Browsing by Author "Madiba, Mhlengi Arthur."

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The non-linear effect of project change orders : a South African case.
(2011) Madiba, Mhlengi Arthur.; Bodhanya, Shamim Ahmed.
The research focused using System Dynamics to model and simulate an engineering project with the main aim of understanding: - Why change orders are notorious for negatively impacting on project execution; - The root cause(s) of the behavior in order to find ways to better manage change orders in future projects; The research was carried out at a leading KZN-based engineering consultancy using data from a recently completed project as a basis for the model. The research took the following approach and sequence: Introduction: In this section I present the dominant school of thought, the reductionist scientific perspective and its strengths. I then highlight the weakness of the school and present systems thinking as an alternative way of viewing life issues. I then propose system dynamics as one of the better methodologies that can help us understand a dynamic and non-linear system. Literature Survey: In this section I review literature on project management with the primary aim of highlighting that projects, regardless of size, are complex non-linear systems. I then cover literature on system dynamics with the aim of justifying my perspective, that it is suitable for application in the project management context. Research Methodology and Results Analysis: This section presents the methodology I followed in executing the research. The research process started off with extensive data reviewing from a recently completed project. It also covered conversations with the research participants in order to help me fully understand the project that was to be modelled. The data reviewing and interviews culminated in a group model building exercise where a number of “what if” scenarios were explored and discussed with the participants. The final stage of the research was to get the participants to respond to a post-modelling questionnaire. The outcomes from these processes were then used to answer the original research questions and to draw any additional insights. The resultant model can now be used as a learning tool for teaching clients of the unintended consequences that can result from issuing change orders. Conclusion: I then close off the research by concluding that change orders do have a non-linear impact on project execution and they require careful management. I then suggest that the best way to manage this is by educating all the project participants, especially the client of how their well meaning requests can be detrimental to the project if not well managed. Additionally it was surprising to all participants that for some reason, exploration of change orders that are not approved is rarely ever charged for. This “work for no pay” can negatively impact on the financial situation of the service provider which may have a knock-on effect to other areas of the project. Value: This research eventually revealed itself to be about learning to effectively lead a group modeling exercise and what pitfalls to look out for when creating models. There is great value for people interested in finding progressive and well informed ways for model building and managing change orders in projects. This system dynamics in project management research is grounded on the concepts of the learning organization and systems thinking as the core drivers.
Scenario planning : the future of Bosch Projects as seen through the sugar industry lens.
(2010) Madiba, Mhlengi Arthur.; Bodhanya, Shamim Ahmed.
This research explores the application of scenario planning to an engineering and project management consulting company based in Durban, South Africa. Scenario planning is used to formulate possible scenarios that this company' main client industry/ market may face in the next ten years. This application provides an opportunity for the consultancy to test if it is necessary for it to start pursuing other markets in order to minimize risk associated with its core market and mostly it prepares the consultancy for opportunities and threats that may exist but is currently not aware of. The research takes the following approach and sequence: . Introduction: The section gives a background into Bosch projects and the sugar industry. It also places me in the context of the research. . Literature Survey: In this section I review general thinking around strategy formulation, organizational learning, metaphors and system thinking. I also draw a link amongst these areas of learning. . Research Methodology: This section presents the methodology I followed in conducting the research. The research started with conversations with research participants followed up with questionnaires. The questionnaires were supplemented with one- on- one interviews with the participants in order gain more clarity on their responses. Scenario planning exercises were conducted with Bosch Projects' management team and the sugar industry participants. Three scenarios were developed with BP and another three with the sugar industry. I developed two additional scenarios for each group for my own interest. . Results Analysis: In this section I present the results of the research process. I start off by discussing the environmental scan analysis which describes the external environment within which the sugar industry operates. This discussion is informed by the results of the interviews with the participants. The general consensus was that the industry is faced with many positive possibilities. It also became clear that the industry is not taking full advantage of opportunities already available to them. In the same section I present the scenarios developed which highlight the challenges faced by the country and how they could affect the industry in the long term. . Conclusion: I then close off the research by making a conclusion that Bosch Projects has a positive future when viewed through the sugar industry lens irrespective of which uncertainties materialize but there are key issues which the company must address in order to be prepared for any of the eventualities. . Value: This research eventually revealed itself to be about learning to effectively lead a scenario planning session and what pitfalls to look out for when creating storylines. There is great value for people interested in finding progressive and well informed ways for strategy formulation. This scenario planning research is grounded on the concepts of a learning organization and systems thinking as the core drivers