A knowledge management framework for automotive component manufactures in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Lingham, Nathan
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Knowledge management , Organisational learning , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8606 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1592 , Knowledge management , Organisational learning , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa
- Description: It is estimated that each direct job in the automotive industry supports at least 5 indirect jobs in the global community, resulting in more than 50 million jobs to the global auto industry (Ellis, 2006). In South Africa the automotive sector, as an employer, is widely viewed to be second only to mining. In the automotive industry globally, it is being discovered that knowledge, as opposed to “data” or “information”, is becoming harder to locate as a knowledge-bleed is occurring due to the phenomenon of the “brain drain”, retirement of experienced professionals, changing work behaviours among the younger generations and the general lack of infusion of new talent into the South African automotive industry over the past decade (Liebowitz, 1999). This realisation has spawned a growing interest in the concept of knowledge management (KM). KM is the development of tools, processes, systems, structures and cultures explicitly to improve the creation, sharing and use of knowledge critical for decision making. The effective use of KM helps organisations to improve the quality of their decision making and correspondingly to reduce costs and increase efficiency (Kinicki and Kreitner, 2008). Most automotive Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) have made some attempt at KM initiatives, and these attempts have been well-documented. However, among the automotive component suppliers, limited evidence exists of attempts at KM (Piderit, 2007). No standard KM application framework could be established in the literature for industry practitioners in automotive component manufacturers within the Eastern Cape. The aim of this research study is therefore to develop a framework for the application of KM in automotive component manufacturers within the Eastern Cape. The research consisted of a study of the knowledge management literature and the subsequent development of a knowledge management framework and empirical evaluation of the framework in the automotive component supply industry of the Eastern Cape. In conclusion the report presents a knowledge management framework which converts a company assessment to recommended corrective actions to be implemented and also presents the author’s findings, conclusions and recommendations derived from the study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Lingham, Nathan
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Knowledge management , Organisational learning , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8606 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1592 , Knowledge management , Organisational learning , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa
- Description: It is estimated that each direct job in the automotive industry supports at least 5 indirect jobs in the global community, resulting in more than 50 million jobs to the global auto industry (Ellis, 2006). In South Africa the automotive sector, as an employer, is widely viewed to be second only to mining. In the automotive industry globally, it is being discovered that knowledge, as opposed to “data” or “information”, is becoming harder to locate as a knowledge-bleed is occurring due to the phenomenon of the “brain drain”, retirement of experienced professionals, changing work behaviours among the younger generations and the general lack of infusion of new talent into the South African automotive industry over the past decade (Liebowitz, 1999). This realisation has spawned a growing interest in the concept of knowledge management (KM). KM is the development of tools, processes, systems, structures and cultures explicitly to improve the creation, sharing and use of knowledge critical for decision making. The effective use of KM helps organisations to improve the quality of their decision making and correspondingly to reduce costs and increase efficiency (Kinicki and Kreitner, 2008). Most automotive Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) have made some attempt at KM initiatives, and these attempts have been well-documented. However, among the automotive component suppliers, limited evidence exists of attempts at KM (Piderit, 2007). No standard KM application framework could be established in the literature for industry practitioners in automotive component manufacturers within the Eastern Cape. The aim of this research study is therefore to develop a framework for the application of KM in automotive component manufacturers within the Eastern Cape. The research consisted of a study of the knowledge management literature and the subsequent development of a knowledge management framework and empirical evaluation of the framework in the automotive component supply industry of the Eastern Cape. In conclusion the report presents a knowledge management framework which converts a company assessment to recommended corrective actions to be implemented and also presents the author’s findings, conclusions and recommendations derived from the study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
A proposed service quality framework for multi-national supply logistics providers in the South African automotive industry
- Authors: Van Aswegen, Dawid Titus
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Business logistics -- South Africa -- Management , Purchasing -- South Africa -- Management , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa , Industrial procurement -- South Africa -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21307 , vital:29476
- Description: Managing a sustainable service business rests on two critical customer perceptions: Firstly, the perceived sufficiency of the value of the service, and secondly the level of value differentiation between the current service provider other service providers in the market. (DeSarbo, Ebbs, Fong & Snow, 2010; Parasuraman & Grewal, 2000) The direction for this study was prompted by the limited research available around service quality for Supply Logistics within the global automotive industry. The study identified the key factors that logistics service providers need to focus on when aligning their perceptions of service quality to that of their customers. The service gaps between customer and service provider perceptions are uncovered. Particular focus was given to: The definition gaps in service quality, The perceived level of service quality, and The size of service quality differentiation between service providers. The key finding of the study is that service differentiation is influenced by the ability of the Logistics Service Provider (LSP) to deliver a quality of service in line with the level of importance the various elements hold to the customer. The causal relationships offered a step wise understanding of improving the perceptions of customers. This perception forming process is outlined as follows: Firstly, create a common understanding of the definition of service quality and establish the comparative importance of the various elements. Having an understanding of how customers’ value service quality is a critical first step in delivering superior service. A proposed Service Quality Framework for multi-national Supply Logistics providers in the South African automotive industry Secondly, align efforts to achieve in accordance to the level of importance of the service elements. If this is achieved, LSP’s will retain positive differentiation to its competitors irrespective of the actions of those competitors. Lastly, LSP’s need to regularly review if their own perception of the service level (per element) is in line with that of the customer. The study created a service quality framework of 22 different service elements grouped in four service factors. The relative importance of these elements were uncovered. This offered insight for organizing the business around key service elements. Within Supply Logistics the operational-management-tools, engineering-skills, processes-stability and management-structure are typical elements around which customers form their perceptions. The quality of the direct staff holds the key to sustained customer satisfaction, much more so than the commercial arrangements, industry innovations and the prestige of the brand behind the service. This study laid a foundation from which future research can deeper explore the unique slant that geographical, organisational designation or customer brand lines hold on the service quality perception.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Van Aswegen, Dawid Titus
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Business logistics -- South Africa -- Management , Purchasing -- South Africa -- Management , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa , Industrial procurement -- South Africa -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21307 , vital:29476
- Description: Managing a sustainable service business rests on two critical customer perceptions: Firstly, the perceived sufficiency of the value of the service, and secondly the level of value differentiation between the current service provider other service providers in the market. (DeSarbo, Ebbs, Fong & Snow, 2010; Parasuraman & Grewal, 2000) The direction for this study was prompted by the limited research available around service quality for Supply Logistics within the global automotive industry. The study identified the key factors that logistics service providers need to focus on when aligning their perceptions of service quality to that of their customers. The service gaps between customer and service provider perceptions are uncovered. Particular focus was given to: The definition gaps in service quality, The perceived level of service quality, and The size of service quality differentiation between service providers. The key finding of the study is that service differentiation is influenced by the ability of the Logistics Service Provider (LSP) to deliver a quality of service in line with the level of importance the various elements hold to the customer. The causal relationships offered a step wise understanding of improving the perceptions of customers. This perception forming process is outlined as follows: Firstly, create a common understanding of the definition of service quality and establish the comparative importance of the various elements. Having an understanding of how customers’ value service quality is a critical first step in delivering superior service. A proposed Service Quality Framework for multi-national Supply Logistics providers in the South African automotive industry Secondly, align efforts to achieve in accordance to the level of importance of the service elements. If this is achieved, LSP’s will retain positive differentiation to its competitors irrespective of the actions of those competitors. Lastly, LSP’s need to regularly review if their own perception of the service level (per element) is in line with that of the customer. The study created a service quality framework of 22 different service elements grouped in four service factors. The relative importance of these elements were uncovered. This offered insight for organizing the business around key service elements. Within Supply Logistics the operational-management-tools, engineering-skills, processes-stability and management-structure are typical elements around which customers form their perceptions. The quality of the direct staff holds the key to sustained customer satisfaction, much more so than the commercial arrangements, industry innovations and the prestige of the brand behind the service. This study laid a foundation from which future research can deeper explore the unique slant that geographical, organisational designation or customer brand lines hold on the service quality perception.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
A study of the use of value based management (VBM) by multinational entities in the Eastern Cape motor industry cluster (ECMIC)
- Authors: Blouw, Mbuyiselo Edwin
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Corporations -- Valuation , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8550 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/421 , Corporations -- Valuation , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa
- Description: Management’s response to shareholders’ return on investment as a priority occurs in an increasingly dynamic environment. Accompanying these activities is the need to realign responsibilities and to allocate scarce resources effectively. This is done in order to ensure that companies achieve global competitiveness and increase shareholders’ return on investment. Against this backdrop, local industry needs to find new methods or strategies in order to achieve world-class competitiveness, and to be able to access foreign investment. One way to achieve these goals is through Value Based Management (VBM). The objective of this study is to evaluate the strategic intent of Multinational Entities in applying VBM to increase shareholders’ return on investment. Based on the study, certain factors are critical to ensure the success of VBM. A postal survey to managers in the motor manufacturing and component manufacturing companies was conducted to check the managers’ familiarity with VBM, and their scope, and usage of VBM; and, based on the finding, to evaluate the impact of VBM on companies’ results. The empirical finding was compared with a literature review, and the following findings were made: There is a strong understanding and application of the VBM principle on the part of local entities with Foreign Direct Investment (FDI); Departmental performance is critical to an entity’s overall performance; Based on the study, 23 per cent of the respondents use Economic Value Added (EVA) as an internal reporting measure, and an average of 19 per cent use other metrics; A total of 89 per cent of respondents indicated that they strongly agree with the use of incentives for motivation. The above-mentioned points were covered by means of 4-M framework ― that is: Measurement, Management, Motivation, and Mindset.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
