Research Articles (Graduate School of Technology Management (GSTM))

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://hdl.handle.net/2263/1703

The Graduate School of Technology Management was established as a fourth school in the Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology with effect from 1 January 2007.

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A conceptual framework for timber adoption in the construction industry
(South African Institute of Industrial Engineers, 2025-08-29) Verhage, B.; Hassan, Ferdinand S.; Grobbelaar, Schalk; ferdinand.hassan@tuks.co.za
ENGLISH : This study explored the key human behavioural factors influencing the adoption of timber and engineered wood products in the construction industry by integrating the key constructs of the theory of planned behaviour and the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology. The study identified relationships between attitude towards behaviour and performance expectancy, subjective norm and social influence, perceived behavioural control and facilitating conditions, and effort expectancy in the context of timber adoption. The proposed framework provides a theoretical foundation for further research on the adoption of timber in the construction industry.
Improving organisational learning in project-based organisations through the translation of project lessons learnt into project risks
(South African Institute of Industrial Engineers, 2025-08-29) Bredell, C.; Tshuma, Brighton
ENGLISH : This study examines the translation of lessons learnt into risks in project-based organisations to improve organisational learning through the development of a knowledge transfer model. A qualitative analysis of semi-structured interviews, a focus group interview, and an organisational repository reviewing a single case study organisation revealed that framing lessons as risks enhances organisational learning by strengthening critical practices such as systematic problem-solving, learning from past experiences, and efficient knowledge transfer. The proposed model configures the application of risk-phrased lessons learnt to promote the transfer of knowledge and to foster organisational learning in project-based organisations.
Developing an enterprise risk management roadmap for the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa
(South African Institute of Industrial Engineers, 2025-08-29) Mangcu, T.; Hassan, Ferdinand S.; Grobbelaar, Schalk; ferdinand.hassan@tuks.co.za
ENGLISH : This research explored the development of an enterprise risk management (ERM) roadmap for the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) amid growing business risks from global financial shifts and pandemics. It emphasised a holistic management approach to address PRASA’s ERM difficulties and opportunities. It also advocated a tailor-made ERM roadmap underpinned by an action priority matrix. Given the lack of ERM literature for public enterprises, this study aimed to bridge that gap using a mixed-methods approach to identify barriers, enablers, and opportunities for ERM implementation. The findings suggested that a customised ERM roadmap would enhance PRASA’s governance, efficiency, risk, and resilience, and contribute to value creation.
Scoping review : factors, threats and opportunities of outsourcing maintenance activities in the South African pulp and paper industry
(South African Institute of Industrial Engineers, 2025-08-29) Maphanga, Wandile; Grobbelaar, Schalk; Peach, Rina Helena; Visser, J.K. (Jacobus)
ENGLISH : Outsourcing is a tool to realise the strategic intent of an organisation. Before outsourcing maintenance services, the maintenance manager should consider the relevant factors, opportunities, and threats. The study aimed to perform a scoping review of the applicable factors, opportunities, and threats in the pulp and paper industry. The review also aimed to determine whether there was a gap in the literature from a South African perspective. Scopus and Web of Science were used as databases to collect 21 articles published from 2002 to 2021. Using ATLAS.ti, 11 categories in these articles were coded, and Sankey diagrams were used to visualise the data. The percentage strength of the correlations indicated recurring themes in the literature. The results found strategy through targeted outsourcing of non-core activities (50%), supplier performance (53%), and employee impact (15%) to be critical factors. Cost reduction (42%) and access to vendor expertise (21%) were key opportunities, while poor supplier performance (29%) and loss of organisational know-how (33%) were key threats. As a recurring theme, outsourcing was found to be common to industries in Europe, Asia, and North America. Based on the findings of the scoping review, it was concluded that there was an opportunity to explore the local context. It was recommended to use the findings and to determine whether these factors, threats, and opportunities could be applied to the South African context.
Service innovation dynamic capabilities framework : a case of water utilities in South Africa
(South African Institute of Industrial Engineers, 2025-08-29) Shabangu, Luc; Letaba, Tshotleho Petrus
ENGLISH : South African water utilities’ capability to provide high-quality drinking water service is deteriorating, and the country faces a significant problem with continuous water supply because of rising water demand caused by high population growth, industrialisation, and agricultural activities. A quantitative methodology was used to collect and analyse data. Then a framework for service innovation’s dynamic capabilities was developed to address the deteriorating service capabilities in South African water utilities. The study's contribution is this framework, which integrates ordinary capabilities, managerial dynamic capabilities, service innovation capability, and new and emerging technological concepts to address the water supply problem.
