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 454

The role of disruptive innovation in start-ups and transforming small business operations in the digital era
(South African Institute of Industrial Engineers, 2024-12-13) Lotz, S.J.; Verhage, B.; Masele, E.; Malanda, C.; Hassan, Ferdinand S.; Grobbelaar, Schalk; ferdinand.hassan@tuks.co.za
ENGLISH : In the digital era, start-ups benefit from expanded reach, faster scaling, and access to vast data sets, yet face heightened competition and the challenge of staying current with emerging innovations. Their role in the modern economy is amplified as they collaborate with incubators, investors, and academic institutions to foster innovation and growth. Agile development methods and disruptive innovation bolster their competitiveness against larger incumbents. Leveraging digital technologies and combining resources are further recognised as pivotal success factors driving disruptive innovations in start-ups.
The influence of project management maturity on perceived project success : a case study of the Lesotho water sector
(South African Institute of Industrial Engineers, 2024-11-29) Pretorius, Suzaan; Mohlapiso, Mpho P.M.; suzaan.pretorius@up.ac.za
ENGLISH : This study aims to determine the project management maturity level of four organisations in the Lesotho Water Sector. It assesses its influence on perceived project success by undertaking case studies in these organisations. It, therefore, contributes to the limited literature on project management maturity in the water sector in Africa. The results indicated that the average project management maturity was 2, with one organisation at a maturity level of 3. A total of 53% of executed projects were perceived as successful. The study found that high-maturity-level organisations tend to execute projects more successfully. Additional factors that may lead to project failure in this sector were identified.
Navigating the waves of change and ripples of challenges in the water supply chain sector
(South African Institute of Industrial Engineers, 2024-11-29) Naidoo, Kelsi; Van der Lingen, Elma
ENGLISH : The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) has ushered in a transformative era for industries worldwide, including the water sector. This paper investigates the difficulties that are encountered and the changes that are required in water sector supply chain management amid the 4IR. A comprehensive analysis of scholarly articles, research papers, and industry reports provides insights into the evolving dynamics of water supply chains. The review identifies challenges such as data integration complexities, cybersecurity vulnerabilities, budget constraints, regulatory intricacies, skills gaps, environmental sustainability concerns, infrastructure compatibility issues, data privacy dilemmas, resource limitations, socio-political factors, and geographical disparities. These are critically examined within their contextual frameworks, highlighting their significance for the water sector. This paper is valuable for researchers, policymakers, water utility professionals, and stakeholders seeking a comprehensive understanding of water sector supply chain management’s intricate challenges and transformative changes during the 4IR. This paper could also assist in illuminating water-related problems and solutions.
Developing an industrial engineering capabilities framework for the adoption of engineered wood products in the South African construction industry
(South African Institute of Industrial Engineers, 2024-11-29) Hassan, Ferdinand S.; Grobbelaar, Schalk
ENGLISH : The construction industry is embracing sustainable practices to combat environmental degradation and climate change, and engineered wood products (EWPs) offer promise as structural materials for sustainable infrastructure. Despite the benefits of EWPs, challenges such as supply chain integration and market acceptance have limited their use. This paper explores how industrial engineering could facilitate the adoption of EWPs in the South African construction industry, and provides a framework for developing critical industrial engineering capabilities that the South African timber construction sector should possess to integrate EWPs efficiently into construction projects. We used a comprehensive literature review and a curriculum analysis to achieve the study’s objectives. By drawing upon these capabilities, the study identified where industrial engineering as an expertise could drive innovation adoption.
Agile : advantages, disadvantages, enablers, and barriers
(South African Institute of Industrial Engineers, 2024-12-13) Lutwama, P.; Dlulane, M.; Pillay, T.; Hassan, F.S.; Grobbelaar, Schalk; ferdinand.hassan@tuks.co.za
ENGLISH : This scoping review provides an expanded view of the Agile methodology in the software industry - an iterative, incremental project management framework that is renowned for its use in software development. Research questions covering the advantages, disadvantages, enablers, and barriers to Agile were formulated to analyse accepted research papers from 2019 to 2023. Notable overlapping findings were found in the 25 studies that were included. The results revealed that human factors such as communication, conflict resolution, and understanding Agile are essential to the successful implementation of Agile software development.
