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CSIR – Who are they and what role do they play in South Africa?

I was asked to write a blog on the CSIR… Wow – write my own blog? Marvellous, wonderful, yes, indeed!

Then cold reality sets in… Who is CSIR and What on earth do they do…?

I considered the possibility of an underground arm of ‘Crime Scene Investigation’ and with the strains of CSI Miami music playing in the back of my mind (dooooo-waaya, du du du du…) I set off to ask my dear friend, Google.

As reliable as ever, Google responds The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).

The name itself immediately brings to mind a classroom, full of beakers, Bunsen burners and goggle-eyed students huddled over strange, bubbling liquid concoctions… maybe I wasn’t so far off, after all!   Further investigation reveals the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) was founded in 1945 and is SA’s central and premier scientific research and development organisation based in Pretoria. Made up of some of the best minds in our country, they work together to translate their research and knowledge into ideas that will help South Africa grow.

Amongst hundreds of projects that the CSIR has contributed to, one that particularly stood out to me was the development of an affordable and durable prosthetic paediatric knee, developed as a cheaper option for kids that are amputees.   There are options available for adults, but ended up being very costly and not practical for children – this new prototype is durable and cheaper and due to a motion detector in the device can allow the doctors to even monitor the general health and improvement of the amputees.   The genius in this device is that it can measure the pressure inside the socket and prevents sores forming as well as possible further amputation as a result.

A brilliant contribution, but what does this have to do with CONSTRUCTION…?

Well, the CSIR has several divisions within their Building Science and Technology division, namely;

Architectural engineering
Here they contribute to better social infrastructure, health and education facilities in South Africa.
Science and engineering methodologies are applied to tackle social infrastructure research questions and develop evidence-based solutions that inform current policy and practice. Solutions are established to support government’s development objectives and to the benefit of industry and civil society

Construction industry and innovation
They also undertake research, development and implementation of innovative building technologies that aim at transforming the way we construct buildings. Using principles of green building and sustainability to add to the way we design, construct, operate and maintain buildings. Leading to faster construction cycles, a lower life-cycle cost of buildings, improved product quality and worker safety.
They also explore the use of innovative materials such as green bricks, structural insulated panels, light steel frame and natural fibre composites.

Construction materials
Aimed at addressing the problem of slow and costly delivery of housing in South Africa, reducing the high energy and carbon footprint of building materials in a sustainable way, they promote the use of natural fibers for reinforcement, rather than steel, this increases sustainability, creates jobs downstream, promoting agricultural production and resulting in the production of greener building materials.
The group also looks at developing materials for use in industrialized or advanced construction that uses panels or modules made from cheaper and smarter materials to reduce building delivery lead times.

Sounds like an all-around winner to me – no nerdy geeks, just smart people and smarter choices!

In closing, I think the CSIR’s slogan – our future through science – shows that by investing, exploring and ongoing research, they can help shape South Africa’s future and deal with the complex problems facing us today – so it’s not all doom and gloom in the amazing country we call home. These great minds are at work to continually make improvements in our beautiful South Africa.

Sources:

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Scientists_examine_tissue_culture_flask.jpg (Image 1)

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:WorkNC-Knee_prosthesis.jpg (Image 2)

https://www.csir.co.za/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Council_for_Scientific_and_Industrial_Research

Telephonic discussion – Nox Moyake

About Candice Erasmus

I have been working at Leads 2 Business for 10 years of which 8 have been as the Sales Manager. I enjoy every aspect of my job and strive to hold the L2B flag high in all I do.

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Productivity depends on several factors. The office temperature being one of many

The air quality and room temperature of an office can profoundly affect the health, comfort and productivity of the occupants

When I started off writing this blog, in the early ‘Research & Data Gathering’ phase, I viewed the argument on aircon productivity as hot vs cool – translated as ‘no aircon/hot’ vs ‘with aircon/cool’.

But then, that wonderful ‘ka-ching’ light bulb clicked on, sparking a braincell into an intelligent thought – and the obvious dawned on me. Both sides, hot temp and cool temp equals productivity. It is not the one vs the other, but rather the 2 temps working together, balancing one another, to reach any Boss-Man’s desired fate, in creating a productive environment – a function that only an air-conditioning system can provide.

The obvious: Don’t forget, an aircon swings both ways – temperature wise of course. ‘Ka-ching’ light bulb

And here we have it [further down]. Studies supporting both temperatures. Highlighting how and why air-conditioning increases productivity.

We cannot control and manipulate the weather into our favour to increase productivity. This is why we have aircons, right?
# The Top Secret purpose of air-conditioning in the work environment.

The reality of the large impact aircons have on productivity is crystal clear, with no air to spare for denial 😉 wink wink

With the control and balancing of office temp, we create a happy and healthy environment, allowing productivity to boom and to ensure that productivity remains at optimal levels

Definition:

Air-conditioning is a process that alters the properties of air to more favourable conditions.

That in itself says it all. Altering the properties of air to more favourable conditions. Favourable being the key word, a positive word, and positive sounds productive, does it not?

‘Interpretation: “Air-conditioning is a process that alters the properties of air to more Productive conditions” 

With that said, it’s all about context, and context coupled with common sense will steer you in the right temperature!

My Air-con Philosophy: No sweat equals LESS Stress ladies and gents

SUMMURY: Part 1 – In Summer:

Yes please, Mr Aircon Buddy – do grace us with your Fresh Breath of Cool Air.

Make a hot office, bearable, cool the irritable into productive moods

But BEWARE of Igloo Temperatures!

Let’s not fall prey to illness, which then leads to grumpy moods and absenteeism, decreasing productivity, faster than the rand falls!

