In today's highly competitive global marketplace, organisations are under pressure to find new ways to minimize risk and maximize profits. Profits can increase by reducing the cost of inputs or increasing price of the outputs. Hence, procurement contributes by reducing the cost of inputs by sourcing materials at lower costs. Consequently, this creates a challenge to the buyer as supply risk issues are more likely to occur with lower cost sources that might include new suppliers or unreliable sources. Unfortunately, logistics planners, too, drive new initiatives intended to be cost effective such as "Just-in-Time" (JIT) manufacturing. This adds an additional challenge to the buyer of ensuring uninterrupted supply while the system has actually eroded the supply buffer that would have enabled achieving the goal of low cost supply at lower risk. Hence, supply managers have to deal with the ever-increasing challenges in pursuit of a balance between supply risk and lower cost of supplies while ensuring sustainable supplies. For these reasons, this study aims to develop an implementation plan for the supply risk management. The plan developed from a case study undertaken at Safripol, a large manufacturing chemical company located in Sasolburg, South Africa. The complete study of the implementation plan, from the literature to empirical studies, were conducted by various means, including a study of journals and procurement textbooks, analysis of the supply data of Safripol, an experiment of a proposed plan, and a survey. The literature study initially discusses various approaches suggested by other writers and finally concludes with a proposition of a seven-step process. The process starts with (1) human resource allocation, (2) supply base categorisation, (3) vulnerability assessment, (4) evaluation of the implication, (5) cost/benefit analysis, (6) risk treatment, and it finally ends with the strategic alignment (7). These steps address the major issues that are critical to successful implementation of supply risk management, particularly in large manufacturing companies like Safripol. However, the empirical study went further to investigate the application of the seven-step process. This involved commissioning of a multi-disciplinary team to review the process. The team applied the seven-step process in conducting a full assessment and evaluations of supply risks for four selected suppliers of specific material. The team composed of Safripol employees who are involved in the supply chain of the specific material reviewed. In addition, the analyses of the steps were captured, and stored in a tool developed in Excel worksheets. That enabled the process to be systematic, repeatable and easier to apply. Populated worksheets resulted in a formal knowledge resource database that will enable Safripol to manage supply risk plans and execute action plans in case of supply interruptions. Finally, the study indicated that the seven-step process is practical and applicable to Safripol. In addition, the study found that the process adds value in managing supply risks. Thus, the study achieved its goal of developing an implementation plan for supply risk management. However, the study concludes by providing future fields of study and recommendations in an effort to contribute further to development of supply risk management. / Thesis (M.B.A.)--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2009.

In today's highly competitive global marketplace, organisations are under pressure to find new ways to minimize risk and maximize profits. Profits can increase by reducing the cost of inputs or increasing price of the outputs. Hence, procurement contributes by reducing the cost of inputs by sourcing materials at lower costs. Consequently, this creates a challenge to the buyer as supply risk issues are more likely to occur with lower cost sources that might include new suppliers or unreliable sources. Unfortunately, logistics planners, too, drive new initiatives intended to be cost effective such as "Just-in-Time" (JIT) manufacturing. This adds an additional challenge to the buyer of ensuring uninterrupted supply while the system has actually eroded the supply buffer that would have enabled achieving the goal of low cost supply at lower risk. Hence, supply managers have to deal with the ever-increasing challenges in pursuit of a balance between supply risk and lower cost of supplies while ensuring sustainable supplies. For these reasons, this study aims to develop an implementation plan for the supply risk management. The plan developed from a case study undertaken at Safripol, a large manufacturing chemical company located in Sasolburg, South Africa. The complete study of the implementation plan, from the literature to empirical studies, were conducted by various means, including a study of journals and procurement textbooks, analysis of the supply data of Safripol, an experiment of a proposed plan, and a survey. The literature study initially discusses various approaches suggested by other writers and finally concludes with a proposition of a seven-step process. The process starts with (1) human resource allocation, (2) supply base categorisation, (3) vulnerability assessment, (4) evaluation of the implication, (5) cost/benefit analysis, (6) risk treatment, and it finally ends with the strategic alignment (7). These steps address the major issues that are critical to successful implementation of supply risk management, particularly in large manufacturing companies like Safripol. However, the empirical study went further to investigate the application of the seven-step process. This involved commissioning of a multi-disciplinary team to review the process. The team applied the seven-step process in conducting a full assessment and evaluations of supply risks for four selected suppliers of specific material. The team composed of Safripol employees who are involved in the supply chain of the specific material reviewed. In addition, the analyses of the steps were captured, and stored in a tool developed in Excel worksheets. That enabled the process to be systematic, repeatable and easier to apply. Populated worksheets resulted in a formal knowledge resource database that will enable Safripol to manage supply risk plans and execute action plans in case of supply interruptions. Finally, the study indicated that the seven-step process is practical and applicable to Safripol. In addition, the study found that the process adds value in managing supply risks. Thus, the study achieved its goal of developing an implementation plan for supply risk management. However, the study concludes by providing future fields of study and recommendations in an effort to contribute further to development of supply risk management. / Thesis (M.B.A.)--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2009.

