Academic literature on the topic 'Quality control – Standards – South Africa'
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Journal articles on the topic "Quality control – Standards – South Africa"
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Lim Tung, Odile Juliette. "Organic Food Certification in South Africa: A Private Sector Mechanism in Need of State Regulation?" Potchefstroom Electronic Law Journal/Potchefstroomse Elektroniese Regsblad 19 (October 24, 2016): 1. http://dx.doi.org/10.17159/1727-3781/2016/v19i0a584.
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Organic production targets the development of a sustainable cultivation system and a variety of high-quality products with emphasis on environmental protection, biodiversity and high standards of animal protection. In South Africa, the organic sector pioneered private practices and systems in small informal groups to guide the public and private sectors on environmental and sustainability issues. A private certification system for organic products is applicable in the country consisting of network certification and third-party certification in collaboration with foreign and locally-based certification organisations. Local producers also use self-declaratory vendor claims associated with organic labels. A State auditor mechanism is nonetheless applicable with respect to the use of the term “free range” on labels for meat products. South African National Standards (SANS 1369) on Organic Agricultural Production and Processing (OAPP) have been drafted by the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) but the final version has not yet been made public. There is presently no specific legislation on organic products in the country but draft regulations (under the Agricultural Product Standards Act) on the control and sale of organic products which have not yet been promulgated. With mainly a private organic food certification system, to what extent do South African organic food products respect rules of organic production? This paper looks into the organic food regulation in South Africa and examines how far this private sector mechanism for organic food certification is in need of State regulation.
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Nyakala, Kgashane Stephen, Thinandavha Thomas Munyai, Jan-Harm Pretorius, and Andre Vermeulen. "Significant Factors Influencing Quality Assurance Practices in Small and Medium-Sized Construction Projects in South Africa." Journal of Economics and Behavioral Studies 11, no. 2(J) (May 13, 2019): 30–44. http://dx.doi.org/10.22610/jebs.v11i2(j).2816.
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Although implementing quality assurance (QA) processes in construction play an important role in the South African economy has been acknowledged. However, constructions SMEs are faced with difficulties in improving rural road infrastructure and high-quality roads. Additionally, past research has failed to reach consensus on the construction process and socioeconomic settings in previously disadvantaged areas in South Africa, including the factors influencing negatively the performance of such factors. This research examines what factors facilitate or inhibit the success of construction SMEs and what actions can be taken to being distressed construction SMEs under control. The study adopted a quantitative research approach in which a three-section questionnaire was administered to 160 purposively chosen road- building experts in a South African construction SMEs. The questionnaire was structured into three parts, which sought the participants’ profile, identified the quality assurance practices (QAPs) incorporated in the construction SMEs’ road building programmes, and identified the factors that negatively influence the implementation of QA processes. Data was analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22. Furthermore, to determine the reliability of the various constructs, mean scores, descriptive statistics and standard deviations were obtained. The empirical findings established eight QAPs that were reliable and valid for implementation processes that can control or minimise their causes of poor quality in projects undertaken by construction SMEs, level of skill acquisition; project planning and control techniques; project construction design; process implementation and process improvement; financial management; organisational structures; involvement of people; and quality standards and measurements. The eight factors attained high Cronbach Alpha values above the recommended 0.70 which indicates high internal consistencies among the sub-scales. Findings from this study should be useful to managers in similar environments may use the results of this study as either diagnostic tools or as a reference benchmark for strategic interventions in solving construction projects related problems. Furthermore, the researchers also recommend that these practices are for quality assurance in construction projects undertaken by SMEs in South Africa.
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DZINGIRAYI, GARIKAYI, and LISE KORSTEN. "Assessment of Primary Production of Horticultural Safety Management Systems of Mushroom Farms in South Africa." Journal of Food Protection 79, no. 7 (July 1, 2016): 1188–96. http://dx.doi.org/10.4315/0362-028x.jfp-15-356.
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ABSTRACT Growing global consumer concern over food safety in the fresh produce industry requires producers to implement necessary quality assurance systems. Varying effectiveness has been noted in how countries and food companies interpret and implement food safety standards. A diagnostic instrument (DI) for global fresh produce industries was developed to measure the compliancy of companies with implemented food safety standards. The DI is made up of indicators and descriptive grids for context factors and control and assurance activities to measure food safety output. The instrument can be used in primary production to assess food safety performance. This study applied the DI to measure food safety standard compliancy of mushroom farming in South Africa. Ten farms representing almost half of the industry farms and more than 80% of production were independently assessed for their horticultural safety management system (HSMS) compliance via in-depth interviews with each farm's quality assurance personnel. The data were processed using Microsoft Office Excel 2010 and are represented in frequency tables. The diagnosis revealed that the mushroom farming industry had an average food safety output. The farms were implementing an average-to-advanced HSMS and operating in a medium-risk context. Insufficient performance areas in HSMSs included inadequate hazard analysis and analysis of control points, low specificity of pesticide assessment, and inadequate control of suppliers and incoming materials. Recommendations to the industry and current shortcomings are suggested for realization of an improved industry-wide food safety assurance system.
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Laban, Tracey Leah, Pieter Gideon van Zyl, Johan Paul Beukes, Ville Vakkari, Kerneels Jaars, Nadine Borduas-Dedekind, Miroslav Josipovic, Anne Mee Thompson, Markku Kulmala, and Lauri Laakso. "Seasonal influences on surface ozone variability in continental South Africa and implications for air quality." Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics 18, no. 20 (October 29, 2018): 15491–514. http://dx.doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-15491-2018.
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Abstract. Although elevated surface ozone (O3) concentrations are observed in many areas within southern Africa, few studies have investigated the regional atmospheric chemistry and dominant atmospheric processes driving surface O3 formation in this region. Therefore, an assessment of comprehensive continuous surface O3 measurements performed at four sites in continental South Africa was conducted. The regional O3 problem was evident, with O3 concentrations regularly exceeding the South African air quality standard limit, while O3 levels were higher compared to other background sites in the Southern Hemisphere. The temporal O3 patterns observed at the four sites resembled typical trends for O3 in continental South Africa, with O3 concentrations peaking in late winter and early spring. Increased O3 concentrations in winter were indicative of increased emissions of O3 precursors from household combustion and other low-level sources, while a spring maximum observed at all the sites was attributed to increased regional biomass burning. Source area maps of O3 and CO indicated significantly higher O3 and CO concentrations associated with air masses passing over a region with increased seasonal open biomass burning, which indicated CO associated with open biomass burning as a major source of O3 in continental South Africa. A strong correlation between O3 on CO was observed, while O3 levels remained relatively constant or decreased with increasing NOx, which supports a VOC-limited regime. The instantaneous production rate of O3 calculated at Welgegund indicated that ∼40 % of O3 production occurred in the VOC-limited regime. The relationship between O3 and precursor species suggests that continental South Africa can be considered VOC limited, which can be attributed to high anthropogenic emissions of NOx in the interior of South Africa. The study indicated that the most effective emission control strategy to reduce O3 levels in continental South Africa should be CO and VOC reduction, mainly associated with household combustion and regional open biomass burning.
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Lerotholi, Lefa, Sushil Chaudhary, Weiyang Chen, Clinton Veale, Sandra Combrinck, and Alvaro Viljoen. "Identification, Isolation and Determination of Biomarkers for Quality Control of Bush Tea (Athrixia phyllicoides)." Planta Medica 84, no. 12/13 (April 13, 2018): 902–12. http://dx.doi.org/10.1055/a-0594-9527.
