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

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.