The South African Journal of Industrial Engineering, 2016
The industrial engineering discipline in South Africa is examined by introducing the context of t... more The industrial engineering discipline in South Africa is examined by introducing the context of the discipline and by revisiting its history. The drivers influencing the context and future of industrial engineering in South Africa are also considered, and the discipline is analysed in terms of the following aspects: university qualifications, employment in industry sectors, race and gender profiles, use and competence in industry, and income profiles. The analysis is based on a recent survey sent to practising industrial engineers, on membership data from the Southern African Institute for Industrial Engineering (SAIIE), and on two internal SAIIE investigations. The study concludes that the success of transformation, particularly in terms of race, has been limited. The results also indicate that there are an almost equal number of black and white industrial engineers, yet the majority of black industrial engineers have technical qualifications, while the majority of white industrial engineers have academic qualifications. The results indicate that this limits the use of black industrial engineers in industry and, consequently, the success of their careers. This in turn means that there are fewer black role models to attract young black students to the discipline. Some preliminary opportunities to unlock the increased transformation of the profession are identified.
The South African Journal of Industrial Engineering, 2015
Rare events, known as 'Black Swans', have determined the course of history. One of these was the ... more Rare events, known as 'Black Swans', have determined the course of history. One of these was the global economic crisis of 2008. Such events highlight fields like strategic management and their shortcomings in helping to prepare organisations. The Strategic Framework for Improbable Circumstances was designed to add to the strategic management process by improving organisational preparation for these rare events. The framework was validated through interviews with experts who showed the need for such a framework, and who confirmed that it is a good first step for organisations to take towards addressing these Black Swan events. OPSOMMING Rare gebeurtenisse, ook bekend as 'Swart Swane', het die verloop van die verlede bepaal. Een van hierdie gebeurtenisse was die wêreldwye ekonomiese krisis van 2008. Hierdie Swart Swane het die fokus geplaas op strategiese bestuur, en op die tekortkominge van hierdie studieveld om besighede beter voor te berei om Swart Swane beter te hanteer. Die Strategiese Raamwerk vir Onwaarskynlike Omstandighede is ontwikkel as 'n byvoeging tot die strategiese bestuursproses deur die organisasie se voorbereiding vir hierdie tipe gebeurtenisse te verbeter. Die validasie van die raamwerk was gedoen deur onderhoude met deskundiges wat bewys het dat so raamwerk benodig word, en uitgewys het dat dit 'n goeie eerste stap was vir besighede om Swart Swane te trotseer.
In complex adaptive systems, antifragility designates the positive sensitivity to volatility, cau... more In complex adaptive systems, antifragility designates the positive sensitivity to volatility, caused by (exceptional or ‘black swan’) external stressors that intervene with the intended functionality of these systems. System Engineers can purposefully employ the concept antifragility to engender better systems. Prerequisite for this is the ability to adequately assess system changes and especially system improvements as the consequence of stressors. Albeit antifragility measurements do exist, their practicality is limited. This publication proposes a novel approach for antifragility measurement. A case study on a manufacturing SME depicts the antifragile spectrum rating of an SME to test the effects of system changes.
The South African Journal of Industrial Engineering, 2014
SMEs contribute considerably to the national GDP and to private sector employment, but they strug... more SMEs contribute considerably to the national GDP and to private sector employment, but they struggle to gain access to the funding needed to support business sustainability and growth. Venture capital provides the necessary funding, but SMEs lack understanding of the business value curve utilised by financiers to gauge the risk-reward characteristics of an investment. Strategies need to convey how the business model will evolve in order to deliver on the strategic intent. A framework is proposed through which SMEs can develop a strategy aligned with investor requirements. As a case study, the framework is applied to the local tooling sector.