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Abstract Athrixia phylicoides, known as “bush tea”, grows abundantly in South Africa. An infusion of the leaves is used as a beverage and to treat a multitude of health conditions. The aim of this study was to investigate the chemical variation within A. phylicoides and to identify characteristic compounds for quality control. Samples from 12 locations in South Africa were analysed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography. Hierarchical cluster analysis of the aligned ultra-performance liquid chromatography-time-of-flight mass spectrometry data indicated two groups on the resulting dendrogram, representing 48 samples. Five marker compounds, identified through visual inspection and the construction of a discriminant analysis model, were evident on the ultra-performance liquid chromatography-MS profiles. Four of these compounds were isolated and identified, three as hydroxy methoxyflavones and the fourth as a coumarate, using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. An ultra-performance liquid chromatography-photodiode array method was developed and validated for the determination of the marker compounds using the isolates as standards. The limits of detection for the four compounds ranged from 0.92 – 2.50 µg/mL. Their recoveries at three concentration levels (1.00, 10.0, and 100 µg/mL) were between 97.0 and 101%, while acceptable intra- and inter-day precision was obtained as reflected by percentage relative standard deviation values below 2.24%. The concentrations of all the marker compounds were found to be higher in samples corresponding to Group 1 of the dendrogram than in those from Group 2. This may be attributable to differences in altitude, climate, and some edaphic factors. Identification of these marker compounds will make a valuable contribution towards the quality control and sustainable commercialisation of bush tea.
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Morakinyo, Oyewale Mayowa, Murembiwa Stanley Mukhola, and Matlou Ingrid Mokgobu. "Ambient Gaseous Pollutants in an Urban Area in South Africa: Levels and Potential Human Health Risk." Atmosphere 11, no. 7 (July 16, 2020): 751. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/atmos11070751.
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Urban air pollution from gaseous pollutants is a growing public health problem in many countries including South Africa. Examining the levels, trends and health risk of exposure to ambient gaseous pollutants will assist in understanding the effectiveness of existing control measures and plan for suitable management strategies. This study determined the concentration levels and non-cancer risk of CO, SO2, NO2, and O3 at an industrial area in Pretoria West, South Africa. We utilised a set of secondary data for CO, NO2, SO2, and O3 that was obtained from a monitoring station. Analysis of the hourly monitored data was done. Their non-cancer risk (HQ) was determined using the human health risk assessment model for different age categories. The annual levels of NO2 (39.442 µg/m3), SO2 (22.464 µg/m3), CO (722.003 µg/m3) and the 8-hour concentration of CO (649.902 µg/m3) and O3 (33.556 µg/m3) did not exceed the South African National Ambient Air Quality Standards for each pollutant. The HQ for each pollutant across exposed groups (except children) was less than 1. This indicates that the recorded levels could not pose non-cancer risk to susceptible individuals.
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Soni, Faeeza, Warren Maroun, and Nirupa Padia. "Perceptions of justice as a catalyst for whistle-blowing by trainee auditors in South Africa." Meditari Accountancy Research 23, no. 1 (April 13, 2015): 118–40. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/medar-01-2014-0004.
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Purpose – This study aims to use organisational justice theory to examine variations in the propensity of trainee auditors in South Africa to blow the whistle internally on misconduct by an engagement leader. Design/methodology/approach – Three vignettes describing high and low states of distributive, procedural and interactive justice are presented to a sample of trainee auditors. A questionnaire is used to gauge the likelihood of trainees blowing the whistle after taking into account a number of control variables. Preliminary results are analysed using parametric t-tests and one-way ANOVA’s. Findings – The study finds that the likelihood of trainee auditors reporting an engagement leader for misconduct increases when there is a high level of distributive, interactional and procedural justice. Gender, age, seniority, the importance of religion and performance ratings does not appear to have an effect on the propensity to whistle-blowing. Research limitations/implications – The growing importance of an effective mechanism for reporting malfeasance is reflected in both the academic and professional literature. Prior research has found that ensuring high levels of organisational justice is one means of promoting whistle-blowing in a professional setting. This paper argues that the same applies to trainee auditors. In turn, this suggests that audit firms wanting to implement sound audit quality control practices should be mindful of how their whistle-blowing policies are implemented and perceived by their junior staff. Originality/value – This paper is the first to apply organisational justice theory in a South African setting with specific reference to trainee auditors. As such, it makes an important contribution to the literature on whistle-blowing. The findings should also be of interest to the audit profession when seeking to implement effective quality control and monitoring systems, as required by the relevant professional standards.
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Strauss, Carrie A., Jeffrey A. Kotzen, Ans Baeyens, and Irma Maré. "Oncothermia in HIV-Positive and -Negative Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer Patients in South Africa." Conference Papers in Medicine 2013 (May 26, 2013): 1–3. http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2013/293968.
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Aim. Investigate the clinical, economic, and cellular effects of the addition of oncothermia to standard treatment for HIV-positive and -negative locally advanced cervical cancer patients in public healthcare in South Africa. Objectives. Evaluate the effect that the addition of oncothermia has on local disease control, progression-free survival, overall survival at 2 years, treatment toxicity, quality of life, economic impact, and HIV status of participants. Radiobiology investigations will evaluate thermoradiosensitivity and the molecular markers for thermoradiosensitivity. Methodology. Phase III randomised clinical trial involving 236 HIV-negative and -positive stage IIb-III locally advanced cervical cancer patients. Treatment includes cisplatin, external beam radiation, and brachytherapy. The study group will receive oncothermia treatments. Participants will be monitored for two years after completion of treatment. Hypothesis. The addition of oncothermia to standard treatment protocols will result in improved clinical response without increasing treatment toxicity in HIV-positive patients or raising healthcare costs.
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Motsuku, L., E. Chokunonga, M. Sengayi, E. Singh, L. Khoali, and M. Borok. "Strengthening African Population-Based Cancer Registration Through Regional Mentorship: UICC Fellowship Experience at Zimbabwe National Cancer Registry." Journal of Global Oncology 4, Supplement 2 (October 1, 2018): 65s. http://dx.doi.org/10.1200/jgo.18.68200.
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Background: South Africa (SA) recently established an urban population-based cancer registry in Ekurhuleni metropolitan district in Gauteng Province. The Ekurhuleni Population-Based Cancer Registry (EPBCR) aims to inform cancer policy and comprehensive cancer control programs. The registry covers 3.5 million residents including public/private, rural/urban patients and a mix of the multiethnic SA population. The first complete year's data will be published in April 2018. It is crucial that high-quality data collected by newly established registries are comparable regionally and globally. The Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) fellowship provides a practical opportunity for South African National Cancer Registry staff to learn from the Zimbabwe National Cancer Registry (ZNCR), a well-established population-based registry in the region. Aim: To enhance the SA EPBCR through observation and application of methods for population-based cancer registration used at the ZNCR. Methods: A desktop review of published and unpublished articles/reports of the ZNCR was conducted. Semi-structured informal interviews were conducted with registry staff to understand data processes from case finding to reporting. Representative data sources were visited to understand case-finding processes. Results: The ZNCR was established in 1985 through a collaborative research agreement between the Ministry of Health (MoH) and International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Its activities are overseen by a 17-member constituted multidisciplinary advisory committee. The registry staff comprise one registrar, one executive assistant (EA) and four health information assistants (HIA). The process of ensuring quality data are guided by the African Cancer Registry Network and the International Association of Cancer Registries standards for population-based cancer registries. The ZNCR uses a combination of active and passive case-finding methods where HIAs have unrestricted access to patient information in private and public sectors such as hospitals, pathology laboratories, radiotherapy centers and death registries. HIAs conduct patient interviews for accurate demographics and to complete missing information. Cases are coded according to International Classification of Diseases for Oncology-V3 and Canreg software is used for data entry, quality control and analysis. The hard copies are stored in locked cabinets in offices with restricted access. The data are then used for reporting and research. Conclusion: The support of government, commitment of advisory committee volunteers, highly trained and experienced staff are key elements behind the success of ZNCR. Strict adherence to international practices for population-based cancer registration has enabled ZNCR to produce high-quality data for research and cancer programs. The processes used by ZNCR will be customised and implemented at EPBCR.
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Opara, Ikechukwu Kingsley, Olaniyi Amos Fawole, Candice Kelly, and Umezuruike Linus Opara. "Quantification of On-Farm Pomegranate Fruit Postharvest Losses and Waste, and Implications on Sustainability Indicators: South African Case Study." Sustainability 13, no. 9 (May 6, 2021): 5168. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/su13095168.