- Authors: Blouw, Mbuyiselo Edwin
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Corporations -- Valuation , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8550 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/421 , Corporations -- Valuation , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa
- Description: Management’s response to shareholders’ return on investment as a priority occurs in an increasingly dynamic environment. Accompanying these activities is the need to realign responsibilities and to allocate scarce resources effectively. This is done in order to ensure that companies achieve global competitiveness and increase shareholders’ return on investment. Against this backdrop, local industry needs to find new methods or strategies in order to achieve world-class competitiveness, and to be able to access foreign investment. One way to achieve these goals is through Value Based Management (VBM). The objective of this study is to evaluate the strategic intent of Multinational Entities in applying VBM to increase shareholders’ return on investment. Based on the study, certain factors are critical to ensure the success of VBM. A postal survey to managers in the motor manufacturing and component manufacturing companies was conducted to check the managers’ familiarity with VBM, and their scope, and usage of VBM; and, based on the finding, to evaluate the impact of VBM on companies’ results. The empirical finding was compared with a literature review, and the following findings were made: There is a strong understanding and application of the VBM principle on the part of local entities with Foreign Direct Investment (FDI); Departmental performance is critical to an entity’s overall performance; Based on the study, 23 per cent of the respondents use Economic Value Added (EVA) as an internal reporting measure, and an average of 19 per cent use other metrics; A total of 89 per cent of respondents indicated that they strongly agree with the use of incentives for motivation. The above-mentioned points were covered by means of 4-M framework ― that is: Measurement, Management, Motivation, and Mindset.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
An analysis of the sustainability of the lean manufacturing implementation at Volkswagen Group South Africa
- Authors: Williams, Anand
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa , Lean manufacturing -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8901 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020992
- Description: This research report examines the changing nature of the organisation of work, in particular, the production methods in the South African automotive industry. The competition in the local and global markets has increased significantly in recent years. The increased complexity of products and individuality of customers pose strong challenges for the automotive manufacturers, (OEM – Original Equipment Manufacturers), with regard to product Quality, Cost and Delivery. For these challenges, Volkswagen Group South Africa, has defined objectives that, when met, will contribute towards establishing it as a leading automotive brand. It is aligned to the Volkswagen Group AG, Strategy Mach18, increased vehicle production and the creation of long-term delighted customer base. To achieve these objectives, the Volkswagen Production System (VPS) is an imperative component of the Volkswagen Group South Africa (VWGSA) production strategy. The core elements consist of, “Cycle”, “Flow”, “Pull” and “Perfection”. These are the four fundamentals on which Lean Manufacturing is built, as first introduced and described by the Toyota Production System. Lean manufacturing is a whole-systems approach that creates a culture in which everyone in the organisation continuously improves the process and production. Volkswagen Group South Africa is facing increased competition in the South African and global marketplace. A search of the internet revealed that extensive research has been conducted into Lean manufacturing in South Africa. However, no research is noted with regard to the sustainability of Lean manufacturing at Volkswagen Group South Africa. The aim of this study is to analyse the sustainability of the lean manufacturing implementation at VWGSA.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Williams, Anand
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa , Lean manufacturing -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8901 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020992
- Description: This research report examines the changing nature of the organisation of work, in particular, the production methods in the South African automotive industry. The competition in the local and global markets has increased significantly in recent years. The increased complexity of products and individuality of customers pose strong challenges for the automotive manufacturers, (OEM – Original Equipment Manufacturers), with regard to product Quality, Cost and Delivery. For these challenges, Volkswagen Group South Africa, has defined objectives that, when met, will contribute towards establishing it as a leading automotive brand. It is aligned to the Volkswagen Group AG, Strategy Mach18, increased vehicle production and the creation of long-term delighted customer base. To achieve these objectives, the Volkswagen Production System (VPS) is an imperative component of the Volkswagen Group South Africa (VWGSA) production strategy. The core elements consist of, “Cycle”, “Flow”, “Pull” and “Perfection”. These are the four fundamentals on which Lean Manufacturing is built, as first introduced and described by the Toyota Production System. Lean manufacturing is a whole-systems approach that creates a culture in which everyone in the organisation continuously improves the process and production. Volkswagen Group South Africa is facing increased competition in the South African and global marketplace. A search of the internet revealed that extensive research has been conducted into Lean manufacturing in South Africa. However, no research is noted with regard to the sustainability of Lean manufacturing at Volkswagen Group South Africa. The aim of this study is to analyse the sustainability of the lean manufacturing implementation at VWGSA.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
An evaluation of changes in capital investment by automotive companies in preparation for the Automotive Production and Development Programme (APDP)
- Authors: Bacela, Bandile Sakhekile
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa , Capital investments -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8797 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1016075
- Description: To thrive, developing countries depend on high levels of protection being given to key industries such as manufacturing; specifically the automotive and textile industries. South Africa, as a developing country and especially under the emergence of globalisation, has followed suit in terms of developing policies and structures to protect certain critical industries. During an era (1980 to 1989) of high political instability, South Africa experienced isolation from the rest of the world, which resulted in declines in industrial revenues as well as the country’s automotive industry undergoing a stage of perilous stagnation. It was through a protection regime that the automotive industry realised growth, a regime which started slowly in 1989 and accelerated in 1995 with the introduction of the Motor Industry Development Programme (MIDP) (Black, 2001). Through this regime the South African government sought to integrate the South African automotive industry into the global market by improving the competitiveness of this industry (The DTI, 2010). This led to the automotive industry becoming one of the most successful export sectors in South African manufacturing and a large net consumer of foreign currency, totalling R20 billion and R10 billion in imports and exports respectively by 1998 (Damoense and Simon, 2004). Reviews of the government legislation called the MIDP were held in year 1999 and 2002 and in 2008, a successor to the MIDP was named, the Automotive Production Development Programme (APDP) and is set to commence in year 2013 until 2020. Unlike its predecessor, the APDP policy promises to bring greater and more inclusive benefits to the automotive industry as a whole, provided organisations have prepared well to receive it. This study investigated whether organisations have prepared for the upcoming 2013 - 2020 APDP, with specific reference to capital investment in equipment. It determined whether automotive organisations have spent and are going to spend resources in securing equipment and technology in preparation for the introduction of the APDP.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Bacela, Bandile Sakhekile
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa , Capital investments -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8797 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1016075
- Description: To thrive, developing countries depend on high levels of protection being given to key industries such as manufacturing; specifically the automotive and textile industries. South Africa, as a developing country and especially under the emergence of globalisation, has followed suit in terms of developing policies and structures to protect certain critical industries. During an era (1980 to 1989) of high political instability, South Africa experienced isolation from the rest of the world, which resulted in declines in industrial revenues as well as the country’s automotive industry undergoing a stage of perilous stagnation. It was through a protection regime that the automotive industry realised growth, a regime which started slowly in 1989 and accelerated in 1995 with the introduction of the Motor Industry Development Programme (MIDP) (Black, 2001). Through this regime the South African government sought to integrate the South African automotive industry into the global market by improving the competitiveness of this industry (The DTI, 2010). This led to the automotive industry becoming one of the most successful export sectors in South African manufacturing and a large net consumer of foreign currency, totalling R20 billion and R10 billion in imports and exports respectively by 1998 (Damoense and Simon, 2004). Reviews of the government legislation called the MIDP were held in year 1999 and 2002 and in 2008, a successor to the MIDP was named, the Automotive Production Development Programme (APDP) and is set to commence in year 2013 until 2020. Unlike its predecessor, the APDP policy promises to bring greater and more inclusive benefits to the automotive industry as a whole, provided organisations have prepared well to receive it. This study investigated whether organisations have prepared for the upcoming 2013 - 2020 APDP, with specific reference to capital investment in equipment. It determined whether automotive organisations have spent and are going to spend resources in securing equipment and technology in preparation for the introduction of the APDP.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Assessing the impact of the transition from MIDP to APDP in the South African automotive industry
- Authors: Strydom, Elwin
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa , Sustainable development -- South Africa , Economic development -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/5908 , vital:21010
- Description: The South African automotive industry is by no means a ―cut and paste‖ version of their overseas counterparts. The industry and the market are very complex. The historical background of the industry is such that companies have difficulty forming partnerships and joint ventures with bigger international conglomerates. The difficulty with this kind of mindset is that it is restricting growth and development of the nation as a whole. Globalisation is a future we cannot be avoided. Should the nation continue to reject it and embrace the mindset of countries in Africa, South Africa (SA) will continue on the path that the rest of Africa is heading, a path that leading to self-destruct and segregation. Even though SA is a developing country, it is in some areas as developed as many other first world countries. For a country to generate wealth it needs to be innovative and develop an entrepreneurial consciousness. A young country like South Africa needs creative thinkers and opportunists that can see into the future, seizing every opportunity, to grow and develop new ideas and business. In order for a country to grow it needs a leadership that is to nurture the baby of innovation. If South Africa wants to be part of the global village it need to develop a trade policy that welcomes trade and at the same time creates stable and sustainable jobs. The environment for investments needs to be cultivated in a problem-free and growth prone nation. This can only happen when the educational level of the nation is improved. The fact that so many skilled workers need to be imported creates tension in the labour market. People with talent need to have a reason to stay in the country. Their salaries should match that of their overseas counterparts. Furthermore, with the same skill level and work ethic, should have the same rewards and remuneration.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Strydom, Elwin
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa , Sustainable development -- South Africa , Economic development -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/5908 , vital:21010
