowered by the NPO, and on the intrinsic power of the NPO. Approaches were developed that the NPO used to address these power relations. The originality of the study involves the use of the Cynefin framework to address power relations in the context of sustainable operations management in NPOs. The findings of the study have implications for NPO managers, and for operations managers in general, showing how the Cynefin framework could be applied to address power relations and so improve sustainable operations management.
South African sawmill industry clusters and benchmarking practices
Tshavhungwe, Vhuhwavho; Grobbelaar, Schalk (South African Institute of Industrial Engineers, 2025-08-29)
ENGLISH : Sawmills tend to be concentrated where there is an adequate supply of logs for processing. The concentration of these sawmills presents an excellent opportunity to form successful industry clusters and for firms to be benchmarked against other firms in the industry. The study evaluated benchmarking practices in the South African sawmill industry. It used an online survey methodology to examine how cooperation between the industry players could enhance the industry's competitiveness. The results gave valuable insights into the views of individuals working in various sawmills. The study could assist sawmillers to evaluate their processes and to consider implementing various forms of benchmarking in order to improve their sawmills in collaboration with multiple stakeholders.
Enhancing project management with systems thinking : a framework for complex challenges
Johny, W.N.; Oosthuizen, Rudolph (South African Institute of Industrial Engineers, 2025-12-08)
ENGLISH : Delivering projects within prescribed budgets and timelines amid uncertainty in modern project management grows progressively difficult in keeping with increasing complexity. This article demonstrates how conventional project management approaches fall short for complex projects, thus calling for a necessary evolution through integrating systems thinking in project management. A broader understanding of the dynamics and interdependencies of projects and systems thinking could contribute to leadership effectiveness and societal impact. It is suggested that systems thinking be incorporated into project initiation and planning phases for enhanced control, adaptability, and predictability. Therefore, the study aimed to develop and validate a practical framework for integrating systems thinking into project management and so make teams better equipped to respond to complexity more effectively. With systems thinking, project leaders could achieve more successful outcomes in varied and complex organisational and community settings, since it puts into play the complex interactions among people involved, processes, and other environments.
Process optimisation using a low-code platform : digitising a concession management process
Smith, L.; De Vries, Marne (South African Institute of Industrial Engineers, 2025-12-12)
ENGLISH : Low-code development platforms (LCDPs) recently emerged as a solution to the shortage of highly skilled professional software developers. Several inhibitors exist for adopting LCDPs at an enterprise, one of which indicates that LCDP adoption is inhibited because of a lack of use cases for LCDPs. A limited number of real-world implementations of workflow automations exist in which performance improvement has been demonstrated. The main contribution of this article is to present another use case of performance improvement, digitising mundane tasks, using Power Automate as an LCDP, in developing a concession management system at a home-schooling company.
Conceptualising a grid resilience framework for renewable energy integration
Mashele, Lungile Mikateko Muhlavasi; Thopil, George A.; Oerlemans, Leon A.G. (South African Institute of Industrial Engineers, 2025-12-08)
ENGLISH : Given their variability and intermittency, renewable energy sources need a robust and resilient grid framework. With increasing renewable integration in South Africa, grid instability and infrastructure vulnerability become significant problems. This paper explores the complexities of the South African energy system while balancing operator requirements in the Southern African region's unique context. Through a multidisciplinary approach, it develops a framework that includes various levels of renewable penetration. It proposes technical and operational solutions for ecological grid resilience. The framework draws on contemporary research, case studies, and energy system modelling, emphasising advanced grid infrastructure, smart grid technologies, flexible operations, real-time monitoring, and predictive analytics. It provides practical insights for engineers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to develop resilient energy systems, ensuring grid resilience and energy security in Southern Africa.