The study presented here is about how to make the special needs user who has a profound intellectual disability and additional disabilities more involved in their implementation plan. Based on a life story interview the study aims at analyzing perceptions of procedures to enhance special needs users’ influence. The method used in this study was a qualitative research approach as an overall approach in order to use a narrative method where life history is the method. The focus has been to study a part of an individual life history - a specific domain in the life of the interviewee’s working career. The results demonstrate that the staff needs to have the knowledge of how to observe, what to observe and how to highlight the impact of consciousness in the interaction between involved participants. The result also shows that staff attitudes affect special needs user’s participation in the implementation plan. It is shown in the results that it is of importance that staff has the knowledge regarding observation as a method and an approach that provides the special needs user with opportunities to experience meaningfulness and to find everyday life comprehensible and manageable.

This report focuses on the design of a university knowledge management system (KMS), and how such a system can provide the framework for students and faculty to partake in, share, and collaborate on research activities. The collaborative environment of a university KMS, or research network, must be established in order for a university to maintain its reputation as a competitive research institution and to develop its faculty and students outside the classroom. A research network may contain a variety of features, some of which include faculty profiles, forums, communication portals, publication links, biographies, faculty keywords, interest areas and contact information. Several web-based systems provide the capabilities required for a well-functioning research network, including creating a customized system in-house. Thus, the existence of various alternatives often leads to great difficulty selecting, designing, and/or customizing a feasible system. The systems engineering process allows a university to evaluate and select the most desirable research network to suit its needs while maintaining decision objectivity. Once a system is selected, the university must integrate the research network into its existing research organization through a structured implementation plan, which includes system implementation schedule, functionality, required resources, and cost analysis. In addition, this report includes a case study performed at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly). In this case study, the KMS design and systems engineering process are applied to Cal Poly, in an attempt to satisfy Cal Poly’s need for a robust research network. An implementation plan developed for Cal Poly is presented, as well.

The construction industry, one of the largest employers of labor in the United States, has long suffered from health and safety issues relating to work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Back-related injuries are one of the most prevalent of all musculoskeletal disorders in the construction industry. Due to advancements in the field of wearable technologies, wearable robots such as passive back-support exoskeletons have emerged as a possible solution. Exoskeletons have the potential to augment human capacity, support non-neutral work positions, and reduce muscle fatigue and physical exertion. Current research efforts to evaluate the potential of exoskeletons in other industry sectors have been focused on outcome measures such as muscle activity, productivity, perceived discomfort and exertion, usability, and stakeholders' perspectives. However, there is scarce evidence regarding the efficacy of using exoskeletons for construction work. Furthermore, the risks and sociotechnical challenges of employing exoskeletons on construction sites are not well documented. Thus, through the lens of human-centric and socio-technical considerations, this study explores the prospects of adopting back-support exoskeletons in the construction industry. Firstly, a laboratory experiment was conducted to quantify the impact of using a passive exoskeleton for construction work in terms of muscle activity, perceived discomfort, and productivity. In order to investigate the acceptance of exoskeletons among construction workers and the challenges of adopting exoskeletons on construction sites, field explorations evaluating usability, perceived discomfort and exertion, social influence, and workers user perceptions were executed. Using sequential mixed methods approach, the stakeholders and factors (i.e., facilitators and barriers) critical for the adoption of exoskeletons on construction sites were investigated. Thereafter, by employing the factors and leveraging the constructs of the normalization process theory, an implementation plan to facilitate the adoption of passive exoskeletons was developed. The study contributes to the scarce body of knowledge regarding the extent to which exoskeletons can reduce ergonomic exposures associated with construction work. This study provides evidence of the perceptions of the contextual use of wearable robots, and workers' interaction with wearable robots on construction sites. The study contributes to the normalization process theory by showing its efficacy for the development and evaluation of implementation frameworks for construction industry. Furthermore, this study advances the socio-technical systems theory by incorporating all its subsystems (i.e., human, technology, organization and social) for investigating the potential of using a passive back support exoskeleton in the construction industry. / Doctor of Philosophy / Construction workers are often subjected to harsh working conditions and physically demanding work postures, which are ergonomics risks causing back-related musculoskeletal injuries. These injuries have the potential to cause permanent disabilities, lead to early retirement of experienced labor, and is one of the causes of the shortage of skilled workforce in construction. Wearable robots, such as passive back-support exoskeletons, are increasingly been looked upon as a potential solution to mitigate the problem. Exoskeletons are wearable technologies that can support and reinforce workers' body parts. Studies have shown that the use of exoskeletons could lead to reduced muscle fatigue thereby decreasing injuries in the long run. However, most of the research on the use of exoskeletons is focused on other industrial sectors. Scarce evidence regarding the use of exoskeletons in construction is documented in the literature. Furthermore, the use of exoskeletons on construction sites could have certain unintended consequences. Thus, the objective of this research was to understand the risks and challenges of using passive exoskeletons in the construction industry. A laboratory experiment was conducted to measure the impact of using exoskeletons on physical demand and productivity while performing construction tasks. An increase in productivity and a reduction in discomfort in the lower back were observed while using an exoskeleton. Thereafter, field studies were conducted where construction workers performed their usual tasks using an exoskeleton to understand their user experience and acceptance. To help construction companies in the adoption of exoskeletons, facilitators and barriers to the adoption of exoskeletons were identified. Thereafter a plan was developed to facilitate the implementation of passive exoskeletons in construction organizations. This plan can guide construction companies in the adoption of passive exoskeletons. The outcomes of this study will help other researchers to conduct similar studies with other wearable technologies.

