Browsing by Author "Ngwenya, Ngonidzahe Kenneth."
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Item Optimising socio-economic benefits through competitive logistics systems, infrastructure and novel concepts for the Durban Aerotropolis.(2020) Ngwenya, Ngonidzahe Kenneth.; Naude, Micheline Juliana Alberta.; Wissink, Henry Frank.This case-based research study contributes to the description and understanding of the Durban Aerotropolis strategy and intends to establish how it can be successfully applied, given the logistics and mobility dynamics in the region. It has been determined in various studies that relevant and specialised approaches to policy making, spatial planning and transportation and connectivity planning can be prioritized in creating sustainable urban developments. As outlined in the literature, the Durban Aerotropolis strategy is a spatial planning concept which embodies the creation of aviation–oriented, airport centric developments in which local businesses are closely linked to their suppliers. The exploratory research design approach was deemed appropriate since there are few studies that have reviewed the Durban Aerotropolis master plan using Porter’s model of competitiveness and integrated logistics and mobility planning frameworks. In achieving the research objectives and answering the research questions, a mixed methods design was adopted in which qualitative and quantitative research approaches were used sequentially, concurrently, and iteratively. A plethora of sampling and data collection methods, including purposive and snowball sampling were applied, using 12 in-depth interviews, 5 focus group sessions involving 60 participants and organisational document reviews. In addition, 180 online questionnaire responses and observations from the 36 businesses located in the aerotropolis region were conducted. For the analysis and presentation of the research findings, thematic, content, descriptive and document analysis was applied, using Microsoft Excel, SPSS and CAQDAS. Evidence suggests that logistics and mobility planning and the infrastructure adopted has been instrumental in supporting an increase in passenger and cargo volumes. As much as the Durban Aerotropolis development is in its initial stages, there is evidence of socio-economic impacts relating to employment creation, growth in imports and exports and the creation of a competitive environment. The success of the strategy has been attributed to the adoption of novel strategies and concepts that enable improved logistics and mobility planning, connectivity and responsiveness among other critical success factors. This has seen several innovative strategies including roadway expansions, network designs, mobility platforms and many other infrastructural developments being considered for the Durban Aerotropolis.Item Supply chain management best practices during natural disaster operations in Southern Africa : a case study of the United Nations World Food Programme.(2015) Ngwenya, Ngonidzahe Kenneth.; Naude, Micheline Juliana Alberta.The research study was aimed at giving an insight into the supply chain management best practices that are employed by the United Nations World Food Programme (UNWFP) during its humanitarian natural disaster operations in the southern African region. The motivation behind the study is the increasing number of natural disaster occurrences that have been experienced from time to time, which have resulted to the increased suffering and loss of lives for the affected communities. The UNWFP together with other relief organisations in an attempt of minimising the impacts of natural disaster occurrences have been implementing measures to improve their relief operations. Humanitarian supply chain involves a coordinated system of activities and stakeholders with an overall objective of satisfying beneficiary needs, the UNWFP in its bid of making a difference during its relief operations has implemented various supply chain management practices that are aimed at improving its efficiency. In ensuring that the goals of this study are achieved the qualitative research approach has been used which has been implemented through the use of the exploratory and case study research designs. Various data collection tools and methods have been used including conducting in-depth interviews, documentary and report analysis which have provided important data used for the study. In analysing the data collected the thematic analysis technique was employed which categorised the data into different themes, categories and codes all of which provided a description of the supply chain practices that are relevant during disaster operations. The main findings highlighted the fact that for successful disaster operations essential supply chain activities such as procurement, transportation and logistics, collaboration and information management should be strategically planned and controlled as critical success factors. The study has also discussed agile, flexible and responsive supply chain practices that have been successfully implemented in commercial organisations, these when properly implemented can contribute to the success of humanitarian efforts in southern Africa.