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RESEARCH PROPOSAL

AN ASSESSMENT ON THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE ROLE OF INDUSTRIAL

NETWORKS IN PLANT AUTOMATION AND CONTROL STSTEMS IN ZIMBABWE
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DEFINATION OF TERMS
PLC : Programmable logic controllers
SCADA : Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition system
Ethernet : A system for connecting a number of computer systems to form a local are network ,
` with protocols to control the passing of information and to avoid simultaneous ` `
` transmission by two or more systems
Field bus :It works on network that permits various topologies ,communication on devices
Obsolescence : It is the process of becoming outdated and no longer in use

INTRODUCTION
Industrial automation is the control of machinery and processes used in various industries by
autonomous systems ,which may involve robots or computer software. Industries implement
automation to increase productivity and reduce costs related to employees ,their benefits and
other associated expenses ,while increasing precision. With the Industrial revolution came
mechanization , which brought cheaper and more plentiful goods .(S. Djiev 2010) Industrial
automation was made possible by industrial networking which are networks that deal with
transfer of data on a large scale ,which means they allow us to connect various devices
across large spaces and enable communication between them by allowing us transfer huge
chunks of data between them .Examples of industrial networks include Supervisory
network, Process control network, Industrial network in enterprise and Industrial network in
business operations .In addition to this, these networks use different instruments for their
networking programs for example ethernet, SCADA and PLCs .Industrial automation
however has its disadvantages which may cause other business sectors not to relay on in it
,for example the high cost of maintenance when compared to manually operated machines ,
a higher level maintenance is is required and if not properly maintained they might cause
accidents even to the employees .

BACKGROUND
In the early 20th century ,the process control systems and the manufacturing systems were
designed based primarily on the mechanical technology with analogue devices. After the
period pneumatic control technology and the hydraulic power were introduced. With the
wide spread of digital computers and the associated technologies ,Industrial communication
networks came to be developed with or converted to digital transmission started in the 1960
as computers for automation systems were first linked together. People have not always
been reliable in industries as they tend to give excuses and also do many errors on the job
hence the need for automation as the system can be programmed as a closed loop which
would only need continuous reliability centred maintenance as to avoid breakdowns.

Many industries have adopted industrial automation which is highly effective as it migrate
the effects of labour shortages, many advanced countries are experiencing a labour shortage
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,which has promoted the development of automated operations as labour replacement. In

addition to this, industrial automation can help accomplish process that can not be done
manually. Certain tasks are impossible to complete without the assistance of a machine
.Precision ,miniaturization or geometry complexity are all requirements for the processes
that can not be met manually . Some examples are integrated circuit fabrication operations,
rapid prototyping based on computer numerical control machining of complex mathematical
defined surfaces ,and only computer controlled systems can only carry out these processes.
Furthermore, avoiding the high cost of not automating , automating a manufacturing plant
provides a significant competitive advantage. The benefit is difficult to demonstrate on a
companys project approval form. Automation advantages often manifest in unexpected and
intangible ways ,such as improved labour relations , and a better company image.
Companies that do not automate are likely to fall behind their competitors in terms of
customers, employees and the general public.

However the use of industrial networks in industrial automation has its disadvantages for
example there is high complexity in using ethernet or field bus for they require more
equipment and cabling ,resulting in more complex infrastructures that can be time
consuming and labour intensive to maintain. Obsolescence or depreciation cost , it occurs in
two types physical depreciation which occurs due to damage of the equipment or robots in
form of damage ,wear or corrosion. In addition to this there is also depreciation of the
functions which means changes in the need for a piece of equipment ,service or inability to
meet demand. One of the greatest disadvantages of industrial networking is
unemployment ,worker displacement. There is mass lay-off because manual labourers are
being replaced by these networks or other automated machinery. Many people are losing
their jobs ,especially those who work in the manufacturing industry

RESEARCH GOAL

• To assess the effectiveness of the role of industrial networks in industrial automation and
process control systems
• To see if automation is being done in the industries of Zimbabwe
• To find out if the industries are benefiting from automation

SPECIFIC OBLJECTIVES

• To ascertain the effectiveness of the various initiatives by industrial companies

towards automating their plants for process control using industrial networks
• To see how many companies are still doing their work manually and find out why
• To make suggests and recommendations that can be useful in encouraging industrial
networks for automation
• To know and understand the benefits of automation in our industries
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THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
This research will be guided by the bounded rationality theory. This theory was propounded
by Herbert Simon in 1957 .He was of the view that in order to secure optimum results by
decision makers, they have to try to be rational in the decision that they make. Herbert
proposed bounded rationality theory as an alternative for the mathematical modelling of
decision making used in economics, political science and related disciplines. This theory
views decision making as a fully rational process of finding an optimal choice given the
challenge at hand as well as the information pertaining the challenge variable. In addition to
this, this theory suggests that the satisfiers ,seeking a satisfactory solution rather than an
optimal one. Thus the researcher is going to be guided by this theory to assess the decisions
that Industrial companies are trying to meet the need for the use of industrial networks for
industrial automation and process control.

RESEARCH METHODOLODY

Research methodology can be defined as the general approach to studying topics and how
one will about studying a phenomena for example qualitative or quantitative (Silverman
2013).This research is going to take a qualitative as well as a quantitative approach.
Qualitative approach can be defined as a naturalistic approach that seeks to to understand
phenomena within their own context-specific setting that is the researcher is to gain deep ,
intense and holistic overview of the assessment of the role of industrial networks in
industrial automation and process control ,often involving interacting with the everyday
lives of individuals and different industrial sectors (Gray 2011).Qualitative approach
according to (Creswell 2014) can be defined as being more numerical and is concerned with
statics for example the increase or decrease in production after industrial automation , this
can be achieved by looking at the company graphs for their yearly production. Moreover ,
interviewing the managers and taking record will also help in the research . The study will
also start by a literature research of scholarly books , journals ,articles ,website ,and
informative videos from website such as google scholar JSTOR . The use of questionnaires
to ask participants what they think or know about how industrial networking has impacted
on their communities

ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS

Ethics can be defined as a set of principles that embody what is good or right or allows us
to identify what is bad or wrong (Hammersley and Trainou 2012). Research ethics can also
be defined by addressing the question of which relevant issues caused by the the
intervention of researchers can be expected to impact on the people with or without whom
they research (Flick 2011). It is considered in addition with the steps taken to protect those
who will participate in the research if this is necessary .The researcher will uphold
confidentiality of the information given by the participants. The researcher will also seek
informed consent to the participants before they respond and the researcher will not force
the participants to respond rather it will be voluntary .
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LIMITATIONS

Limitations can be defined as potential weaknesses that prohibit expected results or

outcomes and are usually beyond the researchers control. The respondents may refuse may
refuse to provide information since the research is not going to provide an materialistic
rewards to them. Limited sample size or lack of reliable data from the participants,missing
data and deficiencies in data measurements (such as a questionnaire in item not asked that
could have been used to address a specific issue)