Thesis (Ph. D.)--Stanford University, 1996. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 185-201).

Diss.--University of Wisconsin. / Bibliography: p. 271-275.

Continuous improvement has long been considered a key business strategy to the success of any business that needs to be competitive and survive in a world that is continually evolving, particularly with the increased focus on meeting cost and quality targets that are set by a far more knowledgeable customer. Unfortunately, many organisations invest countless hours of their key personnel's time on training without creating a clear vision and consolidated strategic plan as to how continuous improvement will be driven in the business. Marginal elements of success are obtained, but the harnessing of these skills, as well as the true synergy that could be realized, are watered down due to the silos in which many of the activities are performed. Within the context of this dissertation, a conceptual approach to the strategic implementation of continuous improvement tools within the organization will be sought in order to enhance all facets of the business and not only the traditional arenas of the manufacturing disciplines. Murray and Roberts Foundries Group is embarking on the integration of current and new continuous improvement tools that form part of its continued improvement drive. This research was conducted with other organisations and will help shed light on Murray and Roberts Foundries Group’s way forward in the implementation of these tools to ensure long-term sustainable success. The intent of this dissertation is therefore to offer a comprehensive set of recommendations for Murray and Roberts Foundries Group’s top management in terms of its strategic implementation and the successful application of Lean manufacturing tools and techniques. In addition, areas and directions for further research are identified.

No abstract available. / Thesis (M.T.R.P)-University Natal, Durban, 1999.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of California at Berkeley, 1995.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Johns Hopkins University, 1992. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 440-463).

The South African automotive industry is recognised as an important sector for the economy and has thus been prioritised by the South African government. The success of the automotive manufacturers depends on the efficiency and effectiveness of their supply chain. Due to the large number of suppliers involved in these supply chains, enhancing trust in the inter-organisational relationships can ensure the competitiveness of the supply chain. Additionally, insufficient trust can disrupt information sharing between supply chain partners which further impacts on supply chain operations and hence supply chain competitiveness. Thus, both insufficient trust and insufficient information sharing are viewed as contributing factors to the inefficiency and ineffectiveness of a supply chain’s operations. The use of Information Technology to facilitate inter-organisational relationships, in particular in terms of improving information sharing, is an important consideration in this research project. As in the Prisoner’s Dilemma, when supply chain members share information freely, trust levels are increased, hence supply chain effectiveness and efficiency is achieved and therefore the competitiveness of the supply chain is optimised. This study addresses the problem of enhancing trust in automotive supply chains using Information Technology. Previous studies have recognised the importance of trust and information sharing in supply chain relationships. These previous studies have also considered the effect of trust on information sharing, or the effect of information sharing on trust in a single direction. Thus, to address this research problem, a cyclical relationship between trust and information sharing is proposed. In this respect, Information Technology should be used to nurture this cyclical relationship between trust and information sharing. A model for the enhancement of trust in automotive supply chains through Information Technology is proposed to achieve the objectives of this research project. This model includes risk perception; information sharing as a means of enhancing trust; a trust area that consists of both supply chain partner trustworthiness and system trust; the resultant trusting behaviour; and the resultant improved information sharing. As this study is concerned with the use of IT to enhance trust, the inclusion of system trust as a component of the model is a significant contribution of this study which is complementary to the proposed cyclical relationship between trust and information sharing.

An increase in the global competitiveness has forced manufacturing organisations to re-look their facility from a labour productivity standpoint. Leveraging a manufacturing operation into a competitive avantage must at all times support the organisation’s objective. It is therefore critical that the operation reviews its strategy so that it fulfils the ever changing needs in the market. Purpose – The main objective of this research is to identify the critical success factors to improve direct labour efficiency within Johnson Controls Automotive South Africa (Pty) Ltd (JCI). Design/methodology/approach – A combination of a comprehensive literature review and visits to the Uitenhage plant and head office were employed in the study. JCI practices were observed to highlight the level of direct labour productivity. This was followed by interviewing relevant and key personel who had an involvement in achieving direct labour productivity in the plant. A questionnaire-based research approach was adopted for this purpose and a total of 83 valid survey responses were received from staff in the Uitenhage plant, together with head office staff who directly supported the plant. The questionnaire was designed to identify and test perceptions of employees, regarding the factors of production, identified as sub variables. The research aim was to determine the most practical and effective strategies to improve direct labour productivity. Results were analysed and interpreted after which recommendations were formulated. Findings – Several critical success factors identified as sub variables were tested to understand their impact on direct labour productivity. Empirical results showed that organisational culture, leadership culture, employee engagement, communication and skills, development and training, had a significant effect on direct labour productivity. Respective ratings of these elements were discussed with the focus of improving this going forward. Research limitations/implications – Continued scepticim within JCI about the benefits of direct labour productivity to their business is one of the fundamental limitations this research faces. Originality/value – The novelty of the research project stems from the realization of key factors contributing to the improvement of direct labour productivity within the JCI enviroment. The results would provide JCI with indicators and guidelines for a successful implementation of direct labour productivity initiatives in the Uitenhage plant.

Thesis (M.B.A.)-Business Studies Unit, Durban University of Technology, 2006 x, 68 leaves / The purpose of this study is to identify the training needs of leather technicians with the aim of supporting corporate competitive advantage within their company. Identifying competencies is an essential first step towards developing a training programme and to support corporate competitive advantage. / M

Thesis (M.B.A.)-Business Studies Unit, Durban Institute of Technology, 2006 viii, 105 leaves / The South African automotive leather export sewing industry was established in about 1991, when domestic firms were exposed to international markets. The industry’s success was largely attributed to the relatively cheap labour, infrastructure, leather and tax incentives given by the South African government. Interest in investment shown by multinational companies has resulted in significant growth in the industry today. However, at one time, the socio-political status in South Africa meant that the environment in which the industry developed was artificial. Economic, political and cultural conditions were not conducive to export manufacturing due to international sanctions. Consequently, the leather export industry was provided with an opportunity to integrate into the international arena primarily through the Motor Industry Development Programme (MIDP). The MIDP initiative allows South African automotive companies to offset import duties against exports. This duty offset programme aims to encourage firms to focus on high volume production runs and import less popular models that are expensive to produce locally. However, with the inclusion of the Eastern European countries into the European Union, it is expected that the market will become highly competitive. It has already been predicted by Ballard (2002) in a study on the South African leather business that the automotive leather sewing export industry is an “easy-come-easy-go” industry, with its success not linked to any intrinsic advantages South Africa possesses, but due to rebates from the Motor Industry Development Programme. Although South Africa has a number of advantages such as relatively cheap labour, material in leather hides, and a good infrastructure, the automotive sewing industry has yet to establish its efficiency when exposed to open market competition. Therefore, to create a perception of stability for international investors, the industry must seek contact with outside partners for market access, technology and process know-how through collaboration and benchmarking. This study therefore aims to develop a discourse related specifically to the sustainability of the leather export sewing industry as it approaches deregulation. / M