This thesis is concerned with queueing models where demand is allowed to exceed the system capacity, and also with the capacity sizing and pricing problem for heterogeneous products and resources under demand uncertainty. Our aim is to improve productivity and profitability. In the first part of the thesis, we consider the dynamic assignment of servers to tasks in queueing networks where demand may exceed the capacity for service. The objective is to maximize the system throughput. We use fluid limit analysis to show that several quantities of interest, namely the maximum possible throughput, the maximum throughput for a given arrival rate, the minimum arrival rate that will yield a desired feasible throughput, and the optimal allocations of servers to classes for a given arrival rate and desired throughput, can be computed by solving linear programming problems. We develop generalized round robin policies for assigning servers to classes for a given arrival rate and desired throughput, and show that our policies achieve the desired throughput as long as this throughput is feasible for the arrival rate. We conclude with numerical examples that illustrate the points discussed and provide insights into the system behavior when the arrival rate deviates from the one the system is designed for. In the second part of the thesis, we consider the effects of inspection and repair stations on the production capacity and product quality in a serial line with possible inspection and repair following each operation. We consider multiple defect types and allow for possible inspection errors that are defect dependent. We construct a profit function that takes into account inspection, repair, and goodwill costs, as well as the capacity of each station. Then we compare the profitability of different inspection plans and discuss how to identify the optimal inspection plan. Finally, in the third part of the thesis, we consider the capacity and pricing decisions made by a monopolistic firm producing two heterogeneous products under demand uncertainty. The objective is to maximize profit. Our model incorporates dedicated and flexible resources, product substitutability, and processing rates that may depend on the product and on the resource type. We provide the optimum prices and production quantities as functions of resource capacities and demand intercepts. We also show that investment in flexible capacity is only desirable when it is optimal to invest in dedicated capacities for both products, and obtain upper bounds for the costs of the dedicated capacities that need to be satisfied for investment in the flexible resource. We conclude with numerical examples that illustrate the points discussed and provide insights into how the optimal capacities and expected production quantities, prices, and profit depend on various model parameters.

The dissertation has three main chapters on product quality innovation. First, we compare innovation effort and social welfare between monopoly, duopoly, and the social planner in a dynamic model with quality dependent on a continuous know-how stock. The technology frontier--the largest reachable know-how socks--does not always positively depend on competitiveness, i.e. a duopoly may technologically surpass the social planner. However, social welfare is always positively tied to competitiveness. Second, with a general equilibrium model, we derive a relative price function expressing productivity and quality effects, and develop a method for inferring relative quality changes. An application to services versus goods of the US from 1946-2006 provides evidence on aggregate quality changes and suggests us to incorporate quality variations when explaining relative prices. Third, we build a two-product model where productivity changes lead to reallocations of labor between quantity production and quality innovation. The correlation between relative productivity and relative quality is negative for low-range substitutability and positive for medium-range substitutability between two products. Looking at services versus goods of the US, the correlation is negative and productivity-driven quality can play a significant role in general quality development.

Thesis (M.Tech.: Business Administration)-Durban University of Technology, 2006 vi, 70 leaves / One of the major problems facing SMME’s in the South African clothing industry is the surge of clothing imported particularly from China, which negatively impacts on the ability of local firms to survive in business. Despite this challenge within the volatile business environment some SMME’s within the clothing industry have been resilient and have remained in business. This survey focused on the existing business strategies of SMME’s within the clothing manufacturing sector of Kwa-Zulu Natal. The main aim of the research was to establish the underlying factors of competitive advantage of SMME’s and to determine the strategic action taken by businesses in order to combat the impact of the sale of imported clothing in South Africa. In addition, an evaluation of the success of these strategic choices was carried out so that future business strategies for SMME’s can be developed to ensure sustainable competitive advantage.

