M.Ing. / This case study explores the different technology management techniques available to organisations to control and manipulate technology to improve efficiency, reliability, optimisation and productivity. The technology techniques explored in this case study include technology roadmaps, technology capability analysis and technology portfolio analysis. The theoretical framework section of this case study provides an in depth study on the different techniques and presents supporting information that must be understood to correctly and efficiently implement these techniques. The analysis section of this case study presents results to authenticate the research captured in the theoretical section. The analysis section and the conclusion of this case study provide results and benefits of implementing technology management techniques within business units of Sasol. Sasol consists of a number of different technologies with different lifecycles which are required to be controlled and maintained to ensure continuous operation. Sasol is dependent on technology for safety, continuous operation and maintenance. The outcome of this case study is to provide an organisation such as Sasol the benefits and results of implementing technology management techniques within the organisation and to justify investing in technology management tools and techniques. The technology roadmap and technology portfolio analysis was carried out for the Solvents business unit whereas the technology capability analysis was carried out for Sasol Technology control engineering group.

Sasol Synthetic Fuels, a petrochemical companysituated at Secunda, South Africa, employs more or less 10000 permanent as well as part-time employees. The company realised in 1996 that the standard at which occupational health was conducted neither addressed the needs of the business environment within which it had to function, nor fulfilled the legal requirements that it had to. The need for an applicable Occupational Health System was born. After an unsuccessful search for a commercially available system, the decision was taken to develop one. It had to be comprehensive and strategically value-adding. This study examines the requirements of an Occupational Health System against the background of the field of study. It states issues and concerns and suggests solutions. The approach to and design of an Occupational Health System from a strategic management viewpoint is contemplated. It suggests a specific architecture for such a system and sets goals and deliverables. The overall system is divided into a number of subsystems, arranged into levels according to management and strategic considerations. Four main subsystems are suggested. A systematic approach towards all aspects of the system, from planning to implementation and conducting thereof, is constantly and strongly advocated. Particular attention is paid to risk profiling, the compilation of a central database and data analysis in order to arrive at accurate health trend determination. The conversion of data into strategic information is specifically addressed. / Prof. H.E.C. de Bruyn

M.Comm. (Business Management) / Research and Development (R&D) facilities have been used to develop new or better products and services for a long time. Organisations utilise knowledge gained from their R&D facilities to gain access to new markets and to improve the organisation’s competitiveness in the market. R&D facilities are referred to as learning organisations that employ people who specialise in specific technologies. These employees are referred to as ‘knowledge employees’. Sasol R&D was formed in 1955 to assist the organisation to develop and improve the Fischer-Tropch (F-T) technology that was adopted by the organisation to produce synthetic fuels from coal. At the time the technology had not been sufficiently proven on a commercial scale and this necessitated that research be conducted to ensure that the processes related to (F-T) technology are efficiently operated. The use of the knowledge generated by Sasol R&D has resulted in Sasol being recognised as the world leader in F-T technology and has led to joint ventures with other organisations around the world. The management of acquired knowledge has been critical in the development of Sasol and the successes that the organisation has enjoyed. It is therefore important that the employees of Sasol and those of Sasol R&D are well equipped to utilise the knowledge that was generated by previous employees to continuously improve and develop technologies. The objective of this study was to establish the perception that knowledge employees have of Knowledge Management (KM) and what Sasol R&D can improve on in this regard, i.e. business performance and individual employees’ career development. Respondents generally agree with the importance of KM in Sasol R&D and also indicated that a successful KM strategy can help improve individuals’ careers. The respondents also indicated that they were familiar with the concept of KM and the advantages for the organisation in the successful implementation of such a KM strategy. The main recommendations from the study are: 1. Employees should be involved in current the future KM strategies that the management of Sasol R&D wants to implement. 2. The adopted KM strategy’s objectives and benefits should be made clear and understandable to all employees. In addition, all relevant documentation should be made available to the employees.

ABSTRACT There is currently a ubiquitous drive for South African industries to improve on water usage as large volumes of raw water are consumed and saline effluents (brines) are produced during their operations. This dissertation addresses the use of paste technology to co-dispose brines as well as solid wastes, from the SASOL Secunda complex in a sustainable manner. The findings from this study indicated that the properties of pastes with relatively high solids concentrations (e.g. 70%) are dependent on the physical properties of fly ash, such as carbon content and fineness thus impacting on the transportability of the paste. In order to overcome this effect, the paste with a 65% solids concentration will be less sensitive to the physical properties of the fly ash. Furthermore the chemical composition and salt load of brines affect the transportability and salt retention of paste. It was also observed that salinity of the brine affects the settling rate of the paste. The availability of various brines at SASOL provides an opportunity to investigate the blends of brines that will provide suitable settling and salt retention of paste. The other opportunity identified was the use of SASOL solid wastes such as incineration ash (IA) and gasification ash as additives to improve paste properties. It was also discovered that the mode of salt retention is predominantly chemical rather than physical, which increases the credibility of this technology. The overall conclusion is that paste technology is a potential solution for sustainable co-disposal of ash and brines. Further research areas are proposed to improve the understanding of paste technology and its implementation.

