Spelling suggestions: "subject:"engineering firms -- south africa"" "subject:"engineering firms -- south affrica""
1 |
The maturity of project management in engineering consulting firmsMachite, Kennedy January 2016 (has links)
With a considerable number of built environment projects not being completed successfully, this study was undertaken to investigate how effectively consulting engineering firms are applying project management principles in the way they manage projects. This was achieved by measuring the project management maturity levels of consulting engineering firms. Maturity levels were measured for each of the ten knowledge areas of the Project Management Institute’s Project Management Body of Knowledge to determine areas where consulting engineering firms perform below expectation and as a result determine probable causes of project failures. The maturity of the firm was then calculated as the average of the maturity for the knowledge areas. The study found that consulting engineering firms have higher levels of project management maturity than the average for the construction and civil engineering sector. Apart from risk and procurement management, all the other knowledge areas have higher maturity levels than the corresponding construction and civil engineering knowledge areas. Although the overall maturity results indicate that the larger firms are more mature in their project management practices than the smaller firms, the individual knowledge areas are inconsistent. The study reveals that consulting engineering firms are weakest in the risk management, human resources and stakeholder management knowledge areas. There is limited literature available on the status of project management, project management methodologies, and performance of consulting projects in the engineering environment (Labuschagne & Steyn, 2010:70). There is need for future studies to establish a methodology developed specifically for the Consulting Engineering Firms in line with what Labuschagne & Steyn (2010) started and a Project Management Maturity Model specific to the Consulting Engineering Industry.
|
2 |
An evaluation of the planning and control system required for technology management in an engineering businessPentz, R. D. 12 1900 (has links)
Script contains articles in Afrikaans and some text also in Afrikaans / Opportunities abound in the Armaments industry is South Africa and
abroad. This is probably one of the main reasons why it has grown
to almost astronomical amounts in va lu e . Simultaneously, the vast
f igures in turnover and profits have attracted numerous competitors
into the business.
The next factor which has contributed most significantly to the
increase in development and manufacture of armaments is of course
the need of countries to defend themselves against aggressors.
Political unrest , terrorism , border conflicts , war and invasions
are the order of the day. All of these events require a show of
arms, if not retaliation .
In order to satisfy a need for strategic independence, even to a
limited extent , countries have insisted on development and
establishment of various categories of technologies. During the
past fifty years there has been an explosion in the amount of
information published in the technology sector. Some highly
sophisticated technologies have become commonplace in most
technical fields , including the armaments industry .
As might be expected, the armaments industry is also greatly
influenced by trends and change in the sector of economics, by
social and cultural factors , and new legislation. It may
rightfully be regarded as a highly volatile , complex and dynamic
part of any economy.
Under these circumstances the role of technology management in a
country and in a business enterprise becomes more important, more
difficult , and more essential. To ensure that a large organisation
stays competitive, or becomes more competitive, the system of
planning and control must be well integrated , kept up to date, and
well/managed to fulfil its purpose.
For the purpose of this script an investigation was undertaken into
the corporate and business systems for technology management in a
firm in the local engineering industry .
The description covers planning and control theory, system models,
innovation and technology management principles , and the theory of
forecasting methods usually adapted for technology predictions ,
Evaluation of the practical systems which are in place and are
being utilised , led to a few significant observations and
conslusions. The investigation was by no means exhaustive, but was
aimed at getting an overview of the corporate and business systems
as they operate with in the stated strategic frameworks.
It is concluded that technology planning and control systems are
well-developed, highly integrated and applied in a top-down
fashion . Not all aspects are conducted as efficiently as should be
possible. Also, due to the dynamic nature of the industry,
effectiveness can still improve for the company.
Moves are afoot to meet new challenges and requirements and there
is no doubt that the future will see great achievements. / Business Management / M.B.L.
|
3 |
An evaluation of the planning and control system required for technology management in an engineering businessPentz, R. D. 12 1900 (has links)
Script contains articles in Afrikaans and some text also in Afrikaans / Opportunities abound in the Armaments industry is South Africa and
abroad. This is probably one of the main reasons why it has grown
to almost astronomical amounts in va lu e . Simultaneously, the vast
f igures in turnover and profits have attracted numerous competitors
into the business.
The next factor which has contributed most significantly to the
increase in development and manufacture of armaments is of course
the need of countries to defend themselves against aggressors.
Political unrest , terrorism , border conflicts , war and invasions
are the order of the day. All of these events require a show of
arms, if not retaliation .
In order to satisfy a need for strategic independence, even to a
limited extent , countries have insisted on development and
establishment of various categories of technologies. During the
past fifty years there has been an explosion in the amount of
information published in the technology sector. Some highly
sophisticated technologies have become commonplace in most
technical fields , including the armaments industry .
As might be expected, the armaments industry is also greatly
influenced by trends and change in the sector of economics, by
social and cultural factors , and new legislation. It may
rightfully be regarded as a highly volatile , complex and dynamic
part of any economy.