- Description: The South African automotive industry is by no means a ―cut and paste‖ version of their overseas counterparts. The industry and the market are very complex. The historical background of the industry is such that companies have difficulty forming partnerships and joint ventures with bigger international conglomerates. The difficulty with this kind of mindset is that it is restricting growth and development of the nation as a whole. Globalisation is a future we cannot be avoided. Should the nation continue to reject it and embrace the mindset of countries in Africa, South Africa (SA) will continue on the path that the rest of Africa is heading, a path that leading to self-destruct and segregation. Even though SA is a developing country, it is in some areas as developed as many other first world countries. For a country to generate wealth it needs to be innovative and develop an entrepreneurial consciousness. A young country like South Africa needs creative thinkers and opportunists that can see into the future, seizing every opportunity, to grow and develop new ideas and business. In order for a country to grow it needs a leadership that is to nurture the baby of innovation. If South Africa wants to be part of the global village it need to develop a trade policy that welcomes trade and at the same time creates stable and sustainable jobs. The environment for investments needs to be cultivated in a problem-free and growth prone nation. This can only happen when the educational level of the nation is improved. The fact that so many skilled workers need to be imported creates tension in the labour market. People with talent need to have a reason to stay in the country. Their salaries should match that of their overseas counterparts. Furthermore, with the same skill level and work ethic, should have the same rewards and remuneration.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Development of a co-operative stakeholder framework for employment growth in the South African automotive sector
- Authors: Smith, Owen Christo
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Cooperative societies -- South Africa , Job creation -- South Africa , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8884 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020799
- Description: Manufacturing has been identified by the Department of Trade and Industry as an important sector to drive economic growth in South Africa. The automotive manufacturing sector in particular has seen significant support from the DTI in the form of incentives to produce motor vehicles and components. South Africa is faced with a high unemployment rate and one of the strategies of the Government is to drive economic growth by supporting the automotive manufacturing sector. One of the spill-over targets is to increase employment creation in the industry. The automotive manufacturing sector consists of a diverse list of stakeholders representing motor vehicle manufacturers, component manufacturers, labour unions, government departments and industry associations. The Motor Industry Development Programme delivered significant progress in the number of vehicles produced in South Africa and the biggest growth was in the export of vehicles. Employment creation on the other hand did not see the same levels of growth as motor vehicle and component production. The purpose of this study was to identify and clarify what the variables are that influence employment creation and to develop a co-operation framework that would guide the automotive cluster stakeholders to work on employment creation initiatives as a collective. The survey questionnaire results representing the perception of managers showed that: - DTI Incentives schemes linked to employment creation; - Productivity, Technology and employment; - The role of competitiveness in the auto cluster; - Labour Union Collective bargaining; - Investment climate and infrastructure; - Education and skills development; does have an influence on employment creation in the automotive cluster.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Smith, Owen Christo
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Cooperative societies -- South Africa , Job creation -- South Africa , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8884 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020799
- Description: Manufacturing has been identified by the Department of Trade and Industry as an important sector to drive economic growth in South Africa. The automotive manufacturing sector in particular has seen significant support from the DTI in the form of incentives to produce motor vehicles and components. South Africa is faced with a high unemployment rate and one of the strategies of the Government is to drive economic growth by supporting the automotive manufacturing sector. One of the spill-over targets is to increase employment creation in the industry. The automotive manufacturing sector consists of a diverse list of stakeholders representing motor vehicle manufacturers, component manufacturers, labour unions, government departments and industry associations. The Motor Industry Development Programme delivered significant progress in the number of vehicles produced in South Africa and the biggest growth was in the export of vehicles. Employment creation on the other hand did not see the same levels of growth as motor vehicle and component production. The purpose of this study was to identify and clarify what the variables are that influence employment creation and to develop a co-operation framework that would guide the automotive cluster stakeholders to work on employment creation initiatives as a collective. The survey questionnaire results representing the perception of managers showed that: - DTI Incentives schemes linked to employment creation; - Productivity, Technology and employment; - The role of competitiveness in the auto cluster; - Labour Union Collective bargaining; - Investment climate and infrastructure; - Education and skills development; does have an influence on employment creation in the automotive cluster.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Entrepreneurship : key to organisational performance a case of Volkswagen Group of South Africa
- Authors: Lechaba, Junior
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa , Bureaucracy -- South Africa , Entrepreneurship -- South Africa , Organizational sociology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8832 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1019791
- Description: Intrapreneurship expresses organisational activities aimed at increasing quality of products, reducing production cost, capture or creates new product markets, and/or improving processes and services. This research study covers the investigation of potential influences on the intrapreneurial activity within an established organisation, and the possible outcome on financial performance. In the rapidly changing business environment of today, it has become necessary for the organisations to move from boundary-oriented thinking to continuous improvement in order to provide the disruptive competitive advantages necessary to survive and thrive in an environment where the ‘rules of the game’ change quickly in almost all companies and industries (Voelpel, Leibold and Tekie, 2005). Moreover, the automotive industry is no exception to this rule. In general, established companies deal with two significant challenges. First, they have to adapt to the external challenges of constantly changing and developing markets to keep pace with rapid technological evolution, globalisation, and progressively sophisticated competitors (Kemelgor, 2002; Kuratko, Hornsby and Goldsby, 2004). Second, they must deal with the internal challenges of modernising bureaucratic structures and processes, which can lead to slow development, decision-making and an inability to adapt easily to new situations (Hammer and Champy, 1994). In today's context of increasing market globalisation, companies wishing to maintain their competitiveness must innovate constantly (Carrier, 2001). Recognising the importance of meeting these challenges, organisational leaders must create high performance organisations in order to compete in a global mega-economic world. The old ways of doing business as usual and overwhelmed policies and procedures must be rooted out in order for the organisation to compete by identifying and sustaining diversified employees within a global economy (Kennedy, 2010). Companies generally engage in innovation for achieving an increase in quality of products, a reduction in production cost, capture or create new product markets, and reduce the firm’s reliance upon unreliable factors of production (Webster, 2004). There is a growing consensus that established companies must nurture intrapreneurial activity throughout their operations to continue to compete successfully (Sathe, 2003). Numerous authors have suggested intrapreneurship as a method of stimulating innovation and using the creative energy of employees by giving them the resources and independence they need to innovate within the firm (Carrier, 2001; Amo and Kolvereid, 2005). However, there is a certain amount of ambiguity around the concept of intrapreneurship, and this may lead to questions about the difference between intrapreneurship and intrapreneurship (Carrier, 2001). It is therefore important, before introducing the object of this research, to look more closely at the concept on which intrapreneurship is based, and to examine the trends in the research on intrapreneurship. The research conducted by Eesley and Longenecker (2006) suggest that intrapreneurship is a practice of creating new business products and opportunities in an organisation through proactive empowerment and risk-taking. This is considered a key component to organisational success; especially in organisations that operate in rapidly changing industries (Eesley and Longenecker, 2006). Intrapreneurship can manifest itself at every level of the company and regardless of the nature of the position held. Hence, we could have intrapreneurs in technical or non-technical functions; senior, middle or junior management levels; line or staff functions, and manufacturing or service related roles. Beyond this wide perspective, other authors have suggested that intrapreneurship requires a culture built around emotional commitment, autonomy, empowerment, earned respect, and a strong work ethic (Axtell, Holman, Unsworth, Wall, Waterson and Harrington, 2000). They believed intrapreneurship is inseparably connected with leadership, since it involves mobilising teams of people towards a cause much greater than the individuals involved often in the face of significant resistance from status quo preserving forces within and outside the organisation (Seshadri and Tripathy, 2006). Therefore, the failure of organisations to take members inputs on organisational improvement; sanction, promote and encourage risk-taking, empowerment, and improvement actions; give clear organisational direction, priorities, and objectives; and lack of top management support in risk-taking and improvement initiatives, could stifle intrapreneurship (Eesley and Longenecker, 2006). In light of the scope and the group target, intrapreneurship can be considered beneficial for the revitalisation and performance of companies, both large corporations and small and medium-sized enterprises. Previous research conceptualised intrapreneurship in terms of four dimensions that were somewhat distinct in terms of their activities and orientations (Antoncic and Hisrich, 2001): New business venturing; Innovativeness; Self-renewal; and, Proactiveness. The intended contribution of this study is to make use of a self-constructed measuring instrument to demonstrate that intrapreneurship has had a positive influence on corporate performance within an established organisation, in the automotive industry of South Africa. This study can be viewed as a reciprocal contribution to companies seeking to create an intrapreneurial climate aimed, on the other hand at creating high performance organisation and on the other hand to motivate professionals in these companies requiring a wider portfolio of significant knowledge and skills development.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Lechaba, Junior
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa , Bureaucracy -- South Africa , Entrepreneurship -- South Africa , Organizational sociology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8832 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1019791
- Description: Intrapreneurship expresses organisational activities aimed at increasing quality of products, reducing production cost, capture or creates new product markets, and/or improving processes and services. This research study covers the investigation of potential influences on the intrapreneurial activity within an established organisation, and the possible outcome on financial performance. In the rapidly changing business environment of today, it has become necessary for the organisations to move from boundary-oriented thinking to continuous improvement in order to provide the disruptive competitive advantages necessary to survive and thrive in an environment where the ‘rules of the game’ change quickly in almost all companies and industries (Voelpel, Leibold and Tekie, 2005). Moreover, the automotive industry is no exception to this rule. In general, established companies deal with two significant challenges. First, they have to adapt to the external challenges of constantly changing and developing markets to keep pace with rapid technological evolution, globalisation, and progressively sophisticated competitors (Kemelgor, 2002; Kuratko, Hornsby and Goldsby, 2004). Second, they must deal with the internal challenges of modernising bureaucratic structures and processes, which can lead to slow development, decision-making and an inability to adapt easily to new situations (Hammer and Champy, 1994). In today's context of increasing market globalisation, companies wishing to maintain their competitiveness must innovate constantly (Carrier, 2001). Recognising the importance of meeting these challenges, organisational leaders must create high performance organisations in order to compete in a global mega-economic world. The old ways of doing business as usual and overwhelmed policies and procedures must be rooted out in order for the organisation to compete by identifying and sustaining diversified employees within a global economy (Kennedy, 2010). Companies generally engage in innovation for achieving an increase in quality of products, a reduction in production cost, capture or create new product markets, and reduce the firm’s reliance upon unreliable factors of production (Webster, 2004). There is a growing consensus