Browsing by Author "Ngwenya, Charles Tony Simphiwe."

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Engen refinery work process recalibration as an efficient maintenance strategy for oil and gas industries.
(2022) Sokotshe, Mongezi.; Ngwenya, Charles Tony Simphiwe.
Abstract available in PDF.
Impact of the department of small business and development on the performance of small, medium and micro enterprises in Durban, South Africa.
(2018) Ngwenya, Charles Tony Simphiwe.; Zondi, Wellington Bonginkosi.
This inquiry unpacks the challenges constraining the active contribution of the Small Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMME’s) by putting the focus on the role that is played by institutions like the Ministry of Small Business that has been created by the government to support SMME’s. The objective of the study was to find out from the SMME’s the extent to which the Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) and other institutions have been able to address the factors that have been identified as hindering the growth of the SMME’s. The review of literature focused on theories such as economic growth, institutional theory, network theory and social entrepreneurship theory. The extent of the literature review examined the emerging markets in terms of the authorities’ handling of the SMME’s performance oriented endeavours and aspirations. The study was conducted in KwaZulu Natal, within eThekwini Municipality. The population of the study comprised of 800 SMME’s of which a sample of 260 was chosen. The research approach that was employed was the quantitative methodology. Data was collected by means of structured selfadministered questionnaire. The results of the study revealed that the majority of SMME’s have never received grants, loans, finances, favourable discounts, and favourable credits. The result of the study revealed that the majority of SMME’s have never received grants, loans, finances, favourable discounts and credits form conventional banks and big companies. Furthermore the majority of the respondents indicated that DSBD has not been able to assist them as it was envisaged it would do. The study showed that the technical support, access to markets, business environment, business climate, competitive business landscape and the external environment in general is not conducive for the SMME’s to thrive. The study revealed that there is stride that DSBD is playing concerning the creations of networks, collaborative partnership and associations although less than 50% indicated so. It is recommended that the financial resources be made more accessible by the SMME’s irrespective of where they are and that the policy-makers must reinforce the laws that compels big companies to spend the 3% of the post-tax profit as the compliant requirement in the support of SMME’s. It is further, recommended that the DSBD should do more in stimulating the Economic Growth Factors on behalf of the SMME’s should facilitate the coordination of different institutions in assisting them not to work silos. . Lastly, the study recommended that the SMME innovation and capacity building, which translate into market opportunities, should be the focal point of attention for the DSBD. The literature review explored various concepts, theories and typologies that influence policy directives that provides stimulus for entrepreneurial activation. Theoretical framework focused on various theories that has levelled the entrepreneurial playing field for the SMME’s to thrive. The research design employed was the quantitative methodology. Data was collected by means of structured self-administered questionnaire. Furthermore, the majority of the respondents indicated that the DSBD has not been able to assist them as envisaged.
The exploration of the influence of risk management on the success of construction projects.
(2023) Sithole, Bokang.; Ngwenya, Charles Tony Simphiwe.
This dissertation explores the influence of risk management on the success of construction projects. The construction industry is inherently risky, with various uncertainties and challenges that can impact project outcomes. Effective risk management practices have been recognized as critical factors for achieving project success and minimizing adverse consequences. The objective is to gain a comprehensive understanding of how effective risk management practices contribute to project success in the construction industry. The study adopts a qualitative research approach, utilizing interviews as the primary method of data collection. The research is situated within the context of the construction industry in Kwazulu Natal South Africa looking at Raubex KZN. The Raubex KZN company is known for its rapid urbanization and diverse range of construction projects, especially in roadworks, providing an ideal setting to examine the interplay between risk management and project outcomes. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of key stakeholders involved in construction projects within Raubex KZN. The sample size of 12 participants represents various roles, including project managers, construction managers, quality managers, health and safety officers and site engineers, ensuring a comprehensive exploration of risk management practices and their influence on project success. Through the qualitative analysis of interview data, themes and patterns emerged regarding the role of risk management in construction projects. The findings shed light on the strategies, processes, and challenges associated with risk identification, assessment, mitigation, and monitoring. Furthermore, the study uncovers the impact of risk management practices on project schedule adherence, cost control, quality assurance, and safety performance. The results provide valuable insights into the perceptions, experiences, and perspectives of industry professionals regarding risk management and its effect on project success.
The impact of remote teaching and learning on engineering students at University of KwaZulu-Natal.
(2022) Oliver, Sijabulile Happiness.; Ngwenya, Charles Tony Simphiwe.
The outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis in December 2019 had adversely affected humankind globally in an immeasurable way. Higher education throughout the world was affected as continued learning amidst massive universities closures required the unprecedented decision to make a rapid transition from face-to-face to online learning. This sudden and immediate shift to remote online learning due to COVID-19 pandemic was characterised in South Africa by the Department of Higher Education and Training as Remote Teaching and Learning (RTL). Using a qualitative research methodology, this study is aimed at exploring and evaluating the impact and influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on the curriculum and quality of teaching and learning delivery using the method of RTL for engineering students at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN). Fifteen (15) participants were selected for the study within UKZN’s department of Civil Engineering & Land Surveying (CE&LS) cluster; these participants comprised both students and academics where data was collected from, using unstructured, open-ended, online interviews. Non-probability purposive sampling was utilised as a sampling method and a thematic analysis method was used to outline codes, themes and patterns in the presentation, discussion and analysis of data. The results revealed that the effective of use of blended learning is dependence on educational technology (Ed-Tech). Having a conducive home environment, access to study materials, interactive and effective participation in blended learning is paramount for assessing the impact of RTL on UKZN engineering students amid COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, inadequate network connectivity and/or load shedding and not having appropriate resources are some of the challenges that students were faced with which hinders their participation in online learning. The study found that most of the students RPs that indicated that they did not have a conducive environment at home, had to change their daily routine, and / or move from their homes to residences in order for them to be in a conducive environment for online learning. The findings revealed that RPs had sufficient digital skills to participate seamlessly and effectively in online v learning. Furthermore, the results revealed that there was suitable support from ICS staff / LAN Manager when students had to access systems remotely.