SUNScholar - Browsing by Author "Vlok, P. J."

Browsing by Author "Vlok, P. J."

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The absence of a creative focus in the conventional engineering design process : identifying research opportunities to address this
(SAIIE, 2016-05) Oosthuizen, Louzanne; Vlok, P. J.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This paper synthesizes an overview of various models of the engineering design process with an overview of the most relevant theories within the field of creativity studies to conclude that (i) creativity plays a role throughout the engineering design process, and it is possible to incorporate creativity into the engineering design process in a systematic manner; (ii) doing so, at the very least, holds significant potential for economic benefit; and (iii) due to the complex interplay between creativity and the wide range of factors that influence it, organisational climates and management practices cannot simply be assumed to support creativity effectively. It is proposed that organisations be managed proactively to support creativity in engineering design. For this study, a structured literature search protocol was implemented to determine whether there is any evidence in the literature that engineering organisations are being managed proactively with this in mind; none was found. Two opportunities for future research are suggested based on these findings: (i) the development of a framework to guide the proactive management of engineering organisations to support creativity; and (ii) the development of mechanisms for measuring creativity in engineering organisations and engineering design.
Broadening the influence of asset managers through the six principles of persuasion
(Southern African Institute for Industrial Engineering, 2016) Swart, P. D.; Vlok, P. J.; Jooste, J. L.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Asset managers (AMRs) have long struggled to influence others within their organisations to support Asset Management (AM) practices. This dilemma was further highlighted with the issuance of the AM suite of standards, ISO 55000. This paper explores an alternative approach to existing influence and change management approaches. Social psychology, and more specifically Robert Cialdini’s ‘six principles of persuasion’, have benefited advertisers, lawyers, and even waiters in their respective professions, by helping them to influence others and induce compliance. Fortunately, AMRs can now do the same. Implementing these principles offers numerous advantages and requires small, practical, and often costless changes that can make a large difference to their ability to influence and persuade others in an ethical way.
Building a scenario based active mapping investment tool within a physical asset management framework
(University of Pretoria, 2014) Campher, Cedric Abraham; Vlok, P. J.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study explores the implementation of an integrated capital budgeting visual mapping framework comprised of both Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) and Real Options Analysis (ROA) techniques. Physical asset investment decisions are based largely on rigid discounted cash flow tools which provide untimely and incomplete decisional criteria. While literature outlines the widespread use of traditional DCF techniques, it nevertheless reveals extensive limitations, including its static inflexibility and slow-to-evolve framework. ROA is a more recent valuation tool based on stock option theory. It brings into account added value found in the flexibility of managerial decision-making and uncertain conditions. This study implements a combined DCF and ROA capital budgeting tool within a Physical Asset Management (PAM) environment. The validity of the framework is realised through an industry-relevant case study presented by a South African mining company.
A case study on maximising the profitability of a form fill and seal machine by optimising interruption intervals
(SAIIE, 2010) Vlok, P. J.; Fourie, C. J.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The practice of delivering consumer liquids in sachets, as opposed to alternative disposable packaging, has gained significant ground in the market in recent years because of environmental considerations, the cost benefit of sachets, and the relatively simple machinery required to produce sachets. In this paper, data obtained from a form, fill and seal (FFS) sachet producing machine is analysed for financial feasibility. A statistical model is fitted to the data to optimise production interruptions, and the model’s relevance and value is confirmed on a second data set obtained from the same machine.
Correlation and causation : a potential pitfall for efficient asset management
(South African Institute for Industrial Engineering, 2014) Heyns, Johannes Hendrik; Vlok, P. J.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The successful coordination of activities and practices within a system rely on the organisation’s ability to make informed decisions. Decisions must be made quickly and effectively, while ensuring efficient Physical Asset Management (PAM). Access to processed data, in the form of reliable information, on how sub systems interact greatly simplifies decision-making. Many organisations mistake correlation for causation when analysing this data. Such a mistake carries great consequences for organisations, since important decisions might unknowingly be based on self-invented problems, while the true problem is left unresolved. It is crucial to understand the difference between correlation and causation when practising root cause analysis within a PAM environment. Although root cause analysisis presumed a highly specialised field, organisations can equip themselves to better understand how different events within a PAM system are interconnected. If done correctly this might simplify the process of detecting problems, which might exist within a system.This paper highlights the differences between correlation and causation. Potential pitfalls on how correlation can be mistaken for causation within a PAM environment are identify and explained. Recommendations are made on how to avoid these pitfalls.
