Andre Vermeulen - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Andre Vermeulen

This paper focuses on the concepts of Just-in-time, Toyota Production System (TPS), and Lean Oper... more This paper focuses on the concepts of Just-in-time, Toyota Production System (TPS), and Lean Operations, which are introduced and dealt with in depth. The following key elements must be understood as Kaynak (2002) suggested, the origins of JIT in Japan and how it became a method of decreasing inventory levels, JIT has evolved into an extensive management philosophy. The main aim of JIT is to generate a feasible competitive advantage by focusing on conveying superior performance of goods and services in terms of quality, service, and cost. The aim of the JIT philosophy is constantly eliminating waste, production efficiency, and quality of a product. The advantages of JIT when effectively executed and limitations of JIT in the supply chain. The purpose of the Toyota Production System which is to eradicate through development activities of different kinds of waste lying concealed within an organization, Ohno (2013). Toyota can make profits during a recession phase by lowering costs through a production system that removes excessive stock and workforce, Liker (2014). This literature examines the main objective of this production system and how it creates products, moreover in areas where Japanese transformation can be seen, Fullerton & McWatters (2004).

The purpose of this paper is to determine the satisfaction level and repurchase behaviour of cust... more The purpose of this paper is to determine the satisfaction level and repurchase behaviour of customers from fast food outlets (FFO), with regard to the five service quality dimensions. The focal point of the paper is to evaluate the fast food outlets (FFO), service quality through customer satisfaction. The higher the level of customer satisfaction, the greater the impact on customer retention and repurchasing behaviour. A questionnaire was established from SERVQUAL (Perceptions vs Expectations) and repurchasing behaviour concepts. The research required a convenient sampling method. Data obtained was analysed using description analysis to determine whether service quality perceived, leads to repeat purchases. After the composite analysis was conducted, it indicated a disparity between customers' perceptions and expectations. The overall service quality of the three combined fast food outlets using the SERVQUAL instrument resulted in negative gap average of (−0.6174) indicating that customers' expectations exceed perceptions. Consequently, customers are dissatisfied with service perceived.

Effective organizations require operations strategies based on competitive priority analyses such... more Effective organizations require operations strategies based on competitive priority analyses such as cost, quality, flexibility and delivery speed. These factors indicate how an organization is effectively doing the right thing whilst operations strategy involves the overall activities that drive the organization to achieve its organizational operational goals.

: Interface risks are inherent in every construction project from start to finish. Identifying an... more : Interface risks are inherent in every construction project from start to finish. Identifying and managing these risks effectively in every project phase is crucial for actualising project objectives. This paper shows a comprehensive framework showing several relationships between project stakeholders and how the interface risks between them that influence project execution are identified and managed for the overall construction project success. Firstly, literature review on interfaces and interface risks were car-ried out and how organisations managed interface risks were discussed and secondly, the collection of quantitative data was conducted by means of structured online questionnaires. The sample consisted of 205 construction project professionals who were selected randomly. This group included individuals with various roles in the construction industry, The data was analysed using descriptive statistical methods, including factor analysis, reliability assessment, and calculations of frequencies and percentages. Finally, the results showed all the factors, work culture and organisational approaches that influence interface risk management and ways to identify and manage interface risks effectively.

Proceedings of the International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Operations Management

Journal of Construction Business and Management, 2021

It is generally accepted that construction quality process implementation improves construction p... more It is generally accepted that construction quality process implementation improves construction project performance through the systematic application of quality practices. It is equally established that current quality management systems, particularly compliance management, are essential for Small and medium-enterprises (SMEs) seeking effective completion of road-building infrastructure. Despite the opportunities offered by these quality practices, there are potential pitfalls. As low-cost economies proliferate, South African construction SMEs are under increasing pressure to be more flexible and innovative. The study examines the factors affecting the quality of work produced by construction SMEs through a regulatory road building procedure, namely design, construction, and execution. A questionnaire survey was conducted among 165 SME contractors, designers, and their experience was recorded of construction quality standards and performance improvement on completed work in the pub...

2022 Portland International Conference on Management of Engineering and Technology (PICMET)

Lecture notes in civil engineering, Jun 22, 2022

The study investigates the effects of Total Quality Management (TQM) implementation on process en... more The study investigates the effects of Total Quality Management (TQM) implementation on process engineering design firms. Secondly, the study investigates the extent of TQM adoption by South African process engineering design firms. Lastly, the study investigates the perceived importance of TQM principles. The study reveals that 70% of the firms which participated in the surv ey have formally adopted TQM while 30% have not. Although the firms which have not formally adopted TQM are implementing TQM principles, they have not been able to implement the principles as well as the firms which have formally adopted TQM. It also reveals that TQM implementation im proves employee satisfaction, customer satisfaction, and financial performance while providing a vision that channels the entire organisation towards improvements in product quality and customer‐related

Lean Six Sigma (LSS) methodology is becoming popular in South African companies, motivated by the... more Lean Six Sigma (LSS) methodology is becoming popular in South African companies, motivated by the drive to reduce costs and optimise operational processes. There are indications from literature of various challenges experienced by companies in their journey to implement and sustain LSS. There is no authoritative statistics around the scale of LSS implementations in South African organisations or on the success and failure rates of these implementations. This research’s chief objective was the development of a dynamic model which could be used to predict and sustain LSS deployments in local companies. The research also purposed to expand the body of knowledge on factors affecting the sustainability of LSS. Multiple case studies were employed for concept building in this research. A three phased approach using interviews and a survey was employed in conducting the research. The research confirmed that companies were experiencing various challenges including lack of top management buy-...

