UNLOCKING OPPORTUNITIES IN MANUFACTURING OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS: A PROPOSED FRAMEWORK

Authors

  • Cornelius Van der Walt Da Vinci Institute of Technology
  • Greg Tosen Da Vinci Institute of Technology
  • Krishna Kistan Govender Executive Dean: Da Vinci Institute of Technology Management

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7166/31-1-2210

Keywords:

manufacturing operations system, fourth industrial revolution, technology

Abstract

 

Although manufacturing operations management (MOM) could play an important role in the Fourth Industrial Revolution by making manufacturers more competitive, MOM projects are complex and expensive, and their implementation challenging. The aim of this qualitative research was to establish the engagement requisites to ensure beneficial application of MOM technology. Participants in the study included MOM suppliers and clients with 178-year collective experience. From a thematic analysis, it became evident that a sales approach of selling business benefits, as opposed to technology features, is more suitable for fully exploiting the opportunities and benefits of MOM technology. The communication gap between suppliers and clients also emerged as a probable reason for the failure to embrace MOM technology. One way to address this gap is to focus consciously on enhancing empathy between the role-players. A multi-level engagement structure set up on the client’s side could enhance the communication between suppliers and clients, and assist with the consensus buying phenomenon that is manifesting in the contemporary complex sales environment. It became apparent that a framework to engage in the analysis of MOM system opportunities will provide a holistic, integrated, and systemic solution to realising the maximum benefits of MOM technology.

Author Biographies

Cornelius Van der Walt, Da Vinci Institute of Technology

Postgraduate student

Greg Tosen, Da Vinci Institute of Technology

Senior faculty

Management of Technology

 

Krishna Kistan Govender, Executive Dean: Da Vinci Institute of Technology Management

Research and postgraduate studies

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Published

2020-05-29

How to Cite

Van der Walt, C., Tosen, G., & Govender, K. K. (2020). UNLOCKING OPPORTUNITIES IN MANUFACTURING OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS: A PROPOSED FRAMEWORK. The South African Journal of Industrial Engineering, 31(1), 26–34. https://doi.org/10.7166/31-1-2210

Issue

Vol. 31 No. 1 (2020)

Section

General Articles

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