Estimates of the value of manufacturing sector output enter into many economic indices, especially those measuring productivity. The South African Central Statistical Services has twice made substantial errors in the output series. Revisions to correct the first of these raised the growth rate in manufacturing over the period 1970-80 from 2,6 per cent per annum (compound) to 5 per cent. This episode is not common knowledge. After examining the conceptual difficulties involved in producing output stimates, a practical technique for detecting errors in the series , the Euler Consistency Test, is presented. Developed, refined, and then applied to the South African data, it predicted, retrospectively, the first set of errors (using only the information available at the time those errors were made), then detected another set of errors , not previously known to exist. The study records the process by which the CSS was made to concede this second error. Acknowledgement only came after protracted correspondence and an examination conducted by a special committee formed to investigate my complaints. With 1979 set equal to 100, the output level in 1988 was originally given as 113,8. After investigation, the CSS raised this to 126,1. The magnitude of this second error is equivalent to the omission of the total output of the two SASOL plants commissioned during the early 1980s. Estimates of productivity growth by the National Productivity Institute using these incorrect figures are shown to have created a misleading picture of the sector's performance, especially in the sensitive debate over the relationship between wage and productivity growth. An attempt is made to lay the groundwork of an analytical framework for comprehending (from a Marxist point of view) the activities of ideological state apparatusses like the NPI. A review of the literature on theory choice is conducted, and the necessarily political nature of this activity is explored. The relative impotence of I science' in the face of ideology in a conflict-ridden society is considered. The question of the significance of disagreements between economists is examined, and prospects for convergence and consensus on certain issues are weighed. / Thesis (Ph.D.)-Unversity of Natal, 1994.

Thesis (doctoral)--Göteborgs universitet, 1983. / Added t.p. with thesis statement inserted. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (MPhil)--Stellenbosch University, 2005. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This paper discusses factors that contribute to information technology (IT) investment not paying off as might have been expected. The main purpose is to describe this IT _productivity paradox. The paper explores ideas that align organizations' business strategies and information technology as a key to achieving improved productivity. Which are possible to properly measure in terms of the financial results? The main aims and objectives are to find out why managers invest in IT; whether there is a phenomenon such as an IT productivity paradox; whether IT pays off as expected; and how IT impacts on organizations. The study will investigate options for proper management of information technology and data structures. It is necessary to ascertain whether ensuring proper IT implementation has a positive impact on productivity, leading to increased innovation and performance. The research design builds on research done on the use of IT in organizations, usmg a qualitative research method. This research paper looks at organizational issues such as IT management styles, political and ethical issues, and work settings. The paper looks at organizations across the service and manufacturing sectors to determine their production, innovation, and profits into their existing organizational processes and how technology is interpreted. A group of IT users, IT managers and analysts were used as a sample to study the way IT managers and knowledge workers encounter information technology in organizations. The research method used in this research paper is called the informant approach, to take points of entry IT users would provide. This means that the interviewee, in this case the IT user was questioned on the use of information technology tools to gather information. In this study the aim was to conduct interviews with IT users and those they work with about their experiences. The sampling population was selected on the basis that they use this technology. In the data collection method a second interview was used to gather first-hand responses from the respondents to help me consolidate the information gathered to validate and ensure that it is reliable. The validity and reliability aspect of this research paper are based on the main sources of data and interpretation and adopts coding as the main technique of analysis. The internal reliability of this research methodology concern itself with the research methods that were used within this research paper. Measures to be taken in the paper are to obtain internal reliability in systematic gathering of data. The last part of this paper presents the conclusions and recommendations for changes to be made by managers and those investing in IT. IT managers should plan strategically when dealing with sales and marketers in order to put business needs before the needs of IT or systems. Technology should fit business needs rather than the business adjusted to fit the technology. IT should not cost an organization any additional profit it generates. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Belegging in Informasietegnologie skyn nie so betalend te wees as wat aanvanklik verwag is nie. Hierdie studie beskryf bogenoemde IT produktiwiteitsparadoks, en ondersoek faktore wat daartoe bydra. Verder word planne wat ten doel stel om organisasies se besigheidsstrategie en IT te laat saamwerk ten einde produktiwiteit te verhoog, ondersoek. Is dit moontlik om hierdie te meet in terme van finansiële resultate? Ander voornemens is om te bepaal waarom bestuurders in IT belê, is dit so betalend soos aanvanklik geskat is, hoe dit die maatskappy beïnvloed en bestaan daar werklik 'n verskynsel soos die IT produktiwiteitsparadoks? Hierdie studie sal moontlikhede ondersoek vir kundige bestuur van IT en datastrukture. Dit is nodig om vas te stel of die deeglike toepassing van IT 'n positiewe uitwerking het op vernuwende denke en produktiwiteit. Die navorsingsontwerp is gebaseer op navorsing wat reeds gedoen is oor die gebruik van IT in organisasies. In hierdie navorsing word ondersoek ingestel na organisatoriese kwessies soos IT bestuursmetodes, politieke en etiese invloede en werksomstandighede. Hierdie dokument neem maatskappye regoor die diens- en vervaardingsektore in oënskou ten opsigte van hul produksie, vernuwende idees en winsmarge, hoe hierdie aspekte inpas in hul huidige organisatoriese prosesse en hoe tegnologie interpreteer word. 