about us
About Us
The De Villiers Company grew out of the Techmans business to address a wider scope of business activity. Techmans was founded by Philip RUST in April 1993, and has since completed many consulting, training, and research assignments in various industries in South Africa and Europe. De Villiers Co uses associates and partners where necessary.
Philip RUST has over 35 years’ experience in the areas of systems engineering, business engineering, programme/project management, technology management, operations management, knowledge management and strategic management in various industries. His corporate career progressed to senior management level before being invited to take up a post-graduate lecturing position on an international Master’s programme in Engineering Management. He has gained extensive international exposure, including working, consulting, and lecturing in Europe.
As part of the research and development of a Business Improvement System over many years, Philip developed Magnisity® Theory – a first in the world.
Philip receiving an award in France
Philip in his research office
Philip’s International Professional Participation includes amongst others:
1994: Participated in a conference on Manufacturing Strategy for faculty, facilitated by internationally renowned Profs. Terry Hill and Bill Berry at the Ohio State University, Columbus OH. 2000: Presented a paper at the INCOSE (International Council on Systems Engineering) international symposium in Minneapolis MN; 2001: Contributed to discussions on the SE Body of Knowledge at the INCOSE international symposium in Melbourne, Australia; 2002: Moderated a discussion on SE by expert panellists at the INCOSE international symposium in Las Vegas NV; 2002-2003: Elected first president of newly formed South Africa Chapter of INCOSE; 2003-2004: Appointed co-chairperson of SE Applications Technical Committee of INCOSE, the first South African to enjoy this level of leadership at this international professional society with head office in the USA; 2004: Invited as speaker at the international Academic Forum of the INCOSE in Toulouse, France, where his model for the SE Body of Knowledge received wide acclaim from international experts; 2004-2006: Appointed one of 16 INCOSE international ambassadors (the only one outside Europe and the USA at the time); 2005: Invited to chair one of the most prestigious sessions (where authors, academics, experts and INCOSE Fellows presented) at the INCOSE international symposium in Rochester NY; 2008: Invited speaker at the INCOSE international symposium in Utrecht, the Netherlands, and re-appointed as international ambassador. 2009-2010: Participated in the global activities of the IIBA® (International Institute of Business Analysis).