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While there is a growing body of scientific knowledge on improved techniques and procedures for the production and handling of quality pomegranate fruit to meet market demand, little is known about the magnitude of losses that occur at the farm and post-farmgate. This study revealed the amount of pomegranate fruit lost on the farm and the causes of loss and estimated the impacts of losses. The direct measurement method, which involved sorting and counting of individual fruit, was used since physical identification of the causes of fruit losses on individual fruit was necessary for data collection. Furthermore, qualitative data were collected by physical observation during harvesting and interaction with farm workers. At the case study farm in Wellington, Western Cape Province of South Africa, a range of 15.3–20.1% of the harvested crop was considered lost, as the quality fell below marketable standards for retail sales. This amounted to an average of 117.76 tonnes of pomegranate fruit harvested per harvest season in the case study farm, which is removed from the value chain and sold mainly at a low value for juicing and other purposes and translates to an estimated R10.5 million ($618,715.34) economic loss to the farmer. Environmental factors are the main causes of on-farm fruit losses. In the three pomegranate cultivars studied, sunburn and crack were identified as the leading cause of fruit loss, accounting for about 43.9% of all on-farm fruit losses. The lost fiber, carbohydrate, protein, iron and ascorbic acid contents associated with lost fruit were estimated to meet the daily recommended nutrition intake of 2, 9, 4, 2 and 24 people, respectively. Strategies to control and reduce pomegranate fruit losses and waste at the farm level should focus on environmental factors and mechanical damage since they account for the highest sources of fruit losses. This will ensure improved revenue to farmers, sustainable use of natural resources, reduction of the environmental impacts of the fruit industry, and more availability of quality fruit for nutritional security.
Dissertations / Theses on the topic "Quality control – Standards – South Africa"
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Dase, Bonginkosi. "Impact of ISO 9000 certification on quality management practices among SMEs in the Western Cape, South Africa." Thesis, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11838/2383.
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Thesis (MTech (Quality))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2016.The study has been carried out on impact of implementing ISO standards on SMEs to seek general evaluation of its benefits. The purpose of this paper is to outline the benefits of ISO implementation on South African small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The SME sector is the backbone of developed economies, which is regarded as the engine of growth for economies all over the world. For developing countries, SMEs often offer the only realistic prospects for increases in employment since they employ the largest percentage of the workforce population. With the trend towards global market orientation and trade liberalisation, SMEs are moving towards implementing quality systems. The empirical study aims to explore current implementation of quality management tools and advanced improvement techniques in the Western Cape SMEs, in order to understand what factors impact on how quality control is managed. Two main categories are analysed, namely tangible and intangible. This study will assist other SMEs in developing countries on ISO 9000 implementation. This study is restricted to small and medium-sized companies in South Africa implementing ISO system and other quality tools or techniques. Data collection of this study is done based on a combination of survey questionnaires and interviews with managers, supervisors and general staff.
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Siebritz, Marjorie Dawn. "Determination of international customer satisfaction levels in terms of service quality at Cape Point National Park." Thesis, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11838/1597.
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Tourism has been an important economic activity in the Western Cape as it creates employment for local citizens and generates income for the province. In order for tourism to be a constant income generator, services that are offered at various accommodation establishments, attractions, restaurants and visitor information bureaus should be outstanding, as service excellence and effective word-of-mouth advertising will generate repeat business.
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Kanakana, Mukundeleli Grace. "An assessment of the challenges and successes experienced when implementing the six sigma methodology in Continental Tyre South Africa." Thesis, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, 2006. http://hdl.handle.net/10948/531.
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Globalisation has opened up international markets for South African companies, but has also introduced competition in the domestic market. As a result, South African organisations are forced to attain global efficiency levels if they are to compete on the world market as well as maintain their domestic market share. Organisations have to come with creative methods that can enhance their competitiveness, one of them being the Six Sigma. Six Sigma is a measurement-based strategy that focuses on process improvement and variation reduction as a means towards performance improvement. The methodology has a reputation of success, however a number of organisations believe that the methodology is not relevant to their specific competitive needs. Six Sigma is seen as another continuous improvement tool applicable to first world country organisations which will fade away with time. The study was undertaken to find out challenges and successes of implementing a Six Sigma methodology at Continental Tyre SA. The findings of the study revealed that the experience of implementing Six Sigma methodology at Continental Tyre SA is similar to those experienced by first world organisations. It is concluded that Six Sigma methodology can improve organisation processes and yield financial benefits irrespective of organisation location or background. However, organisations must follow a systematic guideline when implementing the methodology. The study provides recommendations on how Continental Tyre SA can align their strategy in order to achieve organisational objectives. The following recommendations were made: Roll out Six Sigma to support departments; Align the strategy to address critical success factors; Improve project turnover time and measure the success on financial savings and number of projects completed.
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Chapano, Munodani. "The impact of high performance work practices on project performance in selected construction companies in Cape Town, South Africa." Thesis, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2017. http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11838/2532.
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Thesis (MTech (Business Administration))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2017.The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of four High Performance Work Practices (HPWPs) on project performance in selected construction companies in Cape Town, South Africa. The four HPWPs comprised: recruitment and selection (RS); performance appraisal (PA); training and development (TD); and compensation system (CS). The study employed a positivist philosophy utilizing the survey method to collect data from 70 employees who were drawn from a select group of multi-project construction companies in Cape Town, South Africa. The respondents comprised employees who worked as project team members and line staff/ administrative staff. Non-probability sampling procedure in the form of convenience sampling technique was used for the selection of five (5) construction organisations in Cape Town, South Africa. Probability sampling procedure in the form of stratified sampling technique was employed in the selection of the respondents to complete the questionnaire.Collected data was captured and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24. The main research question of the study was: What is the relationship between the four HPWPs and project performance? The results indicate that CS has a weak positive relationship with project performance, whereas TD, PA and RS have weak negative relationships with project performance. It also emerged that there are other factors that significantly affect project performance other than the HPWPs investigated.The results of this study are significant because they provide a unique view of the work environment that has been insufficiently examined. Also, very few studies have focused on the above four universal HPWPs, which this study was earmarked for. The results that are obtained from this study significantly add to the overall body of knowledge pertaining to theories and their application in HRM, project performance and multi-project environments issues.
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Roems, Raphael. "The implications of deviating from software testing processes : a case study of a software development company in Cape Town, South Africa." Thesis, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2017. http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11838/2686.
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Thesis (MTech (Business Information Systems))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2017.Ensuring that predetermined quality standards are met is an issue which software development companies, and the software development industry at large, is having issues in attaining. The software testing process is an important process within the larger software development process, and is done to ensure that software functionality meets user requirements and software defects are detected and fixed prior to users receiving the developed software. Software testing processes have progressed to the point where there are formal processes, dedicated software testing resources and defect management software in use at software development organisations. The research determined implications that the case study software development organisation could face when deviating from software testing processes, with a focus on function performed by the software tester role. The analytical dimensions of duality of structure framework, based on Structuration Theory, was used as a lens to understand and interpret the socio-technical processes associated with software development processes at the case study organisation. Results include the identification of software testing processes, resources and tools, together with the formal software development processes and methodologies being used. Critical e-commerce website functionality and software development resource costs were identified. Tangible and intangible costs which arise due to software defects were also identified. Recommendations include the prioritisation of critical functionality for test execution for the organisation’s e-commerce website platform. The necessary risk management should also be undertaken in scenarios with time constraints on software testing, which balances risk with quality, features, budget and schedule. Numerous process improvements were recommended for the organisation, to assist in preventing deviations from prescribed testing processes. A guideline was developed as a research contribution to illustrate the relationships of the specific research areas and the impact on software project delivery.
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Van, Reenen Olaf Pieter. "Eskom nuclear generation : risk mitigation through quality management development of small suppliers." Thesis, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2009. http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11838/1223.