A decision support model to determine the critical success factors of asset management services
(SAIIE, 2015) Jooste, Johannes Lodewyk; Vlok, P. J.
Business-to-business services relating to physical asset management play an increasingly important role in industry. This is in the context of the current pressures that organisations experience in realising optimal value from their assets. Complying with asset management standards such as ISO 55000 contributes towards the importance of these services. This paper summarises the findings from a study identifying the critical success factors for asset management services, and presents a decision support model that provides the asset management community with access to these factors for decision-making and for improving asset management services.
A framework for establishing a human asset register for the improved management of people in physical asset management
(Southern African Institute for Industrial Engineering, 2016) Kriege, Lara; Jooste, Wyhan; Vlok, P. J.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: People are fundamental to the success of managing physical assets. Line managers are increasingly becoming responsible for people- management activities that were traditionally placed within the human resources function, while often lacking effective people- management skills. A framework was developed to establish a human asset register to support asset managers in improving the management of people. The proposed framework provides a generic step-based approach to establishing a structured reflection of human dimensional information to facilitate the application of people management through asset managers. Structured expert interviews validated the proposed framework as providing a pragmatic method to solve the identified problem.
Mapping primary constraints in physical asset management strategy execution, using social network analysis
(Southern African Institute for Industrial Engineering, 2013-08) Baum, J.; Vlok, P. J.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The successful execution of a physical asset management strategy is an important value driver for organisations that are highly dependent on the service delivery of physical assets. Research demonstrates that strategic targets are often not met, and that the means to detect the constraints that can undermine strategy execution efforts are deficient. The purpose of this article is to investigate social network analysis (SNA) as a method to map primary constraints in physical asset management strategy execution (PAMSE). As an interim result, the study found that dysfunctional information flow and poor decision-making are the primary constraints that can hinder the PAMSE. An SNA application methodology was developed and applied at two research sites in the South African mining industry. This study found that SNA can be used to map constraints experienced in PAMSE; but it also points towards important prerequisites that have to be established for SNA to be successful.
A mechanism for the early detection and management of physical asset management strategy execution failure
(Southern African Institute for Industrial Engineering, 2016) Stimie, Johann; Vlok, P. J.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The purpose of this paper is to present a mechanism that can assist physical asset management (PAM) practitioners and academics with the early detection and management of PAM strategy execution failure. In the pursuit of this objective, case studies were applied to develop the theory related to this topic the methodologies involved in the development of theory through case studies was were applied. The paper commences with a brief literature review of the contemporary literature on general business strategy, strategy execution, and, more specifically, PAM strategy execution failure (PAMSEF). The physical asset management strategy execution enforcement mechanism (PAMSEEM) is presented next. Validation of each one of the components of the PAMSEEM takes place within the context of an organisation that is highly dependent on physical assets (PA) dependent organization. The conclusion reached is that the PAMSEEM, can indeed assist organisations with the early detection and management of PAMSEF.
Mitigating delays in the operations of a business entity when converting to the ISO 55000 standard
(South African Institute for Industrial Engineering, 2014) Botha, Louis Jona; Vlok, P. J.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Existing business entities often employ their own operational procedures and guidelines regarding asset management. However, converting to the ISO 5500X standards can adversely affect the operational performance of these business entities. Most of these pre-existing asset management systems possess some degree of operational inertia. This operational inertia can lead to delays when change is introduced. These delays could also discourage further adoption of the ISO 5500X standards. This study sets out to describe a method that identifies sources of substantial delays within an asset management system, specifically those originating from converting to the ISO 5500X standards. The identification of these sources is achieved through the use of mathematical modelling methods. The aforementioned information can lead to appropriate planning prior to the conversion to the ISO 5500X standards. If potential delays are identified, they can be pre-emptively mitigated with said plan, thus ensuring minimal reduction in operational performance.
