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- Registration and Networking
- Workshop Session: Unleashing the power of systemic thinking in problem framing
Suja Joseph-Malherbe•Rudolph OosthuizenSummary 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
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-Malherbe•Rudolph OosthuizenSuja Joseph-Malherbe
Senior Systems Engineer | Director of Letter27Suja together with Rudolph Oosthuizen will be presenting a Workshop titled: Unleashing the power of systemic thinking in problem framing.
More information about speaker
Bio:
Suja has a passion for leadership and systems engineering, and as such, she is quite active in INCOSE in various roles. She served as the President of INCOSE South Africa from January 2017 to December 2018. She is a member of the inaugural cohort of the INCOSE Technical Leadership Institute and joined the Institute as a coach in 2020. She is an INCOSE Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP) and a Solution-focused Brief Coach (ICF-ACSTHs training). She provides training and consulting services in systems engineering and leadership development to individuals and organisations through Letter27. She is also a sessional lecturer at the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment at the University of the Witwatersrand delivering post-graduate courses on systems engineering.
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)Rudolph Oosthuizen
Associate Professor at GSTM at University of PretoriaRudolph together with Nalini Sooknanan Pillay will be presenting a Workshop titled: Applied System Dynamics Methodology
More information about speaker
Rudolph will also together with Suja Joseph-Malherbe present a Workshop titled: Unleashing the power of systemic thinking in problem framing
Bio:
Rudolph Oosthuizen joined SA Air Force in 1990 to obtain a B.Eng (Elec 1994), B.Eng (Hons) (Indus 1998) and MEM (2002) from UP. In the SA Air Force performed systems engineering roles in Electronic Warfare and Command and Control. In 2008 he joined Defence Peace Safety and Security (DPSS) at the CSIR. Rudolph is currently a Senior System Engineer supporting various Command and Control related projects with more than 15 years’ experience in conceptual system modelling.
He obtained a PhD in Engineering Management at UP in 2015. Rudolph has initially the focussed was on modelling of Command and Control systems for requirements capturing as well as concept development. Of special interest was modelling of the human element in the sociotechnical system, focussing on cognitive and human factors using Model Based Systems Engineering practices and processes. Currently, Rudolph focuses on implementing Data Science and Artificial Intelligence for decision support and situation awareness.
Since May 2020 he has been appointed as a senior lecturer at the GSTM for the Systems Engineering and Systems Thinking course modules. Rudolph is registered as a Professional Engineer with ECSA and is also a Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP) with INCOSE.
When not working, researching or researching Rudolph spends his time on reading, photography and birdwatching.
For the summary and benefits of attending this Workshop, please see the profile of Nalini Sooknanan Pillay.
- Lunch
- Welcome and Chair's Address
- Keynote Address
Edwin (Eddie) Andrews
Edwin (Eddie) Andrews
Deputy Mayor at City of Cape TownEddie will be presenting a keynote address.
More information about speaker
Bio:
Edwin Andrews, fondly known as Eddie was born and raised in Mitchell’s Plain. He has been married for 23 years and has three children. Eddie and his family enjoy spending time together at home, going to church and supporting each other at various activities. He holds a Bachelors of Administration (majoring in Politics) from the University of Western Cape. He is currently completing his Honours.
Eddie attended Steenberg High School and was involved in various sports. Toward the end of his high schooling, he found a love for rugby. His parents could not afford tertiary education at that time and he was forced to work however, he kept playing rugby. He excelled and further went onto play for Western Province and the Springboks.
Although, no longer a professional sports player he regularly challenges himself to compete in sporting activities for community causes. He completed the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon in 2018 while collecting over 4000 packs of sanitary towels for various organizations. He has also taken on the Cape Argus Cycle Tour, raising funds toward food security and awareness about the Decision Affect Destinies (D.AD) Youth Mentorship Programme. He was also a regular at the Mitchell’s Plain Park Runs at Westridge Gardens.