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Thesis (MTech (Quality)--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2009There is a South African Government initiative to use State-owned Enterprises (SOE’s) to roll out a programme for the development and stimulation of local small businesses in South Africa. The state has requested SOE’s to set targets on a voluntary basis to increase trade with small businesses, with the purpose of developing small enterprises to eventually enhance skills transfer, training and employment. However, when large customers such as Eskom Nuclear Generation require ISO certification as a prerequisite for a supplier to provide goods and/or services to them, most small businesses are unable to comply. The requirement of ISO9000 compliance inhibits the ability of most small businesses to compete with their larger counterparts. Small businesses constitute as much as 90% of most world economies. They have many advantages to offer customers, such as a high level of flexibility, innovation and responsiveness to customer needs. These attributes can introduce healthy competition to the supply chain. Small businesses, by their very nature experience more risks, such as a higher vulnerability to volatile market forces and skills loss. In addition, they are generally less specialised. They are under continuous competitive pressure, and are generally not able to provide assurance of a sustainable product over a longer period. Although there is an imperative to develop and use small suppliers, they introduce higher risk to the supply chain. The primary research objective of this dissertation is to develop a robust model to identify risks inherent to small businesses, and to propose measures to mitigate such risks. A classification of problems with small suppliers that have occurred at Koeberg Nuclear Power Station over a period of 3 years (from June 2005 to May 2008), will form the basis of the research methodology. The anticipated findings of the research include the following. _ Several common critical issues of failure will be identified in the internal processes of small suppliers, with variations between types of suppliers, which will indicate which elements within the context of ISO9000 can be applied to address shortcoming in the suppliers’ processes. _ A matrix will be compiled from this by which the customer can identify the type of supplier, the types of risks inherent to that supplier, and which elements of ISO9000 the customer should insist upon to be adopted into an elementary quality management system of that small supplier. This should be executed as part of a larger supplier development programme.
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Rarani, Manelisi. "Quality assurance in low-cost housing construction projects in the metropole." Thesis, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11838/2054.
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Thesis (MTech (Business Administration))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2013.In 1994, the South African government introduced low-cost housing construction through Reconstruction and Development Programme. The programme was intended to improve the quality of lives of the country's citizens. Many communities across the country benefited from the programme. However, concerns regarding the quality of low-cost housing produced through this programme have been raised. The programme has produced low-cost housing with many structural defects such as gaping wall cracks, roof leaks, unstable roof, water penetration and seepage. To protect the beneficiaries of low-cost housing against the inferior workmanship, unsuitable material and inappropriate construction methods, building standards and regulations have been introduced. The low-cost housing inspectors have been given power to enforce and ensure that the building standards and regulations are followed and met by low-cost housing contractors. Regardless of the measures, the programme still produces low-cost housing built with many structural problems. Hence, the researcher has conducted a research to assess the effectiveness and adequateness that inspection process contributes to quality assurance in low-cost housing construction projects in the Metropole. The findings of the research provided an overall low-cost housing inspectors' experience in the construction industry, education, training, knowledge, roles and responsibilities and the perception of the low-cost housing inspectors on the current housing inspection. The primary conclusion of this research suggest that the low-cost housing inspectors lack training in housing inspection, are not aware of their roles and responsibilities and lack knowledge in building standards and regulations. This resulted to failure to enforce and ensure that the contractors comply with building standards and regulations during the low-cost housing construction projects in the Metropole. The primary recommendations are to establish a standard continuous training and education for low-cost housing inspectors. Provide courses and training to improve the level of knowledge of building standards and regulations by low-cost housing inspectors and review the roles and responsibilities of low-cost housing inspectors and establish awareness of them among the affected parties.
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Valentine, Lucrecia Zinobia. "Food certification audits : a case study in the Western Cape." Thesis, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11838/1217.
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Thesis (MTech (Engineering))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2008While there is a standard for quality and environmental auditors, there is no local or international standard for food safety auditing, which means auditors from different certification bodies can use their own discretion when auditing food establishments. There is a requirement to investigate the quality of work performed by South African food safety auditors. in order to establish whether they do in fact add value when conducting registration and certification audits. This is also an indication of the importance of improving and maintaining a high standard of food safety in the food services industry. The overall concept of food safety in South Africa IS clearly not defined. understood by only a few consumers, and not widely accepted. Research has shown that food retailers in South Africa in general do not believe food safety auditors are competent. In the wake of the Sudan Red scare two years ago. a long awaited food safety initiative was launched in February 2006. The scare pertaining to a carcinogenic food dye. which found its way into spices on local supermarket shelves, mobilized food industry role players to improve food safety standards. Under the auspices of the Consumer Goods Council of South Africa (CGCSA), the body responsible for establishing best practices and implementation standards, Food Safety South Africa (FSSA) will enable an organization to determine the exact nature and extent of possible and actual problems along the food supply chain. The key objectives of this research study are to determine whether one food certification standard is needed in South Africa and to assess the value added by the food auditors to their clients. Social research will be conducted within the ambit of the dissertation, with case study serving as research method. Both quantitative and qualitative research paradigms will be used to gather data for the research survey in support of the research question. forming the crux of the dissertation which reads as follow: "How can food safety auditors increase value added to the audit process in food environments in South Africa?"
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Simpson, Antony Paul. "Applicability of ISO 9000 in the service industry : University of Stellenbosch Business School case study." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2007. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/49208.
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Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2007.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: In the face of increasing competition, Business Schools increasingly have to evaluate the quality of the service that they offer to current and prospective students. The most significant factor affecting an organisation's performance is the quality of its products and services in relation to the products and services of competitors. Measurement of service quality is a function of customer satisfaction, which in tum is based on a perception of how the service conforms to prior expectations thereof. A widely accepted method of quality assurance used in industry is ISO 9000 certification. For academic institutions the de facto method of providing confidence in the quality of the education they offer is through academic accreditation. The University of Stellenbosch Business School (USB) is unclear - in the light of its academic accreditations - of the benefits to be derived from implementing ISO standardisation within the organisation. The iso 9000 series is a set of quality standards, of which ISO 900 I: 2000 is one, which is primarily concerned with the quality management process. It deals with what the organisation does to enhance customer satisfaction by meeting customer and applicable regulatory requirements, and to continually improve the organisations performance in this regard. It is important to note that compliance with ISO standards is not intended to guarantee the quality of a product or service, it is however intended to provide confidence in the processes which produced or delivered the product or service. In evaluating the applicability of ISO 9000 in the service industry, it is concluded that there is little difference from how its standards and guidelines apply in manufacturing to how they apply in service industries. The USB is found to have implemented an extensive quality management system in order to attain various academic accreditations, most notably EQUIS accreditation. Thus from an academic perspective there would be little to gain from USB implementing ISO 9001: 2000, even though the standard is perfectly suited for academic environments. Where advantages would most likely be realised is in the peripheral business and support functions of the USB.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: In die aangesig van toenemende mededinging moet bestuurskole gereeld die kwaliteit van diens wat hulle aan huidige en voomemende studente bied, evalueer. Die mees veelseggende faktor in 'n organisasie se prestasie is hoe die kwaliteit van sy produkte en dienste vergelyk met die van sy mededingers. Die meet van die kwaliteit diens wat 'n organisasie lewer is 'n funksie van die tevredestelling van kliente, wat op sy beurt weer gebaseer is op insig tot die wyse waarop die diens ooreenstem met die oorspronklike verwagtinge daarvan. ISO 9000 sertifikasie word algemeen aanvaar in industrie as 'n betroubare maatstaf waarteen kwalitieit gemeet word. Vir akademiese instellings is die de facto metode om vertroue te wek in die kwaliteit van die opleiding wat hulle aanbied, deur middel van akademiese akkreditasie. Vir die Universiteit van Stellenbosch Bestuurskool (USB) is dit in die lig van hulle akademiese akkreditasie onduidelik wat die voordele verbonde aan die implementering van ISO standaardisering binne die organisasie sou wees. Die reeks ISO 9000 is 'n stel kwaliteitstandaarde, waarvan ISO 900 I: 2000 een is, en is hoofsaaklik gemoeid met die proses van kwaliteitsbestuur. Dit bemoei hom met die stappe wat 'n organisasie neem om klientebevrediging te bevorder deur die bereiking van die vereistes van beide sy kliente en die toepasbare voorskrifte. Dit is belangrik om daarop te let dat 'n onderworpenheid aan ISO standaarde geensins die bedoeling het om die kwaliteit van 'n produk of diens te waarborg nie - die oogmerk is egter om vertroue te wek in die prosesse wat die produk of diens veroorsaak of gelewer het. Deur die toepasbaarheid van ISO 9000 in die diensbedryfte evalueer, is dit vasgestel dat daar inderdaad min verskil is tussen die wyse waarop hierdie standaarde en riglyne van toepassing is in die vervaardigingsektor en hoe dit toegepas word in diensbedrywe. Dit is vasgestel dat USB 'n verreikende kwaliteitsbestuursisteem in werking het om verskeie akademiese akkreditasies te bekom, veral die EQUIS akkreditasie. Die gevolgtrekking is dat daar vanuit 'n akademiese oogpunt min rede is vir USB om ISO 900 I: 2000 te implementeer, selfs al is hierdie standaard goed van toepassing op 'n akademiese omgewing. Waar dit tot sy beste voordeel toegepas kan word, is in die omliggende sake- en ondersteuningsfunksies van USB.