M.Sc.

Since the beginnings of venture creation the traditional role of the entrepreneur has evolved from only being the owner of a small business to include those individuals within a large organisation who has entrepreneurial skills and applies these to benefit the company. The focus of this research study was the assessment of corporate entrepreneurship within Sasol Polymers, a division of Sasol Ltd. A comprehensive literature review was conducted in chapter 2. In the literature review entrepreneurship, corporate entrepreneurship and an entrepreneurial climate were defined. The dimensions of corporate entrepreneurship and the 13 constructs measuring the entrepreneurial climate were discussed, after which the constructs measuring the perceived success of the organisation were presented. Chapter 2 concluded by presenting practical suggestions in which an entrepreneurial climate could be established in an organisation. A historic overview of Sasol and Sasol Polymers was then presented. Among others; the history, vision, strategy, technology and innovation was discussed. The chapter concluded with the unique causal factors of Sasol Polymers that prompted this study. Empirical research was conducted after the literature review and background to the organisation. The empirical research focused on discussing the results obtained from the corporate entrepreneurship questionnaire. Top, middle and lower level managers of Sasol Polymers were selected as the sample population for this study and a 50% response rate was achieved. Basic demographic information of the respondents were dealt with first, after which the perceptions of the respondents with regard to the 13 constructs measuring the entrepreneurial climate and the constructs measuring the perceived success of the organisation were discussed. Furthermore, relationships were determined between demographic variables and the constructs measured in the questionnaire. Following the detailed empirical analysis done in chapter 4, it was concluded that managers participating in the survey regarded the constructs vision and strategic intent, strong customer orientation and entrepreneurial leadership as the most prevalent in Sasol Polymers. The least prevalent constructs required for an entrepreneurial climate were resource availability and accessibility, tolerance for risk, mistakes and failure and sponsors/champions. No practical significant difference could be found between the mean values of any of the demographical categories and the constructs measured in the questionnaire. The study concludes with practical recommendation, a measurement of the achievement of objectives and suggestions for future research. / Thesis (M.B.A.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

Since the beginnings of venture creation the traditional role of the entrepreneur has evolved from only being the owner of a small business to include those individuals within a large organisation who has entrepreneurial skills and applies these to benefit the company. The focus of this research study was the assessment of corporate entrepreneurship within Sasol Polymers, a division of Sasol Ltd. A comprehensive literature review was conducted in chapter 2. In the literature review entrepreneurship, corporate entrepreneurship and an entrepreneurial climate were defined. The dimensions of corporate entrepreneurship and the 13 constructs measuring the entrepreneurial climate were discussed, after which the constructs measuring the perceived success of the organisation were presented. Chapter 2 concluded by presenting practical suggestions in which an entrepreneurial climate could be established in an organisation. A historic overview of Sasol and Sasol Polymers was then presented. Among others; the history, vision, strategy, technology and innovation was discussed. The chapter concluded with the unique causal factors of Sasol Polymers that prompted this study. Empirical research was conducted after the literature review and background to the organisation. The empirical research focused on discussing the results obtained from the corporate entrepreneurship questionnaire. Top, middle and lower level managers of Sasol Polymers were selected as the sample population for this study and a 50% response rate was achieved. Basic demographic information of the respondents were dealt with first, after which the perceptions of the respondents with regard to the 13 constructs measuring the entrepreneurial climate and the constructs measuring the perceived success of the organisation were discussed. Furthermore, relationships were determined between demographic variables and the constructs measured in the questionnaire. Following the detailed empirical analysis done in chapter 4, it was concluded that managers participating in the survey regarded the constructs vision and strategic intent, strong customer orientation and entrepreneurial leadership as the most prevalent in Sasol Polymers. The least prevalent constructs required for an entrepreneurial climate were resource availability and accessibility, tolerance for risk, mistakes and failure and sponsors/champions. No practical significant difference could be found between the mean values of any of the demographical categories and the constructs measured in the questionnaire. The study concludes with practical recommendation, a measurement of the achievement of objectives and suggestions for future research. / Thesis (M.B.A.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