Eddie has always been involved in community activities like establishing neighbourhood-watches and community outreach programs. He is passionate about community development and making sure opportunities and beneficiaries are linked. Eddie is well respected for his integrity and maturity to work with anyone regardless of their background.
Eddie’s love and commitment to community is what drove him into politics.
Eddie was elected into office as a Councilor in the City of Cape Town in 2011 and is still serving in this capacity. His first position as a Councilor was for Ward 78 and since the last local election in November 2021, he will now be serving the communities of Ward 73. He has already put together a plan for the next 5 years in office.
He has also served as the Sub-council 12 Chairperson from 2011-2016.
- Parallel Session 1 • Track 1
- Tea Break
- Parallel Session 2 • Track 1
- Cocktail Function
- Registration & Networking
- Parallel Session 3 • Track 1
- Poster Session
- Tea Break
- Industry Showcase
- Parallel Session 4 • Track 1
- Lunch
- Keynote Address
Janet Sawari
Janet Sawari
Entrepreneur/Innovation Strategist/Researcher at TAIR LabsJanet will be presenting a Keynote address.
More information about speaker
Bio:
Janet is the CEO and founder of TAIR Labs ; an AI Research and Innovation Lab based in Cape town. She is a serial entrepreneur a recent Harambean for the 2023 class, she sits on the Women in ICT board, is an Inspiring 50 2022 honoree, and the AI contributor for The Yuan AI tech platform. Janet is the visionary behind an AI-assisted labelling, model training & collaborative tool that enables anyone to build an AI with no code. This is TAIR Labs latest product called X-VSN, pronounced 'X-Vision'. Her vision is to enable businesses across industries to succeed quickly and efficiently with the power of computer vision. Her venture plans to explore innovations for healthcare, security and disrupt the industrial sector. She advocates for STEM education access, pan-African innovation, and leveraging AI to develop a new wave of industrialization on the African Continent. Her ambitions for social impact and gender inclusivity and diversity for youth in tech are evident through her efforts to produce a technical documentary about AI in Africa. With an MBA in Innovation Management and Entrepreneurship from Shanghai Jiaotong, a masters from the university of liverpool and a bachelors from Zhejiang university of science and technology Janets appetitive for driving innovation is unwaivering and her vision for the continent clear.
For more details on her organization please refer to these links:
Publication : www.theaireview.org
Technology : www.tairlabs.com
- Workshop Session: Applied System Dynamics Methodolgy
Nalini Sooknanan Pillay•Rudolph OosthuizenSummary 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 SOCRudolph Oosthuizen
Associate Professor at GSTM at University of Pretoria
- Tea Break
- Workshop Session: Applied System Dynamics Methodology (continue)
Nalini Sooknanan Pillay•Rudolph OosthuizenNalini Sooknanan Pillay
Corporate Specialist- System Dynamics at Eskom SOCNalini together with Rudolph Oosthuizen will be presenting a Workshop titled: Applied System Dynamics Methodology
More information about speaker
Bio:
Nalini Sooknanan Pillay graduated with an engineering degree at the University of Witwatersrand (South Africa) in 1994. She then worked as a production engineer in the steelmaking industry, where she dealt with line expansion and optimisation projects. In 1997, she joined Eskom’s Research business unit where she was involved in generation plant related research, as well as the development of knowledge-management diagnostic programs. At the end of 2011, she set up the Eskom System Dynamics Centre, while completing her Masters in Sustainable Energy Engineering at UCT, and thereafter her PhD in Industrial Engineering with contributions to the field of systems engineering, at Stellenbosch University. She currently holds the executive role of Eskom Corporate Specialist in System Dynamics. She is a founding member of the South African System Dynamics Chapter and held the post of President for several years. Nalini lectures ad-hoc in Applied System Dynamics at various universities and has authored and co-authored several internationally recognised papers using a system dynamics modelling approach.
