This study looks at what Sasol must do to retain senior black managers. The findings of this study are based on the perspectives of a group of black professionals who went through a two year program referred to as Sasol's Accelerated Leadership Development Program (ALDP). Given the fact that the company has acknowledged the problem of having senior black managers in its ranks, the objective is to use their own perspectives on what Sasol must do to retain them. The question of retaining employees is critical given the stiff competition that Sasol operate in and also taking into account the fact that Sasol is expanding outside the borders of South Africa. The respondents pointed out that there are a number of issues which Sasol's management must look at in order for them to stay in the company. The issues raised relate to Sasol's corporate culture which is perceived not to be accommodative of a diverse work force, the management style which is seen as conservative and bureaucratic. Over and above that, the predominant use of Afrikaans, whilst English is the official business language is seen as an obstacle for non-Afrikaans employees to stay in the company. Other issues raised are the Senior Mannekrag Beplanning Kamer (SMBK), a process used for the promotion of senior managers which is seen as not representative. The respondents felt that they need to be given challenging work assignments and be given opportunities for career growth and development. Equally important is the question of the work environment in general which is not seen as embracing diversity and remuneration and benefits which are seen to be fair and competitive. The findings are indicative of the importance of informing retention strategies with the views of the very employees that must be retained. These results further suggest that a planned approach which is inclusive of stakeholders is appropriate rather than an imposed plan. / Thesis (MBA)-University of Natal, Durban, 2003.

M.Comm. / The fertiliser and related activities of Sasol Fertilizers were consolidated during 2000 under the new name Sasol Agri. Sasol Fertilizers is a business unit of Sasol Agri, and is responsible for the manufacturing and marketing of quality fertiliser products for the group. Through its business units, Sasol Agri manufactures a full range of granular and liquid fertilisers, bulk-blend mixtures, ammoniated phosphates, sulphate of ammonia and nitrogenous products for the South African and export markets. This division was established in 1981 to use ammonia derived from the Sasol coal to oil refining process to produce fertiliser. Production commenced in 1983. Today Sasol Fertilizers is a dynamic producer and marketer of fertiliser products in both local and export markets. The Sasol Fertilizers factory is located in Secunda, about 150 kilometres expanded its investment in liquid fertilisers by acquiring the remaining 50% shareholding in the Delmas Fertiliser Group. This business has been identified as a growth area and additional resources have been allocated to product development and expansion in South Africa to service local demand.

Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2005. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The current transformation of Sasol Synfuels in enhancing overall business performance and realising organic growth is assessed. The framework for the assessment is based on the ideas expressed by Collins (2001), supplemented by other ideas found in the literature relevant to business performance improvement within manufacturing organisations. Gaps and opportunities are identified within the context of three of the Synfuels strategic elements of operations excellence, worldclass people and leveraging technology. Improvement areas identified are the further development of transformational leadership, reduction in fixed costs to ensure more flexibility and reduction in the current size of Synfuels. The development of transformational leadership needs to be extended to create fanatically driven, sheer workmanlike diligence, as well as determination and tenacity creating a culture of a strong disciplined work and performance ethic. Reducing fixed costs to enhance profitability can be achieved by applying risk-reward agreements and application of value based management principles to enhance the understanding amongst all employees of the value drivers of the Synfuels business model. A reduction in the size of Synfuels to facilitate easier change management and a stronger focus on delivering the same business results through the employment of fewer resources is also recommended. Barriers to achieving operations excellence identified are a lack of management consensus and underestimation of the task required to internalise the change management process. Neglecting the basics in achieving the fundamental manufacturing output elements and resistance to daily discipline are identified as the main focus areas. It is further recommended to establish a culture of discipline where employees are allowed to function effectively within the proposed framework of disciplined people, thought and action in combination with freedom to innovate and achieve growth in the business through constant adaptation as this is fundamental to enhancing the current performance of Synfuels. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die transformasie van Sasol Synfuels om die algehele besigheidsprestasie en realisering van organiese groei te weeg te bring is geevalueer. Die raamwerk vir die evaluasie is gebaseer op idees uitgespreek deur Collins (2001) en aangevul met ander idees soos gevind in literatuur relevant tot besigheidsprestasie verbetering in vervaardigingsorganisasies. Gapings en geleenthede is geidentifiseer om organiese groei teweeg te bring binne die konteks van drie van die Synfuels strategiese oogmerke van bedryfsuitnemendheid, wereld-klas mense en die benutting van tegnologie. Areas wat geidentifiseer is wat tot 'n verbetenng in die prestasie van Synfuels kan lei is die verdere ontwikkeling van transformasionele leierskap, vermindering in die vaste koste om meer buigsaamheid te verleen en om die organisasie se grootte te verminder. Die ontwikkeling van transformasionele leierskap moet uitgebrei word om professionele doelgerigtheid sterker te ontwikkel wat sal lei tot die skep van 'n sterk kultuur van werks-en prestasie-etiek, spesifiek gerig op drie gedragsaspekte om fanaties te dryf vir resulate, toegewyde harde werk en vasberadenheid, asook deursettingsvermoë. Verskillende wyses waarop vaste koste verminder kan word deur die toepassing van risiko-vergoeding beginsels en die toepassing van waarde gebaseerde bestuurstegnieke om die begrip van die ekonomiese beginsels van Synfuels se besigheid by alle werknemers te bevorder. Verder word ook voorgestel dat na maniere gekyk word om die grootte van Synfuels te verminder om makliker veranderingsbestuur en 'n meer doeltreffende fokus te plaas daarop om dieselfde besigheidsresultate met minder hulpbronne te behaal. Hindernisse in die bereiking van bedryfsuitnemendheid wat geidentifiseer is, is 'n potensiele gebrek aan konsensus by bestuur in terme van wat bereik moet word terwyl die taak van veranderingsbestuur onderskat word. Nalaat om aandag aan die basiese aspekte om vervaardigingsuitsette te behaal en weerstand teen daaglikse dissipline is ook aspekte waaraan aandag geskenk moet word. Dit word ook aanbeveel om 'n kultuur van dissipline te skep waarbinne werknemers toegelaat word om effektief te funksioneer binne die voorgestelde raamwerk van gedissiplineerde mense, denke en aksie in kombinasie met innoverende denke en deurlopende verbeteringsprosesse groei teweeg gebring deur deurlopend aan te pas aangesien dit fundamenteel is om die prestasie van Synfuels te verbeter.

Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2001. / Please refer to full text for abstract.

Two coal utility plants in South Africa selected (one from Sasol and another from Eskom) for this study produce large volumes of fly ash (over 40 Mt from Eskom at Tutuka, and 3 Mt from Sasol Synfuels at Secunda annually), and brines as by-products during coal processing. Co-disposal of the brines and fly ashes has been a normal practice in these coal-utility plants for decades. Long-term management of fly ash is necessary and requires an understanding and knowledge of how the different waste materials interact with water and brines in different chemical situations. However the geochemistry of their interactions, the leaching and mobility of elements in these disposal systems has not been fully understood. This work gives insights into the chemical processes taking place in the brine-water/brines systems that govern the concentrations of major and minor elements in ash leachates under different environmental conditions. The possible presence of organic compounds (subsequently referred to as 'organics') in brines and their effects on the leaching chemistry of fly ash was also studied. Sustainability and long term impact of the co-disposal of fly ash and brines on the environment was studied through static (batch tests) modeling of the pH-dependent acid neutralization capacity (ANC) tests and columns modeling for dynamic leach tests. The modeling was based on experimental results from other Sasol-Eskom ashbrine project collaborators. Modeling results of the ANC tests were in good agreement with the reported experimental results, which revealed that the release trends of various elements (including trace, heavy elements and contaminants) contained in fly ash into solution is highly pH dependent. However Na, K, Mo and Li exhibited constant solubilisation which was independent of pH changes from all the scenarios. The presence of different constituents of brines subjected to ANC resulted to different ANC capacities ranging from 0.98 moles H⁺/Kg dry ash (of ash-organics mixed with Mg-brines) to 3.87 H⁺/Kg dry ash for those with the C(4) brines. As expected, those constituents from the cationic brines were found on the lower region of acid addition (in the order Mg-brines < Ca-brines < Na-brines) while the anionic brines were found at the upper region of acid addition (in the order S(6)-brines < Cl-brines < C(4)-brines). In the middle region of acid addition were three important scenarios: that of ash with brine, ash without brines (i.e. ash with DMW) and ash with both ASW organics and combined brines. It was from these three scenarios that a generalization of the effect of brines and organics on the ANC was inferred. The ANC of ash with demineralised water (DMW) was 2.33 mol H⁺/Kg dry ash and that of ash with ASW organics lower at 2.12 mol H⁺/Kg dry ash which was the same value as that of ash with combined brines. This indicated that brines decreased the ANC of ash by about 9.01 % and which could be attributed to the acid-base neutralization process and the dynamics of solid phase dissolutions in response to the acid addition. Both fly ashes exhibited a typical pH > 12 (suspension in demineralised water) and the predominant cation even at this high pH is Ca²⁺ (at concentration > 0.002 mmol/L). This indicates that dissolution of CaO and formation of OH⁻ species at pH > 10 contributes to acid neutralisation capacity of both fly ashes and is the greatest contributor to the acid neutralizing capacity of both fly ashes. Two broad leaching behaviours as a function of pH were observed from the three fly ash-ASW organics-brines scenarios (i) leaching of Ca, Mg, Ni and Sr follows a cationic pattern where the concentration decreases monotonically as pH increases; (ii) leaching of Al, Fe, Ti and Zn follow an amphoteric pattern where the concentration increases at acidic and alkaline pH, although Al showed some anomaly from pH 11 where the concentration decreased with the increase in pH. Al showed an amphoteric pattern in which its release increased between pH 12.8 and 11 for all the scenarios and then decreased with decrease in pH down to neutral pH of 7. The batch leaching simulation results from hydrogeochemical modeling also showed that mineral dissolution, precipitation and new phase formation during ash-organics-brines interactions was controlled by pH. The newly formed phases however remain in equilibrium with the ash-brines-organics mixture. Each individual mineral phase dissolution/precipitation/formation system controls the concentration and speciation of the respective constituent elements as evidenced by the log C-pH diagrams obtained from the modeled scenarios. The ash-brines-organics interactions do exhibit and affect the mineralogical chemistry of fly ash. However the extent to which these interactions occur and their effect, varies from one scenario to another, and are dependent on the amounts and type of the constituent brine components. Organics do have a significant effect on dissolution characteristics of few minerals such as calcite, mullite, kaolinite, Ni₂SiO₄, and SrSiO₃ due to complexation