that established companies must nurture intrapreneurial activity throughout their operations to continue to compete successfully (Sathe, 2003). Numerous authors have suggested intrapreneurship as a method of stimulating innovation and using the creative energy of employees by giving them the resources and independence they need to innovate within the firm (Carrier, 2001; Amo and Kolvereid, 2005). However, there is a certain amount of ambiguity around the concept of intrapreneurship, and this may lead to questions about the difference between intrapreneurship and intrapreneurship (Carrier, 2001). It is therefore important, before introducing the object of this research, to look more closely at the concept on which intrapreneurship is based, and to examine the trends in the research on intrapreneurship. The research conducted by Eesley and Longenecker (2006) suggest that intrapreneurship is a practice of creating new business products and opportunities in an organisation through proactive empowerment and risk-taking. This is considered a key component to organisational success; especially in organisations that operate in rapidly changing industries (Eesley and Longenecker, 2006). Intrapreneurship can manifest itself at every level of the company and regardless of the nature of the position held. Hence, we could have intrapreneurs in technical or non-technical functions; senior, middle or junior management levels; line or staff functions, and manufacturing or service related roles. Beyond this wide perspective, other authors have suggested that intrapreneurship requires a culture built around emotional commitment, autonomy, empowerment, earned respect, and a strong work ethic (Axtell, Holman, Unsworth, Wall, Waterson and Harrington, 2000). They believed intrapreneurship is inseparably connected with leadership, since it involves mobilising teams of people towards a cause much greater than the individuals involved often in the face of significant resistance from status quo preserving forces within and outside the organisation (Seshadri and Tripathy, 2006). Therefore, the failure of organisations to take members inputs on organisational improvement; sanction, promote and encourage risk-taking, empowerment, and improvement actions; give clear organisational direction, priorities, and objectives; and lack of top management support in risk-taking and improvement initiatives, could stifle intrapreneurship (Eesley and Longenecker, 2006). In light of the scope and the group target, intrapreneurship can be considered beneficial for the revitalisation and performance of companies, both large corporations and small and medium-sized enterprises. Previous research conceptualised intrapreneurship in terms of four dimensions that were somewhat distinct in terms of their activities and orientations (Antoncic and Hisrich, 2001): New business venturing; Innovativeness; Self-renewal; and, Proactiveness. The intended contribution of this study is to make use of a self-constructed measuring instrument to demonstrate that intrapreneurship has had a positive influence on corporate performance within an established organisation, in the automotive industry of South Africa. This study can be viewed as a reciprocal contribution to companies seeking to create an intrapreneurial climate aimed, on the other hand at creating high performance organisation and on the other hand to motivate professionals in these companies requiring a wider portfolio of significant knowledge and skills development.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Essential employee knowledge management and re-skilling within the 4ir in the South African automotive industry towards 2030
- Authors: Hufkie, Brian
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Knowledge management , Technological innovations -- Economic aspects , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51556 , vital:43304
- Description: It was the purpose of the study to gain an understanding of what Essential Employee Knowledge Management and Re-Skilling is needed in the South African Automotive Industry towards 2030 with regards to the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). The reason for choosing the South African automotive industry was because the automotive industry is South Africa’s most important manufacturing sector. Nearly one-third of value adding within the domestic business sector is from the contribution, directly or indirectly, of vehicle assembly and automotive component manufacturing. According to Muro and Whiton (2017), advanced automation is already disrupting job futures across the globe and the 4IR technologies will contribute to further impacts upon the labour market, as many routine and rule-based jobs that typically involving low to medium skills become automated. Omarjee (2018), further states that the skills gap and structural unemployment are at an ever-increasing pace of change, which means organisations will face more structural unemployment challenges and which, therefore, amplifies the need for a significant amount of talent development, knowledge management, reskilling and up-skilling required in South Africa towards 4IR readiness. According to Statistics South Africa (Stats SA, 2018), South Africa’s skills challenges are because of complications of socio-economic and socio-historic factors. It is undisputed that 4IR requires a highly skilled workforce, and one which South Africa, regrettably, has been struggling to produce. The report further estimates that 30% of South African workers are unskilled, 46% are semiskilled workers and 24% are skilled workers. Therefore, skilling and reskilling of workers is important in preparing for the 4IR. The study undertook a focused environmental scan of recently published and pertinent articles in the public domain media. The aim, furthermore, was to use the environmental scan to contribute meaningful recommendations to all key stakeholders involved. The environmental scan looked at the macro environment and which included the social, technological, political, economic and the environmental factors influencing the South African automotive industry. Secondly, a qualitative case study approach was used to describe the true experiences of assembly workers and their immediate supervisors in a South African automotive plant. An interpretivism paradigm was applied in line with the case study research methodology. A semi-structured interview guide was developed to obtain primary data through the interviewing process and to test the dependent and independent variables. Using convenience sampling, interviews were set up with identified company related respondents, which included supervisors and blue-collar workers at a South African automotive company. The study results revealed that although some of the respondents did not know what 4IR was, there was agreement amongst those who knew what was involved and why 4IR should happen. The shared understanding was that 4IR involves vast amounts of data that assists in improving processes, systems and services. The study results also indicated that the implementation of automation, robotics and AI within the manufacturing industry had increased the fears of employees in terms of technology application is replacing their jobs. Some of the respondents also perceived a lack of transparency with regards to a structured approach towards a reskilling plan targeting the blue-collar workers’ readiness, in line with the 4IR within the automotive industry. Furthermore, what was clear was that reskilling, training and a retraining was needed within the orgainisation. Based on the overall study results, it appears that there is currently limited observed evidence about the current state of readiness of 4IR awareness and its adoption within a South African automotive industry entity. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business Administration, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Hufkie, Brian
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Knowledge management , Technological innovations -- Economic aspects , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51556 , vital:43304
- Description: It was the purpose of the study to gain an understanding of what Essential Employee Knowledge Management and Re-Skilling is needed in the South African Automotive Industry towards 2030 with regards to the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). The reason for choosing the South African automotive industry was because the automotive industry is South Africa’s most important manufacturing sector. Nearly one-third of value adding within the domestic business sector is from the contribution, directly or indirectly, of vehicle assembly and automotive component manufacturing. According to Muro and Whiton (2017), advanced automation is already disrupting job futures across the globe and the 4IR technologies will contribute to further impacts upon the labour market, as many routine and rule-based jobs that typically involving low to medium skills become automated. Omarjee (2018), further states that the skills gap and structural unemployment are at an ever-increasing pace of change, which means organisations will face more structural unemployment challenges and which, therefore, amplifies the need for a significant amount of talent development, knowledge management, reskilling and up-skilling required in South Africa towards 4IR readiness. According to Statistics South Africa (Stats SA, 2018), South Africa’s skills challenges are because of complications of socio-economic and socio-historic factors. It is undisputed that 4IR requires a highly skilled workforce, and one which South Africa, regrettably, has been struggling to produce. The report further estimates that 30% of South African workers are unskilled, 46% are semiskilled workers and 24% are skilled workers. Therefore, skilling and reskilling of workers is important in preparing for the 4IR. The study undertook a focused environmental scan of recently published and pertinent articles in the public domain media. The aim, furthermore, was to use the environmental scan to contribute meaningful recommendations to all key stakeholders involved. The environmental scan looked at the macro environment and which included the social, technological, political, economic and the environmental factors influencing the South African automotive industry. Secondly, a qualitative case study approach was used to describe the true experiences of assembly workers and their immediate supervisors in a South African automotive plant. An interpretivism paradigm was applied in line with the case study research methodology. A semi-structured interview guide was developed to obtain primary data through the interviewing process and to test the dependent and independent variables. Using convenience sampling, interviews were set up with identified company related respondents, which included supervisors and blue-collar workers at a South African automotive company. The study results revealed that although some of the respondents did not know what 4IR was, there was agreement amongst those who knew what was involved and why 4IR should happen. The shared understanding was that 4IR involves vast amounts of data that assists in improving processes, systems and services. The study results also indicated that the implementation of automation, robotics and AI within the manufacturing industry had increased the fears of employees in terms of technology application is replacing their jobs. Some of the respondents also perceived a lack of transparency with regards to a structured approach towards a reskilling plan targeting the blue-collar workers’ readiness, in line with the 4IR within the automotive industry. Furthermore, what was clear was that reskilling, training and a retraining was needed within the orgainisation. Based on the overall study results, it appears that there is currently limited observed evidence about the current state of readiness of 4IR awareness and its adoption within a South African automotive industry entity. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business Administration, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Exploring the motivational factors of millennials in the automotive sector in South Africa
- Authors: Walters, Ashraf
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa , Employee motivation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50709 , vital:42388
- Description: Motivation in the workplace is the willingness of employees to exert high levels of effort in achieving the organisations goals and objectives. Motivation has been studied by psychologists and organisational experts throughout the ages and was consistently found that motivated employees provide organisations with improved productivity and a competitive edge. Millennials, born between the years of 1980 and 2000, are the biggest cohort since the baby boomer to enter the workplace. A significant amount of research was done on the characteristics of millennials but there is a limited amount of empirical research done on understanding and potentially improving motivation of millennials. The automotive industry is a key player and contributor to South Africa’s gross domestic product and employs a great number of people in direct and indirect jobs throughout the value chain. Against this backdrop, research was conducted within the automotive sector in the Gauteng and Eastern Cape (Nelson Mandela Bay) regions in South Africa aimed at exploring motivation under the context of leadership, communication, social responsibility, rewards and, given the tech savvy nature of millennials, the use of technology. This study was conducted under the positivistic paradigm, which employed a quantitative approach, by means of a questionnaire survey. The study and review of the literature by the researcher found that millennials value leadership which supports, and guides as oppose to enforces. Communication, which is transparent, concise but frequent. They are willing to make personal sacrifices working for an organisation who genuinely cares about Environment.Furthermore, millennials demand using technology to improve efficiency and interestingly, regards career development more than money as the most important and rewarding aspect. By understanding the motivational factors of millennials, Leaders can be equipped to keep them engaged, motivated and highly productive, after all, they are not only the future, but are fast becoming the present.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Walters, Ashraf