An investigation into the technology transfer barriers of the electronic train control systems installed on the South African railway network – a study into SA’s freight rail operator
Mtanti, Simphiwe D.; Fanta, Getnet Bogale (South African Institute of Electrical Engineers, 2025-12)
Technology transfer is the process of moving technology for use and understanding from one organisation to another for the technology recipient to achieve and implement technology developments and innovations. The technology transfer process is a complex, volatile and iterative one, which requires the flow of information and knowledge between the transferor and the transferee. This qualitative research aims to identify and investigate barriers to the technology transfer of the electronic train control projects undertaken by a South African freight rail operator (FRO) to upgrade its train control systems on several pilot sites. Ten staff members involved in the FRO's project management, maintenance, operations and training functions were interviewed. They have worked or are working on the various installed electronic train control systems. The thematic analysis findings revealed that the FRO is not equipped to exploit and further develop the technology. The barriers that contribute to this include the loss of vital skills internally, the project management of these technology transfer projects and the lack of flexibility of the technology regarding the local conditions and requirements of the FRO. The broadly analysed impact of the loss of skills in freight rail operations resulted in skills retention, adding to the initially proposed research model as a factor that contributes to the technology transfer process alongside learning, the transferor and transferee environment, language and procurement. Including a technology transfer office (internally or externally) could mitigate most of the identified barriers.
The influence of digitalised maintenance data on optimising predictive maintenance in the South African petrochemical industry
Chiloane, Isaac; Peach, Rina Helena (Petroleum-Gas University of Ploiești, 2025-11)
This study investigates the impact of digitalising maintenance data on the optimisation of predictive maintenance practices within the South African petrochemical industry. A conceptual model framework was developed through a systematic literature review. The framework explored the relationship between current maintenance practices, centred around Computerised Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS), and the projected benefits of digitalised predictive maintenance. A questionnaire was administered to maintenance and operations personnel to determine the status of maintenance data usage, perceptions of digitalisation benefits and organisational readiness indicators within the South African petrochemical industry. Findings indicate that while maintenance data are already utilised for operational decisions, much of it is manually collected and input into CMMS platforms. There is a clear opportunity for digital transformation, even though the supporting infrastructure remains partially developed. The results affirm that digitalising maintenance data can significantly improve predictive maintenance capabilities and decision-making effectiveness. Recommendations highlight the need for further research into how maintenance personnel, especially those from older or less technologically exposed cohorts, can be supported in embracing digital tools. The study’s managerial implications underscore the necessity for leadership to address human-centric challenges when deploying data-driven maintenance strategies and to foster a culture that enables digital transformation in maintenance environments.
Insights on meat hygiene quality in global trade
Magwedere, Kudakwashe; Thopil, George Alex (Nature Research, 2026-06-03)
Animal protein trade increase underscores the need for robust sanitary systems in complex global supply chains. We analysed 15,797 microbiological records of enumerated Aerobic plate counts (APC) and generic E. coli from meat consignments at South African ports of entry. Data were log10-transformed and differences by country of origin and product type were tested with one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s post-hoc test (P < 0.05). Pearson correlations, statistical process control (SPC) charts, and process capability indices (Cp, Cpk, Cpm) were calculated relative to upper specification limits (APC: 1 × 106 CFU/g; E. coli: 1 × 103 CFU/g). Significant country-level differences in mean APC and E. coli were pronounced in poultry (p < 0.05). Moderate positive correlations between APC and E. coli were observed in poultry (r = 0.50), beef (r = 0.32), turkey (r = 0.27), and pork (r = 0.24), but non-significant in ovine meat (r = 0.06). SPC revealed upstream processes lacking statistical control, with multiple points outside ±3σ limits indicating special-cause variation. Capability was marginal (high Cp but low Cpk/Cpm) with poultry showing better Cpk than beef. APC and E. coli are effective complementary hygiene indicators, particularly for poultry and beef and SPC analysis of port-of-entry data uncovers supply-chain instabilities.
