Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2005. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Local authorities, being at the coalface of government service delivery, have a statutory duty to deliver a wide range of services to their communities. Having limited resources themselves, and due to the poverty in their communities, municipalities aim to maximise the efficiency of their operations in order to be able to deliver appropriate quality services at the lowest possible cost. Municipalities are subject to a variety oflaws, regulations and policies which regulate the way in which they go about their business. In the context of supply chain management, the recently promulgated Municipal Finance Management Act and its associated Regulations and Guidelines is the most important of these. Supply chain management, defined by the MFMA to include procurement, disposal of assets and contract management, is an important issue in Lukhanji Municipality due to the amounts of money allocated to capital projects as well as to operations. Municipalities, as organs of State, are also required to implement policies which are aligned with other provincial and national polices and, in the context of supply chain management, which do not prejudice national economic policy. Municipalities, in addition to their service delivery role, have a mandate, conferred by the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, to play a developmental role in their communities. They are required, in their procurement of goods and services, to apply preferential procurement processes in order to promote the use of: enterprises owned and managed by previously disadvantaged individuals; Small- Medium- and Micro-enterprises (SMMEs); local resources; and other marginalised individuals and groups. Municipalities are thus required to comply with statutory requirements and to strive for the achievement of social and economic objectives. The purpose of this study is to: describe all the current legislation, regulations and policies affecting municipal supply chain management; examine the conflicts arising from the different perspectives of the various statutory and policy requirements; describe the factors which constrain the municipality in its efforts to maximise the benefits arising from supply chain management activities; develop objectives for the supply chain management policy m terms of statutory compliance, social aspects and economic goals and which are not in conflict with each other; analyse the draft Supply Chain Management policy developed for Lukhanji Municipality to determine its efficacy in supporting the objectives developed; make recommendations regarding the final Supply Chain Management policy for Lukhanji; and propose further research arising out of the findings of this study. The main findings of the study are: some of the requirements of legislation and applicable policies are mutually exclusive and some compromises have to be made; the Supply Chain Management policy can be used as a tool to achieve socio-economic objectives while still complying with the statutory requirements; in particular, the Supply Chain Management policy can be used for the promotion of SMMEs, black economic empowerment, local economic development and job creation; a comprehensive set of socio-economic objectives and statutory requirements have been developed for Lukhanji Municipality's Supply Chain Management policy; the current high levels of provincial and national government spending on infrastructure development represent an opportunity for local economic development; the promotion of local SMMEs is an important element in increasing the multiplier effect, on the local economy, of the economic injection of the extensive infrastructure development currently in progress in the Lukhanji municipal area; the potential benefits are reduced by the capacity constraints and scarcity of resources within local government; and the draft policy prepared for Lukhanji will ensure compliance with the statutory requirements for supply chain management but needs to be amended to increase its efficacy in achieving Council's socio-economic objectives. The study highlighted several deficiencies in current knowledge especially in industries other than the construction industry. Research to test the hypothesis that the principles applicable to the construction industry can be applied to other industries is proposed. More research is also recommended to be done on establishing the link between spending on infrastructure and local economic benefits and how to maximise the benefits especially to increase local economic development, job creation and poverty. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Plaaslike owerhede staan op die voorpunt van die regenng se dienslewering aan die gemeenskap. Gekonfronteer deur hul eie gebrek aan hulpbronne, en die armoede van hul gemeenskappe word munisipaliteite genoodsaak om dienste van gepaste gehalte teen minimum koste te lewer deur om hul doeltreffendheid te maximiseer. Munisipaliteite is onderhewig aan 'n magdom wette, regulasies en beleide wat op hulle aktiwiteite van toepassing is. In die geval van voorsieningskettingbestuur is die Munisipale Finansiëlebestuurswet en gepaardgaande Regulasies en Riglyne die belangrikste wetstuk. Voorsieningsketting aktiwiteite, soos deur die Munisipale Finansiëlebestuurswet gedefineer om aankope, verkoop van bates en kontrakbestuur in te sluit, word as belangrik geag as gevolg van die hoeveelhede geld wat betrokke is. Die bedrae sluit in die allokasies aan kapitaalprojekte asook die lopende begroting. Munisipaliteite, in hul hoedanighede as Staatsinstansies, word verplig om alleenlik beleide wat provinsiale en nasionale beleid ondersteun toe te pas en, verder, om te verhoed dat hul beleide met nasionale ekonomiesebeleid teenstrydig is. Afgesien van hul diensleweringsrol word munisipaliteite, deur die Grondwet van die Republiek van Suid Afrika, ook belas met die plig om hul gemeenskappe te ontwikkel. Deur middel van hul aankope van goedere en dienste word munisipaliteite gelas om voorkeur aan die volgende te gee: Besighede wat deur voorheen benadeelde individieë besit en bestuur word; Klein- Middelmatige- en Micro-sakeondernemings; Plaaslike hulpbronne; en ander benadeelde individieë en groepe. Opsommend, moet munisipaliteite aan alle wetgewing voldoen terwyl hulle ook streef om sosiale en ekonomiese doelwitte te bereik. Die doel van hierdie studie is om: al die huidige wetgewing, regulasies en beleid wat van toepassing is te beskryf; die konflikte voortspruitend uit die verskillende oogpunte van die wetgewing en beleidstukke te ondersoek; die faktore wat die munisipaliteit strem in sy strewe om sy doelwitte te bereik; die formulering van die doelwitte van sy voorsieningskettingbestuursbeleid ten opsigte van die wetlike vereistes asook die sosiale en ekonomiese doele wat nie teenstrydig met mekaar mag wees nie; die ontleding van Lukhanji se voorgestelde voorsieningskettingbestuursbeleid om sy doeltreffendheid ten opsigte van die ondersteuning van sy doelwitte te bepaal; die formuleering van voorstelle rakende die finale beleid; en verdere navorsing aan te beveel. Die belangrikste bevindinge is: van die wetgewing en beleide wat van toepassing is het uiteenlopende vereistes wat sekere kompromieë noodsaak; die Raad se voorsieningskettingbestuursbeleid kan gebruik word om sy sosiale en ekonomiese doelwitte te bereik sonder om enige wetgewing te oortree; in besonder, kan die beleid die gebruik van Klein- Middelmatige- en Mikrosakeondernemings, swart bemagtiging, plaaslike ekonomiese ontwikkeling en werkskepping bevorder; 'n volledige stel doelwitte vir voorsienings ketting bestuur is geformuleer; die plaaslike ekonomie kan voordeel trek uit die omvattende infrastruktuur ontwikkeling wat huidiglik in Lukhanji deur provinsiale en sentrale regering befonds word; die betrokkenheid van Klein- Middelmatige- en Micro-sakeondernemings kan die positiewe effek, op die plaaslike ekonomie, van bogenoemde ekonomiese inspuiting vermenigvuldig; die omvang van die voordele word egter deur die gebreke aan menslike en finansiele hulpbronne beperk; en Lukhanji se voorgestelde beleid sal verseker dat die munisipaliteit aan die wetlike vereistes voldoen maar sal moet aangepas word om sy sosiale en ekonomiese doelwitte te bereik. Die studie het uitgewys dat sekere kennis van voorsieningskettingbestuur in gebreke bly, veral in nywerhede anders as die konstruksie bedryf. Navorsing om die hipotese, dat die beginsels van die konstruksie bedryf ook in ander nywerhede toegepas kan word, te toets word voorgestel. Verder navorsing om die verwantskap tussen besteding aan infrastruktuur en plaaslike ekonomiese ontwikkeling beter te verstaan word ook aanbeveel. Die gebruik van staatsbesteding om plaaslike ekonomiese ontwikkeling en werkskepping te bevorder om armoede te bekamp is van kardinale belang.

Thesis (MComm (Business Management))--University of Stellenbosch, 2006. / The term business model is relatively recent. Though it appeared for the first time in the 1950s it rose to prominence and reached the mainstream only in the 1990s. Today the term is commonly used, but there is still no single dominant definition. Many different conceptualizations of business models exist. They all have various degrees of resemblance, or difference of some degree. From those business literatures, an intellectual root of the concept has been explored, offering a working definition, and the necessity for a company to renew its business models. To deliver information, products, and services in new ways, new business models address previously unrecognized or unmet needs, and appeal to customers precisely because they improve the quality of what is available to them, or reduce the cost, or both. Leading companies have discovered that to keep up with the rate of change in the marketplace, today’s key performance factors are different than they were in the past, hence the need for new business models and their strategic innovation. This thesis explores the role of business models in leveraging demand and supply chain dynamics in business ecosystems. Radical changes in the business environment have suggested limitations of traditional business models. New business environments are characterized not only by the rapid pace of change, but also the discontinuous nature of such change. New business environments, characterized by dynamically discontinuous change, requires a re-conceptualization of new competencies, new business models that break the rules of the game in the industry. The fact that a company should constantly attempt to develop new business models in its industry if it hopes to survive, has been examined, and how those new business models can leverage demand and supply chain dynamics in business ecosystems. The theoretical findings are illustrated by relevant case studies.