It is essential for the survival of the mining industry to look at the effective streamlining of organisations that can survive in the downturn in the gold cycle and meet the state demands placed on the industry. This study outlines challenges in South African gold mines and investigates the fit of the strategy implementation with the theory of implementing strategy on through the combined organisational design approach of looking at organisational structure, strategic and management control systems and organisational culture as well as corporate governance and strategic leadership. The research focus is on the implementation of generic strategies in South African gold mines pertaining to general industry issues such as strategies to address profitability and sustainability, dealing with the regulatory framework in terms of state intervention in the minerals sectors (SIMS), the Social and Labour Plan (SLP) and the Minerals and Petroleum Development Act of 2002, amended 2013 (MPRDA) and socio-economic concerns through the mining charter and wage demands. The purpose of the research is to explore how management perceives the implementation of strategies in general, without specific attention to the strategies developed for the organisation. The research will explore strategy implementation in South African gold mines and test the theory for the implementation of strategy. The research design is a qualitative study with individual semi-structured interviews. Participants were purposefully selected based on their experience in management roles in South African gold mines. The results of testing the developed theory-based strategy implementation against the practical application of strategy implementation shows an acceptable match in terms of corporate governance and strategic and management control systems. Gaps are identified in terms of organisational structure and culture. Strategic leadership and the strategic implementation plan show larger gaps compared to the theory, which is a concern. Though sound strategies may be in place, implementation fails. The absence of strategy implementation plans is noticeable and not linked back to strategic leadership. / MCom (Business Management), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

It is essential for the survival of the mining industry to look at the effective streamlining of organisations that can survive in the downturn in the gold cycle and meet the state demands placed on the industry. This study outlines challenges in South African gold mines and investigates the fit of the strategy implementation with the theory of implementing strategy on through the combined organisational design approach of looking at organisational structure, strategic and management control systems and organisational culture as well as corporate governance and strategic leadership. The research focus is on the implementation of generic strategies in South African gold mines pertaining to general industry issues such as strategies to address profitability and sustainability, dealing with the regulatory framework in terms of state intervention in the minerals sectors (SIMS), the Social and Labour Plan (SLP) and the Minerals and Petroleum Development Act of 2002, amended 2013 (MPRDA) and socio-economic concerns through the mining charter and wage demands. The purpose of the research is to explore how management perceives the implementation of strategies in general, without specific attention to the strategies developed for the organisation. The research will explore strategy implementation in South African gold mines and test the theory for the implementation of strategy. The research design is a qualitative study with individual semi-structured interviews. Participants were purposefully selected based on their experience in management roles in South African gold mines. The results of testing the developed theory-based strategy implementation against the practical application of strategy implementation shows an acceptable match in terms of corporate governance and strategic and management control systems. Gaps are identified in terms of organisational structure and culture. Strategic leadership and the strategic implementation plan show larger gaps compared to the theory, which is a concern. Though sound strategies may be in place, implementation fails. The absence of strategy implementation plans is noticeable and not linked back to strategic leadership. / MCom (Business Management), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

In this study we have aimed to explore how participation and self-determination is implemented in the daily life of disabled people who receive support through LSS. The questions addressed concern possibilities/obstacles for the participation and selfdetermination of disabled people who live in group housings, and how the terms participation and self-determination are realized. Nine interviews have taken place with staff members and directors of different group housings. We have found that the interviewees believe that the nature of a person’s disability can be a barrier to the individual’s self-determination and participation in his or her everyday life. For individuals with more severe disabilities, the interviewees find that the use of different communication aids, such as sign language and pictures, can facilitate the communication between all parts involved, and make it easier for the wishes of the individual to reach through to the staff/directors. Sometimes the interviewees’ opinions of what is a healthy life does not correspond with the wishes of the individual. When this occurs we have found examples of the staff putting up boundaries for the individual’s self-determination, and instances in which the staff takes on a more passive role and lets the individual make his or her own decisions even if the staff does not necessarily believe them to be good ones.