'n Groep van IT gebruikers, IT bestuurders en analiste is as monster geneem, ten einde die manier waarop IT bestuurders en inligtingwerkers informasietegnologie teëkom in maatskappye te bestudeer. Die navorsingsmetode wat tydens hierdie studie gebruik is, word genoem die informantbenadering, wat behels om informasie te gebruik wat deur IT gebruikers verskaf word. Dit beteken dat die IT gebruiker ondervra word oor die gebruik van IT toerusting om informasie te versamel. Die doelwit was om onderhoude met IT gebruikers te voer, asook diegene met wie hulle saamwerk, in verband met hulondervindinge. Die steekproefpopulasie is gekies op grond daarvan dat hulle IT gebruik. In die datainsamelingsmetode is 'n tweede onderhoud gehou om eerstehandse menings van die respondente te verkry, met die doel om die informasie tot dusver te bevestig as betroubaar. Die geldigheid- en betroubaarheidsaspekte van hierdie dokument is gebaseer op die hoofbronne van data en vertolking en gebruik kodering as die primêre tegniek van analise. Die intrinsieke betroubaarheid van hierdie navorsingsmetode is gebaseer op die navorsingsmetodes wat gebruik is vir hierdie studie. Stappe is geneem tydens die studie om intrinsieke betroubaarheid te verkry deur die sistematiese verkryging van data. Die laaste deel van hierdie dokument bied die gevoltrekkings aan en ook voorstelle vir veranderings wat gemaak kan word deur bestuurders en diegene wat belê in IT. IT bestuurders behoort strategies te beplan wanneer hulle in aanraking kom met handelaars, om doelgerig die benodighede van die maatskappy te stel voor die benodigdhede van die IT en gepaardgaande sisteme. Tegnologie behoort in te pas by die benodigdhede van die maatskappyeerder dat die maatskappy hoef aan te pas by die tegnologie. IT behoort nie die maatskappy meer uit die sak te jaag as wat dit aan wins genereer nie.

There is a great need for qualified MBL and MBA graduates in South Africa to support and maintain the current growth rate that the economy is experiencing. Diligent effort is required to ensure that the locally acquired MBA/MBL qualifications remain on par with international qualifications. As an initial step to ensure high standards, the Council for Higher Education (CHE) did accreditation evaluations and only 18 MBA courses are now accredited. Admission criteria for the MBA/MBL is one of the minimum standards being assessed as part of the accreditation process conducted by the CHE. / Department of Industrial and Organisational Psychology / M.B.L.

Thesis (MTech (Human Resource Management))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2016. / The mining sector has been the backbone of the Namibian economy since Namibia attained its independence. However, the disruptive nature of the numerous strikes that are experienced in the mining sector has prompted this study that explores the perceptions held by different stakeholders on the impact of strikes on the productivity of three selected mines in Namibia. The selected mines are Langer Heinrich mine, Navachab Gold mine and Skorpion Zinc mine. Labour disputes in Namibia’s mining sector have a long history dating back to the colonial era. A myriad of factors that include, amongst others, poor remuneration, unfair labour practices, poor social and housing amenities, perceived discrimination and harsh working conditions are major triggers for mining sector strikes. Strikes are mostly conducted by employees when they fail to amicably resolve a labour dispute with their employers. Employees are normally perceived as the backbone of any organisation. Conflicts, however, are part of human nature and can only be avoided, in most cases, if people are conscious of the consequences of their actions and reactions, hence, the need to explore the perceptions of stakeholders on the impact of strikes on the productivity of the selected mines. Human perceptions are dynamic in nature. Irrespective of this fact, in this research questionnaires were administered to obtain the perceptions of mine management, miners and trade union members on the effects of strikes on the productivity of the three selected mines. A different questionnaire was designed to gather the views of the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare (MLSW) officials since in most cases they are involved in conciliating the disputing parties. Generally, strikes have negative impacts not only on the organisation concerned, but also on the Namibian economy at large. The mines selected for this research are situated in the Khomas, Erongo and Karas regions of Namibia. Most mining companies in Namibia are located in Erongo and Karas, whereas Windhoek, which is in the Khomas region, mainly houses some of these mines headquarters. A five-point Likert scale was used to gather data in the survey. Specialised software called Statistical Program for Social Scientists (SPSS) was then used to analyse the data. Although the results indicate that in most cases the striking parties are aware of the adverse effects of strikes on productivity of the mines, they still opt to use strikes as a bargaining weapon. Since conflicts are always bound to arise where two or more parties interact, this study recommends that there should always be a conciliator who tries to amicably resolve disputes by sensitising each party on the consequences of strikes. The study also recommends a model which emphasises the need to thoroughly inform the mineworkers and the mine management on the ripple effects of strikes and on the need to achieve a win-win situation for all the parties that are involved in a conflict. The model emphasises that although the employees and the employers can individually and separately approach the official, which is the MLSW, such official should always provide open feedback to the feuding parties through a tripartite negotiation forum, otherwise any other type of covert feedback may be misinterpreted as bias by one of the feuding parties. The model further explains that at all times direct negotiations between employees and their employers must be kept open, as it is possible that agreements that can reduce strike action may be reached without necessarily engaging a third party.