Engineering graduates’ inability to apply theoretical knowledge in practice has become a challeng... more Engineering graduates’ inability to apply theoretical knowledge in practice has become a challenge during the graduates’ transition into the industry. Engineering graduates require the competence to apply theoretical knowledge. Through experiential learning, and with the assistance of a senior and/or experienced professional acting as mentors, this is achievable. This study explores the perspectives of academic and industry professionals with an engineering, construction and academic background on what benefits mentoring provide in getting the engineering graduates to build the relevant practical skills. A qualitative research approach using semi-structured interviews was conducted with participants. The study findings based on the analysis of data collected shows that through mentoring graduates accelerate career development, experiential learning, and skills development. Mentoring can foster the acquisition of the practical skills required for the engineering graduates to be attra...

This paper reviews the extent of the disruptive nature of Industry 4.0 technologies applied to ex... more This paper reviews the extent of the disruptive nature of Industry 4.0 technologies applied to existing manufacturing industries. The inherent efficient and precision nature presented within the Cyber Physical Systems (CPS) and the nine pillars of Industry 4.0 technologies will increasingly exploit industry operations. This development of strategies and the impact thereof is significant for the drivers impacting on competitive forces within industry as well as consumers across the globe. The paper objective will therefore by means of research study illustrates how to (i) critically analyse the current developments of the nine pillars Industry 4.0 (ii) identify the dynamics of CPS’s in the short term and (iii) how a multitude of exponential improvements can be realised for the early adopters of a digital strategy as a catalyst for increased organisational capability maturity through exponential continuous improvements and sustained innovation opportunities. The research results obtai...

Organisations face many challenges in their battle to survive in the current economic climate. A ... more Organisations face many challenges in their battle to survive in the current economic climate. A major challenge facing an organisation is the need to change and change rapidly to remain competitive. This imperative to change can be categorised as a key to survival. A major change agent in the current economic climate is the optimisation of resources and business processes. Consequently, optimisation has become an essential part in the strategy for survival. An important prerequisite in achieving optimisation is the elimination of waste and as a result adding value to business processes, products and services companywide. Recent research postulates that to be successful, organisations must implement strategies to boost process optimisation objectives that achieve customer satisfaction and competitiveness. This paper explores and investigates the interrelationship between lean agility implementation and process optimisation decisions. It particularly focuses on the impact of lean app...

A study of this magnitude is initiated by the researcher's conviction and ability, but to finish ... more A study of this magnitude is initiated by the researcher's conviction and ability, but to finish it needs the conviction, support and encouragement of loved ones, colleagues and friendsno person can achieve this alone. I am thankful and appreciate the following support and understanding: Our Heavenly Father who blessed me with the ability to achieve this. My wife Suzette for her understanding, unconditional support, and confidence in my ability to complete the study. I am grateful and love her dearly. My children, grand children, family and friends for supporting me. My Supervisor Professor Jan-Harm Pretorius, who supported me and offered me advice and assistance when needed. My Co-supervisor Professor David Kruger for his time, encouragement and support. My Colleagues and participants who assisted me with the questionnairesmy sincere appreciation for the time availed. The University of Johannesburg that afforded me the opportunity to partake in this wonderful degree that enriched me to such an extent

Organisations in South Africa now, more than ever before, need to introduce Total Quality Managem... more Organisations in South Africa now, more than ever before, need to introduce Total Quality Management (TQM) in their organisational culture to provide outstanding products and services to their customers. Although TQM has been introduced to improve organisational performance, it is perceived that some organisations have not accomplished much over the years. Achieving results by implementing TQM is challenging and depends on (i) leadership, (ii) employee involvement, (iii) customer focus, (iv) strategic planning, (v) supplier relations, (vi) process management and (vii) information analysis. These principles must be incorporated in the organisational performance measures in terms of (i) quality improvement, (ii) product/service quality, (iii) customer satisfaction, (iv) employee satisfaction and (v) supplier performance. Current research in both the manufacturing and service industries in South Africa reveals that TQM does have an influence on the five organisational performance measu...

2013 Proceedings of PICMET '13: Technology Management in the IT-Driven Services (PICMET), 2013

Lean is seen as an instrument to increase competitiveness through continuous improvement. Accordi... more Lean is seen as an instrument to increase competitiveness through continuous improvement. According to numerous research papers less than 0, 5% of an organisation's process operations are value adding. Lean principles need to be understood in the context of performance and service delivery and organizations need to adopt a lean mindset and deploy lean approaches for retention, loyalty and customer satisfaction. Key decision makers resolve and dedication is critical for launching an initiative that seeks to modify work place behaviors. Organization therefore requires rational improvement measurement guidelines ensuring a structured approach in helping systems delivery to drive business innovation through measured and continuous improvement of their processes. In short it is fruitless if performance is only measured without improvement made. What should happen is that organizations should (1) empower people to measure, manage, and improve their delivery capabilities (2) adopt meas...

30th Annual Conference of the International Association for Management of Technology (IAMOT 2021)

Proceedings of the International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Operations Management

Journal of Construction Business and Management, 2021

2022 Portland International Conference on Management of Engineering and Technology (PICMET)

Lecture notes in civil engineering, Jun 22, 2022

2013 Proceedings of PICMET '13: Technology Management in the IT-Driven Services (PICMET), 2013

30th Annual Conference of the International Association for Management of Technology (IAMOT 2021)