Investigating the effect of cognitive bias influences on sustainable decision-making in complex systems
(Elsevier, 2025-12) Van der Linde, Leandi; Pretorius, Leon; Oosthuizen, Rudolph; u20563991@tuks.co.za
This study investigates the role of cognitive biases in decision-making within the Circular Economy and explores how these biases can be validated and addressed through empirical survey data. By developing a Conceptual Causal Loop Diagram and merging it with a foundational CLD, a comprehensive model was created to simulate the dynamics of CE systems. Key variables such as media influence, response to information, and behaviour change were incorporated into the Stock and Flow Diagram, enhancing the model's ability to represent real-world sustainability challenges. The principal results show that variations in biases and other factors can significantly impact CE outcomes, including individual actions, business priorities, and environmental responsibilities. The study highlights key variables, including media influence, response to information, behaviour change, and their roles in shaping CE outcomes. These components contextualize the study within the broader challenge of understanding and mitigating biases to foster sustainability, framing the research within the CE's ongoing efforts to achieve sustainable economic and environmental outcomes. Noteworthy conclusions include the identification of leverage points for promoting sustainability and the importance of understanding biases to improve decision-making processes in CE. The findings reveal biases saturate within approximately 100 months, while the perceived urgency for sustainability declines sharply within 50 months unless actively reinforced. This research contributes to the broader understanding of human factors influencing the transition to a sustainable economy.
Incorporating cybersecurity measures around industrial control systems (ICS) within the petrochemical sector
(Elsevier, 2026-01) Rajaruthnam, Lushen; Peach, Rina Helena; rina.peach@up.ac.za
The fast adoption of technologies that enable the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) in the South African industrial sector has been well noted, and is advancing to meet global pressures. Cybersecurity countermeasures to protect and safeguard the expanding interconnected nature of several industrial sectors have not kept pace. The steadfast march toward digitalization and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) optimization increases industrial control systems' (ICSs) vulnerabilities, and they become ripe targets for the wicked. This study aimed to identify the current level of the cybersecurity maturity of ICS assets in the South African petrochemical sector and to investigate the root causes of that level of maturity. Extensive research was done into industry best practices, lessons learned, and global governing bodies of knowledge. A target maturity (from NIST 800-xx and IEC 62443-x-x) and possible contributing factors to poor adoption were identified and tested with a population in a cluster of South African petrochemical facilities. The research propositions concurred with the results, showing systemic barriers to adequate ICS cybersecurity adoption. A risk-based approach and a high-level recommendation roadmap were developed to address poor maturity levels. More specific sector studies could be conducted in the future to refine the findings, but this framework and roadmap could be implemented directly as a starting point for an organization's ICS cybersecurity journey. HIGHLIGHTS • Evaluates ICS cybersecurity maturity in South Africa's petrochemical sector. • Identifies systemic barriers to cybersecurity adoption and implementation. • Uses a mixed-method approach with NIST 800–53 and IEC 62443 frameworks. • Finds weak maturity in Protect and Detect pillars due to poor automation. • Proposes a high-level roadmap to enhance ICS cybersecurity resilience.
Potentiality : power in interorganizational relationships
(Academy of Management, 2025-07) Grolman, Willem; Oliveira, Nuno; Oerlemans, Leon A.G.; Van Fenema, Paul C.
Researchers have long been intrigued by the actions and consequences of power in interorganizational relationships. However, power is fundamentally about a partner’s potential to influence its counterparty. To examine power as potentiality in interorganizational relationships, we develop a framework linking their organizational features with various facets of power, which we call power regimes. Our review of the literature highlights how the development and displacement of conceptual ideas have contributed to a partial understanding of power and the neglect of power regimes in interorganizational relationships. We identify research opportunities to study the fundamentals of potentiality (variety of interorganizational arrangements, cognition), the dynamics of power regimes (domination, resistance, regime trajectories), and contextual factors (industry networks, algorithmic interfaces).
