An assessment of the supplier development practices at Volkswagen of South Africa
- Authors: Erasmus, Bradley Quentin
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Volkswagen of South Africa (Firm) , Production management , Business logistics -- Management , Motor vehicle industry -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8555 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/500 , Volkswagen of South Africa (Firm) , Production management , Business logistics -- Management , Motor vehicle industry -- South Africa
- Description: The underlying objective of the research is to assess the nature of the supplier training at Volkswagen of South Africa (VWSA). To achieve this objective, a theoretical study was conducted to establish what literature reveals to be the most important theory of supply chain management as well as supplier development geared towards lean manufacturing. The information obtained in the literature study was analysed to solve the main problem namely, an assessment of the nature of the supplier training at Volkswagen of South Africa (VWSA). The research was divided into two questionnaires: The first questionnaire is targeted at the suppliers. This questionnaire has two sections namely section A, the biographical data and section B attempts to determine the quality systems and manufacturing requirements. It further attempts to gauge training support and needs as compared to other OEM’s. The second questionnaire is targeted at the Supplier Development Manager. The aim of this questionnaire is to establish what the current training offerings are, the source of what VWSA teachers and the awareness of the Toyota Training College.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
Assessing the impact of the lean manufacturing supplier development practices of an Eastern Cape vehicle manufacturer
- Authors: Botha, Christo Johannes
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Production management , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Industrial procurement
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8558 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/480 , Production management , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Industrial procurement
- Description: The world automotive industry has evolved through different manufacturing methodologies over many decades. It originated from craft production, but was transformed to mass production by Henry Ford in response to increased market demand. The methodology developed by Henry Ford made it possible to produce quality vehicles in large numbers and at affordable cost to the general public. However, it cannot deliver a great variety of products to the marketplace. Mass production was overtaken by a new automotive manufacturing methodology developed in Japan after World War II. The methodology, commonly referred to as lean production, yields consistently high quality products at even lower costs, whilst being able to deliver a variety of products to the consumer. The effectiveness of the lean production methodology hinges upon the strength and closeness of the relationships that exist between the assembler and its suppliers. Different models have been developed over time to describe the relationships between automotive assemblers and their suppliers. The lean supply model is generally accepted as an effective way of describing the relationships that exist between an automotive assembler and its first tier suppliers in a lean manufacturing environment. The research study aims at gaining an improved understanding of the relationships that exist between a selected Eastern Cape automotive assembler and its first tier suppliers. The effect of its supplier support practices towards lean manufacturing implementation amongst its first tier suppliers is evaluated. For the selected assembler it is found that the effect of its supplier support practices on lean manufacturing implementation amongst its first tier suppliers is limited by a non-uniform approach followed towards the supplier base. It is shown that opportunities for improvement exist for the selected assembler to develop closer relationships with its first tier suppliers to increase its global competitiveness.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
Implementing lean manufacturing to improve production efficiency in the manufacturing operations at the Aspen General facility
- Authors: Jozaffe, Lyndon Brian
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Production management , Industrial efficiency
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8557 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/529 , Production management , Industrial efficiency
- Description: South African producers are constantly facing competition from foreign organisations in their domestic markets. The adverse effects of this competition stem, in part, from the low levels of productivity which characterise South African industry and which is well documented by the National Productivity Institute of South Africa. The concept of continuous improvement offers a proven methodology for increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of production processes. Given the situation that faces South African producers, it would seem appropriate to investigate how the concept of continuous improvement can be applied to a specific South African manufacturing organisation, like the Aspen Pharmacare General Facility, in order to improve its effectiveness and efficiency.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
The strategic implementation of continuous improvement tools within manufacturing plants of the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Spence, Mark George
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Automobile supplies industry -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Production management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8752 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/611 , Automobile supplies industry -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Production management
- Description: Continuous improvement has long been considered a key business strategy to the success of any business that needs to be competitive and survive in a world that is continually evolving, particularly with the increased focus on meeting cost and quality targets that are set by a far more knowledgeable customer. Unfortunately, many organisations invest countless hours of their key personnel's time on training without creating a clear vision and consolidated strategic plan as to how continuous improvement will be driven in the business. Marginal elements of success are obtained, but the harnessing of these skills, as well as the true synergy that could be realized, are watered down due to the silos in which many of the activities are performed. Within the context of this dissertation, a conceptual approach to the strategic implementation of continuous improvement tools within the organization will be sought in order to enhance all facets of the business and not only the traditional arenas of the manufacturing disciplines. Murray and Roberts Foundries Group is embarking on the integration of current and new continuous improvement tools that form part of its continued improvement drive. This research was conducted with other organisations and will help shed light on Murray and Roberts Foundries Group’s way forward in the implementation of these tools to ensure long-term sustainable success. The intent of this dissertation is therefore to offer a comprehensive set of recommendations for Murray and Roberts Foundries Group’s top management in terms of its strategic implementation and the successful application of Lean manufacturing tools and techniques. In addition, areas and directions for further research are identified.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006