Thesis (MComm)--Stellenbosch University, 2014. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Sustainability is a key requirement for business success and is often regarded a competitive advantage if strategically managed. Sustainability-mature organisations look to their value chains where the retailer-supplier relationship becomes critical in embedding sustainability. With this in mind, it has been established that a large South African retailer, Woolworths, has limited insight into the level of engagement in terms of sustainability with its key food suppliers, and no knowledge of the effectiveness of current tools used in enhancing their supply chain sustainability. This poses a problem, as it hinders the full implementation of Woolworth’s sustainability strategy across their value chain. In response to this, a study was undertaken to establish the level of engagement in terms of sustainability and obtain supplier feedback on the effectiveness of current tools used to enhance Woolworth’s supply chain sustainability. To facilitate this, the United Nations’ Global Compact and the Supply Chain Sustainability Guideline were utilised. Secondary research was conducted by means of a literature review covering the theoretical concepts of corporate social responsibility, sustainability, supply chain sustainability and retailer-supplier collaboration. The qualitative and exploratory nature of the study necessitated a case study research design, while the technique of purposive sampling was used to select the sample of three of Woolworths’ food suppliers. Data was collected by means of semi-structured interviews facilitated by an interview guide, and data analysis was conducted with Atlas.ti software. It was determined that the current engagement around sustainability between Woolworths and their suppliers is still at a basic and broad level, with a strong environmental focus. Additionally, monitoring and support of sustainability initiatives seems to be lacking. Managerial implications emphasise the importance of an integrated sustainability approach driven by the retailer and a strong focus on collaboration and communication with suppliers around ongoing sustainability challenges and opportunities. The United Nations Global Compact Supplier Engagement Continuum was utilised as a framework to map the current level of engagement and was amended for use in the South African context. Future research agendas suggest replica studies in other industries, and that the amended continuum should be tested and further refined for the South African context. In conclusion, specific propositions were formulated to aid future research. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Volhoubaarheid is ‘n sleutel vereiste vir besigheidsukses en word dikwels gesien as ‘n mededingende voordeel indien dit strategies bestuur word. Volhoubaar-volwasse organisasies fokus op hul waardekettings waar die kleinhandelaar-verskaffer verhouding krities is vir die implementering van volhoubaarheid. Met bogenoemde in gedagte, is dit bevind dat ‘n groot Suid-Afrikaanse kleinhandelaar, Woolworths, beperkte insig het aangaande die vlak van samewerking in terme van volhoubaarheid met sleutel voedselverskaffers. Verder is daar ook geen kennis oor die effektiwiteit van huidige tegnieke wat gebruik word om volhoubaarheid in hul waardeketting te bevorder nie. Dit skep ‘n probleem aangesien dit die effektiewe implementering van Woolworths se volhoubaarheidstrategie in hul waardeketting verhinder. Dus is ‘n studie onderneem om die vlak van betrokkenheid in terme van volhoubaarheid te bepaal, sowel as om terugvoer vanaf verskaffers in te samel aangaande die effektiwiteit van huidige volhoubaarheidsinisiatiewe. Om dit te fasiliteer was daar van die United Nations Global Compact en die Supply Chain Sustainability Guideline gebruik gemaak. Sekondêre navorsing was uitgevoer deur middel van ‘n literatuur studie wat fokus op die teoretiese konsepte van korporatiewe sosiale verantwoordelikheid, volhoubaarheid, waardeketting-volhoubaarheid, en kleinhandelaar-verskaffer samewerking. Die kwalitatiewe en ondersoekende eienskappe van die studie het gelei tot ‘n gevallestudie navorsingsontwerp, terwyl doelgerigte steekproeftrekking gebruik was om die steekproef van drie van Woolworths se voedselverskaffers te identifiseer. Data insameling het deur middel van semi-gestruktureerde onderhoude plaasgevind en was gefasiliteer deur ‘n onderhoudgids. Die data was verwerk en geanaliseer met behulp van Atlas.ti sagteware. Dit is bevestig dat die huidige samewerking tussen Woolworths en hul verskaffers, aangaande volhoubaarheid, steeds op ‘n basiese en breë vlak is met ‘n sterk omgewingsfokus. Addisioneel wil dit voorkom dat volgehoue monitering en ondersteuning van volhoubaarheidspogings tekort skiet. Bestuursimplikasies beklemtoon die belangrikheid van ‘n geïntegreerde volhoubaarheidsbenadering wat gedryf moet word deur die kleinhandelaar. Terselfde tyd word ‘n sterk fokus op samewerking en kommunikasie met verskaffers aangaande deurlopende volhoubaarheidsgeleenthede en –uitdagings benodig. Die United Nations Global Compact Supplier Engagement Continuum was gebruik as raamwerk om die huidige vlak van samewerking te bepaal en was aangepas vir die Suid-Afrikaanse konteks. Toekomstige navorsingsagendas stel voor dat replika studies in ander industrieë gedoen word, en dat die aangepaste kontinuum getoets en verder verfyn word vir die Suid-Afrikaanse konteks. Ten slotte was spesifieke proposisies geformuleer vir toekomstige navorsing.

Thesis (MBA (Business Management))--University of Stellenbosch, 2009.