effect. The effect is quantitatively conspicuous for calcite mineral phase and for the formation of some new phases such as Fe(OH)₃(am)-CF and portlandite. The composition of the liquid phase from acid neutralisation capacity experiments was successful.Hydrogeochemical modeling was used as a means to provide insights and understanding of the complex reactions taking place, speciation and mineralogical changes occurring. These changes would serve to predict future environmental scenarios when pH conditions change. In this study, an extension of the application field of PHREEQC hydrogeochemical code for modeling and simulation of equilibrium; kinetic and transport mechanisms associated with the interaction of water; and organics and brines with fly ash during their co-disposal is successfully demonstrated. The parameters associated with these mechanisms were used as inputs into the PHREEQC program using modified Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) database for inorganic brines and MINTEQ.V4 database for organics, and used to model the results of ANC test data for the fly ashes. A special reference is made to two separate modeled mineralogical ash recipes from two of the South African power utility plants' fly ash systems, namely, Tutuka and Secunda. The effects of brines in the leaching of major, minor and trace elements at various pH values and the mineralogical changes associated with the intermediate and final products from the interactions of ash-brines systems under different scenarios are qualitatively and quantatively discussed. Multiphase saturation characteristics have been determined for mineral species in contact with water and brines. The modeling results indicated that several mineral phases could be controlling the species concentration in the leachates, and the ANC and column modeling results corroborated well in many aspects with the experimental results obtained from collaborating institutions (South Africa Universities and Research institutions). In addition, application of the PHREEQC model to the ash heap under different disposal systems was carried out to predict the heap leachate composition and geochemical transformations taking place in a period of time. Pore water chemical analysis, and moisture content analysis revealed that contact of the ash with water is a crucial factor in the mobilization of the contaminants with time. Maximum weathering/dissolution of the ash is observed in the top layer (1-3) m and at the point of contact with the subsurface water level which was in good agreement with the model results. The surface layer and the very lowest layers of the dump in contact with lateral flows experience the highest degree of weathering leading to depletion of species. The geophysical transformation of fly ash was also captured through the porosity change calculations and the results revealed that geochemical reactions do affect the porosity of fly ash during the weathering processes. These modelling results were in agreement with the hydraulic tests and salt leaching tests conducted during Sasol-Eskom ashbrine project in Phase I which suggested that salts captured in the ash will become mobile and leach from the fly ash over time. The data therefore indicates that ash dumps may not act as sustainable salt sinks. These findings may have some bearing on engineering decisions on fly ash reuse. From the above observations, it is apparent that release of large quantities of the salts in the ash depends on the extent of its interaction with brines being used for irrigation or with water, either through plug-in flow after a rainfall event or contact with groundwater. The results revealed effects of brine-water contact time with fly ash, the flow volume and velocity, the pH, the degree of saturation, hydrogeology and ash heap geometry as important factors that affect fly ash transformation and weathering. Overall, the ash heap modeling enhanced the understanding of the ash-brines interactions and demonstrated that leachate composition is determined by the following factors; (i) the mass flows from the pores of fly ash, (ii) the surface dissolution of the mineral phases, (iii) the various chemical reactions involved during the ash-brine and ash-water interactions, (iv) the interactions with a gas phase (atmospheric CO₂), (v) the composition of the initial fly ash, and (vi) by the leachate flow and hydrodynamics as captured in the conceptual model. Any ash handling system should therefore be designed to take these criteria into consideration to prevent environmental contamination. The modeling results also gave indications that the ash-brine co-disposal in dry ash systems would be an unsustainable way of locking up brine salts in the long run. In this Thesis, modeling results were used to support experimental data which further reaffirmed the important role hydrogeochemical modeling plays in liquid and solid waste management. Furthermore, hydrogeochemical modeling complements the work of analytical/environmental scientists as well as guiding the future solid waste management and engineering decisions. / Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, 2012.

