Tshwane SPCA – to the rescue

Abstract

The aim of this document is to determine the problems experienced by the Tshwane SPCA located in Waltloo, Pretoria and to define objectives for solving them. The document also aims to investigate the current methods used by the SPCA, to develop and investigate possible methods used to solve similar problems and to use these methods to develop a conceptual design of solutions to the problems, as well as the solutions themselves. The solutions are also to be validated/tested.

The first problem is that the SPCA’s income is declining while its expenditures continue to increase. It must become self-sustaining using its available resources without relying on donations and to function more like a business. A sample proposal based on cause-related marketing principles and that shows companies potential returns instead of simply asking for donations was created.

The second problem is the inefficiency of the Reception and Inspectorate. There is no means of planning, analysing results and communicating effectively. Problems are dealt with as they occur. Reception’s processes were improved using the qualitative Questioning Technique and by designing functional requirements and a data model for the blueprint of an information system that should facilitate these process improvements (since a candidate system was found to be infeasible). To prioritise the inspections for the Inspectorate, a qualitative risk assessment was completed. An MS Excel system, Inspectorate Report, was also created to allow for improved data recording and analysis. Crime mapping and hotspot analysis was performed to enable the efficient deployment of inspectors and an equal distribution of workload between them.

The last problem is that the buffer or holding kennels, where arriving animals are kept to be medically examined before being transferred to the normal kennels, does not have sufficient capacity to handle the demand and transferring unexamined animals to the normal kennels poses a great health risk. A computer simulation that accurately represents the kennel system was developed and changes to the model were made which reduced the holding kennel queue length and had a significant positive impact on other KPI’s.

The document’s purpose has been achieved through the description of the SPCA’s problems, the investigation of their current methods as well as alternative solutions suggested by literature, the development of conceptual solution designs to the problem and the development and validation of the final detailed solutions.