Thesis (MBA) -- Stellenbosch University, 2006. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The main objective with this study was to analyse and evaluate the strategies employed by South African Breweries in the implementation of ERP systems with specific reference to the Strategic Enterprise Management (SEM) model. The study would have further identified the key success factors of implementing ERP systems and state the reasons for ERP system implementation failure. The combination of intense global compeution and powerful new information technologies has led to a rush toward ERP systems and intensified efforts to re-engineer organisational processes. Although most ERP systems are justified on the basis that they integrate disparate organisational systems or standardise organisational processes on best practice, most businesses find that the costs and risks are significantly more than benefits during the early stages following implementation of an ERP system. Some businesses have however been able to transform their supply chain processes as result of ERP implementation. Businesses must overcome daunting challenges fn order to generate value from ERP systems. ERP systems typically consist of modules, each with functionality relating to organisational functions, such as production, finance, human resources and logistics. Development and sales of ERP systems rapidly increased between 1992 and 1999 when most large corporations, which could typically make use of these systems, installed these systems. The market has recently slowed down and ERP software developers now face strong competition and are challenged to find new ways to differentiate products from those of competitors. New information systems have been developed to complement and even replace ERP systems such as Advanced Planning Systems (APS) and Supply Chain Management systems (SCM). The successful implementation of ERP systems are largely dependant on the way that a company approaches, considers and implements ERP systems. It is important to note that ERP systems implementations are not just another IT project or project implementation, but has a human element attached to the implementation process that is centric to the success of the implementation process. The study concluded that the top contributor for a successful ERP implementation is getting the employees and all persons in the process involved, on board and motivated by the process of implementation. Other important factors are a strong commitment from upper management as an implementation involves significant alterations to existing business practices, issues related to reengineering the business processes and integrating the other business applications to the ERP backbone. Upper and middle management plays a key role in managing the change that ERP brings into an organisation. It must be noted that once implemented, an ERP system is difficult and expensive to undo. In addition organisations may have to implement custom applications in addition to the ERP software as no single ERP solution can satisfy all the business needs. It is apparent that most ERP implementation successes are attributable to excellent planning, employee involvement and effective communication. Thus it is imlXlrtant for an organisation to have the above as top priorities in ERP implementation. Successful ERP implementation will be greatly enhanced if the employees are properly involved in the process and are given the necessary recognition and respect they deserve. Without dedicated employees to implement and apply the system, the organisation will be wasting its resources and capital on a system that will never be fully utilised. Although an ERP implementation effort can be completed by consultants, problems will arise if the proper employees are not available to sUPlXlrt the project. The trained employees who grow with the system and make the system expand and evolve with the company, will be true assets of the company and more than worth the investment. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die doelwit van die studie was om die strategie toegepas deur Suid Afrikaanse Brouery tydens implementering van Ondememing Hulpbron Beplanning (OHS) stelsels te analiseer en evalueer met 'n spesiale fokus op die Strategiese Ondememing Bestuur (SOB) model. Die studie identifiseer ook die sleutel sukses faktore vir die implementering van aHS stelsels en bespreek die redes vir onsuksesvolle aHB stelsel impJementering. Die kombinasie van intense globale kompetisie en kragtige nuwe inligtingstelsels het aanleiding gegee tot 'n toename in aHB stelsels en het gelei tot hemude fokus op proses herstrukturering. Nieteenstaande die feit dat meeste aHB stelsels geregverdig kan word op grand van hulle integrasie van losstaande organisasie stelsels of standaardisasie van organisasie prosesse en beste praktyke, vind die meeste besighede dat die koste en risiko tydens die eerste fases na implementering betekenisvol meer is as die voordele. Sommige besighede was egter in staat om hulle verskaffingsketting prosesse te transformeer deur die implementering van aHB stelsels. Besighede moet egter oorweldigende uitdagings oorkom om waarde te genereer met aHB stelsels. aHB stelsels betaan tipies un verskeie modules, met elkeen funksionaliteite wat betrekking het op die besigheids funksies soos produksie, finansies, menslike hupbronne en logistiek. Die ontwikketing en verkope van aHB stelsels het drasUes toegeneem sedert 1992 tot 1999 toe meeste groot besighede wat kon gebruik maak van die stelsels, dit implementeer het. Die mark het onlangs afgeneem en aHB sagteware ontwikkelaars word nou gekonfronteer met strawwe kompetisie en moet nuwe maniere vind om hulle prod uk te onderskei van die kompetisie. Nuwe inligting stelsels is ontwikkel wat bestaande aHB stelsels komplimenteer en selts vervang soos byvoorbeeld Gevorderde Beplanning Stelsels (GBS) en Verskaffingketting Bestuur stelsels (VKB). Die suksesvolle implementering van aHB stelsels is grootHks afhanklik