The cable manufacturing industry may not be well known to some people, yet people’s very lives depend on products and services it produces. Today people live in a highly technological or digital world where most of the technology used by society has at least one electrical cable in it or is connected to a countrywide electrical or communications network through electrical cables in order to work. Well trained and experienced corporate and business leaders recognize the importance of lean supply chain and of being closer to one’s business suppliers for efficient running of the business. Like in all other countries where these industries exist, it is vital that the cable manufacturing industry survives and prospers in South Africa, for the benefit of South African telecommunications, electricity suppliers, computer networks and many more industries. However, today there are almost no boundaries in business owing to globalization which enhances free trade. The business environment is changing and there is fierce competition amongst international rivals. What happens then when customers are not happy with low quality products of one supplier? Would they not leave that supplier and look to the competition in order to get good quality products at reasonable prices? Of course they would. Consequently such a supplier would lose market share and ultimately be forced out of business. This research investigates the shortcomings in terms of the implementation of the principles of total quality and technology management in the cable manufacturing industry. It identifies the internationally recognised principles in the fields of total quality management and technology management as a means of enhancing a competitive advantage. Training and development are identified as extremely important supporting mechanisms which should be done professionally for the best results in the implementation of total quality and technology management principles. Finally, suggestions and recommendations based on best management practice are made.

The focus of this thesis is the construction of a single girder overhead crane. The goal is to render a crane construction according to preset parameters. The parameters include a lifting power of 8,000 kg, a 10,000 mm reach, a 2,400 mm wheelbase and a stroke of 8,000 mm. The thesis includes brief theoretical research focused on overhead cranes, their various types and description of their main components. Brief description of chosen parameters for the construction itself follows. The description of chosen parameters includes calculations of strain acting during operation, technical and stability parameters, essential for the construction. All calculations were made with regard to valid Czech technical standards and specialized literature which focuses on the construction of cranes and their parts. Finally, the thesis is extended by the required technical drawings.