The South African Journal of Industrial Engineering, 2013
This article presents a framework for developing and designing a business model to target the 'bo... more This article presents a framework for developing and designing a business model to target the 'bottom of the pyramid' (BoP) population. Using blue ocean strategy and business model literature, integrated with research on the BoP, the framework offers a systematic approach for organisations to analyse and understand all aspects of the BoP and their environment, and then design a business model that minimises the risk of failure and fulfils the core requirements of the BoP. The author was enrolled for a MSc.Eng(Engineering Management) degree in the
Decisions are the common denominator of any product development cycle by fostering and consolidat... more Decisions are the common denominator of any product development cycle by fostering and consolidating the product definition, the requirement specification and the design rationale of these cycles. Such decisions are generally arduous as they are often based on incomplete information and always involve significant levels of uncertainty. This ubiquitous influence of uncertainty is characteristic of any product development cycle. Habitually, this influence is regarded as predominantly negative, so trying to mitigate uncertainties seem the obvious thing to do. However, uncertainty is not by definition detrimental or undesirable. In essence, it is hardly more than a common characteristic of any activity, decision or result in product development cycles. Primarily, uncertainty in product development should therefore be regarded neutrally. In this respect, the notion antifragility not only assumes such a neutral stance, it relates uncertainty to the response of a system – in this case an e...
By submitting this thesis electronically, I declare that the entirety of the work contained there... more By submitting this thesis electronically, I declare that the entirety of the work contained therein is my own, original work, that I am the owner of the copyright thereof (unless to the extent explicitly otherwise stated) and that I have not previously in its entirety or in part submitted it for obtaining any qualification.
Responsible Design, Implementation and Use of Information and Communication Technology, 2020
Inter-organisational relationships have been receiving increased attention in the context of the ... more Inter-organisational relationships have been receiving increased attention in the context of the fourth industrial revolution. Technological advances in connectivity and digitisation are enabling vertically and horizontally integrated networks. The highly technical and dynamic environment in which various types of relationships exist requires a high level of cooperation and transparency between partners. The importance for Small and Medium Sized Organisations (SMEs) to develop and improve their relational capabilities is widely acknowledged. This research paper thus presents a tool and methodology that will enable SMEs to assess and improve these capabilities within the organisation. This paper aims to identify those requirements and practices described in the literature as conducive to sustainable relationship formation and development. A Relational Capability Maturity Model (RCMM) is proposed as a tool that will be able to address the requirements across the various functions of t...
Southern African Institute of Industrial Engineering, 2013
SMEs are critical to economic development within the South African economy by contributing consid... more SMEs are critical to economic development within the South African economy by contributing considerably to the national GDP and private sector employment. However they are unable to overcome the primary obstacle of access to funding, which translates into an inability to attain the necessary physical, human and consulting resources. Private equity and the venture capital sector has been critical in providing this necessary funding to support SME creation and growth in developed countries, but has been underrepresented in South Africa. This is set to change by an amendment to Regulation 28 which allows pension funds to legally allocate a portion of the fund to private equity investments. SMEs currently lack an understanding of the business value curve utilized by financiers to gauge the risk-reward characteristics of an investment. SME strategies need to convey how the business model will isolate imitators as well as bridge misfits between their current resources and future requireme...
Rising patient demands, a growing population, and resource limitations constrain the South Africa... more Rising patient demands, a growing population, and resource limitations constrain the South African healthcare system. The integration of disparate interventions that are developed and implemented across various actors in healthcare value chains (VCs) remains a significant challenge. This calls for a multi-disciplinary approach to integrate the knowledge of communities, non-governmental organisations, private sector actors, frontline healthcare workers, and researchers in the development of sustainable, value-adding interventions. Multi-stakeholder engagement, in this article referred to as innovation platforms (IPs), is a mechanism through which interdependent VC actors could be organised and coordinated to develop sustainable innovations to strengthen the healthcare system. This article addresses the lack of guidance on how to develop and operate healthcare IPs in South Africa by presenting a framework for IP formation and functioning in healthcare VCs. A grounded theory approach, ...
By submitting this dissertation electronically, I declare that the entirety of the work contained... more By submitting this dissertation electronically, I declare that the entirety of the work contained therein is my own, original work, that I am the sole author thereof (save to the extent explicitly otherwise stated), that reproduction and publication thereof by Stellenbosch University will not infringe any third party rights and that I have not previously in its entirety or in part submitted it for obtaining any qualification.