van die wyse waarop 'n besigheid OHB stelsels benader, oorweeg en implementeer. Dit is belangrik om in gedagte te hou dat OHB stelsel impfementering nie net nog 'n IT projek of projek implememtering is nie, maar dat daar 'n menslike element in die implementering proses betrokke is wat 'n kernfaktor in die sukses van die implementering is. Die studie het tot die slotsom gekom dat die hoof bydraende faktor tot suksesvolle implementering van OHB stelsels is om wer1<.nemers en aile relevante persone Ie betrek en te motiveer met die implementerings proses. Ander belangrike faktore sluit in onderneming van senior bestuur aangesien implementering bekenisvolle veranderinge aan bestaande praktyke behels asook die herontwerp van besigheids prosesse en integrasie van ander besigheids toepassings. Middel en senior bestuur het 'n integrale rol in die bestuur van verandering wat OHB stelsels in die firma teweeg bring. Dit is belangrik om kennis te neem dat OHB stelsels na implementering moeilik en teen hoe koste ongedaan gemaak kan word. Besighede mag selfs nodig he om addisionele toepassings te implementeer aangesien geen OHB sagteware stelsels aan aile besigheidsbehoeftes kan voldoen nie. Dit is duidelik dat die meeste OHB implementering suksesse toegeskryf kan word aan uitstekende beplanning, werknemer betrokkenheid en effektiewe kommunikasie. Dit is dus noodsaaklik vir die firma om begenoemde as die hoogste prioiriteite vir die implementering van OHB stelsels na te volg. Suksesvolle OHB stelsel implementering word grootliks bevorder indien die werknemers deeglik betrokke is in die proses, asook die nodige erkenning en respek ontvang. S~nder toegewyde werknemers om die stelsel Ie implementeer en toe te pas sal die organisasie hulpbronne en kapitaal vermors op 'n stelsel wat nooil ten volle benut sal word nie. AJhoewel OHB implementering gekomplimenteer kan word deur konsultante sal daar probleme ontstaan indien die toepaslike werknemers nie beskikbaar is om die projek te ondersteun nie. Die opgeleide werknemer wat saam met die stelsel groei en wat die stelsel help uitbrei en ontwikkel saam met die organisasie is 'n ware aanwins vir die firma en meer as die belegging werd

Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2000. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: no abstract available / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: geen opsomming

Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2003. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: With globalisation and the accompanying increase in international trade there is a great drive towards performing risk assessments on the quality of products. Such assessments are of particular importance within the food and drug industry, so much that this approach is also being adapted by the FDA in their analysis of the quality of products and probable risks to it. The pharmaceutical industry is heavily regulated to reduce or eliminate the production and distribution of poor quality products. Pharmaceuticals have to be of high quality as people's lives depend on it. Many pharmaceutical companies import raw materials from international manufacturers or international agents. In most cases the raw material or the products have to go through a long and complicated supply chain. The more parties involved in the supply chain, the greater the risk to product quality. Supply chain partnerships have therefore become critical to manage these risks to product quality throughout the supply chain. In order to manage risks to product quality, it has become vital to perform product quality risk assessments, especially through the supply chain. In this study the Failure Mode Effect Analysis (FMEA) is used to perform a risk assessment of risks to product quality throughout the supply chain. To obtain the criticality of the risks the Failure Mode Effect and Criticality Analysis (FMCEA) is applied. Quality improvement systems which contribute towards managing the risks to product quality are also discussed in this report. By managing quality risks to pharmaceutical products along with using quality as a strategy, the pharmaceutical company contributes towards improved health for patients as well as customer satisfaction, business success and excellence. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die toepassing van die analise van die risiko op produkte is vinnig besig om te vermeerder. Die FDA gaan dit toepas in hulle analise van die kwaliteit van produkte en die risiko wat daarmee gepaard gaan, in die voedsel en medisyne bedryf. Die farmaseutiese industrie word baie streng gereguleer om te verhoed dat die produksie en distribusie van swak kwaliteit produkte ervaar word. Farmaseutiese produkte moet van hoë gehalte wees, omdat die gesondheid van pasiënte daarvan afhang. Baie farmaseutiese maatskappye bestel rou materiale van oorsese makelaars en in baie gevalle moet die rou materiale deur 'n lang en gekompliseerde voorsieningsketting gaan. Hoe meer agente betrokke is, hoe hoër word die risiko met respek tot die kwaliteit van die produk. Die voorsieningsketting speel 'n kritiese rol om te verseker dat risikos beheer kan word, omdat elke party verantwoordelik is vir die lewering van kwaliteitsprodukkte. Om te verseker dat risikos beheer word, het dit belangrik geword om risiko analise te doen op die kwaliteit van produkte, veral wanneer in die voorsieningsketting. In hierdie studie word die "Failure Mode Effect Analysis (FMEAJ' gebruik om 'n risiko analise te doen met betrekking tot risikos op 'n produk se kwaliteit wanneer in die voorsieningsketting. Die "Failure Mode Effect, and Criticality Analysis (FMECAJ', word ook toegepas om te bereken hoe krities die risiko is. Verbeteringstelsels wat bydra tot die beheer en kontrole van risikos vir produk kwaliteit word ook in hierdie studie bespreek. Deur die risikos te beheer op die kwaliteit van produkte, dra die farmaseutiese maatskappy by tot beter gesondheid vir pasiente, en verseker klient satisfaksie en suksesvolle besigheid.

Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2011. / This exercise aimed at developing a sustainable supply chain strategy that was adopted by Exxaro Resources (Pty) Ltd. The focus of the approach was to assess the status of Exxaro’s supply chain sustainability compared to that of competitors operating in South Africa and the supply chain dimensions applicable to Exxaro’s scope (i.e. green inventory management, green warehouse/storage management, sustainable procurement or sourcing, sustainable supplier management and sustainable transport/business travelling). The strategy framework used includes a review of supply chain sustainability relating to Exxaro and the requirements thereof, depicting gaps, recommended actions or initiatives to close the gaps, an implementation approach and a schedule. The strategy sets out to distinguish Exxaro in supply chain sustainable development through the setting of guidelines, reporting standards and commitments to economic, labour, human rights as well as social and environmental well-being. The approach envisages collaborating with suppliers and Exxaro’s sustainable development department to continuously improve and embed positive sustainability practices within Exxaro’s supply chain processes. This research report highlights the progress already made with high-level sustainable supply chain management implementation by selected Exxaro competitors, relevant schools of thought and theories with the emphasis on bringing a link to opportunities for Exxaro to progress into supply chain sustainability. The relationship between supply chain practices, environmental performance, social and economic impacts was studied. The mining sector, with its history of negative impacts on societies and the environment, is continuously challenged by the increasing emphasis to demonstrate ethical, social and environmental performance and accountability throughout its business practices. The use of Exxaro as a practical case study limits the extent to which the recommended strategy can be generalised to any mining environment or company. Findings mentioned may be subject to further research by augmenting the scope to include mines operating outside of South Africa or additional mining entities and theories. The approach of the research included empirical studies in the form of in-depth interviews and questionnaire surveys on various internal stakeholders. Some information was obtained from the annual reports of Exxaro and a selected number of South African mining companies that are mining similar products to Exxaro. The data was analysed using statistical methods for social sciences with both qualitative and quantitative evaluation methods.

Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2007. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: HM Timber operates five formal sawmills in South Africa, situated around the towns of Tzaneen, Sabie, Mthatha and Kokstad. The Mills in the Kokstad area experience unacceptable lead times during the months of April/May and November/December, when the demand for timber increases and the availability of transport in the area decreases. This problem is expected to intensify with the addition of HM Timber’s new Plywood plant just outside the town of Kokstad. The plywood also adds another dimension to the distribution problem in that the market generally demands smaller deliveries more often. With only one Distribution Centre in Cape Town, HM Timber is not geared to service this market in the rest of South Africa. The main objective of this research report is to determine and define the key success factors in the transport and distribution of timber products and how these factors can be integrated into various strategic options that will address HM Timber’s current distribution problems. A review of the literature summarises the latest trends in modern supply chain management. Supply chains consist of various businesses that aim to optimise all their operations and supply customers with good quality products and excellent service at affordable prices. Competition in modern day business increasingly occurs at supply chain level and the success of individual organisations therefore depends on the success of the entire supply chain. The focus is thus on collaboration and jointly developing supply chain strategies. The literature review ends with a summary of the most important aspects in the effective and efficient management of Distribution Centres. Analyses of HM Timber’s logistics operations reveal that various factors contribute to their transport problems during the months of April/May and November/December. These include the payment of rates that are not market-related, loading problems at the mills, a lack of coordination and the fact that HM Timber is not a contracted client and therefore not regarded a priority. The analysis also includes a discussion on the Western Cape Distribution Centre and the problems this facility is having with general administration, inventory management and the effective use of IT systems. A range of strategic options is available to HM Timber that will allow the company to improve its overall management of logistics. The options investigated include own operations as well as outsourced 3PL and 4PL solutions. To assist HM Timber in selecting the best logistics option, three models are presented to evaluate the various alternatives and to assist in deciding on the best option. The first model evaluates the costs associated with different transport options, while the second model allows the user to compare the costs of different Distribution Centre options. Finally, a multi-criteria decision model is presented that will assist HM Timber in selecting the best option for each mill and region. With the VISA transport model, Manline is rated the best option for all Weza and Singisi’s deliveries. Manline is also rated the best for Langeni’s long-distance