Quantitative methods required for implementing PAS 55 or the ISO 55000 series for asset management
(Southern African Institute for Industrial Engineering, 2013-11) Minnaar, J. R.; Basson, W.; Vlok, P. J.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Asset management is an important part of any organisation, as it allows them to extract value from their assets. The publicly-available specification for asset management (PAS 55) outlines what a standardised asset management system should consist of. The newly-proposed series of standards from the International Organizations for Standardization (the ISO 55000 series) also aims to provide a standardised framework for an asset management system. Both of these documents, however, only tell organisations what should be done, not how to do it. This article provides an introductory overview of numerical tools that an organisation can use when implementing an asset management system, and provides resources for further reading.
A standardised model to quantify the financial impact of poor engineering information quality in the oil and gas industry
(Southern African Institute for Industrial Engineering, 2019) Coetzer, Emile Otto; Vlok, P. J.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Industry needs quality data, but digital formats increase the risk of lost data quality, implying huge risk. The benefits of data quality are difficult to calculate in order to justify the expense. A survey was developed and validated at an operating asset as a precedent. The elements are productivity and production loss, and increased cost and risk. A Monte Carlo method was field tested. The results were presented in graphical and Pareto form to facilitate funding and prioritisation. The results prove that the cost is significant. As a first exploration of the subject, opportunities exist for more sophisticated models, and for investigating causality.
Statistical analysis of caterpillar 793D haul truck engine data and through-life diagnostic information using the proportional hazards model
(Southern African Institute for Industrial Engineering, 2013-08) Carstens, W. A.; Vlok, P. J.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Physical asset management (PAM) is of increasing concern for companies in industry today. A key performance area of PAM is asset care plans (ACPs), which consist of maintenance strategies such as usage based maintenance (UBM) and condition based maintenance (CBM). Data obtained from the South African mining industry was modelled using a CBM prognostic model called the proportional hazards model (PHM). Results indicated that the developed model produced estimates that were reasonable representations of reality. These findings provide an exciting basis for the development of future Weibull PHMs that could result in huge maintenance cost savings and reduced failure occurrences.
Towards a framework for systemic creativity in engineering organisations
(Southern African Institute for Industrial Engineering, 2016) Bam, L.; Vlok, P. J.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This article builds on earlier research that made the case for developing a framework to ensure increased, sustained, creative activity in engineering organisations. A milestone in the development of such a framework is the identification of the elements of creativity that need to be considered. This research reviews the literature on the systems perspective on creativity to identify seven elements of creativity that have been proposed in the literature. A literature review on each of these seven elements is presented to (i) determine whether the element should be included in the framework; (ii) define the element for the purpose of the framework; and (iii) determine whether any author proposes an aspect of creativity that cannot be accommodated under one of the seven elements as they have been defined here.
Utilizing decision forest regression machine learning algorithm to predict filling line utilization for optimal maintenance scheduling
(South African Institute for Industrial Engineering, 2018) Smith, Lauren; Zastron, Mauritz; Vlok, P. J.
Small margins within the packaging industry mean financial success in this field relies on high equipment availability. To achieve this high equipment availability, maintenance schedules should be carefully planned to minimize downtime. A key component of maintenance schedule planning is predicting equipment utilization. This can prove very difficult as there are many variables such as market demand, seasonality of products, capability and diversity of equipment, and inherent reliability, to name a few. Even some of the leading players in the packaging industry treat the complexities and chaos involved with predicting equipment utilization as a topic best avoided. Current approaches to this problem range from no prediction at all to only a simple linear extrapolation. This paper investigates the merits of using machine learning algorithms to predict equipment utilization in the packaging industry with the aim of optimizing maintenance schedules. Machine learning entails pattern recognition of past data and inclusion of pertinent variables in the present to forecast behaviour. This paper begins with a brief literature review of the field before using data, obtained from a multinational packaging company, to test some of the most promising methods of machine learning in a case study.

Browsing by Author "Vlok, P. J."

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