And because that somebody stood up, a few more stood up. And then a few thousand stood up. And th... more And because that somebody stood up, a few more stood up. And then a few thousand stood up. And then a few million stood up. And standing up, with courage and clear purpose, they somehow managed to change the world."-Barack Obama I would like to extend my sincerest gratitude to the people who have walked, through text and time, with me through the last two years. Corne Schutte, thank you for keeping the door ajar when my spirit needed a lift. Your optimism, vision and open mind gave a young man hope when little could be found. You were my rock in a desolate place. Dr. Stephen Bosman, thank you for your precious time, inputs and advice throughout. I always listened to you in awe, every meeting venturing to the limits of my psyche. I tried to drink a cup of tea once, just because of you. Dr. Karen Marais, thank you for awakening the academic in me. You always greeted any task with a passion to succeed, a lesson of which experience is the only master. Van der Spuy Brink, no words could ever explain the thank you I should give. You give constant hope, reason and time. You head so many calls, but I would trade them all for you to just be my friend. Prof. Mellet Moll, thank you for being giving me enough ammunition to continue where so few can go. My shell broken, the chisel stuck in your hand. My parents and Ingrid Roos, thank you for your support throughout. No man can stand without a foundation and I have been blessed with groundwork like no other. You are, therefore I am,
The industrial engineering discipline in South Africa is examined by introducing the context of t... more The industrial engineering discipline in South Africa is examined by introducing the context of the discipline and by revisiting its history. The drivers influencing the context and future of industrial engineering in South Africa are also considered, and the discipline is analysed in terms of the following aspects: university qualifications, employment in industry sectors, race and gender profiles, use and competence in industry, and income profiles. The analysis is based on a recent survey sent to practising industrial engineers, on membership data from the Southern African Institute for Industrial Engineering (SAIIE), and on two internal SAIIE investigations. The study concludes that the success of transformation, particularly in terms of race, has been limited. The results also indicate that there are an almost equal number of black and white industrial engineers, yet the majority of black industrial engineers have technical qualifications, while the majority of white industrial engineers have academic qualifications. The results indicate that this limits the use of black industrial engineers in industry and, consequently, the success of their careers. This in turn means that there are fewer black role models to attract young black students to the discipline. Some preliminary opportunities to unlock the increased transformation of the profession are identified. OPSOMMING Die bedryfsingenieurswese dissipline in Suid-Afrika is ondersoek deur eerstens die konteks van die dissipline te stel, die geskiedenis op te som, die drywers te identifiseer wat die konteks en toekoms van bedryfsingenieurswese beïnvloed, en dan die dissipline te analiseer in terme van die volgende aspekte: universiteit kwalifikasies, indiensneming in industrie sektore, ras en geslag profiele, benutting en vaardigheid in industrie, en inkomste profiele. Die analise is gebaseer op 'n onlangse meningsopname wat aan praktiserende bedryfsingenieurs gestuur is, op die Suider Afrikaanse Instituut van Bedryfsingenieurswese (SAIIE) se lidmaatskap data, en op twee interne SAIIE ondersoeke wat gedoen is. Die studie bevind dat die sukses van transformasie, veral in terme van ras, nog beperk is. Die resultate toon dat daar omtrent ewe veel wit en swart bedryfsingenieurs is, maar dat die meerderheid swart bedryfsingenieurs tegniese kwalifikasies het, terwyl die meerderheid wit bedryfsingenieurs akademiese kwalifikasies het. Die resultate toon dat dit die benutting van swart bedryfsingenieurs in industrie beperk en dus ook die sukses wat hul in hul loopbane behaal in terme van inkomste. Dit veroorsaak dat daar minder swart rolmodelle is om jong swart student na die dissipline te lok. Voorlopige geleenthede om transformasie in die professie te ontsluit word geïdentifiseer.