Thesis (MPhil)--Stellenbosch University, 2012. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: SUMMARY This research studies the concept of Knowledge Management (KM) in organisations and also its integration with other structures. While KM is seen as being beneficial to organisations, it is of crucial importance for its proponents not to overlook the fact that it may also have disadvantages. There are numerous publications, both scholarly and otherwise, that describe how a well-implemented KM initiative can add value to an enterprise by improving the sharing of information between managers and employees, but the risk factors around instituting KM have not received the same attention. Its proponents have generally inadequately explained how even a “well-implemented” KM initiative can spell disaster for an organisation; KM, like other management theories such as Total Quality Management (TAM), Business Process Re-Engineering (BPR) and others, can and have failed and there needs to be an understanding of why this happens. This research looks at the risk and value issues that come with KM and the various ways in which these risks may be mitigated and the value retained. In particular, the integration of KM with management initiatives like Value Management (V.M) and Risk Management (RM) will be examined. This process is seen as problematic because of the nature of the interrelationship between KM on the one hand and V.M and RM on the other. It is argued that only when organisations fully understand this interrelationship, can they begin to integrate risk and Value Management into their Knowledge Management initiatives. Therefore, the analysis of the relationship between Value Management and Risk Management as semi or fully formalised management processes plays an important part in the research. The study examines cases where V.M and RM have been incorporated in KM implementations in the South African petrochemical industry in an attempt to arrive at a more accurate assessment of this process. The study argues that Knowledge Management can pose a threat to any organisation that does not manage its attendant risks as well as it does its benefits. As an example, this research looks at how knowledge workers can be deployed by knowledge managers to add value to an enterprise without risking the loss of its intellectual capital, for instance when such workers are recruited by competitors. The finding of this thesis are somewhat varied in nature. As far as this research is concerned there are no adequate and streamlined measures taken to analyse risk in SASTECH, particularly Risk that comes with or as a result of Knowledge Management. As a consequence there are no formalised control measures and review processes put into place for monitoring these risks. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie navorsing ondersoek die begrip Kennisbestuur (KM) in organisasies en die integrasie daarvan in ander strukture. KM word beskou as voordelig vir organisasies, maar dit is van kernbelang vir sy voorstaanders om nie uit die oog te verloor dat dit ook nadele mag meebring nie. Daar is talle publikasies, akademies en andersins, wat beskryf hoe ‘n deeglike KM inisiatief waarde kan toe voeg by ‘n onderneming deur die wyse waarop dit die deel van inligting tussen bestuurders en werknemers verbeter; die risikofaktore rondom die instel van KM het egter nie naastenby dieselfde aandag geniet nie. Sy voorstaanders kon gewoonlik nie verklaar hoe selfs ‘n “deeglike” KM inisiatief rampspoedige gevolge vir ‘n organisasie kan hê nie; KM, soos ander bestuursteorieë soos Totale Kwaliteitsbestuur (TQM), Heraanpassing van Sakeprosesse (BPR) en ander, kan en het misluk en die redes daarvoor moet verstaan word. Hierdie navorsing ondersoek die risiko’s en waarde-implikasies van KM en die verskillende maniere waarop hierdie risiko’s beheer kan word. In besonder word die integrasie van KM met bestuursinisiatiewe soos Waardebestuur (V.M) en Risikobestuur (RM) ondersoek. Hierdie proses word as problematies beskou weens die aard van die onderlinge verwantskap tussen KM aan die een kant en V.M en RM aan die ander. Daar word betoog dat slegs wanneer organisasies hierdie onderlinge verwantskap ten volle verstaan, hulle risiko- en waardebestuur in hulle KM-inisiatiewe kan begin integreer. Daarom speel die analise van die verhouding tussen Waardebestuur en Risikobestuur as semi of ten volle geformaliseerde bestuursprosesse 'n belangrike rol in die navorsing. Die studie ondersoek gevalle waar V.M en RM ingelyf is by die implementering van KM in die Suid-Afrikaanse petrochemiese nywerheid ten einde ‘n meer akkurate waardebepaling van hierdie proses te maak. Die studie stel voor dat kennisbestuur ‘n bedreiging kan inhou vir enige organisasie wat nie die meegaande risiko’s ewe goed as die voordele bestuur nie. As praktiese voorbeeld kyk hierdie studie na hoe kenniswerkers deur kennisbestuurders ontplooi kan word om waarde by ‘n onderneming te voeg sonder om die risiko te loop dat hierdie intelektuele kapitaal verlore gaan wanneer sulke werkers byvoorbeeld deur mededingers gewerf word. Die bevindinge opgeteken in hierdie tesis is wisselend van voorkoms. Sover dit hierdie navorsing betref is daar geen voldoende en vaartbelynde maatreëls om risiko in SASTECH, veral Risiko wat afkomstig van Kennisbestuur getref nie. Die gevolg hiervan is dat daar geen formele beheermaatreëls en hersieningsprosesse in plek gesit is vir die monitering van hierdie risiko's nie.