Analysing organisational robustness in the application of project portfolio management
(South African Institute of Industrial Engineers, 2024-12-13) Bekker, Michiel Christiaan; Steenkamp, D.; giel.bekker@up.ac.za
ENGLISH : Project portfolio management (PPM) has become a popular practice among organisations in effectively driving a collection of projects and/or programmes to align with and meet their strategic objectives. PPM is still considered a new concept, and is in the early days of its implementation. Even the best-performing organisations are still not excelling in executing best practices in PPM. This research reviews the literature on the robustness of portfolio governance controls. A semi-structured technique entailing a questionnaire and qualitative interviews to access best practices was used with a population of PPM professionals from various industries. The paper reviews the impact of higher levels of compliance on a model and/or framework in more mature environments in order to prevent or minimise the influence of external elements such as executive veto on PPM practices.
The effects of leadership styles on enabling team effectiveness for multiple team memberships
(South African Institute of Industrial Engineers, 2024-11-29) Mntambo, Nokukhanyaâ B.; Chan, Kai-Ying; alice.chan@up.ac.za
ENGLISH : The prevalence of multiple team membership (MTM) in the modern organisation results from the need of an organisation to be efficient with its resources so that the desired efficiency is achieved. This study investigates the effect of leadership styles (transactional, transformational, directive, and laissez-faire) on enabling team effectiveness in the context of MTM. The team effectiveness criteria used are team viability, team processes, and quality of group experience. The data was collected through online questionnaires from 53 individuals in a mining organisation. The results showed a positive relationship between the transactional leadership style and all three criteria of team effectiveness, whereas the directive leadership style indicated a negative relationship with those criteria. Transformational leadership showed a positive impact only on the quality of group experience. Based on the results, it is recommended that transactional leadership styles be adopted for team effectiveness in the context of MTM for similar organisations.
Strategies for gaining a competitive edge : a look into the South African sawmilling industry
(Southern African Institute for Industrial Engineering, 2025-05) Tshavhungwe, Vhuhwavho; Grobbelaar, Schalk; u11152983@tuks.co.za
ENGLISH : Firms must constantly adjust to changing market conditions. Understanding the firm and its strategies is an important component of strategic management. The study used a survey approach to gather the views of individuals working in South African sawmills on strategy and competitive advantages. The results highlighted that the participants saw the availability of wood resources as essential for the sawmill industry to function competitively. The participants also indicated that they used differentiation as a strategy in their sawmills. Future research should focus on globally competitive sawmills to assess how their competitive advantage and strategy differ from those of sawmills in South Africa. AFRIKAANS : Ondernemings moet voortdurend by veranderende marktoestande aanpas. Om die onderneming en sy strategieë te verstaan, is ‘n belangrike komponent van strategiese bestuur. Die studie het ’n opname gebruik om menings in te samel oor strategie en mededingende voordele van individue wat in saagmeulens in Suid-Afrika werk. Die resultate het die belangrikheid van beskikbare houtbronne beklemtoon om ’n leidende mededingende voordeel vir saagmeulens te verkry. Deelnemers het ook aangedui dat hulle differensiasie as ’n strategie in hul saagmeule gebruik het. Toekomstige navorsing moet fokus op vergelykende studies met wêreldwye saagmeulens om te bepaal hoe hul mededingende voordeel en strategie verskil van dié van saagmeulens in Suid-Afrika.
Methods for identifying, prioritising and planning for emerging technologies in air traffic management industry
(Southern African Institute for Industrial Engineering, 2025-05) Letaba, Petrus Tshotleho; Mkhize, Malusi
ENGLISH : The rapid advancement of technology in the air traffic management (ATM) industry demands effective methods to identify, prioritise, and plan for emerging technologies. This research used qualitative analysis through expert interviews to investigate these methods, highlighting the importance of structured frameworks such as technology intelligence, technology foresight, and technology roadmaps, along with industry collaboration. A framework of preferred methods was developed to guide ATM organisations in navigating technological uncertainties. The study emphasises proactive planning and early identification to enhance competitiveness and operational efficiency, thus contributing to the broader understanding of emerging technologies in the ATM industry. AFRIKAANS : Die vinnige vooruitgang van tegnologie in die lugverkeersbestuur vereis doeltreffende metodes vir die identifikasie, prioritisering en beplanning van opkomende tegnologieë. Hierdie navorsing het kwalitatiewe analise deur middel van deskundige onderhoude gebruik om hierdie metodes te ondersoek, en het die belangrikheid van gestruktureerde raamwerke soos tegnologie-intelligensie, tegnologievoorsiening en tegnologie-roetekaart, tesame met samewerking in die bedryf, beklemtoon. ’n Raamwerk van voorkeurmetodes is ontwikkel om lugverkeersbestuur-organisasies te lei in die hantering van tegnologiese onsekerhede. Die studie beklemtoon proaktiewe beplanning en vroeë identifikasie om mededingendheid en operasionele doeltreffendheid te verbeter, en dra by tot ’n breër begrip van opkomende tegnologieë in die lugverkeersbestuur-bedryf.
Leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance the use of the knowledge repository : an engineering consulting view
(Southern African Institute for Industrial Engineering, 2025-05) Nikeyi, Renisha; Van Waveren, Cornelis Cristo; corro@up.ac.za
ENGLISH : This study explores how the artificial intelligence (AI) functionalities of interaction, automation, search and retrieval, pattern recognition, and reason and decision-making could address the barriers that hinder the use of the knowledge repository transfer mechanism in knowledge management. The research finds that AI technologies could directly improve the repository’s usefulness, accessibility, and interface while also indirectly boosting awareness of the repository and the motivation to use the repository. The study also highlights the need for a collaborative human—AI approach to optimise the use of the knowledge repository and to guide future knowledge management strategies. AFRIKAANS : Hierdie studie ondersoek hoe die kunsmatige intelligensie funksionaliteite, vir interaksie, outomatisering, soek en herwinning, patroonherkenning, en redenasie en besluitneming die hindernisse kan aanspreek wat die gebruik van die kennisbergingsplek as kennisoordragmeganisme kan belemmer. Die navorsing het bevind dat kunsmatige intelligensie-tegnologieë die bruikbaarheid, toeganklikheid en koppelvlak van die kennisbergingsplek aansienlik kan verbeter, terwyl dit ook indirek die bewustheid van die kennisbergingsplek en die motivering om dit te gebruik, kan verhoog. Die studie beklemtoon ook dat die menslike intervlak met kunsmatige intelligensie noodsaaklik is om die benutting van die kennisbergingsplek te optimeer en toekomstige kennisbestuurstrategieë te help rig.
Modeling sustainable earned value management (EVM) under grey uncertain conditions
(MDPI, 2025-06) Fan, Lei; Mohseni Nejad, Shima; Bagherpour, Morteza; Feylizadeh, Mohammad Reza; Karimi, Negar
The EVM method is an essential project management technique that compares the work done to the planned values (PVs) to identify project variances. However, the inherent uncertainties and possibilities in the project introduce uncertainty in the input data. Despite this importance, the input data for this method is often considered deterministic in most research, and several researchers have modeled it under fuzzy information. In this research, we developed a novel approach using a combined model of fuzzy numbers and grey numbers called interval grey triangular fuzzy (IGTF) numbers. This model is designed to manage the project’s fuzzy grey value, addressing the two pillars of fuzzy and grey uncertainty. The findings of the study indicate that by combining the grey degree of confidence with the triangular fuzzy number (TFN), the results are closer to the real world and more lenient. Finally, based on the estimation of the actual final cost of the project, managers are encouraged to use certainty in lowering costs concerning the value obtained by using the Z-number for the phases of the project. This research provides practical insights and a new model for managing sustainable project uncertainties using fuzzy and grey theories, offering a potential solution to this challenge.
The strategic role of the enterprise portfolio management office in enabling the alignment and prioritisation of projects and programmes for organisational strategy execution
(South African Institution of Civil Engineering, 2025-06) Matlala, Humphrey; Nel, Hannelie; Pretorius, Jan-Harm C.; hannelie.nel@up.ac.za
Organisations continue to face challenges in aligning and prioritising projects and programmes with strategic execution, and research shows that there is a need for organisations to develop a process that could assist them in achieving this. Using a survey study and literature, this study developed a conceptual model illustrating an ideal framework for aligning projects and programmes with organisational strategy execution. The model also proposes the optimal positioning of the enterprise portfolio management office (EPMO) within the organisational value chain to facilitate effective strategy execution and benefit management.