deliveries, while HM Timber’s own fleet is rated the best option for Langeni’s local deliveries. Results from the Distribution Centre (DC) models indicate the cost structures to be sensitive to changes in the premiums achieved and changes in the market e.g. the customer base, product types, and volumes sold. The Johannesburg and Port Elizabeth DCs show acceptable EBIT margins based on the projected sales, but the projected EBIT margins for Durban are less than 2 %, making the Durban DC a less than attractive business proposition. A direct distribution solution is proposed for the KwaZulu-Natal area, whereby multiple deliveries are made directly from the mills as well as the new plywood plant in Kokstad. In conclusion, eight factors are identified as key to the successful transportation and distribution of timber products. HM Timber rates very well against the majority of these factors, but needs to focus on a number of issues to be able to maintain their high levels of customer service. These include investing in a dedicated logistics department, improving internal and external collaboration and coordination efforts and improving the efficiency of a number of operational and information technology systems. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: HM Timber bedryf vyf formele saagmeulens in Suid-Afrika wat geleë is in die omgewings van Tzaneen, Sabie, Mthatha en Kokstad. Die meulens in die Kokstad omgewing ondervind onaanvaarbare vertragings in aflewerings gedurende April/Mei en November/Desember wanneer die aanvraag na houtprodukte toeneem en die beskikbaarheid van vervoer in die Kokstad area afneem. Hierdie probleem gaan na verwagting groter word namate die laaghoutvolumes toeneem. ‘n Verdere uitdaging in die verspreiding van laaghout is die feit dat kliënte oor die algemeen kleiner hoeveelhede, meer gereeld aankoop. HM Timber bedryf slegs een Verspreidingsentrum in Kaapstad en is dus nie gereed om ander dele van Suid-Afrika te bedien nie. Die hoofdoelwit van hierdie navorsingsverslag is om te bepaal watter faktore noodsaaklik is om suksesvol te wees in die vervoer en verspreiding van houtprodukte. Die doel is verder om te bepaal hoe hierdie faktore in verskillende strategiese opsies geïntegreer kan word ten einde HM Timber se huidige verspreidingsprobleme aan te spreek. ‘n Studie van die literatuur gee ‘n opsomming van die nuutste tendense in die bestuur van moderne verskaffingskettings. Verskaffingskettings bestaan uit verskeie besighede wat ten doel het om al hul aktiwiteite te optimiseer en teen bekostigbare pryse uitstekende diens aan hulle kliënte te lewer en produkte van hoë gehalte te voorsien. Kompetisie in die moderne besigheid vind meer en meer plaas tussen die verskillende verskaffingskettings en die sukses van enige individule organisasie is dus afhanklik van die sukses van die algehele verskaffingsketting. Die fokus is dus op samewerking en om gesamentlik strategieë vir die verskaffingsketting te ontwikkel. Die literatuurstudie eindig met ‘n opsomming van die mees belangrike aspekte in die effektiewe en doeltreffende bestuur van verspreidingsentrums. Ontleding van HM Timber se logistieke aktiwiteite toon dat verskeie faktore verantwoordelik is vir die maatskappy se vervoerprobleme tydens April/Mei en November/Desember. Dit sluit in die betaling van nie-markverwante tariewe, laaiprobleme by die meulens, ‘n tekort aan koördinasie en die feit dat HM Timber nie ‘n kontrak met enige vervoermaatskappy het nie. Die analise sluit verder ‘n bespreking van die Verspreidingsentrum in Kaapstad in en die probleme wat hierdie fasiliteit ondervind met algehele administrasie, voorraadbeheer en die doeltreffende gebruik van inligtingstelsels. ‘n Reeks strategiese opsies is beskikbaar wat HM Timber instaat sal stel om algehele logistieke bestuur binne die maatskappy te verbeter. Opsies wat ondersoek word sluit in eie operasies sowel as die uitkontrakteer van die logistieke funksies aan 3PL en 4PL organisasies. Ten einde HM Timber te help om die beste opsie te kies, word drie modelle voorgestel wat gebruik kan word om die onderskeie alternatiewe te evalueer en die beste opsie te selekteer. Die eerste model evalueer die kostes wat geassosieër word met elk van die verskillende vervoeropsies. Die tweede model stel die gebruiker instaat om die kostes van verskillende Verspreidingsentrums te vergelyk. Die derde model is ‘n multi-kriteria besluitnemingsmodel wat HM Timber kan help om die beste opsie vir elke meul en elke streek te selekteer. Die VISA vervoermodel dui aan dat Manline die beste opsie is vir alle aflewerings vanaf Weza en Singisi. Manline word ook aangedui as die beste opsie vir Langeni se langafstand aflewerings, terwyl HM Timber se eie vloot steeds die beste opsie is vir Langeni se plaaslike aflewerings. Resultate van die Verspreidingsentrum-model dui aan dat die kostestrukture baie sensitief is vir veranderinge in die premies wat behaal word asook veranderinge in die houtmark, insluitend veranderinge in die kliëntebasis, die tipe produkte en die volumes wat verkoop word. Die model toon aanvaarbare winsgrense vir Verspreidingsentrums in Johannesburg en Port Elizabeth, maar die geprojekteerde winsgrens vir Durban is minder as 2 %, wat beteken dat ‘n Verspreidingsentrum in Durban nie ‘n goeie opsie is nie. ‘n Direkte verspreidingsoplossing word eerder vir die KwaZulu-Natal streek voorgestel. Hierdie opsie behels meervoudige aflewerings wat direk vanaf die verskillende meulens gemaak sal word. Agt faktore word uiteindelik geïdentifiseer as noodsaaklik vir die suksesvolle vervoer en verspreiding van houtprodukte. HM Timber vaar baie goed met die meeste van hierdie faktore, maar enkele punte moet aangespreek moet word ten einde huidige diensvlakke te handhaaf. Hierdie punte sluit in investering in ‘n toegewyde logistieke afdeling, verbetering van interne en eksterne samewerking en die verbetering van ‘n aantal operasionele- en inligtingstelsels.

Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2004. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: With the demand for ferrochrome increasing, Middelburg Ferrochrome is considering various capacity expansion opportunities. One of the proposed expansions would entail the construction of a pelletising and sintering facility on the site. During the feasibility study, a study was necessitated to verify if the inbound raw material logistics system at Middelburg Ferrochrome would be able to accommodate the additional raw material required for the pelletising and sintering facility. The objective of this study was to validate if the existing raw materials system is indeed capable of accommodating the additional demand placed on it by the addition of a pelletising and sintering plant at Middelburg Ferrochrome. This will be analysed with the use of the Theory of Constraints. In the study project, an overview of the principles of the Theory of Constraints is presented. An integral part of the Theory of Constraints is the Five Focussing Step process. This process was applied to the existing inbound raw materials logistics system at MFC, in an effort to maximise the raw material processing capability of the system. The methodology that was used to verify whether the inbound raw materials logistics system was capable of handling the additional raw materials involved the construction of a simulation model that was representative of the operation of the existing system. Measurements that were required to assess the performance of the system relative to its goal were defined. The performance of the existing raw materials system was assessed by subjecting the results of the simulation to the defined measures. The simulation model was then adapted to include the pelletising and sintering facility and the increased raw material requirements were introduced to the adapted model. The performance of the future system was then assessed in the same way as the existing system. The benefits that were derived from the application of the Five Focussing Steps were introduced to the adapted simulation model and the simulation results were then reassessed according to the defined measures. Key findings of the study were that through the application of the Five Focussing Steps the processing capability of the inbound raw materials logistics system could be increased. Only with the inclusion of benefits derived from the application of the Five Focussing Steps would the inbound raw materials logistics system at Middelburg Ferrochrome be capable of meeting the additional demand placed on it by the introduction of a pelletising and sintering facility at the site. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: ‘n Toename in die vraag na ferrochroom het tot gevolg dat Middelburg Ferrocrome (MFC) verskeie kapasiteit-uitbreidingsgeleenthede oorweeg. Een van die voorgestelde uitbreidings behels die konstruksie van ‘n pelletisering- en sinteraanleg. Hierdie voorstel se lewensvatbaarheidstudie het onder meer behels dat die bestaande logistieke stelsel wat Middelburg Ferrocrome se inkomende grondstowwe hanteer, ontleed moes word. Die doel van die analise was om te bepaal of die bestaande logistieke stelsel in staat sou wees om die addisionele grondstowwe, benodig vir die pelletisering- en sinteraanleg, te hanteer. Die doelwit van hierdie studie is om vas te stel of die vermoë van die huidige grondstofstelsel in staat is om die addisionele las van die voorgestelde Middelburg Ferrocrome pelletisering- en sinteraanleg te kan hanteer. Dit word met die behulp van die "Theory of Constraints" ondersoek. ’n Oorsig van die beginsels van die “Theory of Constraints” word in hierdie studie weergegee. ’n Integrale deel van die “Theory of Constraints” is die Vyf Fokus Stappe proses. Met hierdie studie is die Vyf Fokus Stappe proses toegepas op die inkomende grondstof logistieke stelsel van MFC ten einde die grondstof proseseringskapasiteit van die stelsel te maksimeer. Die metodologie wat gevolg is om te bepaal of die inkomende grondstof logistieke stelsel die vermoë het om die addisionele grondstoflas te hanteer, het die konstruksie van ’n simulasie model wat die bedryfskondisies van die bestaande stelsel naboots, behels. Die huidige logistieke stelsel se inset waardes is geïdentifiseer en in die simulasie model ingevoer ten einde die model se akkuraatheid te verifieer. Die simulasie model is hierna aangepas om die voorgestelde pelletisering- en sinteraanleg in te sluit. Die werkverrigting van die voorgestelde stelsel is hierna op dieselfde wyse as die bestaande stelsel geëvalueer. Die voordele wat uit die toepassing van die Vyf Fokus Stappe afgelei is, is by die aangepaste simulasie model bygevoeg waarna die simulasie resultate herevalueer is. Die hoof bevindings wat tydens die studie gemaak is, is dat die inkomende grondstof logistieke stelsel se kapasiteit wel deur die toepassing van die Vyf Fokus Stappe verhoog kan word. Daar is verder gevind dat die bestaande inkomende grondstof logistieke stelsel wel die addisionele las van ‘n pelletisering- en sinteraanleg kan hanteer, maar slegs indien die voordele wat uit die toepassing van die Vyf Fokus Stappe verkry word, ingesluit word.