by Phaphama Tshisikhawe and Kgaugelo Selane
The Tshwane University of Technology’s (TUT) Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment (FEBE) has embarked on extensive research to explore innovative technologies and engineering management practices in its quest to improve industry operations, as part of research done in its niche area.
Research Niche Area Leader in the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment Dr Jan Swanepoel.
Niche area research conducted at TUT’s seven Faculties supports a bold strategic institutional initiative to establish Research Niche Areas linked to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Seven niche areas were carefully designed to address South Africa’s most pressing challenges while driving economic development. Each niche area focuses on conducting research that is locally impactful, nationally significant, and globally relevant, contributing positively to the University’s reputation and the betterment of society.
FEBE’s niche area, headed by Dr Jan Swanepoel, focuses on Operations and Engineering Management, leveraging cutting-edge research to address South Africa’s industrial and infrastructural challenges. It explores innovative technologies and management practices to improve industry operations, promote sustainable development and enhance productivity across sectors. Key areas include supply chain optimisation, system dynamics, quality control and project management. The research emphasises the creation of synergy between engineering and operations management to develop solutions that are locally impactful, nationally significant and globally relevant.
Focus Areas
Research in this niche area aims to:
- Optimise Supply Chains: Improve decision-making around demand forecasting, inventory planning and facility location using reconfigurable technologies.
- Enhance Operations Research: Address productivity challenges in manufacturing and services while considering human factors in operational efficiency.
- Advance Simulation Techniques: Use discrete event simulation to analyse and optimise production and service delivery processes.
- Explore System Dynamics: Study how systems evolve over time to inform planning for smart cities and sustainable industrial practices.
- Innovate in Project Management: Develop best practices for small and micro-enterprises to ensure cost-effective and timely delivery of projects.
- Promote Life Cycle Management: Encourage holistic decision-making in design and de-manufacturing processes, considering environmental and economic sustainability.
- Improve Quality Management: Implement lean manufacturing principles and statistical quality control to enhance product and service delivery.
Aligned with SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), this niche area fosters resilient infrastructure, sustainable industrialisation and innovation. By tackling operational inefficiencies and supporting the digital and green economies, it aims to transform South Africa’s industries for a more sustainable future.