Research Articles (Graduate School of Technology Management (GSTM))

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://hdl.handle.net/2263/1703

The Graduate School of Technology Management was established as a fourth school in the Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology with effect from 1 January 2007.

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 472

Cash flow risk management across multiple construction projects using value at risk
Didar, Ensiyeh; Bazargan, Amirhossein; Bagherpour, Morteza (Emerald, 2026)
PURPOSE : Managing cash flow risk across multiple concurrent construction projects presents significant challenges due to inherent uncertainties and complexities, which can jeopardize a company’s financial stability and project success. This research aims to develop a robust and reliable model for effective cash flow prediction and risk management in the construction industry. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH : We propose a novel framework that integrates value at risk (VaR) with simulation-based optimization techniques to quantify and manage the impact of various financial risks on cash flow across multiple projects. This robust predictive method combines theoretical and practical approaches, advancing existing cash flow management practices in construction project management and finance. FINDINGS : The study demonstrates that traditional cash flow management methods often fail to account for the cumulative risks in multi-project environments. Our approach effectively mitigates the adverse effects of financial volatility by providing a probabilistic assessment of potential losses, ensuring alignment of cash flows with established baselines and thereby improving project outcomes and financial resilience. ORIGINALITY/VALUE : This research makes a significant contribution by introducing an innovative method that applies VaR to construction cash flow management for multiple concurrent projects – a novel application in this context. By addressing the major difficulties of quantifying and managing financial risks in complex project portfolios, our approach offers new insights and practical tools for enhancing financial planning, risk management and overall resilience in the construction industry.
Conditions of project knowledge transfer events: a qualitative exploration of configurations
Van Waveren, Cornelis Cristo; Oerlemans, Leon A.G.; Pretorius, Marthinus W. (Emerald, 2026-12)
PURPOSE : Transferring project knowledge is challenging due to the temporary nature and the intense focus on deliverables and milestones. Existing transfer models often overlook the various conditions for project knowledge transfer and the configurations of conditions that shape these transfer events. This exploratory study seeks to deepen understanding of these conditions and their configurations. To achieve this, we address the following research questions: which conditions influence project knowledge transfer and which configurations of conditions can be observed in project knowledge transfer events? DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH : A literature review revealed a lack of systematic theoretical and empirical knowledge regarding specific conditions and configurations that affect project knowledge transfer events. To address this gap, 20 project knowledge-sharing events were examined using an exploratory, qualitative research design. FINDINGS : A range of conditions for project knowledge transfer could be identified, which were grouped into three clusters: characteristics of the relationship between the actors involved in project knowledge transfer, tools and techniques and facilitators such as co-location. By applying the principle of equifinality, three configurations of conditions emerged: a formalistic, authoritative and interactive configuration of conditions of knowledge transfer events. ORIGINALITY/VALUE : This paper contributes to advancing a configurational approach to project-related knowledge transfer. Such a holistic perspective helps researchers and practitioners understand how different elements interact to produce outcomes. It is particularly valuable in complex, real-world contexts, such as project-based knowledge transfer.
Managing variations in meaning : guidance for using complexity and related terms
Sutherland, Joshua; Beale, Dean; Dazzi, Francesco; Singer, Janet; Smith, Gary; Oosthuizen, Rudolph; Lanza, Alfonso; Cureton, Ken; McKinney, Dorothy (Wiley, 2026-01)
The term “Complexity” is widely used across disciplines, where it often represents distinct but related concepts such as complicatedness, emergence, difficulty, uncertainty, and chaos. This variability in usage can create miscommunication and misunderstanding, even within structured organizations like the International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE). This paper addresses this challenge by offering guidance tailored to three primary audiences—General/Casual, Practitioner, and Research—on using and interpreting “Complexity” effectively across trans-disciplinary contexts. Unlike efforts that prescribe a single definition, the approach here respects the variety of interpretations while providing techniques and ontologies to clarify usage. To illustrate, the paper compares different “Complexity” definitions, fostering awareness of both the similarities and distinctions. By promoting a common understanding, rather than a definition, this paper lays essential groundwork for future initiatives aimed at developing a unified scientific basis for “Complexity”, enabling clearer, more consistent communication, and application.