Market potential of biobased chemicals : a qualitative network analysis of adoption dynamics in South Africa’s bioeconomy
Mandree, Prisha; Thopil, George Alex; Ramchuran, Santosh (Wiley, 2026-03)
The premise of a bioeconomy is the replacement of nonrenewable and unsustainable fossil-derived resources and associated technologies with more sustainable alternatives. The adoption of biobased chemicals contributes toward the growth of a bioeconomy and is dependent on market and industry requirements. A network analysis-based qualitative study was conducted to understand the drivers and barriers that influence the adoption of biobased chemicals in South Africa, the largest and most industrialized economy in Africa. Stakeholders were selected based on their knowledge and experience in the biobased chemicals sector in South Africa and were interviewed on key themes that affect acceptance and adoption of biobased chemicals: business opportunities for biobased chemicals, market forces, product value chains, competitiveness, supply chain collaboration, financing, value chain governance, and policy. Network analysis identified bioethanol, lactic acid, and acetic acid as key products. Major drivers of the adoption of biochemicals included global market demand and the availability of biobased feedstock. Key barriers related to product price competitiveness and weaknesses in national policy implementation. The results indicate that substantial institutional investment across the biobased value chain is required to foster local and regional market demand.
Escalation instability in probability-impact matrices : evidence from capital projects
Meyer, Werner G. (Emerald, 2026-12)
PURPOSE : Probability-impact matrices are widely embedded in project governance systems and used to prioritise risks, allocate mitigation resources and trigger management escalation. This study examines whether commonly used qualitative risk matrices preserve relative risk prioritisation when compared to quantitative assessments of the same risks. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH : The study analyses 1,144 paired qualitative and quantitative risk assessments from 91 mining capital projects across 43 organisations. Paired nonparametric tests, distributional comparisons, Wasserstein distance metrics and colour-band reclassification analysis are used to evaluate differences in probability ratings, impact ratings and composite risk scores. FINDINGS : Qualitative and quantitative probability ratings align at the ordinal level. In contrast, qualitative impact ratings and composite risk scores are systematically higher than their quantitative counterparts. Quantitative reassessment altered escalation colour bands in 73.3% of risks, with 59.4% moving to lower bands and 37.2% shifting by two or more categories, indicating material changes in prioritisation. These findings suggest that qualitative matrices do not reliably preserve escalation stability under alternative elicitation formats. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS : When escalation outcomes depend on representational format, risk-informed governance becomes structurally unstable. Hybrid configurations that separate qualitative communication from quantitative decision support can enhance decision quality and improve the robustness of prioritisation and contingency allocation. ORIGINALITY/VALUE : The study introduces escalation stability as a practical criterion for evaluating risk assessment tools and provides large-sample empirical evidence that elicitation format materially influences risk prioritisation in capital projects.
A new bi-objective quality-based construction supply chain framework : from purchasing to commissioning
Izadbakhsh, Maryam; Ghannadpour, Seyed Farid; Bagherpour, Morteza; Mahdavi-Mazdeh, Mohammad (Golden Light Publishing, 2026-06)
Many construction organizations struggle with limited resources and tight budgets for project execution. These firms often rely on non-renewable resources of inconsistent quality or perform summary task in ways that reduce costs but sacrifice accuracy. Consequently, the industry requires a quality management system that tackles resource selection, task performance, and cost control in a single framework. Prior studies addressed quality management in segmented sections of the project supply chain but rarely treated the entire sequence as an integrated process. This study develops a bi-objective linear programming model for a multi-project construction supply chain under two scenarios: one with a discount policy applied to selected suppliers and one without. The model covers every phase, from project initiation and resource procurement through task scheduling and final delivery. It aims to improve the quality of summary task performance, select non-renewable resources that meet specified thresholds, and reduce overall logistics costs by jointly integrating supplier selection, inventory management, summary-task scheduling, shared renewable resources, and quality within a single framework. In this formulation, the quality metric for each summary task corresponds to the level of technology applied; higher‐quality outcomes require more advanced equipment or methods. The two‐objective model is solved via the augmented ε-constraint method, and its results are demonstrated with a numerical example. Sensitivity analysis examines how changes in cost coefficients and quality thresholds affect optimal decisions. Then, the applicability of the proposed model is illustrated through a numerical example, and its behavior is further examined by changing the key parameters. The results show that the proposed model reduces project delays and improves resource utilization by coordinating supplier selection, procurement timing, and summarytask scheduling within a unified decision-making framework. The analysis also identifies buying cost, ordering cost, inventory holding cost, and required non-renewable resources as the most influential parameters.
