Registration and Networking
Workshop Session: Unleashing the power of systemic thinking in problem framing
Suja Joseph-MalherbeRudolph Oosthuizen

Summary of Workshop:

In the engineering context, a question we need to often ask is, “Are we solving the right problem?”. We need to know this as the definition of the problem is the focal point of all our problem-solving efforts. In other words, the quality of the solutions (fit for purpose) we come up with is directly linked to the description of the problem. One need to be aware of cognitive biases that lead to jumping to solutions before the underlying problem is discovered. Also framing a problem instead of attempting to define it in a complex context may be a more resilient approach. This workshop will explore how problem framing has an influence on how we approach solving the problem through hands-on activities and facilitated small group and plenary activities.

Benefits of attending the Workshop:

- New perspective on approaching problems (engineering and wicked and messy problems)
- Getting out of your comfort zone (beyond the engineering zone)
- Creating awareness
- Opportunity to suspend judgement
- Complements your current knowledge
- Take-aways
- Think differently of their system and systems around them
- When solving problem – identifying the problem
- What is the real problem?
- Uncovering the “real” problem vs the “perceived” or “reported” problem
- Thinking is difficult and so we judge (with our own mental model and biases)

  • Suja Joseph-Malherbe (Senior Systems Engineer | Director of Letter27)

    Suja Joseph-Malherbe

    Senior Systems Engineer | Director of Letter27
  • Rudolph Oosthuizen (Associate Professor at GSTM at University of Pretoria)

    Rudolph Oosthuizen

    Associate Professor at GSTM at University of Pretoria
Tea Break
Workshop Session: Unleashing the power of systemic thinking in problem framing (continue)
Suja Joseph-MalherbeRudolph Oosthuizen
  • Suja Joseph-Malherbe (Senior Systems Engineer | Director of Letter27)

    Suja Joseph-Malherbe

    Senior Systems Engineer | Director of Letter27
  • Rudolph Oosthuizen (Associate Professor at GSTM at University of Pretoria)

    Rudolph Oosthuizen

    Associate Professor at GSTM at University of Pretoria
Lunch
Welcome and Chair's Address
Keynote Address
Edwin (Eddie) Andrews
  • Edwin (Eddie) Andrews (Deputy Mayor at City of Cape Town)

    Edwin (Eddie) Andrews

    Deputy Mayor at City of Cape Town
Parallel Session 1Track 1
Tea Break
Parallel Session 2Track 1
Cocktail Function
Registration & Networking
Parallel Session 3Track 1
Poster Session
Tea Break
Industry Showcase
Parallel Session 4Track 1
Lunch
Keynote Address
Janet Sawari
  • Janet Sawari (Entrepreneur/Innovation Strategist/Researcher at TAIR Labs)

    Janet Sawari

    Entrepreneur/Innovation Strategist/Researcher at TAIR Labs
Workshop Session: Applied System Dynamics Methodolgy
Nalini Sooknanan PillayRudolph Oosthuizen

Summary of Workshop:

Step by step process in using a system dynamics methodology in developing a simulation.

Benefits of attending this Workshop:

Will ensure a structured approach to developing a robust and rigorous simulation model to enhance understanding of the system problem and boundary conditions.

  • Nalini Sooknanan Pillay (Corporate Specialist- System Dynamics at Eskom SOC)

    Nalini Sooknanan Pillay

    Corporate Specialist- System Dynamics at Eskom SOC
  • Rudolph Oosthuizen (Associate Professor at GSTM at University of Pretoria)

    Rudolph Oosthuizen

    Associate Professor at GSTM at University of Pretoria
Tea Break
Workshop Session: Applied System Dynamics Methodology (continue)
Nalini Sooknanan PillayRudolph Oosthuizen
  • Nalini Sooknanan Pillay (Corporate Specialist- System Dynamics at Eskom SOC)

    Nalini Sooknanan Pillay

    Corporate Specialist- System Dynamics at Eskom SOC
  • Rudolph Oosthuizen (Associate Professor at GSTM at University of Pretoria)

    Rudolph Oosthuizen

    Associate Professor at GSTM at University of Pretoria
Social Activity
Registration & Networking
Poster Session
Workshop Session: Plan a business simulation game
Trevor Shihundla

Summary of Workshop:

This is a simulation game that gives a playful experience of the operating worlds of the future and therefore the opportunities and risks of conversion. The goal is to initiate a method of dialogue regarding our concepts of future work in addition to development of the game within the African context, as a result of the operating world is at the beginning of any elementary transformation. Together, we discuss topics like industry 4.0, Digitization, cyber-physical systems and production. In light of this circumstances, the players formulate fascinating futures, within the dynamic work processes, while not losing sight of the downsides of the transformations. Thus, potentialities for fulfilment are tested, relations mentioned and opportunities and risks known.

Benefits of attending this Workshop:

• Plan A possible to reflect and simulate diverse visions for the future of work for all of us
• The solutions are not fabricated but solid fundament for discussion
• The cooperation between inter-disciplines is improved within various departments
• Offers an overview of possible strategies of implementation within a department
• Using a neural network and software to calculate impact of implemented strategies on key performance indicators(KPI) and resources

  • Trevor Shihundla (Lecturer at Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria)

    Trevor Shihundla

    Lecturer at Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria
Tea Break
Workshop Session: Plan a business simulation game (continue)
Trevor Shihundla
  • Trevor Shihundla (Lecturer at Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria)

    Trevor Shihundla

    Lecturer at Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria
Lunch
Parallel Session 5Track 1
Keynote Address
Ian Moll

AI and the ‘4IR’ - Industrial revolution, technological revolution or revolutionary technologies?

  • Ian Moll (Research Fellow at University of Witwatersrand)

    Ian Moll

    Research Fellow at University of Witwatersrand
Parallel Session 6Track 1
Tea Break
Panel Discussion
Janet SawariIan MollJacomine GroblerAjit Gopalakrishnan

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

  • Janet Sawari (Entrepreneur/Innovation Strategist/Researcher at TAIR Labs)

    Janet Sawari

    Entrepreneur/Innovation Strategist/Researcher at TAIR Labs
  • Ian Moll (Research Fellow at University of Witwatersrand)

    Ian Moll

    Research Fellow at University of Witwatersrand
  • Jacomine Grobler (Associate Professor at Department of Industrial Engineering, Stellenbosch University)

    Jacomine Grobler

    Associate Professor at Department of Industrial Engineering, Stellenbosch University
  • Ajit Gopalakrishnan (Head of Odin Education Division at Jendamark)

    Ajit Gopalakrishnan

    Head of Odin Education Division at Jendamark
Closing Address
Conference Gala Dinner