Under these circumstances the role of technology management in a
country and in a business enterprise becomes more important, more
difficult , and more essential. To ensure that a large organisation
stays competitive, or becomes more competitive, the system of
planning and control must be well integrated , kept up to date, and
well/managed to fulfil its purpose.
For the purpose of this script an investigation was undertaken into
the corporate and business systems for technology management in a
firm in the local engineering industry .
The description covers planning and control theory, system models,
innovation and technology management principles , and the theory of
forecasting methods usually adapted for technology predictions ,
Evaluation of the practical systems which are in place and are
being utilised , led to a few significant observations and
conslusions. The investigation was by no means exhaustive, but was
aimed at getting an overview of the corporate and business systems
as they operate with in the stated strategic frameworks.
It is concluded that technology planning and control systems are
well-developed, highly integrated and applied in a top-down
fashion . Not all aspects are conducted as efficiently as should be
possible. Also, due to the dynamic nature of the industry,
effectiveness can still improve for the company.
Moves are afoot to meet new challenges and requirements and there
is no doubt that the future will see great achievements. / Business Management / M.B.L.
|
4 |
The risks of civil engineering project development in emerging nationsFyvie, Richard Michael January 2010 (has links)
This research reviews the challenges and obstacles confronting multinational civil engineering consulting and contracting companies seeking to conduct project developments within Emerging Markets, specifically with regard to the regions of Africa and the Middle East. With the increasing convergence of the global economy towards an interconnected and co-dependant system, the emerging economies of previously underdeveloped parts of the world are now capturing the focus of the civil engineering industry as the primary area of operation. Multinational companies that historically were restricted to construction of the developed world must now adapt and reposition themselves with a footprint in these emerging markets, if they are to take advantage of the changing conditions within the global infrastructure construction industry. For companies historically unfamiliar with operating in Africa and the Middle East, a plethora of potential risks are associated with project development. This research incorporated a substantial literature study that determined a number of critical issues that directly and indirectly influence a company’s ability to complete a project within time and under budget. The literature bank was then tested against the expert opinions of four selected respondents utilising a case study research methodology, as detailed by Yin (1994: 1-17). The respondents represented two selected civil engineering consulting firms, one based in a developed country with an extensive interest in the Middle East, and the other based in an emerging country itself, with operations throughout Africa. The outcome of the research ii highlighted several internal risk factors affecting development in Africa and the Middle East, such as capacity, staff experience, available resources and corporate culture. External factors were, however, the primary focus of respondents’ feedback, and included the reliability of energy supply in the target country, the condition of the built infrastructure such as roads and ports, tax rates and cost of finance, the prevalence of corruption as well as the risk of civil conflict and political instability. The Project Risk Guideline was the final output of this research process, which represented a synthesis between the literature review, the case study investigations as well as synthesis of various accepted risk evaluation techniques. The Guideline is a stage-gate sequential process, and may be utilised by civil engineering consulting or contracting firms with an interest in risk profiling and mitigation for project developments in emerging nations.
|
5 |
Knowledge management in construction and engineering consulting companies in Gauteng.Maraura, Andrew. January 2015 (has links)
M. Tech. Business Administration / Knowledge management is considered to be a sustainable way to retain knowledge in an organisation. The overall objective of the study was to analyse and assess the state of knowledge management in South African construction and engineering consulting companies using the variables: knowledge management awareness and commitment; knowledge management maturity; and tools and strategies used in knowledge management.
|
6 |
The relevance of market orientation in a consulting engineering organisationVan Niekerk, Gerhard Henri 03 1900 (has links)
Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2001. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Consulting engineers in South Africa are currently faced with numerous trends that have
a negative impact on their business. The volatility of world and especially SA markets
have caused investors to adopt a "wait and see" approach as to investing in large
developments. The result was that private sector developments were lagging behind and
forced consulting engineers to compete for the available work and inevitably suffer from
reduced turnover.
A further trend, and maybe more serious one for some traditional consulting engineers,
was the change in focus by the newly elected Government in the mid nineties. With the
focus on social and upliftment issues, government funds were allocated to new
infrastructure developments associated with these issues. This caused a radical reduction
of funds allocated to traditional areas like roads and bridges, an area where traditional
consultants were predominantly positioned. Government also introduced various other
policies, like allocating work to affirmative business enterprises, in order to level the
playing fields. This, combined with the reduced available funds, compounded the
situation for traditional consulting engineers.