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Bimray, Portia Benita. "Die bepaling van standaarde vir 'n omvattende opvolgdiens aan onkologiepasiente op die Wes-Kaapse platteland." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2000. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/51693.
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Thesis (MCur)--Stellenbosch University, 2000.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Against the background of the approach to make the follow up care to oncology patients more accessible and with the emphasis on quality care, it was indicated that this service needs to be evaluated. A study based on a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods (also called triangulation) was conducted to formulate structure, process and outcome standards for a comprehensive follow up care for the oncology patients and to evaluate this service according these standards. The most important results are: • The quality of care relating to the structure standards was optimal regarding the organization of the patient's visits, follow up treatment and referrals. A suboptimal standard was found regarding the general management system. • In the process standards focusing on the physical and psychosocial needs of the patient, a suboptimal standard was found regarding all aspects. Nursing practice leading to subobtimal care of patients is a major cause for concern. • With the outcome standards reflecting in patient satisfaction, positive as well as negative opinions and perceptions were found. Recommendations include: • Upgrading of management systems • Empowerment of the nurses with knowledge and scientific competencies • Attention to the opinions and perceptions of the patients to completely involve the patient in the service and treatment process. Keywords: Oncology follow up service I formulation of structure, process and outcome standards.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Teen die agtergrond van die benadering om opvolgdienste meer toegangklik te maak vir onkologiese pasiënte, met die beklemtoning van gehaltesorg, is dit aangedui dat hierdie diens geëvalueer moes word. 'n Studie gebaseer op 'n kombinasie van kwalitatiewe en kwantitatiewe metodes (genoem triangulasie) is uitgevoer om struktuur, proses en uitkomsstandaarde vir 'n omvattende opvolgdiens aan onkologiepasiënte te formuleer en die diens aan die hand daarvan te evalueer. Die belangrikste resultate is: • Die gehalte van sorg wat verband hou met die struktuurstandaarde was net optimaal ten opsigte van die organisasie van die pasiënt se besoeke, opvolgbehandeling en verwysings. 'n Suboptimale standaard is gevind ten opsigte van die algemene bestuurstelsel. • In die prosesstandaarde wat fokus op die fisiese en psigososiale behoeftes van die pasiënt, is 'n suboptimale standaard in alle aspekte gevind. Verpleegpraktyk wat lei tot suboptimale sorg van pasiënte is 'n groot bron van kommer. • Met die uitkomsstandaarde wat reflekteer in pasiënttevredenheid is positiewe maar ook negatiewe opinies en persepsies gevind. Aanbevelings sluit in: • Verbetering van bestuurstelsels • Bemagtiging van die verpleegkundige met kennis en wetenskaplike vaardighede • Aandag aan pasiënte se opinies en persepsies ten einde die pasiënt ten volle te betrek by die hele diens en behandelingsproses. Sleutelwoorde : Onkologiese opvolgdiens / formulering van struktuurproses en uitkomsstandaarde.
Books on the topic "Quality control – Standards – South Africa"
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Reed, Yvonne, and Tessa Welch. Designing and delivering distance education: Quality criteria and case studies from South Africa. Edited by NADEOSA Quality Criteria Task Team. Braamfontein, South Africa: NADEOSA, 2004.
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Lyle, Tatum, and American Friends Service Committee., eds. South Africa, challenge and hope. New York: Hill and Wang, 1987.
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S, Wilson John, Abiola Victor O. 1975-, and World Bank, eds. Standards and global trade: A voice for Africa. Washington, D.C: World Bank, 2003.
Find full textBook chapters on the topic "Quality control – Standards – South Africa"
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de Beer, Marie-Lena Windt, and Gregory Michael Tinney. "South Africa: A Laboratory Perspective on Quality Control." In Quality Management in ART Clinics, 169–78. Boston, MA: Springer US, 2012. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-7139-5_13.
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Phaswana-Mafuya, N., A. S., I. Senekal, and S. Munyak. "Patient Satisfaction with Primary Health Care Services in a Selected District Municipality of the Eastern Cape of South Africa." In Modern Approaches To Quality Control. InTech, 2011. http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/23675.
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Cramer, Christopher, and Shingie Chisoro-Dube. "The Industrialization of Freshness and Structural Transformation in South African Fruit Exports." In Structural Transformation in South Africa, 120–42. Oxford University Press, 2021. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/oso/9780192894311.003.0006.
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Economists have historically tended to identify industrial processes and technological sophistication with manufacturing, and not with agriculture. This chapter illustrates the substantial scope to apply sophisticated technologies and industrial processes necessary to shift resources out of low-productivity activities into higher-productivity activities, i.e. to generate ‘structural change’ in the production of ‘fresh’ agricultural export production. Leveraging the concept of the ‘industrialization of freshness’, this chapter uses evidence from South Africa’s fresh-fruit industry to show how advances in technology have been a key mechanism through which structural transformation towards high-value fruit has occurred in the industry. The chapter also shows how building capabilities to harness technological changes is necessary for increased market access through enabling producers to keep up with escalating quality standards; to comply with the many—and complex—sanitary and phytosanitary requirements; and to adapt to climate change. However, despite evidence of dynamism in fruit production, effective structural transformation in the South African fruit industry has been limited by widespread underinvestment in infrastructure—ports, rural internet capacity, water infrastructure, and technical capacity.
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Tembo, Rachael, and Blessing M. Maumbe. "E-Agriculture Development in South Africa." In Green Technologies, 757–79. IGI Global, 2011. http://dx.doi.org/10.4018/978-1-60960-472-1.ch411.
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The global development of information and communication technologies (ICT) has created a new agricultural development paradigm that promises to transform the performance of the agricultural sector and improve rural livelihoods in developing countries. Over the past five years, South Africa has witnessed a swift ICT-led transformation of its public service delivery with major innovations in key development sectors. The growth of e-agriculture is seen as an engine to accelerate agriculture and rural development, promote food security, and reduce rural poverty. This chapter examines e-agriculture initiatives in South Africa. It describes ICT applications in improving the quality of on-farm management decisions, agricultural market information system, e-packaging, product traceability, and online marketing to access lucrative global wine markets. The chapter also highlights key constraints, and identifies considerations to enhance the future prospects for e-agriculture. Given the strategic importance of agriculture in supporting the livelihoods of the majority rural population in South Africa, the successful deployment and effective utilization of ICT is pivotal for sustainable agriculture development and raising the standards of living of marginalized communities. The results of the paper demonstrate that South Africa has made significant strides in e-agriculture and tangible benefits have accrued to the agricultural communities.
