'n Elektrisiteit bestuursinligtingstelsel vir 'n chemiese onderneming

Abstract

In the modem business world information about the internal as well as external factors influencing a company, is of utmost importance. In order to achieve a competitive advantage, information and the correct application thereof plays an ever-increasing role of importance. However, not any data or information will do, but only relevant information that supports the critical success factors of the organisation. As Fairhurst (1992:6) stated: ''We can drown in information but be starved of knowledge". It is thus important that the correct information is made available to the decision-makers of the organisation and in this regard there are a number of requirements that the information has to comply to. To ensure the profitability and long term survival of a company, it is necessary that all capital projects, including the implementation of a management information system (MIS), be undertaken for the right reasons. In the case of information projects this implies that such projects should be economically justifiable. As for any other capital project, information projects also competes for the limited financial resources of the company and only the most financial promising projects will be successful in obtaining capital. In the case of an electricity management information system, the available literature lacks detailed procedures or guidelines for determining the exact information required, as well as assessing the economic viability of such a project. The primary purpose of this study is to document guidelines for the selecting of appropriate and relevant information supporting the electricity management in a chemical plant, as well as the economical justification of such a management information system. This was done by conducting a literature study on the relevant topics that may have an influence on the objectives of the study. Subsequently an empirical study was conducted by investigating

the existing electricity management information system at the company under investigation. Furthermore, questionnaires were used to obtain the following: - To determine if the existing electricity management information system complies with the requirements for an effective management information system as determined by the literature study. - To determine in what sense the existing electricity management information system fulfils the information requirements of the electricity decision-makers at the company under investigation. - To determine how often the existing electricity management information system is used by the electricity decision-makers. - To determine the information requirements of the electricity decision-makers for effective management of electricity in their respective business units. - Biographical information of each respondent. The results of the empirical study were compared to the theory regarding management information systems and relevant recommendations were made to improve the existing electricity management information system. No ideal economic justification technique was identified and a series of justification techniques can be successfully used, however, the nett present value method is recommended for several reasons, as discussed in the study. The findings and recommendations made as part of the study can be used, in total or in part, for other management information system projects. However, it is geared for the management of electricity in a chemical plant and will be most useful for that purpose. It is believed that the objectives of the study have been reached. If the recommendations in this study are applied to rectify the shortfalls and gaps of the existing electricity management information system, it is believed that it will help Sasol Chemical Industries in gaining a competitive advantage.