Systems-based organisational resilience framework : a Delphi study-based validation and verification
Manzini, Dumisani; Oosthuizen, Rudolph; Chikwanda, Hilda; Peach, Rina Helena (Wiley, 2026-04)
The increasing systemic complexity of the Fourth Industrial Revolution has heightened the need for robust approaches to organisational resilience. Despite its growing prominence, resilience research remains fragmented, with limited consensus on core dimensions, causal interdependencies and mechanisms suitable for dynamic assessment. This study addresses these gaps by developing and validating an organisational resilience framework to support system dynamics modelling and resilience measurement. A structured two-round Delphi methodology was applied, engaging a functionally diverse panel of professionals spanning strategy, technology and information systems, risk and financial management, organisational resilience and people leadership. Following attrition, five experts completed the final round. Response convergence was assessed using response ratios and frequency distributions of expert ratings. Within the final panel, unanimous or high agreement was achieved on 94% of the proposed resilience dimensions. The validated framework integrates systems thinking to capture dynamic causal relationships among disruption, adaptability, digital transformation and situational awareness, enabling simulation, stress testing and identification of strategic leverage points. The findings offer practical value for organisational leaders, regulators and policymakers by supporting evidence-based resilience assessment and policy experimentation. Although empirically grounded in the South African financial sector, the framework is designed as a sector-agnostic, systems-based model applicable across diverse sociotechnical systems.
Construction industry professionals' perspectives on the barriers to timber adoption in Kenya
Kathambi, Elosy; Hassan, Ferdinand Senam; Grobbelaar, Schalk (Association of Schools of Construction of Southern Africa, 2025)
PURPOSE : This study investigates the barriers to the adoption of timber in the Kenyan construction industry despite the increasing prevalence of engineered wood and modern timber technologies around the world. DESIGN : The study utilised semi-structured interviews of stakeholders within the Kenyan construction industry to gather insights into the perceived barriers limiting the adoption of timber in Kenyan construction. FINDINGS : Key findings reveal that inconsistent timber treatment and supply chain inefficiencies undermine the viability of timber construction in Kenya, negatively influencing the perception of timber and, ultimately, market acceptance. Additionally, a lack of awareness about timber and societal biases associating timber with poverty and environmental concerns hinder broader adoption. RESEARCH LIMITATIONS / IMPLICATIONS : This study is limited to the perspectives of professionals, suggesting future studies explore broader societal views and assessments. VALUE : This study provides valuable insights into the perceptions and challenges surrounding timber construction in Kenya, offering practical recommendations for industry stakeholders.
PESTLE analysis of the factors affecting the sustainability and competitiveness of the South African sawmilling industry
Tshavhungwe, Vhuhwavho; Grobbelaar, Schalk (Bussecon International Academy, 2025-12)
The sawmilling industry in South Africa consists of both formal and informal sawmills. The operation of these sawmills and their associated operational costs often differ from one another. There is an urgent need to improve the competitiveness of the sawmilling industry; however, despite the various efforts from multiple stakeholders, the industry remains globally and even locally uncompetitive. Therefore, the study aimed to investigate the factors affecting the competitiveness of the South African sawmill industry and how those factors impact the industry’s sustainable development. The study followed a qualitative approach, utilising semi-structured interviews with seven personnel from the South African sawmill industry. A non-probability purposive sampling method was used to choose participants for the study based on their positions. The study systematically applied the PESTLE framework. By examining the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of the PESTLE factors affecting the competitiveness of the South African sawmilling industry, several key factors influencing the industry were identified. The findings highlighted that by examining the sawmilling industry holistically, stakeholders (including private, public, community, government, and academic sectors) can collaborate to address the challenges affecting the sawmilling industry. This can be achieved by incentivising compliance with the regulations that support sustainability and competitiveness in the sawmilling industry. Sawmills can examine the PESTLE factors and implement strategies accordingly. Actions that can be taken to improve the competitiveness of the industry include investing in advanced machinery and technology, strengthening regulatory oversight of informal sawmills, promoting forest management and certification and supporting SMEs with training and access to finance.