SMEs are critical to economic development within the South African economy by contributing consid... more SMEs are critical to economic development within the South African economy by contributing considerably to the national GDP and private sector employment. However they are unable to overcome the primary obstacle of access to funding, which translates into an inability to attain the necessary physical, human and consulting resources. Private equity and the venture capital sector has been critical in providing this necessary funding to support SME creation and growth in developed countries, but has been under- represented in South Africa. This is set to change by an amendment to Regulation 28 which allows pension funds to legally allocate a portion of the fund to private equity investments. SMEs currently lack an understanding of the business value curve utilized by financiers to gauge the risk-reward characteristics of an investment. SME strategies need to convey how the business model will isolate imitators as well as bridge misfits between their current resources and future requirements in order to deliver on the strategic intent. This paper utilizes a Systems Engineering approach through functional analysis to develop a framework that guides SMEs through detailed processes in order to develop a strategy aligned with investor requirements. The framework addresses the shortcomings of current strategic frameworks by taking into account the specific characteristics of SMEs and not being biased towards a specific industry or sector.
Rare events, known as ‘Black Swans’, have determined the course of history. One of these was the ... more Rare events, known as ‘Black Swans’, have determined the course of history. One of these was the global economic crisis of 2008. Such events highlight fields like strategic management and their shortcomings in helping to prepare organisations. The Strategic Framework for Improbable Circumstances was designed to add to the strategic management process by improving organisational preparation for these rare events. The framework was validated through interviews with experts who showed the need for such a framework, and who confirmed that it is a good first step for organisations to take towards addressing these Black Swan events.
In complex adaptive systems, antifragility designates the positive sensitivity to volatility, cau... more In complex adaptive systems, antifragility designates the positive sensitivity to volatility, caused by (exceptional or ‘black swan’) external stressors that intervene with the intended functionality of these systems. System Engineers can purposefully employ the concept antifragility to engender better systems. Prerequisite for this is the ability to adequately assess system changes and especially system improvements as the consequence of stressors. Albeit antifragility measurements do exist, their practicality is limited. This publication proposes a novel approach for antifragility measurement. A case study on a manufacturing SME depicts the antifragile spectrum rating of an SME to test the effects of system changes.
SMEs contribute considerably to the national GDP and to private sector employment, but they strug... more SMEs contribute considerably to the national GDP and to private sector employment, but they struggle to gain access to the funding needed to support business sustainability and growth. Venture capital provides the necessary funding, but SMEs lack understanding of the business value curve utilised by financiers to gauge the risk-reward characteristics of an investment. Strategies need to convey how the business model will evolve in order to deliver on the strategic intent. A framework is proposed through which SMEs can develop a strategy aligned with investor requirements. As a case study, the framework is applied to the local tooling sector.
This article presents a framework for developing and designing a business model to target the ‘bo... more This article presents a framework for developing and designing a business model to target the ‘bottom of the pyramid’ (BoP) population. Using blue ocean strategy and business model literature, integrated with research on the BoP, the framework offers a systematic approach for organisations to analyse and understand all aspects of the BoP and their environment, and then design a business model that minimises the risk of failure and fulfils the core requirements of the BoP. A case study on Capitec Bank demonstrates how the framework can be applied to the real world. The case study shows the practical examples that Capitec uses to target the BoP successfully, and the logic behind these actions. Further validation was done through interviews with experts in the relevant fields used in this study.
The South African Journal of Industrial Engineering, 2016
The industrial engineering discipline in South Africa is examined by introducing the context of t... more The industrial engineering discipline in South Africa is examined by introducing the context of the discipline and by revisiting its history. The drivers influencing the context and future of industrial engineering in South Africa are also considered, and the discipline is analysed in terms of the following aspects: university qualifications, employment in industry sectors, race and gender profiles, use and competence in industry, and income profiles. The analysis is based on a recent survey sent to practising industrial engineers, on membership data from the Southern African Institute for Industrial Engineering (SAIIE), and on two internal SAIIE investigations. The study concludes that the success of transformation, particularly in terms of race, has been limited. The results also indicate that there are an almost equal number of black and white industrial engineers, yet the majority of black industrial engineers have technical qualifications, while the majority of white industrial engineers have academic qualifications. The results indicate that this limits the use of black industrial engineers in industry and, consequently, the success of their careers. This in turn means that there are fewer black role models to attract young black students to the discipline. Some preliminary opportunities to unlock the increased transformation of the profession are identified.
