Research Publications (Engineering and Built Environment)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://ir-dev.dut.ac.za/handle/10321/215

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Management of e-waste in the South African construction industry : a literature review
(IEOM Society International, 2023) Nkosi, Thalente Lungile; Adedeji, Jacob; Jele, Nkosinathi; Hadebe, Phumzile
In complacence with the ever-growing industrialization of different sectors, more specifically the construction sector, electrical and electronic waste management is becoming a global challenge in the construction industry posing significant environmental and health challenges. E-waste, if managed effectively, will release significant economic, resource and ecological benefits. Most of the construction companies have no information about electronic waste management, electronic devices that come from the seller while damaged are sent back to the supplier for exchange. Electronics that could not be repaired are sold to scrap yards and some are sent directly into the dumpsite, however, there were some electronic wastes stored inside the premises and others stored at the back of the premises directly into the ground, which decomposes and possibly affect the environment. The construction companies feel that it is the government's responsibility to provide money for electronic waste management otherwise there is no way they could manage e-waste in their business because it will not be profitable or else the users must take care of their electronic waste. The secondary data was collected through a detailed review of extant literature. In contrast, the primary data was collected using a qualitative method through interviewing the construction professionals. Twelve industry professionals were invited to participate in an interview but ten were present and able to participate, representing an 83% response rate. This paper seeks to assess how electrical and electronic waste are managed in the South African construction industry.
The status quo of Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) in the South African higher institutions
(IEOM Society International, 2023) Nkosi, Thalente Lungile; Adedeji, Jacob; Jele, Nkosinathi
Purpose- The paper aims to investigate the status quo of 4IR in the South African Higher Education Institutions Design/methodology/approach- The study adopted a survey design with different South African university students in Gauteng province using quota-sampling method. This was done through structured questionnaire. Percentage, frequency mean score and exploratory factor analysis were used to analyse the collected data. Findings- findings showed that the current status of 4IR is susceptible & made easy, the existing 4IR infrastructure needs to be mended, the universities have a blended learning approach, the nature of learning has not been transferred to digital learning, the full potential of 4IR has not being realised to outdated infrastructure and the 4IR adoption is very low due to its costs. The most rated benefits included the demographic effect of different socio-economic status affecting the students with adopting 4IR, the 4IR infrastructure is still under review & improvement in universities as well as that the infrastructure lack exclusive rights to many available technology innovations. Practical implications- This research paper was conducted in Gauteng province. The findings therefore show a true reflection of the status quo of 4IR in the South African higher institutions.