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Hondonga, Jerald, and Tawanda Chinengundu. "Comparing Vocational Skills Development and Workplace Learning in Botswana, South Africa, and Zimbabwe, Which Way to Go?" In New Models for Technical and Vocational Education and Training, 183–213. IGI Global, 2021. http://dx.doi.org/10.4018/978-1-7998-2607-1.ch010.
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Provision of vocational skills development (VSD) and workplace learning (WPL) have become paramount in solving socio-economic problems of learner skills-job mismatch, inequality, access, unemployment, and poverty. Workplace learning enhances smooth transition from school to the world of work. The chapter compares vocational skills development and workplace learning provision in Botswana, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. Literature study indicates that the three countries have different models of VSD and policies but have a common vision of imparting skills that can be used for personal and national economic gains. To achieve quality training standards, quality assurance bodies are in place in the three countries responsible to oversee training standards and regulating practices. This is done through registration and accreditation of training institutions, workplaces, programmes, assessors, and moderators and assessment processes up to certification of successful learners. Based on the literature review findings, recommendations are that there is need for cooperation and sharing of best practices between countries to strengthen the provision of vocational skills development and workplace learning. There is need to ensure there is adequately qualified lecturing cadre with both technical and professional qualifications, for school-based training, and trained workplace-based mentors and coaches.
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"A proposed method for measuring the lateral displacements during indirect tensile tests on asphalt briquettes using linear variable differential transducers P.E. DUNAISKI and F. HUGO Department of Civil Engineering, University ofStellenbosch, South Africa." In Mechanical Tests for Bituminous Mixes - Characterization, Design and Quality Control, 197–209. CRC Press, 1990. http://dx.doi.org/10.1201/9781482267518-20.
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Rangeti, Innocent, and Bloodless (Rimuka) Dzwairo. "uMngeni Basin Water Quality Trend Analysis for River Health and Treatability Fitness." In River Basin Management - Sustainability Issues and Planning Strategies. IntechOpen, 2021. http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.94844.
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One of the main challenges facing the potable water production industry is deterioration of the quality of raw water. Drinking water that does not meet quality standards is unfit for consumption. Yet, this quality is a function of various factors, key among them being quality of the raw water from which it is processed. This is because costs related to potable water treatment are related to the nature of raw water pollutants and the degree of pollution. Additionally, survival of aquatic species depends on self-purification of the water bodies through attenuation of pollutants, therefore, if this process is not efficient it might result in dwindling of the aquatic life. Hence, this chapter presents spatial and temporal water quality trends along uMngeni Basin, a critical raw water source for KwaZulu-Natal Province, in South Africa. As at 2014 the basin served about 3.8 million people with potable water. Results from this study are discussed in relation to uMngeni River’s health status and fitness for production of potable water treatment. Time-series and box plots of 11 water quality variables that were monitored at six stations over a period of eight years (2005 to 2012), were drawn and analysed. The Mann Kendall Trend Test and the Sen’s Slope Estimator were employed to test and quantify the magnitude of the quality trends, respectively. Findings showed that raw water (untreated) along uMngeni River was unfit for drinking purposes mainly because of high levels of Escherichia coli. However, the observed monthly average dissolved oxygen of 7 mg/L, that was observed on all stations, suggests that the raw water still met acceptable guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. It was noted that algae and turbidity levels peaked during the wet season (November to April), and these values directly relate to chlorine and polymer dosages during potable water treatment.
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Alentejo, Eduardo da Silva. "Perspectives of Digital Library Evaluation." In Advances in Library and Information Science, 39–49. IGI Global, 2013. http://dx.doi.org/10.4018/978-1-4666-2500-6.ch005.
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The Virtual Health Library can be visualized as a distributed base of scientific and technical health knowledge that is saved, organized, and stored in electronic format in the countries of the South America and the Caribbean Region, universally accessible on the Internet and compatible with international databases and standards. The quality management of Virtual Health Library (VHL) presents an evaluation methodology from Marketing of Services identified as “quality information system.” It questions how the method quality information system contributes to VHL management model evaluation. The use of qualitative-quantitative research allows applying the method concerned to actions and recommendations adopted by the VHL model. This chapter considers quality management concerned with two main VHL aspects: health information literacy and the VHL site’s network based on its quality control. It presents the working of the methodology of quality information system under the focus of the VHL management. It utilizes Digital Library quality dimensions to demonstrate the VHL quality program under the application of quality information system methodology. It concludes that VHL quality control must add a composite of quality to obtain the client’s point of view of its users. VHL must develop social tools as best practice to evaluate quality from customers’ points of view.
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Baldwin, Peter. "Health Care." In The Narcissism of Minor Differences. Oxford University Press, 2010. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/oso/9780195391206.003.0006.
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The U.S. Economy does Differ from Europe’s: a less regulated labor market, but also an economy that is more hemmed in than might be expected. By European standards, America has hardish-working people, a state that collects fewer tax dollars, and workers who are paid well even if their holidays are short. In social policy, the contrasts are more moderate. Europeans commonly believe that the United States simply has no social policy—no social security, no unemployment benefits, no state pensions, and no assistance for the poor. As Jean-François Revel, the political philosopher and académicien, summed up French criticism, the United States shows “not the slightest bit of social solidarity.” Will Hutton similarly assures us that “The structures that support ordinary peoples’ lives—free health care, quality education, guarantees of reasonable living standards in old age, sickness or unemployment, housing for the disadvantaged— that Europeans take for granted are conspicuous by their absence.” And, in fact, the United States is the only developed nation, unless one counts South Africa, without some form of national health insurance, which is to say a system of requiring all its citizens to be insured in one way or another. This lack of universal health insurance is the one fact that every would-be comparativist working across the Atlantic knows, and the first one to be hoisted as the battle is engaged. One of the first attempts to quantify and rank health care performance, by the World Health Organization in 2000, gave the American system its due. Overall, it came in below any of our comparison countries, three notches under Denmark. In various specific aspects of health policy, it did better. For disability adjusted life expectancy, it came in above Ireland, Denmark, and Portugal; on the responsiveness of the health system, it ranked first; on a composite measure of various indicators summed up as “overall health system attainment,” it ranked above seven Western European countries. Even on the measure of “fairness of financial contribution to health systems,” where we might have expected an abysmal rating, the United States squeaked in above Portugal. That is, of course, damning with faint praise, especially given that in this particular aspect of the ranking—a well-meaning but other-worldly attempt by international bureaucrats to rake the entire globe over the teeth of one comb—Colombia came in first, outpacing its close rivals, Luxembourg and Belgium, while Libya beat out Sweden.
Conference papers on the topic "Quality control – Standards – South Africa"
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Swayne, Rick, and Bryan A. Erler. "Globalization of ASME Nuclear Codes and Standards." In 14th International Conference on Nuclear Engineering. ASMEDC, 2006. http://dx.doi.org/10.1115/icone14-89778.
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With the globalization of the nuclear industry, it is clear that the reactor suppliers are based in many countries around the world (such as United States, France, Japan, Canada, South Korea, South Africa) and they will be marketing their reactors to many countries around the world (such as US, China, South Korea, France, Canada, Finland, Taiwan). They will also be fabricating their components in many different countries around the world. With this situation, it is clear that the requirements of ASME Nuclear Codes and Standards need to be adjusted to accommodate the regulations, fabricating processes, and technology of various countries around the world. It is also very important for the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) to be able to assure that products meeting the applicable ASME Code requirements will provide the same level of safety and quality assurance as those products currently fabricated under the ASME accreditation process. To do this, many countries are in the process of establishing or changing their regulations, and it is important for ASME to interface with the appropriate organizations in those countries, in order to ensure there is effective use of ASME Codes and standards around the world.
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"Weather Data Quality Control from Six Weather Stations in South Africa Surrounding Lesotho and ET Mapping: The Process in Sustainability Assessment and Design Criteria for Irrigation for Lesotho." In 2014 ASABE Intersectional Meeting South Dakota. American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, 2014. http://dx.doi.org/10.13031/sd14015.