The adoption of Vehicle-to-Anything (V2X) in South Africa will reduce the combined cost of embedded solar generation and driving
Walwyn, David Richard (Academy of Science of South Africa, 2026-01)
Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are essential to global decarbonisation roadmaps and are being increasingly adopted in many countries. However, significant techno-economic barriers remain before the adoption of BEVs becomes widespread in the Global South. Issues include higher costs, grid instability due to high electricity demand during peak periods, lack of recharging infrastructure and restrictive driving ranges relative to internal combustion engines. Vehicle-2-Grid (V2G) can play a critical part in load balancing (peak shaving) and reducing costs for BEV owners. In this study, the potential of V2G was explored in more detail, looking at the development of appropriate hardware and software for V2G, the techno-economic assessment of V2G from a user and system perspective, and policy measures to support uptake of electric vehicles. The study shows that households with V2G-enabled BEVs achieve cost parity with households with internal combustion engine vehicles. Systems which connect BEVs to V2G, and supportive V2G metering and tariff policies, would accelerate BEV adoption in emerging markets. SIGNIFICANCE : • Small-scale embedded solar (SSES) is an expensive option for homeowners; the levelised cost of energy is double the cost of power from Eskom. • 2G is an attractive option for SSES owners if the vehicle is charged from SSES during the day. • The calculated annual worth of a BEV with SSES is equivalent to the base case of a fossil-fuel-based vehicle and grid-based energy. • Using an optimal charging strategy, BEVs can reduce grid-based electricity demand and travel costs. • Bidirectional metering, V2G and time-of-use tariffs will be essential for the migration to BEVs.
An alternative to higher energy tariffs : extracting unused capacity from small-scale embedded solar
Walwyn, David Richard (Academy of Science of South Africa, 2026-01)
Small-scale embedded solar (SSES) is already widespread in South Africa, driven by declining photovoltaic (PV) costs, rising electricity tariffs and grid instability. Nevertheless, the further expansion of SSES is constrained by its affordability and disincentives for energy trading. Real-time data from a 6.5 kWp PV with an 8/10 kWh battery were used to evaluate the techno-economic performance of SSES, focusing on the economic rationale for bidirectional metering and prosumer integration. It is shown that the levelised cost of energy is 75% higher than the cost of grid-based electricity. An important contributor to the high cost is the extent of unused generation capacity (50%). Scenario modelling shows that if this excess energy were sold to the grid, electricity distributors would realise significant revenue gains, fully justifying their initial subsidy of the metering and certification costs. This study concludes that enabling prosumer participation through municipality-funded bidirectional metering would stimulate SSES registration and partially offset the need for future tariff increases, offering a cost-effective pathway toward a more inclusive and sustainable energy transition in South Africa. SIGNIFICANCE : • Eskom and local authorities are foregoing a strategic opportunity to profit from low-cost SSES energy. • SSES is an expensive option for homeowners; the levelised cost of energy is 75% higher than the cost of grid-based electricity. • A major barrier to authorised interconnection and energy trading is the additional cost of registration and bidirectional meters. • The benefit to cost ratio of interconnection for electricity distributors is 5.2:1. • Eskom and municipalities should subsidise these costs to drive energy affordability and resilience.
Trends in sustainable agricultural supply chain management
Bai, Yan; Jiang, Dongdon; Pretorius, Leon (Czestochowa University of Technology, 2025)
Sustainability in Agricultural Supply Chains (ASC) is an emerging interdisciplinary field that has recently garnered increasing attention from scholars. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the current state of research in sustainable ASC based on an extensive analysis of Scopus and Web of Science databases. The study maps the research landscape by examining key aspects such as time distribution, journal trends, research fields, quantitative methods, and other bibliometric factors. The paper highlights research hotspots and identifies future trends, with a particular focus on (1) sustainable dimensions in ASC, (2) intelligent ASC, (3) the traceability of agricultural products, and (4) the role of e-commerce in enhancing agricultural product distribution. The novelty of this study lies in its systematic approach to bridging the gap between research on sustainable supply chain systems and ASC, areas that have been largely studied independently. By analyzing a broad range of studies, this paper provides an integrated perspective that fosters a deeper understanding of sustainable ASC systems. The results show a significant upward trend in publications, indicating growing scholarly interest in sustainable ASC. The study also reveals a gradual shift towards focusing on sustainable value chains as critical for food security. Additionally, the paper synthesizes various sustainable dimensions, mathematical models, and solution approaches for ASC management. This review proposes emerging research trends in sustainable ASC management and offers suggestions for future studies. It aims to stimulate a more comprehensive and interdisciplinary research agenda, particularly in the integration of sustainability, technology, and traceability within ASC.
