EAI International Conference for Research, Innovation and Development for Africa

Research Article

Smart and Strategic Procurement, Use and Maintenance Partnerships in Engineering Equipment for Sustainable Development and Training in Sub-Saharan Africa using a Systems Thinking Approach

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  • @INPROCEEDINGS{10.4108/eai.20-6-2017.2270631,
        author={Wilson R. Nyemba and Charles Mbohwa},
        title={Smart and Strategic Procurement, Use and Maintenance Partnerships in Engineering Equipment for Sustainable Development and Training in Sub-Saharan Africa using a Systems Thinking Approach},
        proceedings={EAI International Conference for Research, Innovation and Development for Africa},
        publisher={EAI},
        proceedings_a={ACRID},
        year={2018},
        month={4},
        keywords={capacity building engineering equipment maintenance procurement smart partnerships sustainability},
        doi={10.4108/eai.20-6-2017.2270631}
    }
    
  • Wilson R. Nyemba
    Charles Mbohwa
    Year: 2018
    Smart and Strategic Procurement, Use and Maintenance Partnerships in Engineering Equipment for Sustainable Development and Training in Sub-Saharan Africa using a Systems Thinking Approach
    ACRID
    EAI
    DOI: 10.4108/eai.20-6-2017.2270631
Wilson R. Nyemba1,*, Charles Mbohwa1
  • 1: University of Johannesburg
*Contact email: nyemba@yahoo.com

Abstract

Most engineering institutions in Sub-Saharan Africa generally suffer from the persistent shortage and lack of accessibility to modern engineering equipment for the training of engineers. The old and obsolete equipment available, invariably pose challenges on the caliber of engineers being churned out to run industries in these developing countries. Based on research carried out at four engineering institutions in Sub-Saharan Africa through data collection and analysis, a smart procurement, use and maintenance strategy in the form of strategic partnerships with industry was formulated using a systems thinking approach. This paper looks at the development of this strategy and how the proposed partnerships can help in sustainable development, capacity building and ultimately bridging the gap between industry and academia. The implementation of this novel approach at the University of Zimbabwe has brought immense benefits such as students and staff access to modern equipment and technology.