Mergers and Acquisitions can be very exciting events for organizations. The promise of top and bottom line growth through synergy with another company can excite executives. Unfortunately, research has shown, this promise very seldom realizes as acquisitions are complex process that require understanding and commitment from all parties, both from the acquiring firm and the acquired firm. The study will start off reviewing the processes that define, in general terms, implementation of mergers and acquisitions. This will be following by a review of the experience of the SASOL Oil acquisition of EXEL Petroleum. A detail investigation of the actual process adopted by the latter organizations will be investigated through empirical research. And finally, the focus of this review is to identify gaps, a lack of certain process and their implementation and statements and actions of ambiguities and ambiguous situations. The resultant outcome of this investigation will assist the researcher, in establishing whether the acquisition of EXEL Petroleum by SASOL Oil provided synergistic value, and whether the implementation of the integration process was thorough and successful. / Prof. A. Boessenkool

Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2001. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This assignment is a case study for Strategic Management and based on a South African company. The company is SASOL Ltd, one of South Africa's leading companies regarding to technological resourcefulness and diversification. The first chapter of this assignment will give a small introduction and explain why SASOL was chosen for this project, as well as the methodology used. Chapter two covers the development of SASOL from a state owned company in the 1950's, to a global player in the field of fuel and chemicals. Included in this chapter is the industry analysis of the fuel and chemical markets. In this chapter, it becomes apparent that SASOL has built its status on the modified Fisher-Tropsch process. Using the process by-products, SASOL was able to penetrate various chemical markets to form a portfolio of different products. In chapter three, a strategic evaluation was done as part of the requirement for this paper. A model of Thompson and Strickland, the prescribed handbook for Strategic Management students, were used as part of the evaluation. The following chapter contained more information on the different business units and the last five years' financial results. These chapters are included to supply additional information that may not have been covered in the broader view of chapter two. To complete the paper a chapter of questions and answers was included, which contains twenty generalised questions asked specifically around SASOL's strategy and information that is contained in this paper. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die opdrag is 'n saak studie vir die vak Strategiese Bestuur en is gebasseer op 'n Suid Afrikaanse maatskappy. Die maatskappy is SASOL Bpk, en is een van Suid Afrika se mees vooraanstaande maatskappy ten opsigte van tegnologies innovering en diversifisering. Die eerste hoofstuk gee 'n kort verduideliking waarom SASOL gekies is asook die metodiek wat gebruik sal word. Hoofstuk twee handel oor die ontwikkeling van SASOL vanaf 'n Staats besitte maatskappy in die vroeë 1950's tot en met waar die maatskappy 'n wereld speler is op die gebied van brandstof en chemikalië. Ingesluit in die hoofstuk is die industrie analiese van die brandstof en chemikalië markte. Dit word hier duidelik dat SASOL sy huidige posisie bereik het op die Fisher- Tropsch proses en deur die gebruik van die proses se byprodukte was SASOL daartoe in staat om verskeie nuwe markte te penetreer. In hoofstuk drie is 'n strategiese evaluasie gedoen aan die hand van 'n model wat beskryf word in Thompson en Strickland, 'n handboek vir Strategiese Bestuurs studente. Die daarop volgende hoofstukke is daartoe gewy om die student meer inligting te gee van die verskillende besigheidseenhede en het ook die finasieële resultate van die afgelope vyf jaar ingesluit. Om die werksopdrag af te sluit is twintig vrae en antwoorde wat betrekking het op SASOL se strategie en algemene inligting in die laaste hoofstuk.

Thesis (M. Tech. (Faculty of Management Sciences, Dept. of Human Resources Management) -- Vaal University of Technology / The buzzwords in South African business today is quality service and customer satisfaction. Service quality is an important determinant of customer satisfaction. It is therefore important to measure customer satisfaction and to solicit internal customers perceptions on service received. This research was primarily undertaken to evaluate the quality of services rendered by administrators to Sasol Technology R&D employees. The research is supported by a detailed study of quality and customer service. An adapted internal service quality scale (INSERVQUAL) was used to measure service quality. A thirty item scale was developed, for the empirical study. The instrument was then subjected to a scale purification process through exploratory factor analysis. Both the expectation and perception elements were used in measuring service quality. The five dimensions of service quality namely Accessibility and Tangibility, Assurance, Empathy, Reliability and Responsiveness were identified as internal service quality dimensions. Aspects of Accessibility and Tangibility were incorporated as a single dimension in this study. A six- point Likert scale was used in the questionnaire. The low end of the scale represented a negative response, whilst the high end represented a posit,ive response. With a response rate of 63% from internal customers, the researcher was able to provide evidence that service quality dimensions may influence an employee's perception of the administrators' service quality. The finding in this study also suggests the need for further research to examine customers' expectations in other related services as well as in different culture contexts. The testing of the modified internal customer model of internal marketing developed and described in this study indicates that Access, Assurance, Empathy, Reliability and Responsiveness dimensions may be a useful approach to enhancing service quality.