M. Tech. (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology), Vaal University of Technology. / The subject of maintenance optimisation is not new, and many researchers have explored it. However, it is seen that one optimisation solution cannot be used in all industries. Each industry and equipment thereof are unique as the product streams differ, layouts and operation variables, to name a few. Though Turn-around management is the most used strategy in petrochemical industries. Equipment downtime remains the biggest challenge thus, the purpose of the study was to optimise the maintenance practices used on the critical electromechanical equipment in Sasol Synfuels Catalyst Preparation using both the Analytical Network and Analytical Hierarchy multi-decision approach. Data was collected from the SAP system database, of which the breakdown work orders was obtained from the period of January 2016 to June 2021. The data was collected for each 13 electromechanical equipment identified in the catalyst preparation unit. The applied maintenance strategies employed on the electromechanical equipment in the catalyst preparation unit was also analysed using the Meridium maintenance strategy software tool utilised in Sasol Synfuels. An analysis and identification of the critical equipment within the unit were obtained with the use of two different methods, namely the JADERI, (2019) and AFEFY, (2010) approaches. A theoretical distribution was drawn after that in order to assess the effectiveness of the current maintenance strategy compared to the identified key performance indicators. The theoretical distribution analysis was used to determine the plant utilisation, availability, and maintenance cost. The analytical network and hierarchy process application, and the super decision network model framework, were analysed to obtain the maintenance optimisation solution. Though the ANP and AHP approaches have different problem identification frameworks and cluster dependencies, it is seen that both methods portray more or less similar results. Both methods indicate that in order to achieve an optimised maintenance strategy within the catalyst preparation unit, condition-based maintenance strategy is the most weighed alternative node with 50% for optimal maintenance solution. The least most weighed alternative node is corrective maintenance, weighed at 7%. This is true as corrective maintenance is applied once a breakdown has occurred, of which the aim is to avoid unforeseen breakdowns. Fixed time maintenance is the second most weighed maintenance strategy with 30%, followed then by the operate to failure strategy at 13%. Considering that the operation to failure maintenance strategy is applied based on the consequence of failure and maintenance cost as well as mean time to repair, this is then concluded as practical as RCM priorities predictive and preventative strategies to be employed. It was drawn, for criteria nodes, that the ANP approach resulted in the environmental safety impact as the most important criteria to consider when applying the optimal maintenance strategy in the Sasol Synfuels Catalyst preparation unit. The environmental safety impact was rated at 0.33, followed by availability with a factor of 0.32. The least weighed criteria nodes are then the maintenance cost and MTTR, both with a factor of 0.17. This proves to true considering that the petrochemical industry is considered a high-risk industry as it processes and produces hazardous chemicals The AHP approach structure however, does not consider interdependencies through the criteria and alternative clusters thus the alternative weight could not be defined. The results obtained prove that the ANP approach is the most practical mutli criteria decision making method for maintenance optimisation compared to the AHP approach.

Thesis (MComm)--Stellenbosch University, 2014. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study explore how forecasting techniques can be combined in linear programming (LP) as a tool to optimise the parameters of forecasting methods in order to ensure sufficient capacity of logistic infrastructure exist for future growth. This study will use greenfield and brownfield projects from Sasol, a petrochemical company from South Africa, to test the methodology on. The methodology followed in the study was to firstly look at previous literature studies on logistical infrastructure and how to create sufficient capacity. Secondly, understandings of supply chain planning principles in general as well as supply chain planning in context of Sasol were investigated. Thirdly, different forecasting methods like; qualitative include judgemental, life cycle, Delphi method, market research etc. and quantitative methods including time series and causal methodologies had been investigated. Fourthly, decision making tools to incorporate multiple forecasts were investigated to understand why Sasol decided to use i2. Fifthly, the current capital project approach in Sasol had been investigated to fully understand where room for improvements would be possible. Finally the theory from the study was applied on two different projects in Sasol, one greenfield and one brownfield project. The results found that by using sound supply chain planning methodologies, sound supply chain design principles and multiple forecasts being combined by using LP decision making tools a better decision can be made with regards to logistical infrastructure investment as well as ensuring sufficient logistical infrastructure capacity. The two case studies have shown that this approach is flexible enough, apart from a few minor changes and can be adopted for both scenarios and that great results can be achieved. Logistical infrastructure could be optimised due to collaboration and the overall costs and performance of a supply chain improved. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie studie ondersoek hoe lineêre programmering ( LP ), as n hulpmiddel, gebruik kan word om vooruitskattingstegnieke te kombineer om sodoende die vooruitskattingsmetodes te optimaliseer en te verseker dat voldoende kapasiteit van logistieke infrastruktuur bestaan vir toekomstige groei. Hierdie studie se metodes sal getoets word op groenveld- en bruinveldprojekte van Sasol , 'n petrochemiese maatskappy van Suid –Afrika. Die metode gevolg tydens die studie, was eerstens om te kyk na vorige literatuurstudies oor logistieke infrastruktuur en hoe om voldoende kapasiteit te skep. Tweedens, om ‘n breë oorsig van die beginsels van voorsieningsketting-beplanning te bekom sowel as voorsieningsketting-beplanning in die konteks van Sasol te ondersoek. Derdens, verskillende vootuitskattingsmetodes soos kwalitatiewe metodes (insluitend veroordelende-, lewensiklus- en Delphi-metode en marknavorsing) en kwantitatiewe metodes (insluitend die tydreeks- en oorsaaklike metodes) is geondersoek. In die vierde plek is besluitnemingshulpmiddels, wat verskeie vooruitskattings kombineer, geondersoek om te verstaan waarom Sasol besluit het om i2 aan te koop. In die vyfde plek is die metode van Sasol se kapitaalprojekte geondersoek om te verstaan of daar nie moontlik ruimte vir verbeterings sou wees nie. Laastens is die studie se metode op twee projekte van Sasol toegepas, een groenveld- en een bruinveldprojek. In die studie is gevind dat beter besluite geneem kan word aangaande beleggings in logistieke infrastruktuur en om te verskere daar is voldoende logistieke infrastruktuur kapasiteit - deur gebruik te maak van optimale metodes in voorsieningsketting-beplanning en voorsieningskettingontwerp. Die twee gevallestudies het getoon dat hierdie benadering buigsaam genoeg is, afgesien van 'n paar klein veranderinge, om vir beide moontlikhede gebruik te kan word en goeie resultate te behaal. Deur die samewerking van verskeie besigheidseenhede kon logistieke infrastruktuur geoptimaliseer word terwyl die kostes en algehele prestasie van voorsieningsketting verbeter kon word.

