Jan-Harm Pretorius

A perspective on human factors contributing to quality requirements: A cross-case analysis

Although formal definitions and processes do exist for requirements engineering, projects are still failing due to the poor quality of requirements. This study investigates this phenomenon, in particular the reasons why high quality requirements cannot be delivered.

Framework assessment for costs of poor quality in higher education processes

Higher education quality costs are escalating daily and the cost of poor quality is becoming excessive. The higher education department has indicated that inefficiencies within the higher education environment are affecting the performance and the return of investments. This research uses 2011 and 2012 records retrieved on Industrial Engineering department from the Management Information System unit of Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa. It focuses on how cost of poor quality can be categorized within higher education environment, and identifies methods which can be used to minimize these costs with the purpose of improving the performance and return of investments. The paper established the cost of poor quality for the department using the teaching input grant, teaching output grant, research output grant, and institutional factor grants, teaching input unit, students full credit load and among other factors. The results of this research indicated that USD94,3166.24 and USD933,431.92 were lost for the year 2011 and 2012 respectively on just one department and affirmed that failure cost and preventative costs are the main costs associated with higher education inefficiencies and shortfalls. Thus, Application of lean enterprise or lean six sigma tools is recommended to salvage the situation.

AN INTEGRATED SYSTEMS APPROACH TO RISK MANAGEMENT WITHIN A TECHNOLOGY-DRIVEN INDUSTRY, USING THE DESIGN STRUCTURE MATRIX AND FUZZY LOGIC#

Risk interactions exist within a system and its sub-systems, between functional and physical elements in various dimensions such as spatial interaction, information exchange, material transfer, and energy exchange. These interactions are of a multi-dimensional complexity, and thus are not sufficiently interpreted using conventional management tools. Alternative system representation and analysis techniques are proposed – in particular the design structure matrix (DSM) and fuzzy logic thinking – to quantify the risk management effort necessary to deal with uncertain and imprecise interactions. A cement grinding plant case study is used to elaborate on the risk management methodology OPSOMMING Risiko-interaksies bestaan binne ’n stelsel en sy sub-stelsels, tussen funksionele en fisiese elemente. Hierdie interaksies kan gekwantifiseer word in ’n ruimtelike, inligting-uitruiling, materiaal-oordrag of energie-uitruiling raamwerk. Die interaksies is van ’n multidimensionele kompleksiteit, en word nie effektief geїnterpreteer deur middel van konvensionele beheermetodes nie. Alternatiewe stelselvoorstelling- en analiseringstegnieke kan gebruik word om die sisteeminteraksies te visualiseer. Die Ontwerp Struktuur Matriks (‘design structure matrix’), en Wasige Logika (‘Fuzzy Logic’) word ingespan om hierdie interaksies voor te stel en eenvoudig te kwantifiseer. ’n Sementaanleggevallestudie word gebruik om die risikobestuurmetodologie op die proef te stel. a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a

Derating line voltage as an option for reliability enhancement of lightly loaded networks

Networks with light loadings can suffer from steady state overvoltages and this can lead to damaged insulation of the equipments, accelerated electrical aging of equipment due to frequent operation under exceeded voltage limits. Common solutions for this problems entail the use of shunt reactors, series reactors, using tap changing of transformers, and ultimately, switching off of lines. In this paper, the authors evaluate the potential of derating the voltage of lines in the load centre, using step down transformers, as a solution for overvoltages. Load flow studies are conducted for a healthy network, with and without step down transformers, and voltages in these two cases are compared. The results showed that it is possible to operate the network with acceptable voltages in the case with step down transformers. There is no need to disconnect lines, putting load at risk, thereby worsening reliability, to maintain acceptable voltages however, it is necessary in the case without step down transformers. The use of step down transformer, thus enable voltages to be kept within limits and improves the reliability of the network.

A Research-Based Approach for Higher Education Systems: Nigeria in Perspective

In recent years, developing countries educational sector have been changing from the usual traditional teaching educational system which they have been practicing over a long time to research based in order to acclimatize with the rapid changes in knowledge and technology. It became important to explore the scope of knowledge management and channels its usage towards attaining a sustainable research output in the developing countries, especially in Nigerian universities. Categorizing the factors responsible for good research outputs and exploring these factors via the aid of the implementation of knowledge management and good Quality management practices can lead to a high research output success in our universities. A tertiary institution was surveyed in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria, according to the staff members, the factors responsible for real research output in the school is linked to recognition of staff members outstanding performance and reward of staff members either monetary or non-monetary. Also, there were some indications from the survey that regular training of staff members on time management, research symposium are useful components for good quality research outputs.