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa , Employee motivation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50709 , vital:42388
- Description: Motivation in the workplace is the willingness of employees to exert high levels of effort in achieving the organisations goals and objectives. Motivation has been studied by psychologists and organisational experts throughout the ages and was consistently found that motivated employees provide organisations with improved productivity and a competitive edge. Millennials, born between the years of 1980 and 2000, are the biggest cohort since the baby boomer to enter the workplace. A significant amount of research was done on the characteristics of millennials but there is a limited amount of empirical research done on understanding and potentially improving motivation of millennials. The automotive industry is a key player and contributor to South Africa’s gross domestic product and employs a great number of people in direct and indirect jobs throughout the value chain. Against this backdrop, research was conducted within the automotive sector in the Gauteng and Eastern Cape (Nelson Mandela Bay) regions in South Africa aimed at exploring motivation under the context of leadership, communication, social responsibility, rewards and, given the tech savvy nature of millennials, the use of technology. This study was conducted under the positivistic paradigm, which employed a quantitative approach, by means of a questionnaire survey. The study and review of the literature by the researcher found that millennials value leadership which supports, and guides as oppose to enforces. Communication, which is transparent, concise but frequent. They are willing to make personal sacrifices working for an organisation who genuinely cares about Environment.Furthermore, millennials demand using technology to improve efficiency and interestingly, regards career development more than money as the most important and rewarding aspect. By understanding the motivational factors of millennials, Leaders can be equipped to keep them engaged, motivated and highly productive, after all, they are not only the future, but are fast becoming the present.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Factors affecting customer retention at an automative manufacturing organisation
- Authors: Yam, Bonga Sherperd Elvis
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Consumer satisfaction , Customer relations , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8809 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018573
- Description: South African vehicle manufacturers are under immense competition from vehicle manufactures from India and China. The global financial crises also put these organisations under intense pressure and this resulted in these organisations having to start seeing the need to focus on issues that affect customer retention. The way that business is done in the 21st Century is forcing organisations to implement strategies that are geared towards increasing customer retention and growing the business. Organisations need to build relationships with their customers with the hope that these customers will in turn extend their stay with the organisation when an opportunity to replace their vehicles arises or keep on servicing with them. In order to establish a good relationship with customers, organisations need to understand customer expectations by being customer orientated and by providing customers with value. The primary objective of this study is to improve customer retention for a selected vehicle manufacturer after the warranty and service plans have expired, by investigating the relationship between customer service quality, customer loyalty, and customer retention. The results obtained from the 64 respondents who participated in the survey revealed that although all the above-mentioned variables play a role in increasing customer retention, customer service quality exerts the most influence. The study also highlights areas that should be improved, as well as recommendations on how to improve them. Recommendations for future research are also provided.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Yam, Bonga Sherperd Elvis
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Consumer satisfaction , Customer relations , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8809 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018573
- Description: South African vehicle manufacturers are under immense competition from vehicle manufactures from India and China. The global financial crises also put these organisations under intense pressure and this resulted in these organisations having to start seeing the need to focus on issues that affect customer retention. The way that business is done in the 21st Century is forcing organisations to implement strategies that are geared towards increasing customer retention and growing the business. Organisations need to build relationships with their customers with the hope that these customers will in turn extend their stay with the organisation when an opportunity to replace their vehicles arises or keep on servicing with them. In order to establish a good relationship with customers, organisations need to understand customer expectations by being customer orientated and by providing customers with value. The primary objective of this study is to improve customer retention for a selected vehicle manufacturer after the warranty and service plans have expired, by investigating the relationship between customer service quality, customer loyalty, and customer retention. The results obtained from the 64 respondents who participated in the survey revealed that although all the above-mentioned variables play a role in increasing customer retention, customer service quality exerts the most influence. The study also highlights areas that should be improved, as well as recommendations on how to improve them. Recommendations for future research are also provided.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Factors that influence warranty costs at Volkswagen South Africa
- Authors: Blignaut, Bevan Hyron
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Warranty , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa , Total quality management , Quality assurance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:8944 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1013088
- Description: Driving a vehicle while it is within the warranty period provide customers with assurance that should a failure occur on the vehicle, there would be no financial obligation for the customer to repair the vehicle. For the manufacturer, it is a huge financial obligation to repair or replace components that fail on the vehicle. The research conducted in this study explores and identifies the main reasons for high warranty costs as well as the reasons that do not influence high warranty costs at VWSA. The purpose of this research is to provide VWSA with a potential starting point to reduce warranty costs and increase profits. The study revealed that the main cause of high warranty costs at VWSA was related to the quality of vehicles. By improving the quality of vehicles produced, VWSA could reduce a significant portion of the warranty costs it spends each year. With reduced warranty costs, VWSA could increase the warranty period and thereby attract more customers to purchase VW products. In a cutthroat automotive industry, this would ensure a competitive advantage over rivals; maintain longevity, increase profits and continued success.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Blignaut, Bevan Hyron
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Warranty , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa , Total quality management , Quality assurance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:8944 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1013088
- Description: Driving a vehicle while it is within the warranty period provide customers with assurance that should a failure occur on the vehicle, there would be no financial obligation for the customer to repair the vehicle. For the manufacturer, it is a huge financial obligation to repair or replace components that fail on the vehicle. The research conducted in this study explores and identifies the main reasons for high warranty costs as well as the reasons that do not influence high warranty costs at VWSA. The purpose of this research is to provide VWSA with a potential starting point to reduce warranty costs and increase profits. The study revealed that the main cause of high warranty costs at VWSA was related to the quality of vehicles. By improving the quality of vehicles produced, VWSA could reduce a significant portion of the warranty costs it spends each year. With reduced warranty costs, VWSA could increase the warranty period and thereby attract more customers to purchase VW products. In a cutthroat automotive industry, this would ensure a competitive advantage over rivals; maintain longevity, increase profits and continued success.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Future scenarios in the automotive industry as a result of the social impact of industry 4.0 in the period up to 2033
- Authors: Nongendzi, Siyabonga
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa , Technological innovations -- Economic aspects Labor supply -- Effect of technological innovations on Information technology -- Economic aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42836 , vital:36698
- Description: With increasing human population growth, rising GDP levels, and more affluent lifestyles, the human race is progressively consuming, leading to an ever-increasing demand for renewable and non- renewable resources. The problem of resource scarcity is, therefore, emerging because it is questionable whether economic growth in a world with finite natural resources can be sustained. One of the objectives of this work is to analyse the potential of industrial 4.0 applications to achieve a more sustainable South African automotive industry. Even if the economy is still locked up in a system that favours the linear traditional production model, stricter environmental standards, a scarcity of resources and changing consumer expectations will force entities to find alternatives. New technologies can be used to trace materials through the value chain and to track the status of the product during its life cycle. Companies are beginning to capitalize on the potential of emerging technologies to more sustainably reorganise production, services, business models or entire organizations. What is certain is that many expect that the fourth industrial revolution will have a substantial effect on jobs worldwide as advanced robotics, artificial intelligence and automation are becoming more influential. Digitisation has a full impact on both the automotive industry and society. Automation we’ve seen in the past has intensified. Digitisation has an ongoing and unprecedented effect on the operation of firms. It impacts all aspects from development to manufacturing and logistics and challenges business models and changes the place of work and the way we work. For this reason, a well- developed infrastructure and skilled workforce are key factors in transforming the industry successfully. From a South African point of view, qualification is a key challenge for industry 4.0 and requires decisive action. The challenge of skills in the manufacturing sector is growing as the industry becomes more digital. The plans of manufacturers to drive productivity improvements and capitalise on the fourth industrial revolution could be eroded because the education system is struggling to provide the right quantity and quality of skills to meet the needs of the sector. Manufacturers will need to keep investing in training current employees to keep up with new processes in line with company needs. One major challenge is to increase the digital skills of current and, in particular, older workers, by creating an offer of digital training. The research study aimed to develop insights into the future of the South African automotive industry by constructing two scenarios towards 2033: Worst case; South African automotive industry did little to change current linear traditional production mode trends in 2033; This narrative has seen the sector fall into the nightmare of its own dystonia. Best case; South African automotive is a success in 2033; The South African automotive industry finds its competitive global niche. And even with breakthroughs in robotics and artificial intelligence, there is a major disruption in employment throughout the world, South Africa has succeeded in creating a small but intelligent base for youth who can recognise and exploit opportunities on the global market. Industry 4.0 has a high potential to ensure more sustainable production methods.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Nongendzi, Siyabonga
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa , Technological innovations -- Economic aspects Labor supply -- Effect of technological innovations on Information technology -- Economic aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42836 , vital:36698