Not a drop to drink : addressing Nigeria’s deepening freshwater crisis
(MDPI, 2025-06) Irene, Julius; Irene, Bridget Nneka; Daniels, Chux; chux.daniels@up.ac.za
Nigeria is currently grappling with an acute freshwater crisis, characterized by a stark contradiction where abundant water resources coexist with a widespread lack of access to safe and reliable water. This study examines the complex interplay of factors driving this crisis. It highlights how climate change and the degradation of critical infrastructure and water management systems have significantly reduced the resilience of freshwater systems. This study draws on survey data to assess public perceptions of water scarcity and its causes, revealing a public consensus on the impacts and challenges of freshwater scarcity. This finding points to the pervasive nature of water insecurity in the surveyed population and suggests that reliable access to freshwater remains elusive for many. The findings emphasize the need for integrated, climate-resilient policies that include ecosystem restoration, infrastructure modernization, pollution control, and inclusive, community-based governance frameworks. Addressing these multifaceted challenges is essential not only for improving freshwater access but also for advancing public health, reducing conflict, and fostering sustainable development. This research contributes to the growing body of knowledge on water security in the Global South and outlines pathways for transformative water governance in Nigeria.
The role of disruptive innovation in start-ups and transforming small business operations in the digital era
(South African Institute of Industrial Engineers, 2024-12-13) Lotz, S.J.; Verhage, B.; Masele, E.; Malanda, C.; Hassan, Ferdinand S.; Grobbelaar, Schalk; ferdinand.hassan@tuks.co.za
ENGLISH : In the digital era, start-ups benefit from expanded reach, faster scaling, and access to vast data sets, yet face heightened competition and the challenge of staying current with emerging innovations. Their role in the modern economy is amplified as they collaborate with incubators, investors, and academic institutions to foster innovation and growth. Agile development methods and disruptive innovation bolster their competitiveness against larger incumbents. Leveraging digital technologies and combining resources are further recognised as pivotal success factors driving disruptive innovations in start-ups.
The influence of project management maturity on perceived project success : a case study of the Lesotho water sector
(South African Institute of Industrial Engineers, 2024-11-29) Pretorius, Suzaan; Mohlapiso, Mpho P.M.; suzaan.pretorius@up.ac.za
ENGLISH : This study aims to determine the project management maturity level of four organisations in the Lesotho Water Sector. It assesses its influence on perceived project success by undertaking case studies in these organisations. It, therefore, contributes to the limited literature on project management maturity in the water sector in Africa. The results indicated that the average project management maturity was 2, with one organisation at a maturity level of 3. A total of 53% of executed projects were perceived as successful. The study found that high-maturity-level organisations tend to execute projects more successfully. Additional factors that may lead to project failure in this sector were identified.
The implications of integrating artificial intelligence into data-driven decision-making
(South African Institute of Industrial Engineers, 2024-11-29) Sutherns, Jessica; Fanta, Getnet Bogale
Integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into data-driven decision-making offers advantages like increased performance, reduced costs and improved organisational efficiency; however, there are associated risks. The study employs a PRISMA protocol to systematically review academic articles from Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science databases to determine whether the risks AI pose are worth the rewards they offer. Literature trends reveal a growing interest in AI-driven decision-making, with significant research gaps in African contexts. The study indicates that AI is highly utilized for decision-making to foster competitiveness in manufacturing, finance, healthcare, education, and transport. Identified risks include bias, discrimination, privacy issues, and cybersecurity threats. It is highlighted that businesses need to address concerns about privacy, fairness, and transparency. Policymakers must develop ethical and legal standards besides regular monitoring and auditing of AI uses to mitigate risks.
Navigating the waves of change and ripples of challenges in the water supply chain sector
(South African Institute of Industrial Engineers, 2024-11-29) Naidoo, Kelsi; Van der Lingen, Elma
ENGLISH : The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) has ushered in a transformative era for industries worldwide, including the water sector. This paper investigates the difficulties that are encountered and the changes that are required in water sector supply chain management amid the 4IR. A comprehensive analysis of scholarly articles, research papers, and industry reports provides insights into the evolving dynamics of water supply chains. The review identifies challenges such as data integration complexities, cybersecurity vulnerabilities, budget constraints, regulatory intricacies, skills gaps, environmental sustainability concerns, infrastructure compatibility issues, data privacy dilemmas, resource limitations, socio-political factors, and geographical disparities. These are critically examined within their contextual frameworks, highlighting their significance for the water sector. This paper is valuable for researchers, policymakers, water utility professionals, and stakeholders seeking a comprehensive understanding of water sector supply chain management’s intricate challenges and transformative changes during the 4IR. This paper could also assist in illuminating water-related problems and solutions.