O setor industrial é responsável por uma oferta considerável de postos de trabalho que exigem a realização de movimentos repetitivos, principalmente nos membros superiores, resultando em um número cada vez maior de Lesões por Esforços Repetitivos (LER) ou Distúrbios Osteomusculares Relacionados ao Trabalho (DORT). A prevenção de LER/DORT, pode ser promovida pela aplicação de medidas de gestão e diagnóstico de situações de risco em condições reais de trabalho, com a utilização de ferramentas ergonômicas que avaliem integralmente os principais fatores de risco para a ocorrência de doenças musculoesqueléticas relacionadas ao trabalho. A presente pesquisa utilizou como ferramenta ergonômica, o Método OCRA, em uma indústria no setor metal-mecânico e teve como objetivo, o design de um posto de trabalho e dos seus respectivos procedimentos. A utilização do Check List OCRA possibilitou o mapeamento dos postos de trabalho no Setor Pintura e a caracterização do posto de trabalho com maior constrangimento musculoesquelético por movimentos repetitivos. O Índice OCRA permitiu a identificação e quantificação dos fatores de risco, a previsão de ocorrências de LER/DORT antes e após o reprojeto dos procedimentos e dos postos de trabalho Pintor I. A produtividade dos trabalhadores Pintor I foi mensurada, e observou-se que as melhorias ergonômicas proporcionadas pelo Método OCRA interferiram na produtividade dos trabalhadores. A utilização do Método OCRA e suas orientações para intervenções ergonômicas para o reprojeto de procedimentos e postos de trabalho, possibilitou uma diminuição do Índice OCRA de 15,36 para 2,03, o que correspondeu a um decréscimo de quatro vezes na probabilidade dos trabalhadores apresentarem doenças ocupacionais originadas por movimentos repetitivos. O reprojeto do posto de trabalho interferiu positivamente na produtividade dos trabalhadores, pois a diminuição das ações técnicas e as melhorias das condições posturais resultaram no decréscimo do consumo de tinta utilizado para a pintura das peças metálicas Perfil C; mensalmente, o reprojeto ergonômico, além de possibilitar melhores condições de trabalho, permitiu através dos ganhos de produtividade, economia mensal em mais de 145 kg de tinta para o posto de trabalho Pintor I, sem afetar a qualidade do procedimento. A aplicação do Método OCRA, método reconhecido e recomendado pelas normas internacionais ISO e EN, possibilitou a interface de um método ergonômico, no reprojeto de procedimentos e postos de trabalho, visando melhorias ergonômicas e ganhos de produtividade no posto de trabalho estudado. / The industrial sector is responsible for a high number of working stations which require a lot of repetitive actions, mainly of the upper limbs, resulting in an increasing number of Work Related Musculo Skeletal Disorders (WMSD). The prevention of WMSD, can be promoted by the application of management measures and diagnostic of risk situations in real working conditions, through the use of ergonomic tools to fully evaluate the main risk factors for the occurrence of WMSD. This study employed the OCRA Method as an ergonomic tool in a Metal-Mechanics sector industry and aimed to promote ergonomic improvements and verify the influence of productivity levels in a redesigned working station. The OCRA Check List enabled to map the Paint Sector Jobs and characterize the working station with the highest repetitive action musculoskeletal embarassment. The OCRA Index allowed to identify and quantify risk factors, and predict WMSD occurrences before and after the redesign of Painter I procedures and working stations. Painter I worker productivity was measured and it was observed that the ergonomic improvements provided by OCRA Method influenced the worker productivity. The use of OCRA Method and its guidelines for ergonomic interventions to the redesign of procedures and working stations, resulted in a reduction from to 15.36 to 2.03 in the OCRA Index, which corresponded to four times decrease in the probability of workers presenting occupational disease caused by repetitive actions. The working station redesign positively interfered in the work productivity since the reduction of technical actions and improvement of posture conditions resulted in decrease in consumption of paint used on the Profile C metallic parts; monthly, ergonomic redesign, besides creating better working conditions, enable through productivity gains, savings in more than 145 paint per month for the Painter I working station, without affecting the quality of the procedure. The OCRA Method application, a method recognized and recommended by the international standards ISO and EN, provided the interface of the ergonomic method to the redesign of procedures and working stations, aiming at ergonomic improvements and productivity gains in the workplace under study.