116 leaves single sided printed, preliminary pages i-viii and numbered pages 1-106. Includes bibliography. / Scanned using a Hp Scanjet 8250 Scanner to pdf format (OCR). / Thesis (MPhil (Sociology)--University of Stellenbosch, 2003. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: In South Africa few systematic studies have been done on university-industry partnerships. This research investigated the evolution of the University of Cape Town (UCT) and SASOL partnership involving heterogeneous catalysis. As part of this investigation, I analysed the driving force and sought to determine the motivations and benefits that UCT and SASOL have since accrued as a result of their partnership. I also analysed knowledge transmission or technology transfer processes such as the hiring of graduates, intellectual property etc. In light of all of these I sought to draw lessons that could be learnt from UCT-SASOL partnership for future purpose. I followed four themes or sections in order to situate the study. These were, (a) the socio-economic context (global and knowledge economy, innovation, knowledge society etc.), the changing modes of knowledge production ("Mode 2") and the changing ways of interactions among stakeholders industry, university and government (Triple Helix). The key argument here is that the university industry partnership cannot be seen as an independent development, but is interrelated or partly the consequence of changes in the socio-economic, science, technology and higher education fields, (b) The driving force behind the partnership, (c) motivations, benefits, and (d) knowledge or technology transfer/transmission processes. I used the case study research design. I conducted interviews with the UCT Chemical Engineering Department, UCT Centre for Research and Innovation and SASOL officials. I collected several documents related to the study and also visited the laboratories in which UCT-SASOL partnership research activities were happening. Some of the findings of the study include the following. The partnership demonstrates the significant role of an individual academic, who steered transformation in terms of research activities and culture in the Chemical Engineering Department. The legacy of the individual academic's strong personality and commitment to research is evident and continues to stimulate high levels of research interest and teamwork among staff members which is characteristic of this department. A strong link is maintained between the basic disciplinary "Mode 1" teaching and research on the one hand and the multidisciplinary "Mode 2" applied and strategic research and training on the other: This is evident in the strong emphasis on the solid undergraduate disciplinary education as a basis for a high quality multidisciplinary postgraduate education. All staff members are involved in both teaching and research. A strong link is maintained between academic, research and postgraduate activities: The department utilizes surpluses generated through industrial-oriented research to cross-subsidize the academic and postgraduate activities. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Daar is weinig sistemiese studies in Suid-Afrika reeds uitgevoer oor universiteit-industrie samewerking. Hierdie studie ondersoek die ontwikkeling van 'n vennootskap tussen die Universiteit van Kaapstad (UK) en SASOL wat heterogene katalise insluit. Ek analiseer in hierdie studie die dryfkrag van die vennootskap, en probeer die motivering en voordele bepaal wat beide die UK en SASOL toegekom het as deel van hulle vennootskap. Ek analiseer ook die oordrag van kennis of oordrag van tegnologiese prosesse, die aanstelling van graduandi, intellektuele eiendom, ens. Ek probeer op grond hiervan lesse van die UK-SASOL vennootskap uitlig vir toekomstige doeleindes. Ek het vier temas of afdelings gebruik om hierdie studie te vestig. Dit is, (a) die sosio-ekonomiese konteks (globale en kennis ekonomie,innovasie, kennis samelewing ens.), die veranderende modus van kennis produksie ("Modus 2") en die veranderende wyses van interaksie tussen belanghebbendes - industrie, universiteit en regering (Triple Helix). Die sleutel argument hier is dat die universiteitindustrie vennootskap nie gesien kan word as 'n onafhanklike ontwikkeling, maar dat dit verband hou met of deel is van die gevolge van die veranderinge in die sosio-ekonomiese, wetenskap, tegnologie en hoer onderwys arenas; (b) die dryfkrag agter die vennootskap; (c) motivering en voordele; en (d) die oordrag van kennis of tegnologie/oordrag van prosesse. Ek gebruik die gevallestudie metodologie in hierdie studie. Ek het onderhoude gevoer met die UK Chemiese Ingenieurswese Departement, die UK Sentrum vir Navorsing en Innovasie, asook die SASOL betrokkenes. Ek het die projekdokumentasie versamel en het ook die laboratoriums besoek waarin die navorsingsaktiwiteite van die UK-SASOL vennootskap plaas vind. Die bevindinge van hierdie sluit dus die volgende in. Die vennootskap demonstreer die belangrike rol van 'n individuele akademikus wat transformasie bewerkstellig het in terme van navorsingsaktiwiteite en die kultuur in die Chemiese Ingenieurswese Departement. Die nalatenskap van die individuele akademikus se sterk persoonlikheid en toewyding tot navorsing is duidelik en stimuleer steeds hoe vlakke van belangstelling in die navorsing en spanwerk in die departement. Dit is ook een van die kenmerke van hierdie departement. Daar is 'n sterk skakel gehandhaaf tussen die basiese dissiplinere "Modus 1" onderrig en navorsing aan die een kant, en die multidissiplinere "Modus 2" toegepaste en strategiese navorsing en onderrig aan die ander kant. Dit is duidelik in die sterk kleim wat gele word op die stewige voorgraadse dissiplinere onderrig as 'n basis vir 'n hoe kwaliteit multidissiplinere nagraadse onderrig. Alle personeel is betrokke by beide onderrig en navorsing. 'n Sterk skakel is behou tussen akademiese, navorsings- en nagraadse aktiwiteite: die departement gebruik die oorskotte van industrieverwante navorsing om akademiese en nagraadse aktiwiteite te kruissubsideer.

