Masters Degrees (Industrial Engineering)
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Browsing Masters Degrees (Industrial Engineering) by Subject "Additive manufacturing -- South Africa"
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- ItemThe development of a business model innovation framework from a value network perspective applied to the prospective cemented tungsten carbide additive manufacturing sector in South Africa(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2022-04) Van Heerden, Ane; Grobbelaar, S. S.; Sacks, Natasha; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Engineering. Dept. of Industrial Engineering.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The adoption and implementation of Industry 4.0 technologies lead to numerous opportunities and challenges for small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs), which form an important part of the manufacturing industry and the South African economy. One such technology is additive manufacturing (AM) that enables the production and delivery of new products and services. Since SMMEs are often characterised by a lack of finance, capacity, resources, and competencies, it is imperative to form part of value networks. These intentionally formed value networks, referred to in this study as strategic business nets, aim to gain or sustain a competitive advantage through collaboration among competitors to increase capacity, co-operation with customers to develop focused competencies, and collaboration with partners that provide access to complementary competencies and resources. For SMMEs, the configuration of these strategic business nets remains challenging, as well as the ability to develop applicable networked business models to create, deliver, and capture value. Therefore, SMMEs require guidance to adopt new principles in transforming their business models from the firm-level to the network-level, referred to as networked business model innovation. The aim of this study was to systematically develop a business model innovation framework from a value network perspective to support SMMEs to configure strategic business nets and develop appropriate networked business models. Furthermore, this study was focused on the application value of such a management framework and tool to the cemented tungsten carbide manufacturing industry of South Africa with a view to incorporate additive manufacturing into the sector via SMMEs. Although the use of AM techniques to produce tungsten carbide products is still an emerging research field, business related research is of utmost importance to support industry development and strengthening. Since SMMEs often cannot afford comprehensive external advisory services, lack guidance in business restructuring amidst disruptive change, and lack mature and systematic development procedures, it is imperative to focus research studies to develop self-explanatory methods and tools to guide the strategic development and growth of these SMMEs. The management framework and tool were developed, refined, and evaluated through multiple design cycle iterations, as informed by the Design Science Research Framework. Various aspects, including frameworks, concepts, elements, and activities were obtained from the business model, business model innovation and value network literature domains. Furthermore, insights were obtained from various subject-matter experts within the business, manufacturing, and AM industries. As part of the management framework, a value network visualisation or mapping tool was developed, referred to as the strategic business net configuration process, to enable users to visualise the configuration of future strategic business nets. To demonstrate the framework’s applicability and capacity to support the prospective cemented tungsten AM industry of South Africa, a type of case study was conducted. The findings and insights obtained could provide potential support for future users and key role players within the industry to build upon. Finally, the management framework was converted into a management tool using online, collaborative software that could be used by manufacturing SMMEs, or entrepreneurs that want to enter an emerging technology market.