Sambil C Mukwakungu | UNIVERSITY OF JOHANNESBURG (original) (raw)

Publications from my research group by Sambil C Mukwakungu

This article presents an overview on the awareness of healthcare practitioners have on medical wa... more This article presents an overview on the awareness of healthcare practitioners have on medical waste produced in the health environment in the South African Republic. An analysis of the literature was conducted to identify a gap within published articles between the years 2013 to 2018 that are relevant to health care waste practices covered by various researchers in the health sector. Many authors emphasize on the importance of following proper procedures when it comes to handling health care waste and also highlight continuous training programs of health care practitioners on waste management. It is recommended that the South African Department of Health should play an active role in ensuring that the health care practitioners follow the standard waste management procedures in place.

With the increasing pressure and competition from global forces on trade industries, supply chain... more With the increasing pressure and competition from global forces on trade industries, supply chains, transportation and shipment, many countries have adopted the use of Just-In-Time (JIT) inventory systems. Over the years, many organizations have tried to use JIT to manage their inventory management systems and reduce costs related to inventory. This makes the technique the mostly tried system in inventory management. This research paper is based on assessing organizations within South Africa and the application of Just in Time Technique as a tool to manage inventory. By using this tool, cost can be reduced, and this is one of the advantages of using JIT. JIT is a Japanese philosophy, so it was established and developed in Japanese culture. Organizations that are not Japanese are therefore inclined to modify certain aspects of JIT to fully and seamlessly integrate it into their manufacturing process. This study will assess how South Africa have adopted the Philosophy and modified it to fit in cultures in both manufacturing and service industries. The research design that will be used is explanatory research. A correlational study will be done. The setting in which this study will be done is the normal setting of production, using analysis tools the impact of JIT will be assesses based on results and make recommendations.

This article investigates the influence of lean technique in a manufacturing organization, by ana... more This article investigates the influence of lean technique in a manufacturing organization, by analyzing the current flow process, identify problem areas implement 5S as one of the lean techniques, and propose a more efficient process flow. The methodology that was followed to gather data of was observation and interview. It was found that the current flowing process of the replacement department was not well structured and consistent with many unnecessary activities. A more efficient and effective flow process was proposed through the implementation of lean techniques which led eradicating unnecessary activities in the process and re-engineering of the process. Furthermore, it was proposed that future research should be based on continues improvement through that application of lean principals.

The ISO standards provide a mechanism for organizations that desire to persistently address their... more The ISO standards provide a mechanism for organizations that desire to persistently address their clients' issues through their items and services and constantly improve in quality. This paper looks at how the profundity of ISO 9001 execution impacts organization performance over the long haul. The study was conducted to determine the ISO standards on project quality deliverables, to determine its relationship with regard to employees' quality of work in a project. This study investigates two main questions; (1) Can ISO standards influence the end product or services? (2) Can the introduction of the standards affect how employees think with regards to quality? This research follows a mixed approach, which is a combination of both the qualitative and quantitative approach. Data collection techniques used include a random choice of research members from the examination populace in a fair-minded way, the institutionalized poll or intercession they get, and statistical strategies used to break down the information. The results indicate that the employees in Company X believe that an introduction will significantly enhance execution. It is suggested that associations ought to receive ISO standards in their daily practices, which will gradually increase the job effectiveness of the employees in the organization.

Just-in-Time (JIT) is an inventory management approach of having the exact amount of inventory go... more Just-in-Time (JIT) is an inventory management approach of having the exact amount of inventory goods arriving at the exact time when needed. This paper investigates the impact of this approach on South African Inventory Management systems and the organization as a whole, by comparing two companies producing same products (bed mattress), with different suppliers, and with different inventory management system. Company X has not implemented the Just-in-time approach, while, Company Y has implemented the JIT approach. This paper will provide insight knowledge on the benefits and challenges of this approach, how it can be implemented to improve the performance of a company. Mixed-methods research design has been utilized as a part of this investigation, and descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data collection. From the study conducted it may be concluded that not implementing the JIT system is the causes of lower performance rates, compared to the performance of the company that has. The JIT approach has methods or guidelines on how the company can improve its inventory management system and improve the performance of the company. It is then recommended that organizations in the manufacturing industry implement the Just-In-Time method in their inventory management systems.