Enhancing organisational resilience through systems thinking
Manzini, Dumisan; Oosthuizen, Rudolph; Chikwanda, Hilda (Elsevier, 2025-07-21)
In the face of complex challenges driven by technological advancements and global crises, organisations must develop better strategies for survival and sustainability. The paper introduces a conceptual model for measuring and assessing organisational resilience rooted in systems thinking (ST) methodologies. It is tailored to service organisations, addressing disruptions caused by digital transformation (DT). The study employs a PRISMA protocol to review articles from academically respected research databases. A total of 155 documents were included in the final analysis to compile the research paper. The systematic literature review (SLR) identified crucial dimensions of organisational resilience, their interrelationships, and the gap in developing a resilience framework for the service industry. These are captured in a graphical conceptual model using ST tools as a novel method to show the key organisational resilience dimensions and their interactions. A Systemigram holistically visualises the complex structure of organisational resilience dimensions and their interconnections. This structure supported the development of a conceptual causal loop diagram (CLD) that illustrates how DT drives environmental disruption, impacting organisation's stability and resilience. These dynamic internal and external changes driven by technology, innovation, and evolving customer needs influence organisational resilience. This proposed framework can aid organisations in making informed strategic decisions to improve resilience and a sustainable future.
A conceptual framework for timber adoption in the construction industry
Verhage, B.; Hassan, Ferdinand S.; Grobbelaar, Schalk (South African Institute of Industrial Engineers, 2025-08-29)
ENGLISH : This study explored the key human behavioural factors influencing the adoption of timber and engineered wood products in the construction industry by integrating the key constructs of the theory of planned behaviour and the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology. The study identified relationships between attitude towards behaviour and performance expectancy, subjective norm and social influence, perceived behavioural control and facilitating conditions, and effort expectancy in the context of timber adoption. The proposed framework provides a theoretical foundation for further research on the adoption of timber in the construction industry.
Improving organisational learning in project-based organisations through the translation of project lessons learnt into project risks
Bredell, C.; Tshuma, Brighton (South African Institute of Industrial Engineers, 2025-08-29)
ENGLISH : This study examines the translation of lessons learnt into risks in project-based organisations to improve organisational learning through the development of a knowledge transfer model. A qualitative analysis of semi-structured interviews, a focus group interview, and an organisational repository reviewing a single case study organisation revealed that framing lessons as risks enhances organisational learning by strengthening critical practices such as systematic problem-solving, learning from past experiences, and efficient knowledge transfer. The proposed model configures the application of risk-phrased lessons learnt to promote the transfer of knowledge and to foster organisational learning in project-based organisations.
Developing an enterprise risk management roadmap for the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa
Mangcu, T.; Hassan, Ferdinand S.; Grobbelaar, Schalk (South African Institute of Industrial Engineers, 2025-08-29)
ENGLISH : This research explored the development of an enterprise risk management (ERM) roadmap for the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) amid growing business risks from global financial shifts and pandemics. It emphasised a holistic management approach to address PRASA’s ERM difficulties and opportunities. It also advocated a tailor-made ERM roadmap underpinned by an action priority matrix. Given the lack of ERM literature for public enterprises, this study aimed to bridge that gap using a mixed-methods approach to identify barriers, enablers, and opportunities for ERM implementation. The findings suggested that a customised ERM roadmap would enhance PRASA’s governance, efficiency, risk, and resilience, and contribute to value creation.
Factors influencing the implementation of project risk management in the South African construction industry
Masea, K.B.; Hassan, Ferdinand S.; Grobbelaar, Schalk (South African Institute of Industrial Engineers, 2025-08-29)
ENGLISH : Effective project risk management is crucial for successful construction projects. However, the construction industry continues to face problemsin implementing project risk management practices. This study investigates the barriers to and enablers of implementing project risk management in the South African construction industry. Semi-structured interviews of experienced industry professionals on a case study projectwere conducted to answer the research questions. The findings reveal that inadequate knowledge, communication breakdowns, financial constraints, and resistant attitudes are significant barriers to implementing project risk management. Conversely, leadership support, clear policies, and proactive engagement emerge as key enablers. A framework is proposed to address the barriers and to leverage the enablers, thus enhancing project risk management practices in the construction industry. This study contributes to the body of knowledge by providing actionable insights for construction organisations, policymakers, and stakeholders seeking to improve project outcomes through effective risk management.
