NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

Abstract

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” -Margaret Mead (1901-1978), American anthropologist This annual Special Edition once again combines outstanding papers from two conferences: The 31st annual conference of the Southern African Institute for Industrial Engineering (SAIIE Green) (5-7 October 2020, held virtually), The 21st annual international conference of the Rapid Product Development Association of South Africa (RAPDASA) (4-6 November 2020, a hybrid conference held virtually and in three locations: Bloemfontein, Centurion, and Stellenbosch, South Africa). The Special Edition, introduced in 2016, continues to showcase the best research presented at these conferences. Papers undergo the same double-blind peer review process using the journal’s criteria; and the choice of those included in this Special Edition was based on rankings provided by the reviewers and on a final check of their quality and suitability by the editors of the journal. It was interesting to notice that, in 2020, both conferences featured the idea of change in their themes – SAIIEGreen: Being the change, and RAPDASA: Additive manufacturing for our rapidly changing world. And what a year of change it has been. As we start a new decade, I am increasingly aware of the rapidly changing and broad consequences of our existence on this beautiful yet fragile planet, and the resulting opportunities for ‘being the change’. Although industrial engineers are a relatively small community of professionals, I am always inspired by the relevant, innovative, and far-reaching impact that we can have on every aspect of our society. As you read through the papers in this Special Edition, I trust that you will be inspired by the exemplary work that represents our discipline of industrial engineering. Teresa Hattingh Guest editor