Within the South African framework of transition, constitutional development and of the Municipal Systems Act of 2000, the Integrated Development Planning and budgeting processes represent a significant shift away from past planning approaches in South Africa. Hitherto, planning systems were largely technocratic,sectoral and failed to incorporate the views of local people. The current aim is to create Effective and efficient government systems and to integrate the various administrations of the constituent local governments into the new consolidated local governments. Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (EMM), one of the largest metropolitan municipalities in the country was a case study to examine this shift away from the past planning approaches to the new integrated approach. For the purpose of this study, integrated approach to service delivery is described as a process to ensure that the objectives and policies determined by the legislature will be uniformly interpreted and applied by all departments in municipal entity. Integrated development planning, budget reviews and performance monitoring systems focus on alleviating poverty and addressing past injustices and inequities through identification of programmes and projects that respond to the needs and priorities of local communities. There is a strong move towards a more integrated and participatory approach to local planning with varying success at incorporating sustainability principles throughout the process. The Municipal Systems Act makes it mandatory that all sectors and interested parties be consulted, and that has led to improved communication and cooperation between different spheres of government and the newly established local authority structures. Along with IDPs as the primary planning tool, Systems Act signify the deepening of democracy and good governance as it is mandatory for the participation of communities and various stakeholders through the ward committees. For the purpose of this study, a hypothesis was formulated that: IDP, Budgetary Planning and SDBIP are mutually dependent and key strategic thrusts in realizing the objectives of public finance within the local government context and yet, ineffective service delivery in EMM results from the inability to integrate its development plan, budget and service delivery budget implementation plans. To validate the hypothesis, theoretical exposition of concepts IDP, budget and service delivery budget implementation plan were explained. Empirical study was conducted which showed that, at Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality: • There is an understanding of the importance of aligning planning systems, • Processes, systems and mechanisms to integrate all the planning systems are established, these are not effective because they are partially or not fully implemented, • Departments function independently. Communication systems and plans are developed; they are not effective, because new procedures are not communicated. Where these are, there is no guideline documentation. • There is much interference in the administrative functions by politicians. Officials who are responsible for budgets are not given space to perform their duties effectively without the influence of external or political thrust. The study concludes with recommendations for action to be taken by the Municipality towards the improvement of service delivery. / Thesis (M. Development and Management)--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2010.

Within the South African framework of transition, constitutional development and of the Municipal Systems Act of 2000, the Integrated Development Planning and budgeting processes represent a significant shift away from past planning approaches in South Africa. Hitherto, planning systems were largely technocratic,sectoral and failed to incorporate the views of local people. The current aim is to create Effective and efficient government systems and to integrate the various administrations of the constituent local governments into the new consolidated local governments. Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (EMM), one of the largest metropolitan municipalities in the country was a case study to examine this shift away from the past planning approaches to the new integrated approach. For the purpose of this study, integrated approach to service delivery is described as a process to ensure that the objectives and policies determined by the legislature will be uniformly interpreted and applied by all departments in municipal entity. Integrated development planning, budget reviews and performance monitoring systems focus on alleviating poverty and addressing past injustices and inequities through identification of programmes and projects that respond to the needs and priorities of local communities. There is a strong move towards a more integrated and participatory approach to local planning with varying success at incorporating sustainability principles throughout the process. The Municipal Systems Act makes it mandatory that all sectors and interested parties be consulted, and that has led to improved communication and cooperation between different spheres of government and the newly established local authority structures. Along with IDPs as the primary planning tool, Systems Act signify the deepening of democracy and good governance as it is mandatory for the participation of communities and various stakeholders through the ward committees. For the purpose of this study, a hypothesis was formulated that: IDP, Budgetary Planning and SDBIP are mutually dependent and key strategic thrusts in realizing the objectives of public finance within the local government context and yet, ineffective service delivery in EMM results from the inability to integrate its development plan, budget and service delivery budget implementation plans. To validate the hypothesis, theoretical exposition of concepts IDP, budget and service delivery budget implementation plan were explained. Empirical study was conducted which showed that, at Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality: • There is an understanding of the importance of aligning planning systems, • Processes, systems and mechanisms to integrate all the planning systems are established, these are not effective because they are partially or not fully implemented, • Departments function independently. Communication systems and plans are developed; they are not effective, because new procedures are not communicated. Where these are, there is no guideline documentation. • There is much interference in the administrative functions by politicians. Officials who are responsible for budgets are not given space to perform their duties effectively without the influence of external or political thrust. The study concludes with recommendations for action to be taken by the Municipality towards the improvement of service delivery. / Thesis (M. Development and Management)--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2010.