- Description: With increasing human population growth, rising GDP levels, and more affluent lifestyles, the human race is progressively consuming, leading to an ever-increasing demand for renewable and non- renewable resources. The problem of resource scarcity is, therefore, emerging because it is questionable whether economic growth in a world with finite natural resources can be sustained. One of the objectives of this work is to analyse the potential of industrial 4.0 applications to achieve a more sustainable South African automotive industry. Even if the economy is still locked up in a system that favours the linear traditional production model, stricter environmental standards, a scarcity of resources and changing consumer expectations will force entities to find alternatives. New technologies can be used to trace materials through the value chain and to track the status of the product during its life cycle. Companies are beginning to capitalize on the potential of emerging technologies to more sustainably reorganise production, services, business models or entire organizations. What is certain is that many expect that the fourth industrial revolution will have a substantial effect on jobs worldwide as advanced robotics, artificial intelligence and automation are becoming more influential. Digitisation has a full impact on both the automotive industry and society. Automation we’ve seen in the past has intensified. Digitisation has an ongoing and unprecedented effect on the operation of firms. It impacts all aspects from development to manufacturing and logistics and challenges business models and changes the place of work and the way we work. For this reason, a well- developed infrastructure and skilled workforce are key factors in transforming the industry successfully. From a South African point of view, qualification is a key challenge for industry 4.0 and requires decisive action. The challenge of skills in the manufacturing sector is growing as the industry becomes more digital. The plans of manufacturers to drive productivity improvements and capitalise on the fourth industrial revolution could be eroded because the education system is struggling to provide the right quantity and quality of skills to meet the needs of the sector. Manufacturers will need to keep investing in training current employees to keep up with new processes in line with company needs. One major challenge is to increase the digital skills of current and, in particular, older workers, by creating an offer of digital training. The research study aimed to develop insights into the future of the South African automotive industry by constructing two scenarios towards 2033: Worst case; South African automotive industry did little to change current linear traditional production mode trends in 2033; This narrative has seen the sector fall into the nightmare of its own dystonia. Best case; South African automotive is a success in 2033; The South African automotive industry finds its competitive global niche. And even with breakthroughs in robotics and artificial intelligence, there is a major disruption in employment throughout the world, South Africa has succeeded in creating a small but intelligent base for youth who can recognise and exploit opportunities on the global market. Industry 4.0 has a high potential to ensure more sustainable production methods.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Improving service quality at automotive dealerships
- Lekhelebana, Vuyokazi Anneline
- Authors: Lekhelebana, Vuyokazi Anneline
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: SERVQUAL (Service quality framework) , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa , Customer services -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8804 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1017204
- Description: The highly competitive landscape of the automotive industry places increasing pressure on automotive dealerships to continually improve the quality of services rendered to customers. Understanding customer expectations and customer perceptions is key to making improvements in areas that matter most to the customer. It is against this background that this study was conducted. The aim of this research was to measure service quality at automotive dealerships. The literature review focused on the gaps model which resulted in the SERVQUAL measuring tool. The SERVQUAL instrument is supported by literature as the optimal instrument for measuring service quality. The 22-item questionnaire was adapted and used to solicit feedback from customers on their expectations and perceptions of the service rendered by dealerships across the five SERVQUAL dimensions; namely, tangibles, reliability, responsiveness, empathy and assurance. Gaps between customer expectations and perceptions were calculated as an indication of areas where customer expectations were met, unmet or exceeded. In order to identify priorities for improvement, each of the SERVQUAL dimensions was ranked in order of importance by the customer. Convenience sampling was used as a sampling technique. A total of 142 Volkswagen owners who had their vehicles serviced or repaired at a franchised dealership were surveyed. The reliability of the SERVQUAL questionnaire was tested by calculating the Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient for each of the five dimensions. The calculation yielded an average coefficient of 0.83, indicating a high reliability of the measuring instrument and the data collected. The overall gap score of -0.7 indicates that customer expectations exceeded customer perceptions. The lowest customer perceptions and the largest gaps were reported in the reliability and responsiveness dimensions. These two dimensions were also rated as the most important dimensions customers use for evaluating service quality. This formed the basis for recommending that dealership employees and management focus most of their efforts on improving the reliability and responsiveness dimensions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Lekhelebana, Vuyokazi Anneline
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: SERVQUAL (Service quality framework) , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa , Customer services -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8804 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1017204
- Description: The highly competitive landscape of the automotive industry places increasing pressure on automotive dealerships to continually improve the quality of services rendered to customers. Understanding customer expectations and customer perceptions is key to making improvements in areas that matter most to the customer. It is against this background that this study was conducted. The aim of this research was to measure service quality at automotive dealerships. The literature review focused on the gaps model which resulted in the SERVQUAL measuring tool. The SERVQUAL instrument is supported by literature as the optimal instrument for measuring service quality. The 22-item questionnaire was adapted and used to solicit feedback from customers on their expectations and perceptions of the service rendered by dealerships across the five SERVQUAL dimensions; namely, tangibles, reliability, responsiveness, empathy and assurance. Gaps between customer expectations and perceptions were calculated as an indication of areas where customer expectations were met, unmet or exceeded. In order to identify priorities for improvement, each of the SERVQUAL dimensions was ranked in order of importance by the customer. Convenience sampling was used as a sampling technique. A total of 142 Volkswagen owners who had their vehicles serviced or repaired at a franchised dealership were surveyed. The reliability of the SERVQUAL questionnaire was tested by calculating the Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient for each of the five dimensions. The calculation yielded an average coefficient of 0.83, indicating a high reliability of the measuring instrument and the data collected. The overall gap score of -0.7 indicates that customer expectations exceeded customer perceptions. The lowest customer perceptions and the largest gaps were reported in the reliability and responsiveness dimensions. These two dimensions were also rated as the most important dimensions customers use for evaluating service quality. This formed the basis for recommending that dealership employees and management focus most of their efforts on improving the reliability and responsiveness dimensions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Investigating the impact of supply chain technologies within automative supplier clusters
- Authors: Schultz, Lance Craig
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Business logistics -- Technological innovations , Inventory control , Production management , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8918 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021093
- Description: Organisations are constantly expected to be more competitive while working in an environment in which time and cost are limited, thereby preventing such organisations from taking the time required to be responsive. The supply chain provides a critical linkage between various organisations which should seek collective opportunities to improve performance. It is, therefore, important that organisations understand that conventional knowledge and methods will not serve unless there is a concerted focus on improvement of organisational performance toward fulfilling increased expectations, not just maintaining that which is comfortable. A more sustainable approach may be the introduction of supply chain best practice. An optimal supply chain is one that continuously strives to reduce unnecessary cost and eliminate waste, thereby increasing the percentage of time that may be devoted to value-adding activities. Supply chain technology principles were assessed and the application thereof, sought to understand its efficiency and effectiveness. This study was intended to identify supply chain cost dimensions with a focus on the optimal use of supply chain technology. Within the current supply chain context, the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) was explored to identify opportunities. A supply chain audit tool (SCAT) was developed which had proven to be an effective tool to analyse it’s logistics functions. Implementation of remedial tools through the SCAT could result in a leaner, cost optimal and more value-adding process. The result of conducting individual organisational improvements is expected to result in an overall improvement in the total supply chain. These supply chain cost drivers were rooted in cost, quality, safety and product performance. Recommendations on further improvements were also offered.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Schultz, Lance Craig
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Business logistics -- Technological innovations , Inventory control , Production management , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8918 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021093
- Description: Organisations are constantly expected to be more competitive while working in an environment in which time and cost are limited, thereby preventing such organisations from taking the time required to be responsive. The supply chain provides a critical linkage between various organisations which should seek collective opportunities to improve performance. It is, therefore, important that organisations understand that conventional knowledge and methods will not serve unless there is a concerted focus on improvement of organisational performance toward fulfilling increased expectations, not just maintaining that which is comfortable. A more sustainable approach may be the introduction of supply chain best practice. An optimal supply chain is one that continuously strives to reduce unnecessary cost and eliminate waste, thereby increasing the percentage of time that may be devoted to value-adding activities. Supply chain technology principles were assessed and the application thereof, sought to understand its efficiency and effectiveness. This study was intended to identify supply chain cost dimensions with a focus on the optimal use of supply chain technology. Within the current supply chain context, the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) was explored to identify opportunities. A supply chain audit tool (SCAT) was developed which had proven to be an effective tool to analyse it’s logistics functions. Implementation of remedial tools through the SCAT could result in a leaner, cost optimal and more value-adding process. The result of conducting individual organisational improvements is expected to result in an overall improvement in the total supply chain. These supply chain cost drivers were rooted in cost, quality, safety and product performance. Recommendations on further improvements were also offered.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Key factors required to be classified as a world-class supplier from a South African automotive industry perspective
- Authors: Cook, Gavin Trevor
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9335 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/935 , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa
- Description: Over and above the fact that South African automotive business firms do not have the advantages of a major domestic market and are far removed from the major world markets, they face the challenges of operating in a tough and ever-changing environment. This environment is characterised by a global recession, aggressive global competition, high inflation and more demanding customers. To overcome these obstacles and to ensure their continuous success and existence, these domestic firms need to create a competitive advantage. The establishment of such a competitive advantage is dependent on a number of factors which mainly include sourcing from a world-class supplier base in terms of price, quality and service delivery. The main objective and central theme of this study is to determine the factors that are required by a supplier in the South African automotive industry to be classified as a world-class supplier. In support of the main objective, it was necessary to source the reasons why a firm would find it important to trade with a world-class supplier base, and to determine whether the current levels of supplier performance as experienced by buying firms in the Eastern Cape automotive industry, could be regarded as world-class. Furthermore, the study set out to determine the consequences to customer firms of inferior supplier performance, as well as the actions currently taken and support programmes in place to bring suppliers in line with world-class standards. As a starting point to the study, a literature review was undertaken which revealed the definite interdependence between a business firm and the environment in which it operates. The review underlined the need for environmental scanning as a means to proactively manage the impact of environmental changes on a firm. Porter’s value chain and business process re-engineering, as discussed in the study, are also perceived as means to manage environmental changes. The literature study further revealed some of the latest business trends followed by automotive business firms, as well as the expected supplier buy-in to ensure success. A statistical analysis on the quantitative data gathered, grouped specific items (questions) that relate to the study’s main objective with three respective individual supplier performance areas. A confirmatory factor analysis which focused on the three factors, namely quality, pricing and service delivery was carried out to assess the validity of the questions used for gathering the research data. The Cronbach Alphas determined for the three factors portrayed the reliability of the research instrument as acceptable. The empirical study revealed a few main factors that automotive business firms strongly perceive as being key to the establishment of a world-class supplier base. These factors are: a culture of continuous improvement; consistently meeting delivery deadlines by being able to respond to customer schedule changes; quoting fair prices and having respect for business ethics; as well as the consistent application of a quality policy which leads to conformance to specifications and subsequent high levels of product reliability. The empirical study also identified the following benefits enjoyed by customer business firms when trading with a world-class supplier base: Firms are able to be more flexible to customer schedule changes; they receive products that meet specifications; and they are able to operate at lower costs. The empirical findings with regard to the current level of supplier performance in the Eastern Cape Province automotive industry highlighted mainly three problem areas. These are late deliveries; the inability of suppliers to respond to customer schedule changes; as well as a lack of continuous improvement. Late deliveries which lead to production stoppages, with its resultant high costs, as well as the receipt of below-par quality products, were revealed as the main consequences when dealing with suppliers whose performance are not world-class. The main actions taken and programmes or incentives offered by automotive business firms to bring inferior suppliers more in line with world-class performance, include the rewarding of good suppliers by granting them more business; applying formal supplier performance evaluations; and having regular supplier audits.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Cook, Gavin Trevor
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9335 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/935 , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa
- Description: Over and above the fact that South African automotive business firms do not have the advantages of a major domestic market and are far removed from the major world markets, they face the challenges of operating in a tough and ever-changing environment. This environment is characterised by a global recession, aggressive global competition, high inflation and more demanding customers. To overcome these obstacles and to ensure their continuous success and existence, these domestic firms need to create a competitive advantage. The establishment of such a competitive advantage is dependent on a number of factors which mainly include sourcing from a world-class supplier base in terms of price, quality and service delivery. The main objective and central theme of this study is to determine the factors that are required by a supplier in the South African automotive industry to be classified as a world-class supplier. In support of the main objective, it was necessary to source the reasons why a firm would find it important to trade with a world-class supplier base, and to determine whether the current levels of supplier performance as experienced by buying firms in the Eastern Cape automotive industry, could be regarded as world-class. Furthermore, the study set out to determine the consequences to customer firms of inferior supplier performance, as well as the actions currently taken and support programmes in place to bring suppliers in line with world-class standards. As a starting point to the study, a literature review was undertaken which revealed the definite interdependence between a business firm and the environment in which it operates. The review underlined the need for environmental scanning as a means to proactively manage the impact of environmental changes on a firm. Porter’s value chain and business process re-engineering, as discussed in the study, are also perceived as means to manage environmental changes. The literature study further revealed some of the latest business trends followed by automotive business firms, as well as the expected supplier buy-in to ensure success. A statistical analysis on the quantitative data gathered, grouped specific items (questions) that relate to the study’s main objective with three respective individual supplier performance areas. A confirmatory factor analysis which focused on the three factors, namely quality, pricing and service delivery was carried out to assess the validity of the questions used for gathering the research data. The Cronbach Alphas determined for the three factors portrayed the reliability of the research instrument as acceptable. The empirical study revealed a few main factors that automotive business firms strongly perceive as being key to the establishment of a world-class supplier base. These factors are: a culture of continuous improvement; consistently meeting delivery deadlines by being able to respond to customer schedule changes; quoting fair prices and having respect for business ethics; as well as the consistent application of a quality policy which leads to conformance to specifications and subsequent high levels of product reliability. The empirical study also identified the following benefits enjoyed by customer business firms when trading with a world-class supplier base: Firms are able to be more flexible to customer schedule changes; they receive products that meet specifications; and they are able to operate at lower costs. The empirical findings with regard to the current level of supplier performance in the Eastern Cape Province automotive industry highlighted mainly three problem areas. These are late deliveries; the inability of suppliers to respond to customer schedule changes; as well as a lack of continuous improvement. Late deliveries which lead to production stoppages, with its resultant high costs, as well as the receipt of below-par quality products, were revealed as the main consequences when dealing with suppliers whose performance are not world-class. The main actions taken and programmes or incentives offered by automotive business firms to bring inferior suppliers more in line with world-class performance, include the rewarding of good suppliers by granting them more business; applying formal supplier performance evaluations; and having regular supplier audits.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Strategy formulation, alignment and implementation to ensure that Behr is competitive internationally : a case study
- Authors: Samuels, Donald
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa , Competition, International , Globalization , Strategic planning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8761 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/600 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011685 , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa , Competition, International , Globalization , Strategic planning
- Description: South Africa’s transition to democracy in 1994 has heralded a re-entry into the global economy. This has meant that for the first time in more than 40 years of isolation because of “apartheid” policies, South African companies are facing global competition. The South African automotive industry has undergone major changes over the past few years. All the assemblers are now either wholly or partially owned by overseas parent companies. Under globalisation, foreign ownership of locally owned suppliers has also been escalating. The Behr strategy and values were examined to determine whether they are consistent with companies operating in the international environment. The literature study was conducted by using textbooks, periodicals and the internet. The empirical study was conducted by means of a questionnaire addressed to the Behr executives. The results of this empirical study were then directly correlated to the theoretical aspects. Distinctive competences, market growth and product development strategies were identified and comparisons made with theory.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Samuels, Donald
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa , Competition, International , Globalization , Strategic planning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8761 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/600 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011685 , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa , Competition, International , Globalization , Strategic planning
- Description: South Africa’s transition to democracy in 1994 has heralded a re-entry into the global economy. This has meant that for the first time in more than 40 years of isolation because of “apartheid” policies, South African companies are facing global competition. The South African automotive industry has undergone major changes over the past few years. All the assemblers are now either wholly or partially owned by overseas parent companies. Under globalisation, foreign ownership of locally owned suppliers has also been escalating. The Behr strategy and values were examined to determine whether they are consistent with companies operating in the international environment. The literature study was conducted by using textbooks, periodicals and the internet. The empirical study was conducted by means of a questionnaire addressed to the Behr executives. The results of this empirical study were then directly correlated to the theoretical aspects. Distinctive competences, market growth and product development strategies were identified and comparisons made with theory.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
Tailoring a lean product development framework for the South African automotive industry
- Authors: Mund, Klaudia
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Lean manufacturing , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa , Production management -- South Africa , Globalization
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DTech
- Identifier: vital:8792 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1015737
- Description: Globalization in the automotive industry exerts enormous pressure on automotive manufacturers and forces many global companies to expand into emerging markets, which results in adopting new ways to manage product design and development. Excellence in product design and development offers an opportunity to gain competitive advantage and can be achieved by implementing Toyota´s Lean Product Development System (LPDS). Although in the last three years Toyota has been severely challenged by the global economic crisis, by a series of recalls resulting in reputation damage and also by natural disasters such as the recent tsunamis - the world can still learn from Toyota´s successes embodied in the lean concept and practices, which are integral to Toyota´s ‘way of life’. The LPDS model (Morgan & Liker 2006) has captured the attention of academics worldwide (including this researcher) thanks to the following key characteristics: shorter development times, less engineering hours involved in development, lower manufacturing costs, higher customer satisfaction and fewer defects reported. In the academic world, lean product development (LPD) is a new field of exploration and thus relevant literature and numbers of studies available are limited. However, scientists are asking questions about successful adaptation and adoption of this model to other environments beyond Toyota. Similarly, the researcher aimed in this thesis to find answers to its main research question, namely: ‘What would be a suitable LPD model for the South African automotive industry?’ South Africa (SA) is a country with a strong manufacturing tradition and although the automotive sector is the third-largest segment in the South African economy and its vehicle market is the largest on the African continent in a global perspective SA´s contribution is relatively small as it produces only 0.61percent of the global motor vehicle volume (OICA 2011). While the country strives to secure sustainable development for the automotive industry and seeks to improve its global competitiveness, companies operating in SA are currently faced with several unique challenges and problems. Lean has been expanding slowly in SA and some companies in the local automotive industry have implemented the lean concept into production areas to improve their operational excellence and performance. However, it is a search for excellence in product development (PD) that could best contribute to improved sustainability for the automotive industry and also provide an important strategic spur towards global competitiveness. The primary intention of this research was to develop an integrated LPD framework tailored for SA´s automotive industry. Considering this, it was necessary to determine current PD capabilities at domestic and international companies operating in SA´s automotive industry so as to examine levels of adaptation of LPD practices. A questionnaire survey and personal interviews involving all seven locally operating Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), including Toyota, as well as 36 local automotive suppliers provided an empirical base for this investigation. This study indicates that SA plays an important supportive role in the global PD context. In spite of a strong manufacturing focus and very limited PD capabilities, SA´s automotive companies have already achieved a high level of ‘leanness’ in product engineering processes. However, on the downside, it appears that industry leaders and senior managers are sceptical about current and future capabilities and opportunities for SA in the designing and developing of global products.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Mund, Klaudia