Scoping review : factors, threats and opportunities of outsourcing maintenance activities in the South African pulp and paper industry
Maphanga, Wandile; Grobbelaar, Schalk; Peach, Rina Helena; Visser, J.K. (Jacobus) (South African Institute of Industrial Engineers, 2025-08-29)
ENGLISH : Outsourcing is a tool to realise the strategic intent of an organisation. Before outsourcing maintenance services, the maintenance manager should consider the relevant factors, opportunities, and threats. The study aimed to perform a scoping review of the applicable factors, opportunities, and threats in the pulp and paper industry. The review also aimed to determine whether there was a gap in the literature from a South African perspective. Scopus and Web of Science were used as databases to collect 21 articles published from 2002 to 2021. Using ATLAS.ti, 11 categories in these articles were coded, and Sankey diagrams were used to visualise the data. The percentage strength of the correlations indicated recurring themes in the literature. The results found strategy through targeted outsourcing of non-core activities (50%), supplier performance (53%), and employee impact (15%) to be critical factors. Cost reduction (42%) and access to vendor expertise (21%) were key opportunities, while poor supplier performance (29%) and loss of organisational know-how (33%) were key threats. As a recurring theme, outsourcing was found to be common to industries in Europe, Asia, and North America. Based on the findings of the scoping review, it was concluded that there was an opportunity to explore the local context. It was recommended to use the findings and to determine whether these factors, threats, and opportunities could be applied to the South African context.
Service innovation dynamic capabilities framework : a case of water utilities in South Africa
Shabangu, Luc; Letaba, Tshotleho Petrus (South African Institute of Industrial Engineers, 2025-08-29)
ENGLISH : South African water utilities’ capability to provide high-quality drinking water service is deteriorating, and the country faces a significant problem with continuous water supply because of rising water demand caused by high population growth, industrialisation, and agricultural activities. A quantitative methodology was used to collect and analyse data. Then a framework for service innovation’s dynamic capabilities was developed to address the deteriorating service capabilities in South African water utilities. The study's contribution is this framework, which integrates ordinary capabilities, managerial dynamic capabilities, service innovation capability, and new and emerging technological concepts to address the water supply problem.
Investigating the effect of cognitive bias influences on sustainable decision-making in complex systems
Van der Linde, Leandi; Pretorius, Leon; Oosthuizen, Rudolph (Elsevier, 2025-12)
This study investigates the role of cognitive biases in decision-making within the Circular Economy and explores how these biases can be validated and addressed through empirical survey data. By developing a Conceptual Causal Loop Diagram and merging it with a foundational CLD, a comprehensive model was created to simulate the dynamics of CE systems. Key variables such as media influence, response to information, and behaviour change were incorporated into the Stock and Flow Diagram, enhancing the model's ability to represent real-world sustainability challenges. The principal results show that variations in biases and other factors can significantly impact CE outcomes, including individual actions, business priorities, and environmental responsibilities. The study highlights key variables, including media influence, response to information, behaviour change, and their roles in shaping CE outcomes. These components contextualize the study within the broader challenge of understanding and mitigating biases to foster sustainability, framing the research within the CE's ongoing efforts to achieve sustainable economic and environmental outcomes. Noteworthy conclusions include the identification of leverage points for promoting sustainability and the importance of understanding biases to improve decision-making processes in CE. The findings reveal biases saturate within approximately 100 months, while the perceived urgency for sustainability declines sharply within 50 months unless actively reinforced. This research contributes to the broader understanding of human factors influencing the transition to a sustainable economy.
Incorporating cybersecurity measures around industrial control systems (ICS) within the petrochemical sector
Rajaruthnam, Lushen; Peach, Rina Helena (Elsevier, 2026-01)
The fast adoption of technologies that enable the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) in the South African industrial sector has been well noted, and is advancing to meet global pressures. Cybersecurity countermeasures to protect and safeguard the expanding interconnected nature of several industrial sectors have not kept pace. The steadfast march toward digitalization and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) optimization increases industrial control systems' (ICSs) vulnerabilities, and they become ripe targets for the wicked. This study aimed to identify the current level of the cybersecurity maturity of ICS assets in the South African petrochemical sector and to investigate the root causes of that level of maturity. Extensive research was done into industry best practices, lessons learned, and global governing bodies of knowledge. A target maturity (from NIST 800-xx and IEC 62443-x-x) and possible contributing factors to poor adoption were identified and tested with a population in a cluster of South African petrochemical facilities. The research propositions concurred with the results, showing systemic barriers to adequate ICS cybersecurity adoption. A risk-based approach and a high-level recommendation roadmap were developed to address poor maturity levels. More specific sector studies could be conducted in the future to refine the findings, but this framework and roadmap could be implemented directly as a starting point for an organization's ICS cybersecurity journey. HIGHLIGHTS • Evaluates ICS cybersecurity maturity in South Africa's petrochemical sector. • Identifies systemic barriers to cybersecurity adoption and implementation. • Uses a mixed-method approach with NIST 800–53 and IEC 62443 frameworks. • Finds weak maturity in Protect and Detect pillars due to poor automation. • Proposes a high-level roadmap to enhance ICS cybersecurity resilience.