O setor industrial é responsável por uma oferta considerável de postos de trabalho que exigem a realização de movimentos repetitivos, principalmente nos membros superiores, resultando em um número cada vez maior de Lesões por Esforços Repetitivos (LER) ou Distúrbios Osteomusculares Relacionados ao Trabalho (DORT). A prevenção de LER/DORT, pode ser promovida pela aplicação de medidas de gestão e diagnóstico de situações de risco em condições reais de trabalho, com a utilização de ferramentas ergonômicas que avaliem integralmente os principais fatores de risco para a ocorrência de doenças musculoesqueléticas relacionadas ao trabalho. A presente pesquisa utilizou como ferramenta ergonômica, o Método OCRA, em uma indústria no setor metal-mecânico e teve como objetivo, o design de um posto de trabalho e dos seus respectivos procedimentos. A utilização do Check List OCRA possibilitou o mapeamento dos postos de trabalho no Setor Pintura e a caracterização do posto de trabalho com maior constrangimento musculoesquelético por movimentos repetitivos. O Índice OCRA permitiu a identificação e quantificação dos fatores de risco, a previsão de ocorrências de LER/DORT antes e após o reprojeto dos procedimentos e dos postos de trabalho Pintor I. A produtividade dos trabalhadores Pintor I foi mensurada, e observou-se que as melhorias ergonômicas proporcionadas pelo Método OCRA interferiram na produtividade dos trabalhadores. A utilização do Método OCRA e suas orientações para intervenções ergonômicas para o reprojeto de procedimentos e postos de trabalho, possibilitou uma diminuição do Índice OCRA de 15,36 para 2,03, o que correspondeu a um decréscimo de quatro vezes na probabilidade dos trabalhadores apresentarem doenças ocupacionais originadas por movimentos repetitivos. O reprojeto do posto de trabalho interferiu positivamente na produtividade dos trabalhadores, pois a diminuição das ações técnicas e as melhorias das condições posturais resultaram no decréscimo do consumo de tinta utilizado para a pintura das peças metálicas Perfil C; mensalmente, o reprojeto ergonômico, além de possibilitar melhores condições de trabalho, permitiu através dos ganhos de produtividade, economia mensal em mais de 145 kg de tinta para o posto de trabalho Pintor I, sem afetar a qualidade do procedimento. A aplicação do Método OCRA, método reconhecido e recomendado pelas normas internacionais ISO e EN, possibilitou a interface de um método ergonômico, no reprojeto de procedimentos e postos de trabalho, visando melhorias ergonômicas e ganhos de produtividade no posto de trabalho estudado. / The industrial sector is responsible for a high number of working stations which require a lot of repetitive actions, mainly of the upper limbs, resulting in an increasing number of Work Related Musculo Skeletal Disorders (WMSD). The prevention of WMSD, can be promoted by the application of management measures and diagnostic of risk situations in real working conditions, through the use of ergonomic tools to fully evaluate the main risk factors for the occurrence of WMSD. This study employed the OCRA Method as an ergonomic tool in a Metal-Mechanics sector industry and aimed to promote ergonomic improvements and verify the influence of productivity levels in a redesigned working station. The OCRA Check List enabled to map the Paint Sector Jobs and characterize the working station with the highest repetitive action musculoskeletal embarassment. The OCRA Index allowed to identify and quantify risk factors, and predict WMSD occurrences before and after the redesign of Painter I procedures and working stations. Painter I worker productivity was measured and it was observed that the ergonomic improvements provided by OCRA Method influenced the worker productivity. The use of OCRA Method and its guidelines for ergonomic interventions to the redesign of procedures and working stations, resulted in a reduction from to 15.36 to 2.03 in the OCRA Index, which corresponded to four times decrease in the probability of workers presenting occupational disease caused by repetitive actions. The working station redesign positively interfered in the work productivity since the reduction of technical actions and improvement of posture conditions resulted in decrease in consumption of paint used on the Profile C metallic parts; monthly, ergonomic redesign, besides creating better working conditions, enable through productivity gains, savings in more than 145 paint per month for the Painter I working station, without affecting the quality of the procedure. The OCRA Method application, a method recognized and recommended by the international standards ISO and EN, provided the interface of the ergonomic method to the redesign of procedures and working stations, aiming at ergonomic improvements and productivity gains in the workplace under study.