Non-destructive testing (NDT) is one aspect of the Quality Control (QC) function and is complemen... more Non-destructive testing (NDT) is one aspect of the Quality Control (QC) function and is complementary to other long well-known QC methods. The purpose of the study is to alert the mass population about the need for safety measures for end users of products and those working with this plant productions through forecasting and evaluation of the use and operation of the lifespan of a part of a system at different production and operational phases. Descriptive Research Design was designed during the study. A survey research design was used to collect quantitative unprocessed information from the sample of interest. Statistical analysis was used to summarize the data. SPSS was used to run the results obtained from the survey also for validation and testing of reliability, the Cronbach alpha method was used to test the correlation of the data. From the information examination, it is seen that under half of the staff concurred that the equipment and were in a decent working condition. That is the one Variable that needs to be considered the most and changed with the end goal for development to happen. This phase of the study includes reviewing literature related to criticality and reliability of Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) in industrial plants, and factors affecting NDT.

The focus of this paper is about business processes re-engineering in the manufacturing industry,... more The focus of this paper is about business processes re-engineering in the manufacturing industry, with the aim of achieving customer satisfaction and retaining more customers. The benefits of BPR were discussed in the indenture of the benefits of total quality management (TQM). Three sets of questionnaires were designed to extract data from customers, service agents and suppliers of the organization. This was to scrutinize the proficiency of business processes as a vindication assistance to correct customer loss. It was then established that customers are inclined to the organization's processes than service agents and suppliers, therefore we recommend that through the practice of business process re-engineering, organizational goals must be aligned with the needs of customers

This research paper identifies and analyses the most important fundamentals to improve project ma... more This research paper identifies and analyses the most important fundamentals to improve project management performance in South Africa. Many important factors were identified in this study such over 60% of participants have a certificate to none formal project management education, which compromise the quality of any project, and increases the number of project failures in the country. Furthermore, project managers face many challenges from community participation within the project, project creeps, and political influences to getting the right team members for the project on board. Therefore, it is recommended that a partnership between Project Management South Africa (PMSA), higher education institution, public and private sectors should work together in bringing about standard requirements to practice as project managers and standard performance for practicing project managers. This study can be used in the draft of policies regulating the project management industry as well as when developing project management curriculum at higher education institutions, as it points out the fundamentals to improve project management performance in South Africa.

The aim of this research is to identify factors promoting motivation and to ultimately improve pr... more The aim of this research is to identify factors promoting motivation and to ultimately improve productivity levels in the laboratories of a water treatment and supply company in Johannesburg, South Africa. A review of the literature spanning for a period of 10 years was performed to determine the causes of motivation and demotivation from well-known theories. Two theories, closely investigated in the laboratory, were the McGregor Y Theory, Maslow Hierarchy. The researchers attempted to investigate what causes chemistry staff to be demotivated and perform poorly in the laboratory although there was an on-going continuous improvement drive based on lean thinking. This was achieved through a quantitative study by interpreting the data gathered during survey questioning with the laboratory staff. The sample chosen was based on a quota sampling selection. Results obtained from the analysis of data gathered through the questionnaires provide a clear indication of where the company's drive for continuous improvement is and where it should be. The research was successful in showing the influence of motivational factors on productivity in the laboratory and recognizing any techniques to improve motivation amongst chemistry staff. National Standard (SANS) 241:2005 drinking water quality standard. RW's distribution incorporates more than 3056 kilometres of vast breadth pipeline, supplying 58 deliberately found administration reservoirs. Its clients incorporate metropolitan districts, neighbourhood regions, mines, and ventures and it supplies, largely, 3653 million litres of water to these clients on a daily basis. In order to ensure high quality of supply of water, the company is involved in a tap analysis programme, a voluntary program which monitors water quality for the end user (consumer) which covers 14 of the 20 municipal areas within RW's area of supply as depicted in below.

The study discusses employees' awareness of quality. According to the literature, the success of ... more The study discusses employees' awareness of quality. According to the literature, the success of quality depends on a number of factors such as quality awareness, quality understanding and the benefit of quality of quality at workplace. The objective of the study is to assess the extent to which employees of the ABC Company are aware of quality and they do understand quality at their work, as well as to establish the benefit that comes with quality. To carry out the study a mixed research methods approach was used for research in six departments with the ABC Company. A sample of more than 50% of the total staff complement made up of 88 employees was selected. Data was collected in a form of questionnaires. Face to face interviews were also conducted. According to the findings there are critical factors that hinder the awareness and understanding of quality at the workplace, such as communication, management support, adequate training for employees. This particular research aims at providing a practical insight into service organisations' understanding of their quality management system from their employees' perspective. This should allow the organisation to improve how quality is perceived internally, subsequently the perception of quality by their customers.