Potentiality : power in interorganizational relationships
Grolman, Willem; Oliveira, Nuno; Oerlemans, Leon A.G.; Van Fenema, Paul C. (Academy of Management, 2025-07)
Researchers have long been intrigued by the actions and consequences of power in interorganizational relationships. However, power is fundamentally about a partner’s potential to influence its counterparty. To examine power as potentiality in interorganizational relationships, we develop a framework linking their organizational features with various facets of power, which we call power regimes. Our review of the literature highlights how the development and displacement of conceptual ideas have contributed to a partial understanding of power and the neglect of power regimes in interorganizational relationships. We identify research opportunities to study the fundamentals of potentiality (variety of interorganizational arrangements, cognition), the dynamics of power regimes (domination, resistance, regime trajectories), and contextual factors (industry networks, algorithmic interfaces).
Not a drop to drink : addressing Nigeria’s deepening freshwater crisis
Irene, Julius; Irene, Bridget Nneka; Daniels, Chux (MDPI, 2025-06)
Nigeria is currently grappling with an acute freshwater crisis, characterized by a stark contradiction where abundant water resources coexist with a widespread lack of access to safe and reliable water. This study examines the complex interplay of factors driving this crisis. It highlights how climate change and the degradation of critical infrastructure and water management systems have significantly reduced the resilience of freshwater systems. This study draws on survey data to assess public perceptions of water scarcity and its causes, revealing a public consensus on the impacts and challenges of freshwater scarcity. This finding points to the pervasive nature of water insecurity in the surveyed population and suggests that reliable access to freshwater remains elusive for many. The findings emphasize the need for integrated, climate-resilient policies that include ecosystem restoration, infrastructure modernization, pollution control, and inclusive, community-based governance frameworks. Addressing these multifaceted challenges is essential not only for improving freshwater access but also for advancing public health, reducing conflict, and fostering sustainable development. This research contributes to the growing body of knowledge on water security in the Global South and outlines pathways for transformative water governance in Nigeria.
The role of disruptive innovation in start-ups and transforming small business operations in the digital era
Lotz, S.J.; Verhage, B.; Masele, E.; Malanda, C.; Hassan, Ferdinand S.; Grobbelaar, Schalk (South African Institute of Industrial Engineers, 2024-12-13)
ENGLISH : In the digital era, start-ups benefit from expanded reach, faster scaling, and access to vast data sets, yet face heightened competition and the challenge of staying current with emerging innovations. Their role in the modern economy is amplified as they collaborate with incubators, investors, and academic institutions to foster innovation and growth. Agile development methods and disruptive innovation bolster their competitiveness against larger incumbents. Leveraging digital technologies and combining resources are further recognised as pivotal success factors driving disruptive innovations in start-ups.
The influence of project management maturity on perceived project success : a case study of the Lesotho water sector
Pretorius, Suzaan; Mohlapiso, Mpho P.M. (South African Institute of Industrial Engineers, 2024-11-29)
ENGLISH : This study aims to determine the project management maturity level of four organisations in the Lesotho Water Sector. It assesses its influence on perceived project success by undertaking case studies in these organisations. It, therefore, contributes to the limited literature on project management maturity in the water sector in Africa. The results indicated that the average project management maturity was 2, with one organisation at a maturity level of 3. A total of 53% of executed projects were perceived as successful. The study found that high-maturity-level organisations tend to execute projects more successfully. Additional factors that may lead to project failure in this sector were identified.
The implications of integrating artificial intelligence into data-driven decision-making
Sutherns, Jessica; Fanta, Getnet Bogale (South African Institute of Industrial Engineers, 2024-11-29)
Integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into data-driven decision-making offers advantages like increased performance, reduced costs and improved organisational efficiency; however, there are associated risks. The study employs a PRISMA protocol to systematically review academic articles from Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science databases to determine whether the risks AI pose are worth the rewards they offer. Literature trends reveal a growing interest in AI-driven decision-making, with significant research gaps in African contexts. The study indicates that AI is highly utilized for decision-making to foster competitiveness in manufacturing, finance, healthcare, education, and transport. Identified risks include bias, discrimination, privacy issues, and cybersecurity threats. It is highlighted that businesses need to address concerns about privacy, fairness, and transparency. Policymakers must develop ethical and legal standards besides regular monitoring and auditing of AI uses to mitigate risks.

Browse

Recent Submissions