Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2001. / New technologies have the ability to enable radical new business strategies, new value propositions and at least transform the manner in which we conduct our day-to-day business. This not only transforms our business but also the speed at which it occurs is nothing short of phenomenal. In the 1990's the advent of the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) tools brought about a previously unknown capability of integration and business processes as opposed to functional management. This brought about the capability to reengineer business processes and subsequent work practices. This opportunity presented itself at Rossing Uranium Limited and based on a sound business case this organisation went ahead to implement an ERP along with reengineered work processes. This study project has examined the role of information technology in a modern organisation and its ability to transform business processes. The theory of information technology as a key enabler is explored and documented. The human factor and change management is a critical success factor in any of these major technology or business improvement initiatives. This study has therefore examined the need for change management in organisations and the change management process in some detail. Further to this the topic of improvisational change was introduced, as a recognition that change management within a bounded project initiative is not always sufficient to support ongoing sustainable business improvements. The theoretical aspects of systems implementation, reengineering and change management are extrapolated into a real life case study, Rossing Uranium. Within this case study the external market environment is described along with the internal organisational dynamics. The case study goes on to describe the implementation of the ERP, the reengineering effort and the change management program. The final chapters deal with the evaluation of the Rossing business case within the context of the change management process and focusing particularly on business outcomes and the strengths and weaknesses of the change management program. This is followed up by some key recommendations to address shortcomings.

Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2006. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The International Energy Agency will for the first time in its 32 years history urge governments to speed up the construction of nuclear power plants. According to Fatih Birol, lEA chief economist, "the decision almost needs to be made tomorrow if we are going to act before we reach a point of no return in climate and security of supply." Nuclear energy, through the conversion and enrichment of uranium oxide, is one of the energy sources with the potential to make an immediate and substantial difference in the emission of greenhouse gasses. Uranium Oxide currently provides a cost effective and sustainable source of clean energy through nuclear power generation, directly comparable in price to gas and coal. With the growth of the world economy, comes a requirement for more energy. This can only be sustained through a number of sources, of which uranium and renewable sources of energy i.e. wind power generation, is part of. The supply of uranium oxide from production to conversion is key to the success of the uranium industry. The high energy potential of relative small quantities of uranium makes rt ideal to transport as the cost and handling is reduced. The transportation of uranium oxide is continuously increasing in complexity. This combined with a high price scenario, increased demand and supply shortages increases the risk associated with denial and delays of shipments. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die Internasionale Energie Agentskap gaan vir die eerste keer in die organisasie se 32-jaar geskiedenis' regerings aanspoor om die konstruksie van kemkragsentrales te bespoedig. Volgens Fatih Birol, IEA se hoof-ekonoom, "moet die besluit amper more geneem word as ons gaan reageer voor ons 'n punt van geen omdraai bereik het ten opsigte van die klimaat en sekuriteit van aanbod." Kernkrag, deur die omskakeling en verryking van uraanoksied, is een van die energie bronne met die potensiaal om 'n onmiddelike en substansiele verskil in die vrylating van groenhuis-gasse te maak. Uraanoksied verskaf huidiglik 'n koste effektiewe en volhoudbare bron van skoon energie deur kernkrag opwekking, direk vergelykbaar met steenkool en gas. Met die groei in die wereld ekonomie, kom die vraag na meer energie. Dit kan slegs volhoudbaar wees uit 'n aantal bronne waarvan uraan en hernubare bronne soos windkrag-opwekking, deel is. Die verskaffing van uraanoksied van produksie tot verryking is die sleutel tot die sukses van die uraan industrie. Die hoe energie potensiaal van relatiewe klein hoeveelhede uraan, maak dit geskik vir vervoer omdat die koste van vervoer en hantering verminder word. Die transportering van uraan oksied is voortdurend besig om in kompleksiteit toe te neem. Gekombineerd met 'n hoe prys senario, verhoogde vraag na en aanbodtekorte, verhoog die risiko verbind met wyering en vertragings in verskeping.