This article investigates the state of affairs of Project Management as one key discipline that i... more This article investigates the state of affairs of Project Management as one key discipline that is beneficial to both private and public organizations in the country. A gap analysis was conducted in reviewing the literature of published articles that are relevant to the project management's practices and standards, to gain insight with regard to what has been covered by academics in the field of Project Management. It was established that various authors consider project management as a tool that is not limited to projects but applicable strategically by different organizations in different fields, despite their uniqueness. Therefore strengthening the ability of project management practitioners through project management programs is a cornerstone in the country's economic growth and stability.

The aim of the study was to identify causes of the inefficiency and ineffectiveness of employees ... more The aim of the study was to identify causes of the inefficiency and ineffectiveness of employees and management at the largest hospital in South Africa, to improve the overall service rendered to patients, and to improve the overall operations of that hospital. An observational study approach was followed for the purpose of this study. As part of this approach, observations of particular areas within this hospital were conducted, questionnaires were distributed to a total of 450 participants both patients and hospital employees. With a response rate of 78%, the questionnaire results were able to allow the researchers to develop an Ishikawa diagram pointing to the root cause of inefficiency and ineffectiveness of employees and management at the largest hospital in South Africa. This paper presents very critical aspects of healthcare services inefficiency as well as ineffectiveness. Recommendations made from the findings of this study should allow management improve service delivery at this hospital.

This paper's main objective is to enlighten the readers on the benefits of a good application the... more This paper's main objective is to enlighten the readers on the benefits of a good application the Just-In-Time (JIT) approach in a local South African soft drink manufacturing plant with the aim of improving the company's performance. The study followed a mixed approach, combining both the qualitative and quantitative design approach. In order to collect data, interviews with the employees that constituted the sample were conducted before they later responded to a questionnaire to collect qualitative data. Results demonstrates that the company does not use JIT as a manufacturing strategy. This explained the difficulty experienced with many aspects of the production such as: demand management and forecasting, supply chain relationship and inventory control. A recommendation made in this study was to actively apply JIT in the manufacturing process as this practice would help the company improve its performance as far as the inventory control, the relationship with suppliers and the demand management and forecasting are concerned.

This paper's objectives are to establish and document internal clients' perception about the qual... more This paper's objectives are to establish and document internal clients' perception about the quality of service received at the Main Laboratory of the LAB, a national laboratory dealing with transmittable diseases in South Africa. The study followed a quantitative design approach with cross functional examinations. Data collection tool was based on "SERVQUAL" model. Findings show that in terms of the quality dimensions, the LAB's centres performed variably in many aspects and to a varying degree in different quality dimensions measured. Each centre had its own unique set of challenges. The recommendations made in this study can be implemented as a solution to the problems faced by the LAB and other similar departments. This study viewed from a South African perspective, is first of its kind as it explores the effectiveness of the implementation of a Quality Management System at a biosafety level 4, the only one on the African continent.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of Company X QMS on the contractors' quality ... more The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of Company X QMS on the contractors' quality performance. The study will also determine how Company X's QMS can be utilized to improve the quality performance of its contractors. The survey conducted evidently shows that one element was utilized to enforce contractors to comply with the quality requirements, and that is the implementation of Quality Control Plan (QCP) that is approved by Company X's Quality Department before execution of any project. Findings indicate that Company X needs to integrate quality requirements in the procurement process to ensure that contractors understand the quality expectations and requirements in its contractor management process.

The research aims to determine the level of employee empowerment and the impact it has on employe... more The research aims to determine the level of employee empowerment and the impact it has on employee satisfaction in a manufacturing setup. A mixed methods research design was followed. Quantitative data was collected through structured questionnaires and then qualitative data through semi-structured interviews with 11 managers at the flavors division. The study results show a significant level of employee empowerment. However, the results are also indicating that management still needs to address factors that are affecting productivity and quality levels. Management must adopt new philosophies of driving the empowerment and take lead to achieve organizational goals and remain competitive.

This paper reports the status quo and impact of leadership in the healthcare sector in South Afri... more This paper reports the status quo and impact of leadership in the healthcare sector in South Africa. A gap analysis was conducted in reviewing relevant literature of articles published between 2013-2018 related to the impact of leadership in the country's healthcare. This was to provide an understanding and clear awareness of the influence leadership has. It was established that leadership in healthcare falls short in addressing critical challenges in the sector. Considering the importance of leadership in healthcare, it is recommended that government should prioritize investing in leadership programs from undergraduate health programs to shelter the future of healthcare in South Africa.

