DBM
Doctoral Level Research
4
Research Methodologies
3+
Case Study Organisations
RESEARCH OVERVIEW
Doctoral Research into Business
Transformation Through Industrial Engineering.
This research programme investigates how Industrial Engineering methodologies — specifically Systems Thinking, the Theory of Constraints, and Business Process Modelling — can be systematically applied to drive measurable business transformation in complex organizational environments.
KDE Innovation serves as the primary research artifact: a live consultancy established and operated as a deliberate embodiment of the research propositions, enabling naturalistic observation and empirical validation of the theoretical framework in real-world consulting engagements.
The research adopts a pragmatic philosophical stance, employing a mixed-methods approach that combines quantitative survey data, qualitative case analysis, and naturalistic case study observation to produce a robust, multi-layered evidence base
Programme
Doctor of Business Management (DBM)
Researcher
Katlego Mabote
Research Artifact
KDE Innovation Consultancy
Methodology
Mixed Methods — Pragmatic Paradigm
Domain
kdeinnovation.com
Theoretical Framework Development
To develop and validate a theoretical framework for applying Industrial Engineering methodologies — specifically Systems Thinking and the Theory of Constraints — to organizational business transformation challenges.
Practical Implementation Model
To develop a practical, replicable implementation model that enables practitioners to apply the validated framework in diverse organizational and industry contexts — beyond the specific cases studied.
Empirical Validation
To empirically validate the framework through quantitative survey research, qualitative case analysis, and naturalistic observation of real consulting engagements conducted through KDE Innovation.
Contribution to Knowledge
To contribute original insights to the body of knowledge at the intersection of Industrial Engineering, business transformation, and management consulting — advancing both theory and practice.
RESEARCH VIDEO EVIDENCE
Video Evidence Repository.
Video documentation forms a critical part of the empirical evidence base capturing presentations, practitioner testimonies, and research process milestones that cannot be conveyed through text or data alone.
Research Video 01
Introduction to the DBM Research Framework
An overview presentation of the doctoral research framework — outlining the research problem, objectives, theoretical foundation, and the rationale for using KDE Innovation as the primary research artifact. This video provides examiners with a foundational orientation to the research programme.
Research Video 02
Case Study Evidence — Methodology Application in Practice
A detailed walkthrough of one of the primary naturalistic case studies — demonstrating how the Systems Thinking and Theory of Constraints framework was applied in a real organizational context, the challenges encountered, and the empirical outcomes produced. Names and identifying details have been anonymised in accordance with research ethics requirements.
Additional Video Evidence — Uploading Progressively
This repository will be updated with additional video evidence as the doctoral research programme progresses. Planned additions include: research presentation recordings, participant interview excerpts (with consent), empirical findings presentations, examiner Q&A sessions, and conference paper presentations. Each video will be accompanied by a contextual description explaining its relevance to the research evidence base.
RESEARCH DOCUMENTS & APPENDICES
Document Download Centre.
All research documents, appendices, and supporting materials are made available here for examiner access. Documents are added progressively as the research programme advances.
01
Executive Thesis Summary
A concise overview of the doctoral research, methodology, key findings, and the KDE managerial framework developed for improving mining performance.
02
DBM Participant Scoring Workbook
Contains participant scoring data, assessment criteria, and empirical evaluation records used throughout the research.
03
Participant Analysis Dataset
Research dataset containing participant responses, analysis inputs, and supporting empirical evidence used during the study.
04
Research Input Sheet
Supporting input data used for analysis, validation, and evaluation throughout the DBM research project.
05
Participant Evaluation Workbook
Contains participant evaluations, scoring records, and assessment results used throughout the research.
06
KDE DT Participant Data Collection
Collects participant responses, research observations, and supporting data gathered during the DBM study.
07
Collaborative Design Workshop
Documents the collaborative design workshop, stakeholder engagement, and co-creation activities conducted during the research.
08
Target Mine Case Recovery Analysis
Presents the Target Mine case study, performance analysis, and operational improvement outcomes.
09
Case Study Analysis - Tshepong Mine
Provides a board-level productivity review, tonnage performance analysis, and key operational findings.
Conference Presentations
& Research Videos
Supporting Academic Evidence
These conference presentations showcase the practical application of Theory of Constraints (TOC), systems thinking, and industrial engineering principles within complex mining environments. Delivered through the Theory of Constraints Practitioners Alliance (TOCPA), they complement the Doctor of Business Management (DBM) research by demonstrating industry engagement, professional knowledge sharing, and the development of the KDE Innovation methodology.
DT Data Collection – Collaborative Design Workshops
Evidence from collaborative design workshops and group discussions conducted as part of the DBM research data collection.
Repository Active — Continuously Updated
This Repository Will Continue
to be Updated.
This research evidence portal will continue to be updated with additional research evidence, videos, appendices, and supporting documentation as the doctoral research programme progresses. Examiners are encouraged to revisit this repository at key milestones throughout the research journey to access the most current body of evidence.