Innovation labs as third spaces for addressing anthropogenic climate change and intercultural issues in the Pan-African University
Bulgrin, Eva; Daniels, Chux (Routledge, 2026)
Intercultural and postcolonial perspectives are important in understanding the Anthropocene – a global concern that transgresses national boundaries. Empirical evidence shows that the countries in the Global South are disproportionately affected by the anthropogenic effects, which the Global North initiates. This inequality invites us to reflect on anthropogenic impacts from an intercultural and postcolonial perspective. Universities, as centres for intercultural education, are important actors in knowledge production and can offer spaces for negotiation in the pursuit of socio-ecological transformation, particularly in addressing social inequality and climate colonialism. The Pan-African University (PAU), a transnational university across Africa, presents a vision for a different form of organisation and epistemology, which is relevant for intercultural education needed to address the Anthropocene. This article focuses on the role of universities in addressing anthropogenic issues, exemplified by the PAU. It asks what contribution innovation labs provide for addressing anthropogenic and intercultural issues in this context.
The use of generative AI tools for students’ research support within higher education institutions’ libraries : a systematic literature review
Maphosa, Mfowabo; Tlomatsana, Cyril (University of Boras, 2026-05-15)
INTRODUCTION : The growth of the knowledge economy has led to the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in society, bringing opportunities and challenges in higher education. This study investigates the use of generative AI (genAI) tools for students’ research support within academic libraries and identifies emerging trends and research themes in the literature. METHOD : The PRISMA guidelines were applied to the Web of Science database to collect relevant publications: seventy-one publications were selected for analysis from 256 identified items. ANALYSIS : We used VOSViewer software to analyse the seventy-one publications. The keyword analysis through VOSViewer allowed the identification of the research hotspots and the research focus areas. RESULTS : The reviewed publications covered eighteen research areas, highlighting the interdisciplinary nature of generative AI. Three research clusters representing three research areas were identified using VOSViewer. First, generative AI is reshaping the learning experiences of students in higher education; secondly, the role of academic libraries is evolving to accommodate changes brought forth by such tools; and thirdly, ChatGPT and other chatbots are being used to improve reference services for students. CONCLUSION : This study highlights key trends, identifies research gaps, and suggests future directions for using generative AI tools within academic libraries to support students in their research activities, which could be extended into information literacy programmes.
Development of an open and frugal innovation roadmap to increase the diffusion of timber construction in Kenya
Kathambi, Elosy; Hassan, Ferdinand Senam; Grobbelaar, Schalk (Taylor and Francis, 2026)
The dominance of materials such as concrete and masonry continues to limit the use of timber products in Kenya’s construction industry. Yet, growing global concerns over the environmental impacts of these materials have intensified the need to adopt alternatives with lower energy intensity and carbon emissions. This study aimed to enhance the adoption of timber construction in Kenya by identifying barriers, assessing stakeholder perceptions, and proposing actionable solutions. Drawing on responses from 110 industry stakeholders, the study finds that while timber is viewed as a sustainable and attractive material for construction, concerns regarding its durability, fire safety, and regulatory limitations are significant barriers to its adoption. Increasing public awareness, improving training and skills development, and strengthening collaboration among industry professionals and policymakers are identified as key strategies for promoting timber adoption. The study applies principles of open and frugal innovation to develop practical recommendations that aim to strengthen the adoption of timber construction in Kenya. These recommendations are consolidated into an implementation roadmap that outlines strategies tailored to the local context, guiding industry stakeholders. The findings from this study align with Kenya’s sustainability goals, reinforcing the benefits of timber construction and ultimately promoting its adoption within the local context.

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