Challenges and opportunities in implementing engineering systems thinking in design, manufacturing and process industries in Zimbabwe

W. R. Nyemba, C. Mbohwa

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Engineering and manufacturing companies in industrializing countries such as Zimbabwe, largely employ traditional methods as well as conventional machine tools. Research carried out at five companies in Zimbabwe specializing in different business operations, similarly revealed that although such methods and tools are still applicable and productive, the processes are time consuming and the conventional machines often break down thereby delaying production. However, the research, which was conducted through interviews, direct observations as well as surveys, also revealed disconnections in 3 aspects of company policies, techniques employed and continuous professional development training. The research focused on establishing the challenges faced by the companies in implementing holistic approaches encompassing and integrating these 3 aspects. Recommendations were made for turning the various challenges into opportunities through adopting engineering systems thinking for integrating these aspects in order to improve capacity utilization, productivity and efficiency in the various companies.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication2017 IEEE International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management, IEEM 2017
PublisherIEEE Computer Society
Pages649-653
Number of pages5
ISBN (Electronic)9781538609484
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2 Jul 2017
Event2017 IEEE International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management, IEEM 2017 - Singapore, Singapore
Duration: 10 Dec 201713 Dec 2017

Publication series

NameIEEE International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management
Volume2017-December
ISSN (Print)2157-3611
ISSN (Electronic)2157-362X

Conference

Conference2017 IEEE International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management, IEEM 2017
Country/TerritorySingapore
CitySingapore
Period10/12/1713/12/17

Keywords

  • Engineering
  • manufacturing
  • systems thinking

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Business, Management and Accounting (miscellaneous)
  • Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering
  • Safety, Risk, Reliability and Quality

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