Proceedings of the International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Operations Management Rabat, Morocco, April 11-13, 2017, 2017

This paper presents findings on the extent of the role quality planning plays in CI efforts aimed... more This paper presents findings on the extent of the role quality planning plays in CI efforts aimed at developing competitive advantage at a short-term insurer in South Africa. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire developed using a 5-points Likert Scale. The study used interviews and a questionnaire aimed at comparing data on current quality planning strategy at this insurer to best practice in the industry, in order to establish the extent to which quality planning is used in the effort to continuously improve customer satisfaction. Findings show that there is a lack of quality planning best practice at the insurer hindering its positioning amongst the top 10 performing short-term insurers in South Africa. Quality is vital in establishing a company as a leader in its industry that satisfy its customer needs beyond their expectations. Quality cannot be stagnant, as customer needs are dynamic. Therefore, quality needs to continuously improve in order to satisfy the ever changing customers' needs. This paper focuses on strategic quality planning in CI efforts from a South African perspective, contribution is made to body of knowledge relating to quality and CI in the short-term insurance environment.

Proceedings of the International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Operations Management Rabat, Morocco, April 11-13, 2017, 2017

The study presents findings on how a local insurance uses information management to continuously ... more The study presents findings on how a local insurance uses information management to continuously improve customer satisfaction. The use of information and the way it is managed at this insurer are reviewed and CI tools related to information management are proposed. A survey tool was developed to acquire data in terms of information management using a 5-points Likert Scale. The survey intended to shed lights on information management at this local insurer, and to what extent information collected externally (from customers in particular) as well as internally was used in an effort to continuously improve customers' satisfaction. Company policy establishes a framework within which information should be used in order to continuously improve services to satisfy customers. However, the analysis of the survey results, although inconclusive, shows that employees dealing directly with customers explicitly indicated that there was lack of understanding of the rationale of collecting critical information, and that reporting channels designed to feed information into the system were either misunderstood or simply unknown. This paper builds upon, though limited, related research as well as papers, therefore widening the knowledge in the field of CI in the insurance sector.

2017 IEEE International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management (IEEM), 2017

This study was conducted in a Medical Laboratory in Johannesburg, South Africa, to evaluate the e... more This study was conducted in a Medical Laboratory in Johannesburg, South Africa, to evaluate the effectiveness and impact of participating in External Quality Assurance (EQA) programs towards proving the correctness of lab results and continuous quality improvement. The study followed a quantitative approach whereby survey questionnaires were emailed and handed out to laboratory personnel. The participant's responses were summarized and analysed using frequency tables and histograms. The data analysis results indicated that the EQA programs play a vital role in quality management and improvement. Most participants indicated that they understood the role the EQA programs play and felt that it is necessary for a medical laboratory to participate in such programs, coupled with other quality assurance and quality control procedures such as IQC, daily QC procedures, corrective action and continuous education. This research showed that EQA plays a vital role in the correct interpretation and reporting of the lab results.

Proceedings of the International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Operations Management Rabat, Morocco, April 11-13, 2017, 2017

2017 IEEE International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management (IEEM), 2017

DESCRIPTION In this study, the state of affairs with regards to lean thinking and its implementat... more DESCRIPTION In this study, the state of affairs with regards to lean thinking and its implementation in the South African insurance industry is examined as a case study at Regent Insurance. Light is shed on the status quo of lean implementation within the insurance industry, with a way forward provided based on the findings from this study. As the South African insurance industry is growing, and efforts are being invested in creating jobs to cater for a fast growing market, insurance companies now find it vital to emphasise cost reduction, optimisation of operational performance, organisational effectiveness and waste reduction.

DESCRIPTION This study presents the role a video assignment had in motivating the students to wan... more DESCRIPTION This study presents the role a video assignment had in motivating the students to want to learn more about Operations Management 1, with 83% of students who took part in the survey conducted after the assignment was submitted agreeing that the assignment helped in motivating them to want to learn more. The study also highlights the positive impact the video assignment had in the relationship between students’ drive to succeed and the increase in the module pass rate during the 2014 academic year, compared to previous years.

Think India, 2019

The purpose of this paper is to contribute towards the important aspects of Employee empowerment ... more The purpose of this paper is to contribute towards the important aspects of Employee empowerment and Organisational performance. It shows the relationship between Employee empowerment and its effects on Organisational performance in North Indian firms. This paper tries to make the Employee leaders and top management realize the importance of Employee empowerment as a means enhancing performance. The ultimate objective is to determine the impact of Employee empowerment on Organisational performance.