Developing an industrial engineering capabilities framework for the adoption of engineered wood products in the South African construction industry
(South African Institute of Industrial Engineers, 2024-11-29) Hassan, Ferdinand S.; Grobbelaar, Schalk
ENGLISH : The construction industry is embracing sustainable practices to combat environmental degradation and climate change, and engineered wood products (EWPs) offer promise as structural materials for sustainable infrastructure. Despite the benefits of EWPs, challenges such as supply chain integration and market acceptance have limited their use. This paper explores how industrial engineering could facilitate the adoption of EWPs in the South African construction industry, and provides a framework for developing critical industrial engineering capabilities that the South African timber construction sector should possess to integrate EWPs efficiently into construction projects. We used a comprehensive literature review and a curriculum analysis to achieve the study’s objectives. By drawing upon these capabilities, the study identified where industrial engineering as an expertise could drive innovation adoption.
Agile : advantages, disadvantages, enablers, and barriers
(South African Institute of Industrial Engineers, 2024-12-13) Lutwama, P.; Dlulane, M.; Pillay, T.; Hassan, F.S.; Grobbelaar, Schalk; ferdinand.hassan@tuks.co.za
ENGLISH : This scoping review provides an expanded view of the Agile methodology in the software industry - an iterative, incremental project management framework that is renowned for its use in software development. Research questions covering the advantages, disadvantages, enablers, and barriers to Agile were formulated to analyse accepted research papers from 2019 to 2023. Notable overlapping findings were found in the 25 studies that were included. The results revealed that human factors such as communication, conflict resolution, and understanding Agile are essential to the successful implementation of Agile software development.
Analysing organisational robustness in the application of project portfolio management
(South African Institute of Industrial Engineers, 2024-12-13) Bekker, Michiel Christiaan; Steenkamp, D.; giel.bekker@up.ac.za
ENGLISH : Project portfolio management (PPM) has become a popular practice among organisations in effectively driving a collection of projects and/or programmes to align with and meet their strategic objectives. PPM is still considered a new concept, and is in the early days of its implementation. Even the best-performing organisations are still not excelling in executing best practices in PPM. This research reviews the literature on the robustness of portfolio governance controls. A semi-structured technique entailing a questionnaire and qualitative interviews to access best practices was used with a population of PPM professionals from various industries. The paper reviews the impact of higher levels of compliance on a model and/or framework in more mature environments in order to prevent or minimise the influence of external elements such as executive veto on PPM practices.
The effects of leadership styles on enabling team effectiveness for multiple team memberships
(South African Institute of Industrial Engineers, 2024-11-29) Mntambo, Nokukhanyaâ B.; Chan, Kai-Ying; alice.chan@up.ac.za
ENGLISH : The prevalence of multiple team membership (MTM) in the modern organisation results from the need of an organisation to be efficient with its resources so that the desired efficiency is achieved. This study investigates the effect of leadership styles (transactional, transformational, directive, and laissez-faire) on enabling team effectiveness in the context of MTM. The team effectiveness criteria used are team viability, team processes, and quality of group experience. The data was collected through online questionnaires from 53 individuals in a mining organisation. The results showed a positive relationship between the transactional leadership style and all three criteria of team effectiveness, whereas the directive leadership style indicated a negative relationship with those criteria. Transformational leadership showed a positive impact only on the quality of group experience. Based on the results, it is recommended that transactional leadership styles be adopted for team effectiveness in the context of MTM for similar organisations.