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Agyemang, Malena, and Nathan G. Johnson. "Development of Biomass Energy Technologies and Business Models for Southern Africa." In ASME 2015 International Design Engineering Technical Conferences and Computers and Information in Engineering Conference. American Society of Mechanical Engineers, 2015. http://dx.doi.org/10.1115/detc2015-48033.
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This study evaluates options for biomass pellet formulations and business models to create a sustainable energy solution for cooking energy in Southern Africa. Various agricultural wastes and agro-processing wastes are investigated to meet industry standards on biomass pellet quality. These fuels are obtained from farms and facilities across a geographic area that affects the end-cost of the pellet through transportation costs and the cost of the biomass. The technical performance of the pellet and cost of the pellet are first contrasted and then optimized in unison to develop sustainable energy options that can provide year-round clean energy for household cooking and heating needs. A market was analyzed using wheat, sugarcane and maize crops as components for the biomass pellet fuel source in the Zululand district of South Africa. Using a target moisture content (MCtarget) of 8–10%, a target lower heating value (LHVtarget) greater than 16.0 MJ/kg and a target percent ash (Ashtarget) less than 3%, pellet metrics were optimized. The cost of the crops for the pellets was dependent upon the amount of each biomass used to make up the composition of the pellet. The production demand was then analyzed based on the most current consumer cooking fuel demand within South Africa. The production model was evaluated for three factory sizes; small (1hr/ton), medium (3hr/ton), and large (5hr/ton). Primary shipping cost is based on factory location and has a major impact on the cost of the pellet for the consumer as well as the availability of the supply. Factory location was analyzed by varying the biomass crop distance to the factory. Several business models are evaluated within this study to show which representation results in a high quality pellet of low cost to consumer. The study suggests the pellet be composed of 44.62% sugarcane, 47.49% maize, and 0.82% wheat resulting in a LHV of 16.00 MJ/kg, a MC of 8 (w/w%), and an ash content of 3 (w/w%). The optimal cost of the biomass fuel pellet for the consumer ranged from 172.77US$/ton to 185.03 US$/ton.
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Meyer, Johan, Hannelie Nel, and Nickey Janse van Rensburg. "Systems Engineering Education in an Accredited Undergraduate Engineering Program." In ASME 2016 International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition. American Society of Mechanical Engineers, 2016. http://dx.doi.org/10.1115/imece2016-68038.
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Developing countries are mostly reliant on external technologies and this augments the need for systems engineering capability in these economies. It is therefore imperative that systems engineering as theory and practice is included in undergraduate engineering curricula to strengthen the internal technological capability of a country’s developing engineers. In South Africa, the quality of undergraduate engineering programs is governed by the Engineering Council of South Africa (affiliated under the Washington Accord); and the exit level outcomes of the programs are predetermined explicitly per module. Systems engineering was introduced to an undergraduate electrical engineering program offered in the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment at the University of Johannesburg; and a framework developed to ensure that the program still meets the requisite ECSA exit level outcomes and therefore international standards. This paper presents the design and implementation of the framework, as well as the challenges that students are exposed to when faced with real-world systems engineering practice. Students were grouped into independent product development teams using a software support tool which promotes diversity and skill-level targets for each team. The independent team structure required the use and application of the systems engineering process and supported the development of management and communication skills. Furthermore, the framework allowed assessment of the performance of each product development team towards achieving the overall project objectives. One of the accreditation requirements of undergraduate engineering programs is peer assessment and this was achieved by the process. The paper closes by presenting the results of the stated framework implementation in an undergraduate electrical engineering program offered in the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment at the University of Johannesburg.
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Argirakis, Anthony S. "Remote Control Jackleg Drills Reduce Operators’ Overall Noise Exposures." In ASME 2009 International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition. ASMEDC, 2009. http://dx.doi.org/10.1115/imece2009-12833.
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Jackleg drills have proven to be a problem when it comes to overexposures to noise for coal miners as well as metal/nonmetal miners. These pneumatic drills are used to drill holes for roof bolting or blast holes in developmental and stoper mining. They are used when mining vertically or steeply inclined deposits. The “Leg” is a heavy metal support which allows the driller to keep the rig steady when collaring the hole as well as keeping it steady while drilling into the hard rock. Since drilling is done basically by hand, the operator remains in close proximity to the noise associated with the pneumatic hammer. Up until now, little has been done with the exception of Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) and retrofit mufflers to achieve compliance with the noise standards stated in Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 30, part 62 for the drills of the type. Just recently an anthracite coal mining company, having noise problems associated with their jackleg drills, purchased a “Remote In-Stope Drill Rig” from a manufacturer in South Africa. A noise study was conducted by the Mine Safety & Health Administration (MSHA) and the cooperative mining company to determine the effectiveness of the remote control jackleg drill in reducing the operator’s overall noise exposure. The baseline test was conducted on the original jackleg drill. Once the new remote unit was received, it was tested as received from the manufacturer with their hammer and again with the company’s original hammer retrofitted to the drill rig. The company also made modifications to the 8 ft. hose extending it to 20 ft. to allow operation further from the noise source. The study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of the remote control unit in reducing not only the sound level, but also the overall noise dose. The unit was found to not only reduce the operator’s overall noise exposure when used with either hammer, but allowed drilling to be conducted from a location under permanently supported roof with no vibration on the operator’s hands.
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Marais, Johan, and Charles F. Ridolfo. "Challenges and Opportunities in Providing a Digital Protection System for the PBMR." In Fourth International Topical Meeting on High Temperature Reactor Technology. ASMEDC, 2008. http://dx.doi.org/10.1115/htr2008-58173.
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The Republic of South Africa is currently developing the Pebble Bed Modular Reactor (PBMR); an advanced, fourth-generation reactor that incorporates inherent safety features, which require no human intervention and which provide an unprecedented level of nuclear safety. In addition to electrical power generation, the reactor is uniquely suited for a variety of non-traditional nuclear applications including oil sands extraction, desalination, and hydrogen production. A state-of-the-art digital Protection System for the PBMR is currently being developed in conjunction with Westinghouse Electric Company (WEC). The Protection System provides for: • reactor shutdown using two different reactor trip methodologies (dropping of the control rods and insertion of Small Absorber Spheres (SASs) which are composed of boron carbide); • post-event monitoring; and • manual reactor shutdown, which is independent of software-based systems. The reactor shutdown and post-event instrumentation monitoring components of the Protection System are being implemented utilizing the WEC ‘Common Q’ platform, which is comprised of ‘commercially dedicated’ Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), colour-graphic Flat Panel Displays (FPDs) with integral touch screens, and high-speed data communication links. High reliability and availability are achieved through component redundancy, continuous automatic self-testing which is run online in a background mode, and implementation of a multi-channel system design which is tolerant to failures. The Protection System is also designed to support periodic surveillance testing through a suite of built-in computer-aided test facilities that are accessible via an FPD interface. These allow various system surveillance requirements to be readily performed in a convenient and systematic manner. This paper discusses the following topics with regard to the PBMR Protection System: development strategy, functional requirements, selection of applicable Codes and Standards, key design specifications, architectural configuration, design and implementation challenges, and unique opportunities that are provided by this type of Protection System.
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Heard, R. G. "The Ultimate Solution: Disposal of Disused Sealed Radioactive Sources (DSRS)." In ASME 2010 13th International Conference on Environmental Remediation and Radioactive Waste Management. ASMEDC, 2010. http://dx.doi.org/10.1115/icem2010-40029.