Using the circular economy to mitigate the global electronic waste challenge : a systematic literature review approach
(University of Turin, 2024-12-20) Maphosa, Mfowabo; Maphosa, Vusumuzi; mfowabo.maphosa@up.ac.za
The global electronic waste (e-waste) output is increasing at an alarming pace, albeit with limited management practices, resulting in the release of toxic anthropogenic elements that threaten the environment and public health. The linear economicmodel, which follows the take-make-consume-dispose has shaped the global economy. In contrast, the circular economy reduces wastage, recirculates raw materials, and extends the lifespan of products through repairing, refurbishing and remanufacturing. This reduces supply chain risks and product supply disruptions and creates formal jobs. This systematic literature review evaluates how the knowledge economy and modernisationgrowthhavecontributed to the e-waste burden, and how the circular economy can mitigate environmental and health effects. The study evaluatesthe impact of the circular economy and the e-waste problem. It identifies the research landscape, the key research clusters, relevant topics, and research hotspots from research output from the 949publications selected from the Scopus database published from 2014 to 2023. The analysis involvedquantitative descriptions of several metrics related to the research outputs. The analysisalsoinvolved creating network and density graphs using VoSViewer and generating the ten key topics and a word cloud using Provalis WordStat. The study also highlights the conceptual developments and current and future research trends. The findingsshow that research outputs increased substantially from two in 2014 to 257in 2023 and citations grew astronomically, from one in 2014 to 8409in 2023. The analysis reveals five research clusters: material management and resource recovery, business practices and circular economy strategies, technology integration and sustainability, recycling challenges, and environmental health and sustainablepractices.The study recommends that emerging economies should embrace the circular economy and integrate the informal sector for e-waste collection, sorting, and less complex recycling, while the formal sector conducts high-end recycling.
Reflecting on the rise and decline of the South African defence industry
(University of Stellenbosch, 2024-06) Gopaul, Kevin; Van der Lingen, Elma; Oosthuizen, Rudolph
The South African Defence Industry has undergone several significant changes during the past six decades, with its current state being deemed unfavourable for continued survivability. To develop a robust understanding of the industry, a review of the scientific literature (and government policies) has been undertaken to chart the trends in the industry through the decades. South African political ideologies in the sixties and seventies resulted in a need for self-sufficiency in defence. By the late eighties, increased military spending resulted in a powerful and capable defence industry, but the end of apartheid and regional conflicts saw an expected sharp drop in the defence budget. The Strategic Defence Package offered some respite in terms of exports, but this has declined in the recent past. The defence budget has remained at a steady low value for two decades, with no real possibility of an increase. To maintain relevance and ensure organisational resilience, the remnants of the South African Defence Industry should use the Defence Industry Strategy as a baseline to develop robust local relationships to drive innovation and foster economic growth, while also strengthening international market share by strengthening unique South African technologies.
Strengthening primary care mental health services – lessons from the South African HIV programme
(South African Medical Association, 2024-09) Dunlop, J.L.; Zibengwa, E.; Manyuchi, Albert Edgar; Chinyandura, C.; Mutsago, T.; Magongoa, K.S.; Khoele, G.; Mabitsi, M.; Rees, K.
No abstract available.
Industrial electricity pricing and renewable energy : a temporal analysis of the effect of taxes
(MDPI, 2025-04) Oyewole, Gbeminiyi John; Thopil, George Alex
This study investigates the industrial electricity pricing (IEP) profiles of 22 OECD countries to understand the effect of renewable energy and taxes on overall prices. Clustering analysis was performed on pricing data from the year 2000 to 2018 to observe how prices evolved. Ordinal logit regression analysis was performed to determine possible associations between the clustered groups and the percentage share of renewables generated (REG), specifically linked to wind, solar photovoltaics and solar thermal. Other independent variables indicating economic and market structures were also considered. Clustering results for both prices before and after tax indicated three pricing clusters, termed low, median, and high pricing clusters. IEP in Italy and Germany was found to have the highest effect owing to taxes, while IEP in countries such as the US, Norway, Canada, and Denmark was least affected by taxes. Regression results show positive associations between the clustered profiles and REG. The positive association between the non-taxed component of IEP and a unit increase in REG is 1.41 times, whereas the positive association of overall IEP price (including taxes) and a unit increase in REG is 56.26 times, which is 39.9 times higher. Our results show that REG penetration has had a minimal effect on IEP over the time under consideration, but rather that the taxation on IEP coincides with REG penetration, contributing to IEP increases.