Utilizing IEC61850 Standard and the Generic Object Orientated Substation Event Facility in Modern Protection and Control Devices

IEC61850 technology has proved to be the future of communications in the power system protection environment. The numerous benefits of IEC61850 overshadow what the current widely used DNP3 technology has to offer. This paper is concerned with the investigation of the electrical protection communications technology which will be most beneficial to power utilities. In evaluating the two communication design alternatives, IEC61850 and DNP3, the research relied on theory, laboratory experiments, probability models and equipment purchase data. Analytical analysis of the two designs was carried out using a Monte Carlo approach whereby the stochastic weights of the seven evaluation criteria used in this research were presented as inputs to Monte Carlo analysis. The Simple Additive Weighting (SAW) strategy was employed as a deterministic model within Monte Carlo to evaluate the probability of IEC61850 being the most preferred technology over DNP3 or DNP3 over IEC61850 conversely. Three worst case scenarios of preferences were used during Monte Carlo evaluation. It was found through statistical analysis of the analytically obtained overall results that the probability of DNP3 technology being beneficial over IEC61850 was 0.54 in one of the worst case scenarios. In the other two worst case scenarios the probability of IEC61850 being the most desirable technology was found to be 0.52 and 0.59.

Factors Affecting the Evolution of Welding and Fabrication Education from the Perspective of Engineering Technology Graduates in Nigeria

The application welding and fabrication principles are at the core of industrial activities. The evolution of welding and fabrication education however is expected to meet the demands of the constantly evolving technology and industrial space. This paper investigates the factors affecting the evolution of welding and fabrication education in Nigeria based on the results of a questionnaire survey from 122 graduates of Welding and Fabrication Engineering Technology of the Petroleum Training Institute Effrun, Nigeria. Data analysis was carried out using the mean item score and factor analysis. Results revealed that the level of awareness of global educational standards and industrialization are the key factors affecting the evolution of welding and fabrication education in Nigeria. The outcome of this investigation is expected to contribute to the continuous development of the welding and fabrication curriculum in learning and also to meet industry requirements.

Industry Expectation from Graduates of Welding and Fabrication from the Perspective of Engineering Technology Graduates in Nigeria

The application welding and fabrication principles are at the core of industrial activities. It is however expected that graduates of welding and fabrication are equipped with the right knowledge to meet the demands of the constantly evolving technology and industrial space. This paper investigates industry expectations form graduates of welding and fabrication based on the results of a questionnaire survey from 122 graduates of Welding and Fabrication Engineering Technology of the Petroleum Training Institute Effrun, Nigeria. Data analysis was carried out using the mean item score and factor analysis. Results revealed that graduates are expected to meet the global employability benchmark, competency skills and an appreciable level of safety consciousness. The outcome of this investigation is expected to contribute to the continuous development of the welding and fabrication curriculum in learning and also to meet industry requirements.

Identifying Drivers of Remanufacturing in Nigeria

Remanufacturing restores end of life products to almost new. It is a form of sustainability. The research set out to identify the drivers of remanufacturing, which could assist with the transition to a green economy. A questionnaire survey was used to establish the drivers of remanufacturing in Nigeria. Data analysis involving the mean item score revealed the creation of job opportunities, achieving low carbon opportunities, the reduction of greenhouse emissions and achieving a landfill reduction as drivers of remanufacturing. Factor analysis reveals six clusters, in the order of importance, as manufacturers’ attitude towards achieving green economy, policies to drive remanufacturing, benefits of driving remanufacturing, responses to driving remanufacturing, manufacturers’ drive to remanufacturing and economic benefits of remanufacturing as the clusters signifying the classification of remanufacturing drivers in Nigeria. The implication of the findings revealed that the major driver of remanufacturing in Nigeria is the creation of job opportunities, which is vital as Nigeria is presently grappling with a high unemployment rate.

Qualitative exploration into the application of Systems Engineering within a South African science council

A description is provided on how good systems engineering processes and methods are used so that gaps can be determined by quantitative methods for informing training programs. The Systems Engineering Capability Model (SECM) is used to determine how good systems engineering methods and processes are performed implicitly and explicitly as well as indicating the gaps. This study focuses on the systems engineering methods currently being used within one of the engineering business unit at a research council. Gaps between the current practices in competency areas are identified for consideration of possible interventions. Qualitative method where empirical data was collected through interviews and transcribed, is processed with an appropriate qualitative tool. This research shows that the Integrative Competency Area (ICA) knows the processes and use them well. In the Technical Competency Areas (TCA) some people use it implicitly, while others do not know about it. There is a general request for making processes, templates more readily available for people to use inside the organization. This research shows the gaps that can be addressed through the designing of training programs within the organization. This research could be extended to study other areas within the science council as well as other organizations.