The South African Journal of Industrial Engineering, 2015
Rare events, known as 'Black Swans', have determined the course of history. One of these was the ... more Rare events, known as 'Black Swans', have determined the course of history. One of these was the global economic crisis of 2008. Such events highlight fields like strategic management and their shortcomings in helping to prepare organisations. The Strategic Framework for Improbable Circumstances was designed to add to the strategic management process by improving organisational preparation for these rare events. The framework was validated through interviews with experts who showed the need for such a framework, and who confirmed that it is a good first step for organisations to take towards addressing these Black Swan events. OPSOMMING Rare gebeurtenisse, ook bekend as 'Swart Swane', het die verloop van die verlede bepaal. Een van hierdie gebeurtenisse was die wêreldwye ekonomiese krisis van 2008. Hierdie Swart Swane het die fokus geplaas op strategiese bestuur, en op die tekortkominge van hierdie studieveld om besighede beter voor te berei om Swart Swane beter te hanteer. Die Strategiese Raamwerk vir Onwaarskynlike Omstandighede is ontwikkel as 'n byvoeging tot die strategiese bestuursproses deur die organisasie se voorbereiding vir hierdie tipe gebeurtenisse te verbeter. Die validasie van die raamwerk was gedoen deur onderhoude met deskundiges wat bewys het dat so raamwerk benodig word, en uitgewys het dat dit 'n goeie eerste stap was vir besighede om Swart Swane te trotseer.
In complex adaptive systems, antifragility designates the positive sensitivity to volatility, cau... more In complex adaptive systems, antifragility designates the positive sensitivity to volatility, caused by (exceptional or ‘black swan’) external stressors that intervene with the intended functionality of these systems. System Engineers can purposefully employ the concept antifragility to engender better systems. Prerequisite for this is the ability to adequately assess system changes and especially system improvements as the consequence of stressors. Albeit antifragility measurements do exist, their practicality is limited. This publication proposes a novel approach for antifragility measurement. A case study on a manufacturing SME depicts the antifragile spectrum rating of an SME to test the effects of system changes.
The South African Journal of Industrial Engineering, 2014
SMEs contribute considerably to the national GDP and to private sector employment, but they strug... more SMEs contribute considerably to the national GDP and to private sector employment, but they struggle to gain access to the funding needed to support business sustainability and growth. Venture capital provides the necessary funding, but SMEs lack understanding of the business value curve utilised by financiers to gauge the risk-reward characteristics of an investment. Strategies need to convey how the business model will evolve in order to deliver on the strategic intent. A framework is proposed through which SMEs can develop a strategy aligned with investor requirements. As a case study, the framework is applied to the local tooling sector.
The South African Journal of Industrial Engineering, 2013
This article presents a framework for developing and designing a business model to target the 'bo... more This article presents a framework for developing and designing a business model to target the 'bottom of the pyramid' (BoP) population. Using blue ocean strategy and business model literature, integrated with research on the BoP, the framework offers a systematic approach for organisations to analyse and understand all aspects of the BoP and their environment, and then design a business model that minimises the risk of failure and fulfils the core requirements of the BoP. The author was enrolled for a MSc.Eng(Engineering Management) degree in the
Decisions are the common denominator of any product development cycle by fostering and consolidat... more Decisions are the common denominator of any product development cycle by fostering and consolidating the product definition, the requirement specification and the design rationale of these cycles. Such decisions are generally arduous as they are often based on incomplete information and always involve significant levels of uncertainty. This ubiquitous influence of uncertainty is characteristic of any product development cycle. Habitually, this influence is regarded as predominantly negative, so trying to mitigate uncertainties seem the obvious thing to do. However, uncertainty is not by definition detrimental or undesirable. In essence, it is hardly more than a common characteristic of any activity, decision or result in product development cycles. Primarily, uncertainty in product development should therefore be regarded neutrally. In this respect, the notion antifragility not only assumes such a neutral stance, it relates uncertainty to the response of a system – in this case an e...
