Thesis (Ph. D.)--Johns Hopkins University, 1997. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 607-641).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--City University of New York, 1993. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 134-141).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Michigan State University, 1999. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 446-485).

No description available.

Thesis (M.B.A. (Rhodes Investec Business School)) - Rhodes University, 2009. / A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Business Administration (MBA)

The adoption of just-in-time in satellite operations within an automotive manufacturer, is rapidly becoming a trend within motor industry clusters. This type of organisation within an organisation adopts a lean structure to operate effectively and efficiently. The objective of this paper is to unveil factors which influence this type of workplace, particularly focusing on which factors which are relevant to Faurecia East London Plant. The literature study was used to illustrate the various theories relevant to manufacturing techniques, employee motivational and job satisfaction theories. The empirical study tested factors illustrated in the literature study. The empirical study was also to develop a specific model suitable for satellite organisations. The model presented together with the literature and empirical study was used to formulate findings and solve the main and sub-problems.

Thesis (MTech (Public Relations Management)--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2016. / The aim of this study is to determine the effects of internal communication on employee productivity and perception in the automotive services (aftermarket) industry in South Africa. The aim is also to provide recommendations to improve the internal communication in the industry. According to Grunig (2011), organisations are realising that employees are their most important competitive advantage, and effective communication helps unleash the talents and energies of their employees. The literature review, which provides the theoretical perspectives upon which this study is based, comprises literature from a South African and international perspective. The literature outlined includes the Systems Approach, Excellence Theory, internal communication, productivity, perception, the automotive industry and the role of the communications practitioner. A qualitative research method is used to seek answers to questions and to understand an aspect of the working environment. This method is also used to understand the experiences and attitudes of the participants. To collect the required data, in-depth interviews were conducted with eight employees at various levels in an automotive services organisation. The interview questions were asked under three headings, namely: Internal Communication; Productivity and the Role of the Communications Practitioner. The responses of the participants and the research findings are then compared to the literature review. The major findings indicate that internal communication definitely impacts on the productivity and perception of the employees in the organisation. While certain aspects of internal communication in the automotive services organisation are effective, there is still room for improvement. This improvement should not be a once-off task. Management in the organisation is encouraged to conduct regular and on-going research to remain current and also to ensure that communication remains effective. Various types of research may be conducted at all levels in the organisation, internally and externally, which should consider the various aspects and elements of the organisation.

D. Comm. / The South African vehicle industry is currently struggling to narrow the gap between the demand and supply for new vehicles. Customers are confronted with long waiting lists for some models, while producers are carrying high stock levels on other models. A possible explanation for this is the complex nature of the demand for vehicles, resulting in difficulty to analyze and forecast vehicle sales. The demand for large and luxury passenger vehicles is to a. large extent status-driven, while the demand for commercial vehicles and tractors can be seen as derived demand because they are being used in the production process. Motorcycles, on the other hand, can be seen as "inferior goods" due to their discomfort. Demand management suggests that managers must react proactively to changes in the market with the aid of strategic information systems. A key ingredient of information systems is econometric models. These models transform data into decision-relevant information. The availability and knowledge of these models are, however, very limited. Studies performed on the vehicle industry produced only a few broadly defined models. They analyze only the main categories and do not, for example, distinguish between small and large vehicles, while this mix of sales is important for the majority of stakeholders in the vehicle industry. If forecasts are made with these models, decisions will be based on inaccurate forecasts and scarce resources will be wasted. This study is executed against this background. It is an attempt to narrow this gap between demand and supply and to address the shortcomings of previous econometric models. The primary objective of the study is to compile and test an econometric model for each vehicle category in South Africa. The secondary objective is to investigate the use of econometric models in the strategic planning processes in the vehicle industry to gain a competitive advantage. In order to make conclusions and recommendations to the industry, the following steps were followed: All vehicle categories in South Africa were identified (small passenger cars, medium passenger cars, large passenger cars, light commercial vehicles, medium commercial vehicles, heavy commercial vehicles, tractors and motorcycles). A unique data base was compiled for each category of vehicle (prices of new vehicles, prices of second-hand vehicles and numbers sold). Economic and graphic analyses were performed on every category, investigating the determinants of the demand for that category of vehicle. An econometric model was estimated for each category of vehicle. These models were tested economically, statistically and econometrically to verify the soundness thereof. The uses of these models were illustrated ("what if" analyses and forecasting). The role of managers in the vehicle industry in the application of these models were investigated. It can be concluded from the results of the econometric models that consumer behaviour in the vehicle industry can be analysed and forecast quite accurately. It was proven from the results that the factors influencing the demand for the different categories of vehicles, and especially the extent to which these determinants influence demand, differ considerably among the categories. This emphasizes the importance of analyses of this nature where the determinants of demand are analyzed for each and every type of vehicle. This also emphasizes the risk managers take when decisions are based on models where all these categories are combined and only total vehicle demand is analyzed. The responsiveness of management depends to a large extent on the quality of the information systems in the company. The new approach, 'identified in this study, concentrates on the direct use of information systems, and more specifically econometric models, to establish a competitive advantage.

Ford Motor Company embarked on a new engine programme, called the Rocam Engine Programme, in the year 2001. This engine was developed specifically for the European market. The customer demand rate was small initially, but ramped up slowly over time. During the low production volume period, this engine was introduced into the local market to test the publics’ response. The response was overwhelmingly positive. The local market grew considerably in a short space of time. During the same time-period, the European customer demand increased, unexpectedly, by approximately 60 percent. The additional production volume placed an enormous amount of pressure on the Engine Plant facility. Two of the production lines in particular, were taking huge strain. These lines were not producing the demand quantities, and the product quality levels were dropping quickly. The research project is based purely on the lean manufacturing principles and philosophies. The aim of the study is to identify the deficiencies on these two production lines, thereby allowing corrective action to be taken. The research methodology comprised of the following steps: · A literature study was performed to give the reader a better understanding of the principles and philosophies of lean manufacturing. · A second literature study was also performed to get a better understanding of the continuous improvement philosophies of lean manufacturing. · A current state map, which depicts the existing situation on the line, was developed for both production lines. The existing situation was then compared to the fundamental principles and philosophies of a lean manufacturer. In this way the deficiencies were highlighted to management. Several recommendations were made regarding the data obtained in the study. The key ones are as follows: · First-line management needs to be trained and coached into managing their business by using quality, cost and delivery as the key performance metrics. They also have to be trained in team dynamics. This will promote cross-functional brainstorming and problem solving sessions. · The accurate collection and processing of base-measurement data should be treated as cardinal, and road shows by production personnel should be presented every week to top management. This will ensure that data is regularly collected and corrective action is continually taken to improve the current situation. Operating personnel needs to be trained in this discipline. Management needs to be serious about implementing lean production principles by enforcing these road shows. · The objectives of Kaizen, production management and the supporting departments (including maintenance and MP&L) ought to be the same in the interest of maximum productivity i.e. leaning towards world class. · First-line management must develop formal structured plans that will rectify the current on-line situation. Plans must include medium to longterm objective setting. Senior management need to coach the first-line management in this discipline. · Few production systems can be implemented without the necessary infrastructure conducive to supporting it. An infrastructure where production gets involved and takes ownership (policy deployment with regards to lines of communication and responsibility between Area Managers, Production Coordinators, Team Leaders and contractors) is what is required. Lean manufacturing deficiencies on the two production lines have been identified. A detailed implementation plan, which needs to be developed by the Ford Production System department, needs to be given to management. This plan needs to address the identified deficiencies in a timely manner that will assist in the Engine Plant meeting their production targets.

No description available.