Abstract in English, Afrikaans and Sesotho / The study was inspired by the global phenomenon of failure rates of outsourcing ventures; yet, the outsourcing value proposition of 3PL providers is promising and potentially lucrative. The approach of the outsourcing venture was thus investigated, specifically how to align and integrate outsourcing parameters appropriately at the inception of the outsourcing venture in order to attain the benefits brought about by the outsourcing decision over the projected life of the outsourcing venture. To this effect, a strategic decision-making model, with the objective of ascertaining optimal alignment and integration was developed. The model comprises a dualistic development followed by a methodological process path to operationalise the strategic decision-making model. A services continuum (development one) is established, which is a permutation matrix that classifies four aspects of importance (service type, category of 3PL provider, strategic alignment and investment), in order to align the aspects optimally and enable appropriate model application. The services continuum is a conglomeration of nine models:  a capabilities matrix for 3PL provider services;  a framework for evaluating the supply chain role of 3PL providers;  a mathematical model;  a supplier selection and evaluation process;  a presentation of the Hayes–Wheelwright framework;  an outsourcing variables differentiated model;  four categories of the 3PL providers model;  an estimated path model; and  a process integration via survey data collection model. The services continuum was extended for utilisation with risk management practices, and an outsourcing risk matrix (development two) was established. The enablement of the outsource risk matrix is an element review, consisting of three categories: collaboration and integrated planning systems; performance measurement; and broad-based black economic empowerment. The strategic decision-making methodology process path was developed as having three phases, which operationalise the strategic decision-making model. The research was primarily focussed on literature reviews, with the models classified according to the services continuum. To a lesser extent, the research focussed on primary data, which served as model application input specifically for application requirements related to Sasol. The study established a universally applicable strategic decision-making model, as well as the application of the model for Sasol’s outbound (final packaged product) supply chain. / Thuto e ile ya kgothaletswa ke tshebetso ya lefatshe mabapi le maemo a ho hloleha ha ho nyaolwa/ntshuwa ha diprojeke kgwebong; leha ho le jwalo, tlhahiso ya boleng ba ditshebeletso tsa 3PL e a tshepisa ebile e ka ba le hlahiso ya tjhelete e ngata. Ka tsela eo, mokgwa wa ho tswa kgwebong o ile wa phenyekollwa, haholoholo mabapi le ho tsamaisana le ho kenyelletsa maemo a ho ntshetsa pele maruo ka mokgwa o nepahetseng ha ho thehwa kgwebo ya ho ntshetsa pele ho fumana melemo e tliswang ke qeto ya ho ntshetsa pele ka bophelo ba morero wa ho nyaolwa kgwebong. Ka lebaka lena, ho ntshetswa pele mokgwa/motlolo o motle wa ho etsa diqeto, ka sepheo sa ho netefatsa hore ho na le boemo bo nepahetseng le ho kopanngwa ho tsitsitseng. Motlolo ona o na le ntshetso pele e habedi e latelwang ke tshebetso ya mokgwa wa ho kenya tshebetsong tsela ya ho nka diqeto. Tatellano ya ditshebeletso e tswelang pele (ntshetsopele ya pele) e a thehwa, e leng phethoho ya tikoloho e kgethollang dikarolo tse nne tsa bohlokwa (mofuta oa tshebeletso, mokga wa mofani wa 3PL, kemiso ya moralo le matsete), e le ho dumellana le dintlha ka tsela e nepahetseng le ho etsa hore ho sebediswe motlolo hantle. Ditshebeletso tse tswelang pele ke kopano ya dimotlolo tse robong:  bokgoni ba maemo a tikoloho bakeng sa ditshebeletso tsa bafani ba 3PL;  sebopeho sa ho hlahloba phepelo ya tatellano ya ho nka karolo ha bafani ba 3PL;  mokgwa/motlolo wa mathemathiks;  kgetho ya mofani le mokgwa wa o hlahloba;  tlhaloso ya