By submitting this thesis electronically, I declare that the entirety of the work contained there... more By submitting this thesis electronically, I declare that the entirety of the work contained therein is my own, original work, that I am the owner of the copyright thereof (unless to the extent explicitly otherwise stated) and that I have not previously in its entirety or in part submitted it for obtaining any qualification.
Responsible Design, Implementation and Use of Information and Communication Technology, 2020
Inter-organisational relationships have been receiving increased attention in the context of the ... more Inter-organisational relationships have been receiving increased attention in the context of the fourth industrial revolution. Technological advances in connectivity and digitisation are enabling vertically and horizontally integrated networks. The highly technical and dynamic environment in which various types of relationships exist requires a high level of cooperation and transparency between partners. The importance for Small and Medium Sized Organisations (SMEs) to develop and improve their relational capabilities is widely acknowledged. This research paper thus presents a tool and methodology that will enable SMEs to assess and improve these capabilities within the organisation. This paper aims to identify those requirements and practices described in the literature as conducive to sustainable relationship formation and development. A Relational Capability Maturity Model (RCMM) is proposed as a tool that will be able to address the requirements across the various functions of t...
Southern African Institute of Industrial Engineering, 2013
SMEs are critical to economic development within the South African economy by contributing consid... more SMEs are critical to economic development within the South African economy by contributing considerably to the national GDP and private sector employment. However they are unable to overcome the primary obstacle of access to funding, which translates into an inability to attain the necessary physical, human and consulting resources. Private equity and the venture capital sector has been critical in providing this necessary funding to support SME creation and growth in developed countries, but has been underrepresented in South Africa. This is set to change by an amendment to Regulation 28 which allows pension funds to legally allocate a portion of the fund to private equity investments. SMEs currently lack an understanding of the business value curve utilized by financiers to gauge the risk-reward characteristics of an investment. SME strategies need to convey how the business model will isolate imitators as well as bridge misfits between their current resources and future requireme...
Rising patient demands, a growing population, and resource limitations constrain the South Africa... more Rising patient demands, a growing population, and resource limitations constrain the South African healthcare system. The integration of disparate interventions that are developed and implemented across various actors in healthcare value chains (VCs) remains a significant challenge. This calls for a multi-disciplinary approach to integrate the knowledge of communities, non-governmental organisations, private sector actors, frontline healthcare workers, and researchers in the development of sustainable, value-adding interventions. Multi-stakeholder engagement, in this article referred to as innovation platforms (IPs), is a mechanism through which interdependent VC actors could be organised and coordinated to develop sustainable innovations to strengthen the healthcare system. This article addresses the lack of guidance on how to develop and operate healthcare IPs in South Africa by presenting a framework for IP formation and functioning in healthcare VCs. A grounded theory approach, ...
By submitting this dissertation electronically, I declare that the entirety of the work contained... more By submitting this dissertation electronically, I declare that the entirety of the work contained therein is my own, original work, that I am the sole author thereof (save to the extent explicitly otherwise stated), that reproduction and publication thereof by Stellenbosch University will not infringe any third party rights and that I have not previously in its entirety or in part submitted it for obtaining any qualification.