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of Company X QMS on the contractors... more Abstract: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of Company X QMS on the contractors’ quality performance. The study will also determine how Company X’s QMS can be utilized to improve the quality performance of its contractors. The survey conducted evidently shows that one element was utilized to enforce contractors to comply with the quality requirements, and that is the implementation of Quality Control Plan (QCP) that is approved by Company X’s Quality Department before execution of any project. Findings indicate that Company X needs to integrate quality requirements in the procurement process to ensure that contractors understand the quality expectations and requirements in its contractor management process

2018 IEEE International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management (IEEM), 2018

This paper’s objectives are to establish and document internal clients’ perception about the qual... more This paper’s objectives are to establish and document internal clients’ perception about the quality of service received at the Main Laboratory of the LAB, a national laboratory dealing with transmittable diseases in South Africa. The study followed a quantitative design approach with cross functional examinations. Data collection tool was based on “SERVQUAL” model. Findings show that in terms of the quality dimensions, the LAB’s centres performed variably in many aspects and to a varying degree in different quality dimensions measured. Each centre had its own unique set of challenges. The recommendations made in this study can be implemented as a solution to the problems faced by the LAB and other similar departments. This study viewed from a South African perspective, is first of its kind as it explores the effectiveness of the implementation of a Quality Management System at a biosafety level 4, the only one on the African continent.

2017 IEEE International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management (IEEM), 2017

The aim of the paper is to present the finding of an investigation conducted at a local branch of... more The aim of the paper is to present the finding of an investigation conducted at a local branch of an international company involved in the construction of renewable power plant in South Africa. The study followed a quantitative design approach to identify the correlation between the organizations internal controls and its supplier's performance. Therefore, a purposive sampling technique i.e. questionnaires, was electronically sent out by email to 40 employees involved in the construction of renewable power plants. The results of the study revealed the organization failed to define and implement an effective supplier selection process. The results also revealed that the expected quality performance of the supplier was not clearly documented and quantified in the contract documents. There was no consideration taken by the organization about employee's capability and competence in managing the project. Due to the nature the study, the results cannot be generalised throughout the whole industry.

Procedia Manufacturing, 2017

Global competitiveness has impacted the business environment domestically and globally. In fact, ... more Global competitiveness has impacted the business environment domestically and globally. In fact, it creates a challenge for organisations, particularly manufacturing firms, to seek ways of retaining skills and talent to sustain business practices. This paper highlights the key elements encompassed by continuous innovation that address the challenges associated with the turbulent business environment of manufacturing firms. The paper also suggests an appropriate approach toward sustainable business practices using a global market lens. A single case study was conducted in one of the largest steel manufacturing firms in South Africa using a qualitative study methodology. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews from 13 ICT experts: system analyst III; system analyst; system engineer; top management; and system user. Data was analysed according to qualitative content analysis. The key findings suggest that sustainable business practices depend on continuous innovation rather than advanced manufacturing technologies. Equally, advanced manufacturing technologies require innovative ways and a workforce with a high level of skill for enhancing competitiveness to sustain business through the technologies. It is noted that manufacturing firms are investing in technology rather than the human capital that is required to attain continuous innovation.

2017 IEEE International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management (IEEM)

This study was conducted in a Medical Laboratory in Johannesburg, South Africa, to evaluate the e... more This study was conducted in a Medical Laboratory in Johannesburg, South Africa, to evaluate the effectiveness and impact of participating in External Quality Assurance (EQA) programs towards improving the correctness of lab results and continuous quality improvement. The study followed a quantitative approach whereby survey questionnaires were emailed and handed out to laboratory personnel. The participant's responses were summarized and analysed using frequency tables and histograms. The data analysis results indicated that the EQA programs play a vital role in quality management and improvement. Most participants indicated that they understood the role the EQA programs play and felt that it is necessary for a medical laboratory to participate in such programs, coupled with other quality assurance and quality control procedures such as IQC, daily QC procedures, corrective action and continuous education. This research showed that EQA plays a vital role in the correct interpretation and reporting of the lab results.

The study presents findings on how a local insurance uses information management to continuously ... more The study presents findings on how a local insurance uses information management to continuously improve customer satisfaction. The use of information and the way it is managed at this insurer are reviewed and CI tools related to information management are proposed. A survey tool was developed to acquire data in terms of information management using a 5-points Likert Scale. The survey intended to shed lights on information management at this local insurer, and to what extent information collected externally (from customers in particular) as well as internally was used in an effort to continuously improve customers’ satisfaction. Company policy establishes a framework within which information should be used in order to continuously improve services to satisfy customers. However, the analysis of the survey results, although inconclusive, shows that employees dealing directly with customers explicitly indicated that there was lack of understanding of the rationale of collecting critica...

Procedia Manufacturing, 2017