SUMMARY: Part 2 – In Winter:
I’m sure, more so than none, will happily invite the cozy aura of an aircon, rather than chattering teeth in an office sized fridge!
The air-con will warm our cheeks to a rosy pink, and switch our body temperature to ninja working mode! HELLO PRODUCTIVITY

PS. Be sure to take note of the flip side! Too hot will cause laziness as well as sleepiness! It’s a science, you know

Closing Statement: Air-conditioning helps us to control and balance the office temperatures – creating a happy and healthy environment, allowing productivity to boom, and to ensure that productivity remains at an optimal level.

Conclusion: Air-Conditioning is an Investment, not an expense!

Survey & Study results:

Velux.com states that an office with good indoor air quality improves productivity by 10%. A number of scientific studies indicate that elevated temperatures and poor air quality can negatively affect work performance. [Pawel Wargocki and David P. Wyon : Indoor Climate Scientist –  Technical University of Denmark]

In a 2004 study, Corner University psychological scientist – Alan Hedge, determined that workers are more efficient when they’re warm.
As per APS.org, cold offices link to lower productivity. While blasting the aircon, running up those energy bills, you are also running up the cost of lost worker productivity [colds and absenteeism from work]

A NASA Study concluded that an office temp that is too high (too hot) decreases productivity, with 18% loss in work done, and 40% loss in accuracy

In a Study conducted by Cornell University, it was found that an office that is too cold, increases work errors by 44%, which in turn increases the labour cost by 10%

Sources:

http://www.velux.com/article/2016/productivity-at-work

Cold offices linked to lower productivity

Why air condition the research

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About Jackie Van Zyl

My epic journey at Leads 2 Business started September 2008, as a Researcher / Data Capturer in the Tenders Africa Department. I joined Customer Relations in 2011, where I have had the great pleasure of being part of the Dynamic L2B Admin Department [From 2011 to present]. I deal with the Registration and Administration details of New Account Activations, and Existing Account Upgrades, etc. I also assist with client & staff queries. I’m a ‘think-out-of-the-box’ individual and an excellent problem solver. I am hardworking, meticulous, efficient, friendly and always happy to help! I look forward in assisting you with any queries you might have

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Description: Construction of Harare – Masvingo – Beitbridge road dualisation in Zimbabwe. Section 4: Rutenga to Beitbridge road – 135 kilometres.

Status: Underway

Industry: Infrastructure

Region: Zimbabwe

Sector: Public

Value: R 100 million+

Timing: May 2017 – May 2019

Notes: The groundbreaking ceremony will be held on 18 May 2017 signalling the start of construction of the proposed works. Contract period is expected to be three years.

If you are a valued Projects subscriber, you can find more details click here

About Melanie Miles

One girl who would rather wear boots than high heels...

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Contract Number: NRAN.012-060-2017/1 – SANRAL

Description: Invitation to Tender: Periodic Maintenance (Reseal) On National Route 12 Section 6 Between Vosburg (Km 56,6) And Kiewietskuil (Km 80,0). he South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) invites tenders for the Periodic Maintenance (Reseal) on National Route 12 Section 6 between Vosburg (km 56,6) and Kiewietskuil (km 80,0). This project is in the province of Northern Cape and in the district municipality of Pixley ka Seme. The approximate duration is 7 months

Industry Sector: Road

Industry: Infrastructure

Region: Northern Cape

Site Inspection: Clarification meeting is compulsory. Late arrivals will not be allowed to participate in the meeting and their submissions shall be declared non-responsive. 26 May 2017, 10:00. Britstown Town Hall. A compulsory tender clarification meeting with representatives of SANRAL will take place at the Britstown Town Hall in 27 Kerk Straat in Britstown on 26 May 2017 starting at 10:00. Late arrivals will not be allowed to participate in the meeting and their submissions shall be declared non-responsive.

Closing Date: 15 June 2017 at 14:00

Restrictions: Only tenders with a B-BBEE contributor status level of 1, 2, 3 or 4, are eligible to tender. Only tenderers who have access to a suitably qualified and experienced contracts manager who will be the single point accountability and responsibility for the management of the construction works, and who is registered with SACPCMP as PrCM or with ECSA as PrEng or PrTechEng are eligible to tender. Tenderers should have a CIDB contractor grading designation of 7CE or higher, however tenderers attention is drawn to clause 4.1.1 of the Tender Data when submitting their tender. Tenders from tenderers with a CIDB contractor grading designation of 6 CEPE or lower will not be accepted. The primary criterion in selection, apart from the qualification and experience of the contracts manager (Contractor’s Representative), CIDB grading and costs, will be the degree to which the tenderer can demonstrate appropriate knowledge and expertise. Only locally produced or locally manufactured products and components for construction with a stipulated minimum threshold for local content and production as stated in the Tender Data will be considered. Where the tendered value is less than R48 Million, it is a requirement of this project that the successful tenderer subcontract a minimum of thirty percent (30%) of the work if the tenderer is a QSE, otherwise the successful tenderer shall subcontract a minimum of fifty percent (50%) of the work to Targeted Enterprise(s) as defined in the Contract Data. Where the tendered value is more than R48 Million, it is a requirement of this project that the successful tenderer subcontract a minimum of thirty percent (30%) of the work if the tenderer has a CIDB 8CE contractor designation, otherwise the successful tenderer shall subcontract a minimum of fifty percent (50%) of the work to Targeted Enterprise(s) as defined in the Contract Data. Preferences are offered to tenderers who comply with the criteria stated in the Tender Data.

If you are a valued Tender subscriber, Click to here for more information

About Nonkazi Zondi

I started at Leads 2 Business in September 2016 as a Content Researcher in the Daily Tenders South Africa Department.

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