And because that somebody stood up, a few more stood up. And then a few thousand stood up. And th... more And because that somebody stood up, a few more stood up. And then a few thousand stood up. And then a few million stood up. And standing up, with courage and clear purpose, they somehow managed to change the world."-Barack Obama I would like to extend my sincerest gratitude to the people who have walked, through text and time, with me through the last two years. Corne Schutte, thank you for keeping the door ajar when my spirit needed a lift. Your optimism, vision and open mind gave a young man hope when little could be found. You were my rock in a desolate place. Dr. Stephen Bosman, thank you for your precious time, inputs and advice throughout. I always listened to you in awe, every meeting venturing to the limits of my psyche. I tried to drink a cup of tea once, just because of you. Dr. Karen Marais, thank you for awakening the academic in me. You always greeted any task with a passion to succeed, a lesson of which experience is the only master. Van der Spuy Brink, no words could ever explain the thank you I should give. You give constant hope, reason and time. You head so many calls, but I would trade them all for you to just be my friend. Prof. Mellet Moll, thank you for being giving me enough ammunition to continue where so few can go. My shell broken, the chisel stuck in your hand. My parents and Ingrid Roos, thank you for your support throughout. No man can stand without a foundation and I have been blessed with groundwork like no other. You are, therefore I am,
The industrial engineering discipline in South Africa is examined by introducing the context of t... more The industrial engineering discipline in South Africa is examined by introducing the context of the discipline and by revisiting its history. The drivers influencing the context and future of industrial engineering in South Africa are also considered, and the discipline is analysed in terms of the following aspects: university qualifications, employment in industry sectors, race and gender profiles, use and competence in industry, and income profiles. The analysis is based on a recent survey sent to practising industrial engineers, on membership data from the Southern African Institute for Industrial Engineering (SAIIE), and on two internal SAIIE investigations. The study concludes that the success of transformation, particularly in terms of race, has been limited. The results also indicate that there are an almost equal number of black and white industrial engineers, yet the majority of black industrial engineers have technical qualifications, while the majority of white industrial engineers have academic qualifications. The results indicate that this limits the use of black industrial engineers in industry and, consequently, the success of their careers. This in turn means that there are fewer black role models to attract young black students to the discipline. Some preliminary opportunities to unlock the increased transformation of the profession are identified. OPSOMMING Die bedryfsingenieurswese dissipline in Suid-Afrika is ondersoek deur eerstens die konteks van die dissipline te stel, die geskiedenis op te som, die drywers te identifiseer wat die konteks en toekoms van bedryfsingenieurswese beïnvloed, en dan die dissipline te analiseer in terme van die volgende aspekte: universiteit kwalifikasies, indiensneming in industrie sektore, ras en geslag profiele, benutting en vaardigheid in industrie, en inkomste profiele. Die analise is gebaseer op 'n onlangse meningsopname wat aan praktiserende bedryfsingenieurs gestuur is, op die Suider Afrikaanse Instituut van Bedryfsingenieurswese (SAIIE) se lidmaatskap data, en op twee interne SAIIE ondersoeke wat gedoen is. Die studie bevind dat die sukses van transformasie, veral in terme van ras, nog beperk is. Die resultate toon dat daar omtrent ewe veel wit en swart bedryfsingenieurs is, maar dat die meerderheid swart bedryfsingenieurs tegniese kwalifikasies het, terwyl die meerderheid wit bedryfsingenieurs akademiese kwalifikasies het. Die resultate toon dat dit die benutting van swart bedryfsingenieurs in industrie beperk en dus ook die sukses wat hul in hul loopbane behaal in terme van inkomste. Dit veroorsaak dat daar minder swart rolmodelle is om jong swart student na die dissipline te lok. Voorlopige geleenthede om transformasie in die professie te ontsluit word geïdentifiseer.
SMEs are critical to economic development within the South African economy by contributing consid... more SMEs are critical to economic development within the South African economy by contributing considerably to the national GDP and private sector employment. However they are unable to overcome the primary obstacle of access to funding, which translates into an inability to attain the necessary physical, human and consulting resources. Private equity and the venture capital sector has been critical in providing this necessary funding to support SME creation and growth in developed countries, but has been under- represented in South Africa. This is set to change by an amendment to Regulation 28 which allows pension funds to legally allocate a portion of the fund to private equity investments. SMEs currently lack an understanding of the business value curve utilized by financiers to gauge the risk-reward characteristics of an investment. SME strategies need to convey how the business model will isolate imitators as well as bridge misfits between their current resources and future requirements in order to deliver on the strategic intent. This paper utilizes a Systems Engineering approach through functional analysis to develop a framework that guides SMEs through detailed processes in order to develop a strategy aligned with investor requirements. The framework addresses the shortcomings of current strategic frameworks by taking into account the specific characteristics of SMEs and not being biased towards a specific industry or sector.
Rare events, known as ‘Black Swans’, have determined the course of history. One of these was the ... more Rare events, known as ‘Black Swans’, have determined the course of history. One of these was the global economic crisis of 2008. Such events highlight fields like strategic management and their shortcomings in helping to prepare organisations. The Strategic Framework for Improbable Circumstances was designed to add to the strategic management process by improving organisational preparation for these rare events. The framework was validated through interviews with experts who showed the need for such a framework, and who confirmed that it is a good first step for organisations to take towards addressing these Black Swan events.