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The borehole disposal concept (BDC) was first presented to ICEM by Potier, J-M in 2005 [1]. This paper repeats the basics introduced by Potier and relates further developments. It also documents the history of the development of the BDC. For countries with no access to existing or planned geological disposal facilities for radioactive wastes, the only options for managing high activity or long-lived disused radioactive sources are to store them indefinitely, return them to the supplier or find an alternative method of disposal. Disused sealed radioactive sources (DSRS) pose an unacceptable radiological and security risk if not properly managed. Out of control sources have already led to many high-profile incidents or accidents. One needs only to remember the recent accident in India that occurred earlier this year. Countries without solutions in place need to consider the future management of DSRSs urgently. An on-going problem in developing countries is what to do with sources that cannot be returned to the suppliers, sources for which there is no further use, sources that have not been maintained in a working condition and sources that are no longer suitable for their intended purpose. Disposal in boreholes is intended to be simple and effective, meeting the same high standards of long-term radiological safety as any other type of radioactive waste disposal. It is believed that the BDC can be readily deployed with simple, cost-effective technologies. These are appropriate both to the relatively small amounts and activities of the wastes and the resources that can realistically be found in developing countries. The South African Nuclear Energy Corporation Ltd (Necsa) has carried out project development and demonstration activities since 1996. The project looked into the technical feasibility, safety and economic viability of BDC under the social, economic, environmental and infrastructural conditions currently prevalent in Africa. Implementation is near at hand with work being done in Ghana with support from the IAEA. Here the site selection is complete and studies are being carried out to test the site parameters for inclusion into the safety assessment.
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Helou, Alexander E., Kim Tran, and Cecile Buncio. "Energy Recovery From Municipal Solid Waste in California: Needs and Challenges." In 18th Annual North American Waste-to-Energy Conference. ASMEDC, 2010. http://dx.doi.org/10.1115/nawtec18-3568.
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Thermal technologies, such as gasification, pyrolysis, waste-to-energy (WTE), and advanced thermal recycling (second generation WTE with the most advanced air emission control system), can be employed to recover energy from municipal solid waste (MSW), reduce the volume of material to be landfilled, and lessen the potential emission of methane. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas and a major component of landfill gas. All operating WTE facilities in the United States have been subjected to strict environmental regulations since the passage of the Clean Air Act Amendments in 1990. As a result, U.S. WTE facilities now meet or exceed stringent local air quality standards, including those imposed by the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) in Southern California. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recognizes the important role of WTE in the integrated solid waste management and ranks combustion higher than landfilling in its solid waste management hierarchy. In addition to upstream source reduction and recycling, downstream thermal treatment of the residual MSW (conducted in controlled environment) can effectively recover energy and further reduce waste volume. Despite all the advantages and environmental benefits of thermal technologies, its utilization for treating MSW in California still faces many challenges. These include negative public perceptions, economical disadvantages, local marketability of by-products, and disposal options for residuals. This paper discusses the need to include energy recovery in the integrated MSW management in California and the challenges encountered by many local jurisdictions.
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Heard, R. G. "International Initiatives Addressing the Safety and Security of Disused Sealed Radioactive Sources (DSRS)." In ASME 2010 13th International Conference on Environmental Remediation and Radioactive Waste Management. ASMEDC, 2010. http://dx.doi.org/10.1115/icem2010-40028.
Full textAbstract:
High activity radioactive sources provide great benefit to humanity through their utilization in agriculture, industry, medicine, research and education, and the vast majority are used in well-controlled environments. None-the-less, control has been lost over a small fraction of those sources resulting in accidents of which some had serious — even fatal — consequences. Indeed, accidents and incidents involving radioactive sources indicate that the existing regime for the control of sources needs improvement. Additionally, today’s global security environment requires more determined efforts to properly control radioactive sources. Consequently, the current regimes must be strengthened in order to ensure control over sources that are outside of regulatory control (orphan sources), as well as for sources that are vulnerable to loss, misuse, theft, or malicious use. Besides improving the existing situation, appropriate norms and standards at the national and international levels must continue to be developed to ensure the long-term sustainability of control over radioactive sources. In order to improve the existing situation, concerted national and international efforts are needed and, to some degree, are being implemented to strengthen the safety and security of sources in use, as well as to improve the control of disused sources located at numerous facilities throughout the world. More efforts must also be made to identify, recover, and bring into control orphan sources. The IAEA works closely with Member States to improve the safety and security of radioactive sources worldwide. Besides the IAEA Technical Assistance Programme and Technical Cooperation Fund, donor States provide significant financial contributions to the Nuclear Security Fund and/or direct technical support to other States to recover condition and transfer disused sources into safe and secure storage facilities and to upgrade the physical protection of sources that are in use. Under the USA-Russian Federation-IAEA (“Tripartite”) Initiative, for example, disused sources of a total activity of 2120 TBq (57251 Ci) were recovered and transported into safe and secure storage facilities in six countries of the former Soviet Union. Additionally, physical protection upgrades were performed in thirteen former Soviet Union republics at facilities using or storing high activity radioactive sources. Other donors have also provided funding for projects related to the safety and security of radioactive sources in the same region. Additionally, the EU and other countries are making regular and significant contributions to the IAEA for projects aimed at upgrading the safety and security of radioactive sources in South-Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Africa. Depending on the status of the radioactive source (in use, disused, or orphan) and the actual technical, safety and security situation, several options exist to ensure the source is properly brought or maintained under control. This paper will describe those options and the systematic approach followed by the IAEA in deciding on the most appropriate actions to take for the high activity sources that need to be recovered or removed from the countries under that request assistance.
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Kappanna, Hemanth K., Marc C. Besch, Arvind Thiruvengadam, Pragalath Thiruvengadam, Peter Bonsack, Daniel K. Carder, Mridul Gautam, et al. "Evaluation of Drayage Truck Chassis Dynamometer Test Cycles and Emissions Measurement." In ASME 2012 Internal Combustion Engine Division Fall Technical Conference. American Society of Mechanical Engineers, 2012. http://dx.doi.org/10.1115/icef2012-92106.
Full textAbstract:
In 2006, the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles adopted the final San Pedro Bay Ports Clean Air Action Plan (CAAP), initiating a broad range of programs intended to improve the air quality of the port and rail yard communities in the South Coast Air Basin. As a result, the Technology Advancement Program (TAP) was formed to identify, evaluate, verify and accelerate the commercial availability of new emissions reduction technologies for emissions sources associated with port operations, [1]. Container drayage truck fleets, an essential part of the port operations, were identified as the second largest source of NOx and the fourth largest source of diesel PM emissions in the ports’ respective 2010 emissions inventories [2, 3]. In response, TAP began to characterize drayage truck operations in order to provide drayage truck equipment manufacturers with a more complete understanding of typical drayage duty cycles, which is necessary to develop emissions reduction technologies targeted at the drayage market. As part of the broader TAP program, the Ports jointly commissioned TIAX LLC to develop a series of drayage truck chassis dynamometer test-cycles. These cycles were based on the cargo transport distance, using vehicle operational data collected on a second-by-second basis from numerous Class 8 truck trips over a period of two weeks, while performing various modes of typical drayage-related activities. Distinct modes of operation were identified; these modes include creep, low-speed transient, high-speed transient and high-speed cruise. After the modes were identified, they were assembled in order to represent typical drayage operation, namely, near-dock operation, local operation and regional operation, based on cargo transport distances [4]. The drayage duty-cycles, thus developed, were evaluated on a chassis dynamometer at West Virginia University (WVU) using a class 8 tractor powered by a Mack MP8-445C, 13 liter 445 hp, and Model Year (MY) 2011 engine. The test vehicle is equipped with a state-of-the-art emissions control system meeting 2010 emissions regulations for on-road applications. Although drayage trucks in the San Pedro Bay Ports do not have to comply with the 2010 heavy-duty emissions standards until 2023, more than 1,000 trucks already meet that standard and are equipped with diesel particulate filter (DPF) and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology as used in the test vehicle. An overview of the cycle evaluation work, along with comparative results of emissions between integrated drayage operations, wherein drayage cycles are run as a series of shorter tests called drayage activities, and single continuous drayage operation cycles will be presented herein. Results show that emissions from integrated drayage operations are significantly higher than those measured over single continuous drayage operation, approximately 14% to 28% for distance-specific NOx emissions. Furthermore, a similar trend was also observed in PM emissions, but was difficult to draw a definite conclusion since PM emissions were highly variable and near detection limits in the presence of DPF. Therefore, unrepresentative grouping of cycle activity could lead to over-estimation of emissions inventory for a fleet of drayage vehicles powered by 2010 compliant on-road engines.