A quantitative modeling approach to energy justice in electric vehicle adoption
(Elsevier, 2025-05) Dall-Orsoletta, Alaize; Oosthuizen, Rudolph; Dranka, Geremi Gilson; Ferreira, Paula
Electric vehicle (EV) adoption is a key component of the global low-carbon transition, yet it may also give rise to social and ethical issues derived from its widespread adoption. Nonetheless, there is limited research on how justice issues can be integrated into EV-related decision-making, particularly through quantitative modeling. This study employs a system dynamics model to simulate the effects of various policies on EV adoption and charging infrastructure, incorporating quantitative proxies for distributive justice, an energy justice tenet. The model is parametrized and calibrated for the case of Portugal. The results reveal disparities in charging station distribution and EV ownership between urban and rural areas, with ownership parity delayed in scenarios involving increased vehicle demand. The EV market share is projected to reach 26 % in the baseline scenario and up to 83 % under a policy mix scenario by 2050. Subsidy policies further delay rural ownership parity (2045 vs. 2033 in the base case). The urban-to-rural ratio of public charging stations per unit of area varies from 2 to 7 by 2050. This study contributes to the emerging interdisciplinary field of energy justice by providing insights into the complexities of equitable EV adoption, supporting just and sustainable transitions.
Innovation research in and on Africa : A literature analysis in 2015–2021
(NISC (Pty) Ltd and Informa UK Limited (trading as Taylor & Francis Group), 2024) Jauhiainen, Jussi S.; Mugabe, John Ouma
Innovation scholars disseminate their significant findings through international scientific journals. We conducted content analysis of 2,869 peer-reviewed articles on innovation in Africa, examining their origins, themes, collaborative networks, and scholarly influence. These articles, spanning the years 2015–2021, were curated from the Web of Science database across scientific, social science, and humanities journals. The findings reveal that 46.3% of these articles lacked contributions from African organizations or scholars, while 25.1% involved collaborations between African and non-African entities. A remaining 28.6% were exclusively authored by African scholars, with South African universities being the most frequent contributors. Notably, articles authored by scholars from non-African institutions garnered more citations and appeared in journals with higher impact factors. Key themes within these articles revolved around the knowledge economy, African business innovation, agricultural advancements, and the role of mobile phones in knowledge dissemination and marketing. Surprisingly, sustainability topics were notably absent. South Africa, Kenya, and Ghana featured prominently in the discussions. In conclusion, it is imperative to foster broader participation from African nations and scholars in innovation research and ensure a stronger African perspective in international publications. Additionally, as open-access publishing gains momentum, concerns about escalating publishing costs warrant attention.
The South African Defence industry : a contemporary comparative analysis of its second tier nature
(Routledge, 2025) Gopaul, Kevin; Van der Lingen, Elma; Oosthuizen, Rudolph
The South African Defence Industry has undergone several changes over the past decades, with the end of Apartheid seeing the industry transform itself from a practically self-sufficient one to a smaller one, embedded into foreign firms and achieving international success. However, the recent past has not been kind to the industry, and the calls for government support appear unheeded. By performing an extended literature review, this research attempts to determine whether the second-tier label given to the South African Defence Industry is accurate and if the nation’s changes have affected this categorisation. Further, by comparing its characteristics to those of similar nations’ and exploring African defence industries, it is effectively a contemporary examination of South Africa’s place in the international arms industry.
Life cycle external cost assessment of an onshore wind farm in South Africa
(Elsevier, 2025-06) Ibrahim, Hanif Auwal; Thopil, George Alex; george.alexthopil@up.ac.za
Wind power has been crucial in global energy transitions over the past decade. Such transitions are evident in sub-Saharan Africa, where South Africa is a leading player. Onshore wind power is pivotal in South Africa's energy transition, but the comprehensive external costs of the technology remain unexplored. Conducting a life cycle assessment (LCA) of a 138 MW wind farm, this study aims to fill the existing gap in the literature, by assessing greenhouse gas (GHG) and non-GHG impacts, and then converting them into costs. This study provides critical insights into the environmental, health, biodiversity, crops, and materials impact of onshore wind power, contributing towards improving the overall sustainability of offshore wind power. Findings from the study indicate that climate change impacts contribute 26.1 gCO2eq/kWh, while human health impacts emerge as the most significant non-GHG impact. The onshore wind farm's external cost ranges from 5.95 to 9.88 ZAc/kWh (2.9–4.82 €/MWh), with a median of 6.75 ZAc/kWh (3.29 €/MWh), falling within ranges observed in the literature. Climate change and human health jointly account for 89.4 % of the median external costs, primarily associated with the manufacturing and construction phases. This study underscores the importance of including external costs in the comprehensive assessment of wind power, driven by the decreasing technology costs. The findings highlight the need to incorporate climate change and human health costs to better understand the sustainability of onshore wind power across its life cycle.

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