In complex adaptive systems, antifragility designates the positive sensitivity to volatility, cau... more In complex adaptive systems, antifragility designates the positive sensitivity to volatility, caused by (exceptional or ‘black swan’) external stressors that intervene with the intended functionality of these systems. System Engineers can purposefully employ the concept antifragility to engender better systems. Prerequisite for this is the ability to adequately assess system changes and especially system improvements as the consequence of stressors. Albeit antifragility measurements do exist, their practicality is limited. This publication proposes a novel approach for antifragility measurement. A case study on a manufacturing SME depicts the antifragile spectrum rating of an SME to test the effects of system changes.
SMEs contribute considerably to the national GDP and to private sector employment, but they strug... more SMEs contribute considerably to the national GDP and to private sector employment, but they struggle to gain access to the funding needed to support business sustainability and growth. Venture capital provides the necessary funding, but SMEs lack understanding of the business value curve utilised by financiers to gauge the risk-reward characteristics of an investment. Strategies need to convey how the business model will evolve in order to deliver on the strategic intent. A framework is proposed through which SMEs can develop a strategy aligned with investor requirements. As a case study, the framework is applied to the local tooling sector.
This article presents a framework for developing and designing a business model to target the ‘bo... more This article presents a framework for developing and designing a business model to target the ‘bottom of the pyramid’ (BoP) population. Using blue ocean strategy and business model literature, integrated with research on the BoP, the framework offers a systematic approach for organisations to analyse and understand all aspects of the BoP and their environment, and then design a business model that minimises the risk of failure and fulfils the core requirements of the BoP. A case study on Capitec Bank demonstrates how the framework can be applied to the real world. The case study shows the practical examples that Capitec uses to target the BoP successfully, and the logic behind these actions. Further validation was done through interviews with experts in the relevant fields used in this study.
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Papers by Denzil Kennon
Private equity and the venture capital sector has been critical in providing this necessary funding to support SME creation and growth in developed countries, but has been under- represented in South Africa. This is set to change by an amendment to Regulation 28 which allows pension funds to legally allocate a portion of the fund to private equity investments.
SMEs currently lack an understanding of the business value curve utilized by financiers to gauge the risk-reward characteristics of an investment. SME strategies need to convey how the business model will isolate imitators as well as bridge misfits between their current resources and future requirements in order to deliver on the strategic intent.
This paper utilizes a Systems Engineering approach through functional analysis to develop a framework that guides SMEs through detailed processes in order to develop a strategy aligned with investor requirements. The framework addresses the shortcomings of current strategic frameworks by taking into account the specific characteristics of SMEs and not being biased towards a specific industry or sector.
A case study on Capitec Bank demonstrates how the framework can be applied to the real world. The case study shows the practical examples that Capitec uses to target the BoP successfully, and the logic behind these actions. Further validation was done through interviews with experts in the relevant fields used in this study.
Private equity and the venture capital sector has been critical in providing this necessary funding to support SME creation and growth in developed countries, but has been under- represented in South Africa. This is set to change by an amendment to Regulation 28 which allows pension funds to legally allocate a portion of the fund to private equity investments.
SMEs currently lack an understanding of the business value curve utilized by financiers to gauge the risk-reward characteristics of an investment. SME strategies need to convey how the business model will isolate imitators as well as bridge misfits between their current resources and future requirements in order to deliver on the strategic intent.
This paper utilizes a Systems Engineering approach through functional analysis to develop a framework that guides SMEs through detailed processes in order to develop a strategy aligned with investor requirements. The framework addresses the shortcomings of current strategic frameworks by taking into account the specific characteristics of SMEs and not being biased towards a specific industry or sector.
A case study on Capitec Bank demonstrates how the framework can be applied to the real world. The case study shows the practical examples that Capitec uses to target the BoP successfully, and the logic behind these actions. Further validation was done through interviews with experts in the relevant fields used in this study.