Strategies for gaining a competitive edge : a look into the South African sawmilling industry
(Southern African Institute for Industrial Engineering, 2025-05) Tshavhungwe, Vhuhwavho; Grobbelaar, Schalk; u11152983@tuks.co.za
ENGLISH : Firms must constantly adjust to changing market conditions. Understanding the firm and its strategies is an important component of strategic management. The study used a survey approach to gather the views of individuals working in South African sawmills on strategy and competitive advantages. The results highlighted that the participants saw the availability of wood resources as essential for the sawmill industry to function competitively. The participants also indicated that they used differentiation as a strategy in their sawmills. Future research should focus on globally competitive sawmills to assess how their competitive advantage and strategy differ from those of sawmills in South Africa. AFRIKAANS : Ondernemings moet voortdurend by veranderende marktoestande aanpas. Om die onderneming en sy strategieë te verstaan, is ‘n belangrike komponent van strategiese bestuur. Die studie het ’n opname gebruik om menings in te samel oor strategie en mededingende voordele van individue wat in saagmeulens in Suid-Afrika werk. Die resultate het die belangrikheid van beskikbare houtbronne beklemtoon om ’n leidende mededingende voordeel vir saagmeulens te verkry. Deelnemers het ook aangedui dat hulle differensiasie as ’n strategie in hul saagmeule gebruik het. Toekomstige navorsing moet fokus op vergelykende studies met wêreldwye saagmeulens om te bepaal hoe hul mededingende voordeel en strategie verskil van dié van saagmeulens in Suid-Afrika.
Methods for identifying, prioritising and planning for emerging technologies in air traffic management industry
(Southern African Institute for Industrial Engineering, 2025-05) Letaba, Petrus Tshotleho; Mkhize, Malusi
ENGLISH : The rapid advancement of technology in the air traffic management (ATM) industry demands effective methods to identify, prioritise, and plan for emerging technologies. This research used qualitative analysis through expert interviews to investigate these methods, highlighting the importance of structured frameworks such as technology intelligence, technology foresight, and technology roadmaps, along with industry collaboration. A framework of preferred methods was developed to guide ATM organisations in navigating technological uncertainties. The study emphasises proactive planning and early identification to enhance competitiveness and operational efficiency, thus contributing to the broader understanding of emerging technologies in the ATM industry. AFRIKAANS : Die vinnige vooruitgang van tegnologie in die lugverkeersbestuur vereis doeltreffende metodes vir die identifikasie, prioritisering en beplanning van opkomende tegnologieë. Hierdie navorsing het kwalitatiewe analise deur middel van deskundige onderhoude gebruik om hierdie metodes te ondersoek, en het die belangrikheid van gestruktureerde raamwerke soos tegnologie-intelligensie, tegnologievoorsiening en tegnologie-roetekaart, tesame met samewerking in die bedryf, beklemtoon. ’n Raamwerk van voorkeurmetodes is ontwikkel om lugverkeersbestuur-organisasies te lei in die hantering van tegnologiese onsekerhede. Die studie beklemtoon proaktiewe beplanning en vroeë identifikasie om mededingendheid en operasionele doeltreffendheid te verbeter, en dra by tot ’n breër begrip van opkomende tegnologieë in die lugverkeersbestuur-bedryf.
Leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance the use of the knowledge repository : an engineering consulting view
(Southern African Institute for Industrial Engineering, 2025-05) Nikeyi, Renisha; Van Waveren, Cornelis Cristo; corro@up.ac.za
ENGLISH : This study explores how the artificial intelligence (AI) functionalities of interaction, automation, search and retrieval, pattern recognition, and reason and decision-making could address the barriers that hinder the use of the knowledge repository transfer mechanism in knowledge management. The research finds that AI technologies could directly improve the repository’s usefulness, accessibility, and interface while also indirectly boosting awareness of the repository and the motivation to use the repository. The study also highlights the need for a collaborative human—AI approach to optimise the use of the knowledge repository and to guide future knowledge management strategies. AFRIKAANS : Hierdie studie ondersoek hoe die kunsmatige intelligensie funksionaliteite, vir interaksie, outomatisering, soek en herwinning, patroonherkenning, en redenasie en besluitneming die hindernisse kan aanspreek wat die gebruik van die kennisbergingsplek as kennisoordragmeganisme kan belemmer. Die navorsing het bevind dat kunsmatige intelligensie-tegnologieë die bruikbaarheid, toeganklikheid en koppelvlak van die kennisbergingsplek aansienlik kan verbeter, terwyl dit ook indirek die bewustheid van die kennisbergingsplek en die motivering om dit te gebruik, kan verhoog. Die studie beklemtoon ook dat die menslike intervlak met kunsmatige intelligensie noodsaaklik is om die benutting van die kennisbergingsplek te optimeer en toekomstige kennisbestuurstrategieë te help rig.

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