moralo wa Hayes-Wheelwright;  mefuta e fapaneng ya ho nyaola dikarolo tse fapaneng;  ntho tse mene tsa bafani ba 3PL;  mohlala wa tsela ya dimotlolo; le  mokgwa wa ho kopanya ka mokgwa wa ho bokella lesedi la dipatlisiso. Dishebeletso tse tswelang pele di ile tsa atoloswa bakeng sa tshebediso ya mekgwa ya taolo ya dikotsi, mme maemo a tikoloho a kotsing ya boipheliso (ntlafatso ya bobeli) a thehwa. Ho kengwa tshebetsong ha kotsi ya maemo a tikoloho ke ntho e shejwang botjha e nang le mekga e meraro: mekgwa ya ho sebedisana le meralo e kopanetsweng; tekanyo ya tshebetso; le ho matlafatsa bofuma ba batho batsho lehlakoreng la moruo. Mokgwa wa ho etsa diqeto o ile wa ntlafatswa e le o nang le mekgahlelo e meraro, e sebetsang ka mokgwa o motle wa ho etsa diqeto. Phuputso e ne e lebisitswe haholo ditabeng tsa tlhahlobo ya dingodilweng, le dimotlolo tse kgethollwang ho latela ditshebeletso tse tswelang pele. Ho ya ka tekanyo e nyenyane, dipatlisiso di lebisitse tlhokomelong ya lesedi la mantlha, le neng le sebetsa e le mokgwa wa ho kenya letsoho bakeng sa ditlhoko tsa kopo tse amanang le Sasol. Phuputso ena e thehile mokgwa wa ho etsa diqeto tse amohelehang lefatsheng ka bophara, hammoho le ho sebediswa ha setshwantsho sa phepelo ya tlhahiso ya Sasol (thlahiso ya ho qetela). / Dié studie is deur die globale verskynsel van die falingstempo van uitkontrakteringsondernemings geïnspireer; ten spyte hiervan lyk die uitkontrakteringswaardevoorstel van 3PL-verskaffers belowend en is dit potensieel winsgewend. Die benadering wat die uitkontrakteringonderneming volg, is derhalwe ondersoek en in die besonder hoe om die uitkontrakteringparameters by die aanvang van die uitkontrakteringonderneming toepaslik in lyn te stel en te integreer om die voordele te benut van die uitkontrakteringsbesluit oor die geprojekteerde lewe van die uitkontrakteringsonderneming. ’n Strategiesebesluitnemingsmodel wat ten doel het om optimale inlynstelling en integrasie te verseker, is dus ontwikkel. Die model bestaan uit ’n dualistiese ontwikkeling, gevolg deur ’n metodologiese prosesbaan om die strategiese besluitnemingsmodel te operasionaliseer. ’n Dienstekontinuum (ontwikkeling een) is op die been gebring, wat ’n permutasiematriks is wat vier aspekte van belangrikheid (dienssoort, kategorie van die 3PL-verskaffer, strategiese inlynstelling en investering) klassifiseer, ten einde die aspekte optimaal in lyn te stel en toepaslike modeltoepassing moontlik te maak. Die dienstekontinuum bestaan uit ’n versameling van nege modelle:  ’n bekwaamheidsmatriks vir 3PL-diensverskafferdienste;  ’n raamwerk om die voorsieningskettingsrol van 3PL-verskaffers te evalueer;  ’n wiskundige model;  ’n verskafferseleksie en evalueringsproses;  ’n aanbieding van die Hayes-Wheelwright-raamwerk;  ’n uitkontrakteringsveranderlike-gedifferensieerde model;  vier kategorieë van die 3PL-verskaffersmodel;  ’n geraamde baanmodel; en  prosesintegrasie deur middel van ’n ondersoekdata-insamelingsmodel. Die dienstekontinuum is uitgebrei vir gebruik by risikobestuurspraktyke en ’n uitkontrakteringrisikomatriks (ontwikkeling twee) is op die been gebring. Die bemagtiging van die uitkontrakteringsrisikomatriks is ’n elementhersiening, wat uit drie kategorieë bestaan: samewerkings- en geïntegreerdebeplanningstelsels; prestasiemeting; en breë swart ekonomiese bemagtiging. Die strategiese besluitnemingsmetodologieprosesbaan is met drie fases ontwikkel, wat die strategiese besluitnemingsmodel operasionaliseer. Die navorsing het hoofsaaklik op literatuuroorsigte gefokus, met die modelle wat volgens die dienstekontinuum geklassifiseer is. Die navorsing het in ’n mindere mata op die primêre data gekonsentreer, wat as die modeltoepassingsinset gedien het, in die besonder vir die toepassingsvereistes wat op Sasol betrekking het. Die studie het ’n universele, toepaslike strategiesebesluitnemingsmodel daargestel, asook die aanwending van die model op Sasol se uitgaande voorsieningsketting (finaal verpakte produk). / Business Management / D. Phil. (Management Studies)