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.Rudolph Oosthuizen
Associate Professor at GSTM at University of PretoriaRudolph together with Nalini Sooknanan Pillay will be presenting a Workshop titled: Applied System Dynamics Methodology
More information about speaker
Rudolph will also together with Suja Joseph-Malherbe present a Workshop titled: Unleashing the power of systemic thinking in problem framing
Bio:
Rudolph Oosthuizen joined SA Air Force in 1990 to obtain a B.Eng (Elec 1994), B.Eng (Hons) (Indus 1998) and MEM (2002) from UP. In the SA Air Force performed systems engineering roles in Electronic Warfare and Command and Control. In 2008 he joined Defence Peace Safety and Security (DPSS) at the CSIR. Rudolph is currently a Senior System Engineer supporting various Command and Control related projects with more than 15 years’ experience in conceptual system modelling.
He obtained a PhD in Engineering Management at UP in 2015. Rudolph has initially the focussed was on modelling of Command and Control systems for requirements capturing as well as concept development. Of special interest was modelling of the human element in the sociotechnical system, focussing on cognitive and human factors using Model Based Systems Engineering practices and processes. Currently, Rudolph focuses on implementing Data Science and Artificial Intelligence for decision support and situation awareness.
Since May 2020 he has been appointed as a senior lecturer at the GSTM for the Systems Engineering and Systems Thinking course modules. Rudolph is registered as a Professional Engineer with ECSA and is also a Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP) with INCOSE.
When not working, researching or researching Rudolph spends his time on reading, photography and birdwatching.
For the summary and benefits of attending this Workshop, please see the profile of Nalini Sooknanan Pillay.
- Social Activity
- Registration & Networking
- Poster Session
- Workshop Session: Plan a business simulation game
Trevor ShihundlaSummary 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
- Tea Break
- Workshop Session: Plan a business simulation game (continue)
Trevor ShihundlaTrevor Shihundla
Lecturer at Tshwane University of Technology, PretoriaTrevor will be presenting a Workshop titled: Plan A Business Simulation Game
More information about speaker
Bio:
Trevor is currently employed at Tshwane University of Technology as a Lecturer and Project Manager. A well experienced Industrial Engineer with 8+- year history of Teaching, Research, Business Process Improvement and Operational research in Pharmaceutical, Automotive, Consulting, Rail and Academia. Successfully managed contractual vehicles on Endurance on VWSA project in the capacity of Operations Engineer. Currently managing a successful Business Simulation Game for the University of Technology. International project with engineers from three different countries: Single use Plastics Reclaim and Repurpose Container. Developed a framework for remote monitoring railcar (train) brakes using sensors. A registered assessor, facilitator and moderator for skills transfer under the SAQA unit standards ID#115753, 117871 AND 115759. Participation in research and innovation projects within a TUT focus area/niche area includes Incubation Project for the RMCERI Incubation Centre, merSETA Chair for Intelligent Manufacturing team member, Sponsorship Co-ordinator for the 30th CIRP design conference, Holistic and business game as scenario analysis for new venture creation and representing South Africa at The 7th young BRICS Forum under the category of Artificial Intellegence. Trevor earned a Masters degree in Industrial Engineering, where he was Gibela Research Chair Scholar and Bachelors in Industrial Engineering at the Tshwane University of Technology. Currently pursuing a PhD in Industrial Engineering.
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
- Lunch
- Parallel Session 5 • Track 1
- Keynote Address
Ian MollAI and the ‘4IR’ - Industrial revolution, technological revolution or revolutionary technologies?
Ian Moll
Research Fellow at University of Witwatersrand
- Parallel Session 6 • Track 1
- Tea Break
- Panel Discussion
Janet Sawari•Ian Moll•Jacomine Grobler•Ajit GopalakrishnanArtificial Intelligence (AI)
Janet Sawari
Entrepreneur/Innovation Strategist/Researcher at TAIR LabsIan Moll
Research Fellow at University of Witwatersrand
Jacomine Grobler
Associate Professor at Department of Industrial Engineering, Stellenbosch University
Ajit Gopalakrishnan
Head of Odin Education Division at Jendamark
- Closing Address
- Conference Gala Dinner
