The development of a competency-profile and implementation plan for Robolab operators in a selected cement factory

Abstract

The cement manufacturing industry is prominent in the North West province of South Africa. An automated Robolab system was implemented in one of the cement factories without a competency profile for the Robolab operators and therefore could not become operational. The primary objective of this study was to identify the required Robolab operator competencies and to develop a competency profile in order to select and appoint suitable operators to commission the Robolab system in the selected cement factory. A review of the literature provided little knowledge of competency profiling of Robolab operators, but did provide the principles and practices of competency profiling in order to assist in conceptualising competency profiling for operator development for a Robolab system in a cement factory. This study adopted a qualitative research approach with a case study design, as the research problem existed in a real-life context. Data on Robolab operator competencies were collected from participants in industries that had Robolab systems, through open-ended and semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis was employed as a method of data analysis. A Robolab competency profile and implementation plan for Robolab operators in the cement industry was developed. The competency profile comprised four main competency areas: 1. Technical; 2. Behavioural; 3. Professional; 4. Innovation and 5. Creativity. Recommendations were outlined and managerial implications were highlighted to assist in operationalising the Robolab system.