The above situation created many challenges for consulting engineers, of which the most
important one is that of securing work for the future and competing for the reduced
amount of available work. This brought to the fore the issue of marketing, an area that
was not previously given too much attention. Market orientation is therefore proposed in this study as a solution to the problems faced by consultants. This study will examine the
present situation, provide a literature background to marketing orientation, consider the
relevance of market orientation to the consulting engineering industry, and then finally if
it is accepted that market orientation is relevant, propose a model that could be used in
addressing the situation. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Raadgewende ingenieurs word tans aan verskeie tendense blootgestel wat 'n
negatiewe uitwerking op hul besigheid het. Die onbestendigheid in wêreld markte,
en spesifiek die Suid Arikaanse mark, het veroorsaak dat beleggers 'n "wag en kyk"
benadering begin volg het met betrekking tot grootskaalse ontwikkelings. Die
resultaat hiervan was dat privaatsektor ontwikkelings tot 'n groot mate afgeplat het
en raadgewende ingenieurs gedwing is om mee te ding vir die beskikbare werk en
onvermydelik gebukkend te gaan onder verlaagde omset.
'n Verdere tendens, en moontlik meer ernstige een vir sekere raadgewende
ingenieurs, was die verandering in fokus deur die nuut verkose Regering gedurende
die middel negentien negentigs. Met die nuwe fokus op sosiale aangeleenthede en
opheffing van agtergeblewe gemeenskappe, word regerings fondse hoofsaaklik
toegewys aan nuwe infrastruktuur onwikkelings wat verband hou met die nuwe
fokus. Dit het 'n radikale verlaging in beskikbare fondse veroorsaak wat
tradisioneel aan areas soos paaie en bruê toegewys was, 'n area waarin
raadgewende ingenieurs oorwegend gepositioneer was. Die Regering het ook
verskeie ander beleidsmaatreëls ingestel, soos die toekenning van werk aan
regstellende besighede, ten einde die speelveld gelyk te maak. Dit, gepaardgaande
met die verlaagde beskikbare fondse, het die situasie verder vererger vir
tradisionele raadgewende ingenieurs. Bogenoemde omstandighede het baie uitdagings aan raadgewende ingenieurs gestel,
waarvan die belangrikste waarskynlik die sekerheid aangaande toekomstige werk
en die gepaardgaande mededinging ten opsigte van die verminderde hoeveelheid
beskikbare werk. Hierdie omstandighede het die bemarkings-kwessie na vore
gebring, 'n area waaraan nie veel aandag in die verlede gegee is nie. Mark oriëntasie
word gevolglik voorgestel in hierdie studie as 'n oplossing vir die probleme waarmee
konsultante gekonfronteer word. Hierdie studie sal die huidige situasie waarin
raadgewende ingenieurs hul bevind ondersoek, 'n agtergrond van mark oriëntasieliteratuur
verskaf, die relevansie van mark oriëntasie vir die raadgewende
ingerneurs bedryf ondersoek en dan laastens, indien dit aanvaar word dat mark
oriëntasie relevant is, 'n model voor te stel wat gebruik kan word om die situasie
aan te spreek.
|
7 |
The determinants of tender opportunities in consulting engineering firms in the Eastern CapeViljoen, Dirk Johannes January 2017 (has links)
Management of an engineering consultancy unit in the Eastern Cape Province is concerned about the costs incurred by project managers and specialist engineers pursuing tender opportunities that are not feasible. Annual losses in this unit due to unsuccessful tenders amounts to R2,5 million annually, which equates to about 12% of the revenue generated by the unit. The aim of the research study is to assist the consulting engineering firm by investigating and identifying the key determinants for making the decision of whether to bid on a particular tender opportunity. The study includes an assessment of relevant literature, academia and text to investigate key factors that could influence the decision to bid on tenders from which research questions and appropriate theories were drawn. Based on the research questions and theories that emanated from the literature, the study also includes the assessment of primary data through the administration of a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire is empirically analysed within the positivistic research paradigm through the use of descriptive and inferential statistics. Conclusions are drawn and recommendations are made based on the findings of the administered questionnaire.
|
8 |
Towards an information security awareness process for engineering SMEs in emerging economiesGundu, Tapiwa January 2013 (has links)
With most employees in Engineering Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) now having access to their own personal workstations, the need for information security management to safeguard against loss/alteration or theft of the firms’ important information has increased. These Engineering SMEs tend to be more concerned with vulnerabilities from external threats, although industry research suggests that a substantial proportion of security incidents originate from insiders within the firm. Hence, technical preventative measures such as antivirus software and firewalls are proving to solve only part of the problem as the employees controlling them lack adequate information security knowledge. This tends to expose a firm to risk and costly mistakes made by naïve/uninformed employees. This dissertation presents an information security awareness process that seeks to cultivate positive security behaviours using a behavioural intention model based on the Theory of Reasoned Action, Protection Motivation Theory and the Behaviourism Theory. The process and model have been refined and verified using expert review and tested through action research at an Engineering SME in South Africa. The main finding was information security levels of employees within the firm were low, but the proposed information security awareness process increased their knowledge thereby positively altering their behaviour.
|
Page generated in 0.1095 seconds