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Lean manufacturing , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa , Production management -- South Africa , Globalization
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DTech
- Identifier: vital:8792 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1015737
- Description: Globalization in the automotive industry exerts enormous pressure on automotive manufacturers and forces many global companies to expand into emerging markets, which results in adopting new ways to manage product design and development. Excellence in product design and development offers an opportunity to gain competitive advantage and can be achieved by implementing Toyota´s Lean Product Development System (LPDS). Although in the last three years Toyota has been severely challenged by the global economic crisis, by a series of recalls resulting in reputation damage and also by natural disasters such as the recent tsunamis - the world can still learn from Toyota´s successes embodied in the lean concept and practices, which are integral to Toyota´s ‘way of life’. The LPDS model (Morgan & Liker 2006) has captured the attention of academics worldwide (including this researcher) thanks to the following key characteristics: shorter development times, less engineering hours involved in development, lower manufacturing costs, higher customer satisfaction and fewer defects reported. In the academic world, lean product development (LPD) is a new field of exploration and thus relevant literature and numbers of studies available are limited. However, scientists are asking questions about successful adaptation and adoption of this model to other environments beyond Toyota. Similarly, the researcher aimed in this thesis to find answers to its main research question, namely: ‘What would be a suitable LPD model for the South African automotive industry?’ South Africa (SA) is a country with a strong manufacturing tradition and although the automotive sector is the third-largest segment in the South African economy and its vehicle market is the largest on the African continent in a global perspective SA´s contribution is relatively small as it produces only 0.61percent of the global motor vehicle volume (OICA 2011). While the country strives to secure sustainable development for the automotive industry and seeks to improve its global competitiveness, companies operating in SA are currently faced with several unique challenges and problems. Lean has been expanding slowly in SA and some companies in the local automotive industry have implemented the lean concept into production areas to improve their operational excellence and performance. However, it is a search for excellence in product development (PD) that could best contribute to improved sustainability for the automotive industry and also provide an important strategic spur towards global competitiveness. The primary intention of this research was to develop an integrated LPD framework tailored for SA´s automotive industry. Considering this, it was necessary to determine current PD capabilities at domestic and international companies operating in SA´s automotive industry so as to examine levels of adaptation of LPD practices. A questionnaire survey and personal interviews involving all seven locally operating Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), including Toyota, as well as 36 local automotive suppliers provided an empirical base for this investigation. This study indicates that SA plays an important supportive role in the global PD context. In spite of a strong manufacturing focus and very limited PD capabilities, SA´s automotive companies have already achieved a high level of ‘leanness’ in product engineering processes. However, on the downside, it appears that industry leaders and senior managers are sceptical about current and future capabilities and opportunities for SA in the designing and developing of global products.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
The development of best practice guidelines for the contingency management of health-related absenteeism in the motor manufacturing industry
- Authors: Werner, Amanda
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Sick leave , Absenteeism (Labor) , Contingency theory (Management) , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DTech
- Identifier: vital:9379 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/160 , Sick leave , Absenteeism (Labor) , Contingency theory (Management) , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa
- Description: The research problem in this study was to identify best practices for the contingency management of health-related absenteeism. To achieve this goal, the following actions were taken: A literature study was conducted to identify the scope and impact of health-related absenteeism on organisations and the legal parameters within which health-related absenteeism should be managed. A literature study was also conducted to identify strategies to prevent and reduce health-related absenteeism and strategies to ensure the continuous provision of products and services in periods of high absenteeism. The theoretical study focused on the management of absenteeism, wellness, ill-health/mental problems and HIV/AIDS, as well as contingency strategies aimed at maintaining production and service provision. iii The findings from the literature study were integrated into a model of best practices for the contingency management of health-related absenteeism. This model was used as a basis for the development of a survey questionnaire to determine whether senior human resources practitioners, occupational health practitioners or line managers, who were responsible for the management of health-related absenteeism in organisations, agreed with the best practice guidelines developed in the study. The survey was conducted in the motor and motor component industry in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality and Buffalo City Metropole. The empirical results from the study showed a strong concurrence with the best practices guidelines developed in the study, with the exception of the strategies aimed at maintaining undisrupted production and service provision during periods of high absenteeism. In particular, disagreement was shown with regard to alternative work arrangements such as flexible work-hours, a compressed workweek, telecommuting and job-sharing. Absenteeism, in general, is an issue that organisations are challenged with on a daily basis. The proliferation of various diseases, specifically HIV/AIDS, is contributing to this problem. An integrated and strategic approach is required to deal effectively and constructively with the immediate and expected future impact of health-related issues on absenteeism. Organisations could use the best practices guidelines, identified in this study, as a mechanism to benchmark how well they manage health-related absenteeism
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
- Authors: Werner, Amanda
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Sick leave , Absenteeism (Labor) , Contingency theory (Management) , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DTech
- Identifier: vital:9379 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/160 , Sick leave , Absenteeism (Labor) , Contingency theory (Management) , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa
- Description: The research problem in this study was to identify best practices for the contingency management of health-related absenteeism. To achieve this goal, the following actions were taken: A literature study was conducted to identify the scope and impact of health-related absenteeism on organisations and the legal parameters within which health-related absenteeism should be managed. A literature study was also conducted to identify strategies to prevent and reduce health-related absenteeism and strategies to ensure the continuous provision of products and services in periods of high absenteeism. The theoretical study focused on the management of absenteeism, wellness, ill-health/mental problems and HIV/AIDS, as well as contingency strategies aimed at maintaining production and service provision. iii The findings from the literature study were integrated into a model of best practices for the contingency management of health-related absenteeism. This model was used as a basis for the development of a survey questionnaire to determine whether senior human resources practitioners, occupational health practitioners or line managers, who were responsible for the management of health-related absenteeism in organisations, agreed with the best practice guidelines developed in the study. The survey was conducted in the motor and motor component industry in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality and Buffalo City Metropole. The empirical results from the study showed a strong concurrence with the best practices guidelines developed in the study, with the exception of the strategies aimed at maintaining undisrupted production and service provision during periods of high absenteeism. In particular, disagreement was shown with regard to alternative work arrangements such as flexible work-hours, a compressed workweek, telecommuting and job-sharing. Absenteeism, in general, is an issue that organisations are challenged with on a daily basis. The proliferation of various diseases, specifically HIV/AIDS, is contributing to this problem. An integrated and strategic approach is required to deal effectively and constructively with the immediate and expected future impact of health-related issues on absenteeism. Organisations could use the best practices guidelines, identified in this study, as a mechanism to benchmark how well they manage health-related absenteeism
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
The identification of a model to promote intrapreneurship in an automotive component company
- Authors: Du Preez, Catherine Amanda
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Entrepreneurship , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa , Organizational change
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8549 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/423 , Entrepreneurship , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa , Organizational change
- Description: South African organisations are facing a new era of intense global competition. The modern business world is characterised by change and this change presents both challenges and opportunities. As a result, organisations have to become more responsive to change by continuous, rapid and cost-effective innovation through integrating the strengths of the entrepreneurial small firm, such as creativity, flexibility and innovativeness, with the market power and resources of the large firm. Due to the dynamic nature of the automotive industry, it is vital that South African organisations and management identify creativity and innovation as the main sources of sustainable competitive advantage. Sustained competitive advantage is derived from consistently satisfying customers’ wants and needs through innovation. An intrapreneurial philosophy is of key importance to an organisation’s corporate strategy, ensuring that entrepreneurial values are incorporated into the culture of the organisation. This study took place within an automotive component company operating in the Eastern Cape. Based on the theoretical findings of the literature study a questionnaire was developed and distributed to all employees of the company. The objective of the questionnaire was to measure the prevalence of intrapreneurship within the company and based on the findings of the literature study, recommendations on the structure, systems, culture and management styles of the organisation were made. Finally, a model was developed that identifies the importance of innovation, customer-solution centeredness and being market driven as core strategic values.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
- Authors: Du Preez, Catherine Amanda
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Entrepreneurship , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa , Organizational change
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8549 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/423 , Entrepreneurship , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa , Organizational change
- Description: South African organisations are facing a new era of intense global competition. The modern business world is characterised by change and this change presents both challenges and opportunities. As a result, organisations have to become more responsive to change by continuous, rapid and cost-effective innovation through integrating the strengths of the entrepreneurial small firm, such as creativity, flexibility and innovativeness, with the market power and resources of the large firm. Due to the dynamic nature of the automotive industry, it is vital that South African organisations and management identify creativity and innovation as the main sources of sustainable competitive advantage. Sustained competitive advantage is derived from consistently satisfying customers’ wants and needs through innovation. An intrapreneurial philosophy is of key importance to an organisation’s corporate strategy, ensuring that entrepreneurial values are incorporated into the culture of the organisation. This study took place within an automotive component company operating in the Eastern Cape. Based on the theoretical findings of the literature study a questionnaire was developed and distributed to all employees of the company. The objective of the questionnaire was to measure the prevalence of intrapreneurship within the company and based on the findings of the literature study, recommendations on the structure, systems, culture and management styles of the organisation were made. Finally, a model was developed that identifies the importance of innovation, customer-solution centeredness and being market driven as core strategic values.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005