Civil Engineering
http://hdl.handle.net/10311/109
2024-03-29T00:12:30ZExtraction and structural characterization of cellulose from milkweed floss
http://hdl.handle.net/10311/2461
Extraction and structural characterization of cellulose from milkweed floss
Maheswaria, C. Uma; Reddy, K. Obi; Dhlamini, M.S.; Mothudi, B.M.; Kommula, V.P.; Rajulu, A. Varada
The aim of this study was to investigate the utilization of milkweed fruit floss residues as a source for the isolation of cellulose. Cellulose was extracted by acidified sodium chlorite and sodium hydroxide treatments. Characterization of the pristine milkweed floss and extracted cellulose was performed by chemical composition analysis, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The extracted cellulose had mainly α-cellulose as the other components hemicellulose and lignin were significantly removed during cellulose extraction process. The FTIR spectra also indicated that the chemical treatments extensively removed hemicellulose and lignin from the pristine milkweed floss. SEM technique was used to investigate the surface morphology of the pristine milkweed floss and extracted cellulose. The intensity of the crystalline peak in the X-ray diffractograms of the extracted cellulose was higher than that of pristine milkweed. Further, the XRD results indicated a structural transformation of cellulose I (pristine milkweed) to cellulose II (extracted cellulose) because of the chemical treatments. The extracted cellulose, which is a high biomass, had better thermal stability than the pristine milkweed floss owing to removal of non-cellulosic components.
2017-09-28T00:00:00ZDeveloping a strategic perspective for construction industry in Botswana
http://hdl.handle.net/10311/1285
Developing a strategic perspective for construction industry in Botswana
Ssegawa, Joseph
The paper documents the outcome of a study conducted to formulate the strategic perspective of the construction industry in Botswana. The study was sanctioned by the two influential entities namely the Ministry of Infrastructure and BOCCIM Construction Sector. The two entities not only represent the demand and supply side of the construction industry but also represent key professions, trades and interests of the industry. A focus group approach was used based on workshops to formulate the strategic perspective. Workshop participants were drawn from various organisations that play a role in the delivery of construction projects. Individually they also represented the various professions, trades, occupations and interests relating to the construction processes in Botswana. Specific statements for industry’s vision, mission, values and goals were formulated through constructive discussions and debates to describe the future desired state of the construction industry. These are to serve as guiding tools for the industry’s reform process. The paper provides a step by step approach that integrates several scholastic frameworks for developing a strategic perspective for the industry.
2013-01-01T00:00:00ZDeveloping green supply chain management strategies: a taxonomic approach
http://hdl.handle.net/10311/1284
Developing green supply chain management strategies: a taxonomic approach
Mutingi, Michael
Purpose: The objective of this research is to explore the empirical green supply chain activities found in literature, and to develop a taxonomic framework that can be used for formulating appropriate strategies for green supply chains, based on characteristic dimensions for the green supply chain.
Design/methodology/approach: The taxonomic framework is developed through (i) analysis of green supply chain activities found in existing empirical work or case studies recorded in literature, (ii) identification of key dimensions that influence green supply chain management strategies, and (iii) development of a taxonomic scheme for selecting or developing green strategies.
Findings: The paper finds that this study yielded: a set of three characteristic dimensions that influence strategic green supply chain management, and a guided structured approach selecting appropriate green strategies, providing managerial insights.
Research limitations/implications: This paper shows that future work includes development of specific performance management indices according to the taxonomy of green strategies developed in this study.
Practical implications: This research provided a practical guided approach that enhances appropriate formulation of green strategies for green supply chain management, while providing sound managerial insights for the supply chain decision maker. The choice of supply chain strategy directly impacts the overall environmental, economic and operations performance of the supply chain.
Originality/value: This study presents to supply chain decision makers a new taxonomic framework that simplifies and enhances the formulation of green strategies, and to researchers a comparative understanding of various strategies applicable to green supply chains.
2013-01-01T00:00:00ZA generic methodology for strategic auditing of a manufacturing system
http://hdl.handle.net/10311/1212
A generic methodology for strategic auditing of a manufacturing system
Gandure, J.; Parasuram, Kommula V.
Operating without definite strategy for competitiveness is becoming a common practice in small to medium enterprises, especially those with manufacturing functions. This has seen many potential businesses failing to survive the competition in today's dynamic business environment. In order to thrive in any chosen market,an organization needs to have a well-defined manufacturing strategy that is periodically audited and reviewed. An effective manufacturing strategy must clarify and define the links between overall competitive strategy and the development of the company's resources. Strategy formulation provides direction, purpose and coherence; ensures that manufacturing's interests are taken into account at corporate level; clarifies and emphasizes priorities and potential conflicts;and helps integrate functions. An understanding of the consumer's needs is critical and a clear awareness of order winning and order qualifying criteria is essential. Thus a manufacturing strategy sets the destination, and implementation defines how to get there. This paper outlines a generic methodology for formulating a manufacturing strategy which should be of value to private enterpreneurs especially in the manufacturing domain.
2011-01-01T00:00:00Z