Suchergebnisse

A Private Finance Initiative (PFI) is a way of establishing Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) by funding public infrastructure projects with private capital investment. The election in 1979 of a Conservative government under Margaret Thatcher marked the start of a still-continuing shift of activities away from the UK public sector. PFI was implemented in the UK for the first time in 1992. HCP is an award winning PFI asset-management company and, as part of the EngD course, the researcher has spent a large amount of time based at HCP. HCP stands for Healthcare Projects, and this thesis presents an alternative, combined-methods research approach to one of the most mechanically complex asset types under HCP's management, in its largest healthcare facility. The research presents a risk-based approach to the operational lifecycle planning of 113 air-handling units at a central London hospital. The two components to the project are engineering risk (How likely is the asset to fail?) and contractual risk (What are the financial implications of such a failure?). Currently, these assets are modelled by HCP on a 'strategic' level, but using CIBSE- recommended guidance and part-failure data collected from six other UK-based hospitals, the Physical Asset Lifecycle Model (PALM) produces a funding profile for the replacement of the 1,247 internal components, as opposed to 113 bulk assets. The numerical model has also been visualised through the extraction of 3D BIM geometry into a geometrical-modelling tool (Rhino5) and computational plug-in (Grasshopper) to connect to the lifecycle model and visualise the replacement strategy proposed. The qualitative part of the combined-methods approach involved interviewing HCP Management board members as to their views on the models. The current profile adopted by HCP for the management of the air-handling units involves a £6.045m spend during the remaining 33-year concession period. The main findings of the PALM lifecycle model are that, based on a component-level replacement approach, this figure can be reduced by more than £1m based on a recommended replacement profile (£4.709m). Such a reduction can be based on how HCP currently manages its assets, and the engineering survey conducted showed that three air-handling units currently being life-cycled by HCP either had no components or were decommissioned prior to construction. The main findings of the PALM geometrical model (based on thematic-interview analysis) are that such a tool has largely been unseen in the industry before and it displays major translatability to other complex mechanical assets with component parts. It can also be integrated into HCP business propositions for new and existing clients in the future because of its clarity and ability to produce transparent lifecycle modelling from a decision-maker's point of view. The research concludes that while the PALM model provides a glimpse as to how lifecycle modelling may be conducted in the future, a number of barriers to its implementation remain (namely data availability in a competitive environment, the time versus income generated business-case paradigm and a generational ability to change and accept technological advancements amongst senior decision-makers).

Information systems (IS) may be seen as a repository for knowledge. The challenge to practitioners is to use such technological developments as the basis for new working practices that lead to competitive success and growth. Knowledge, as a factor of production, is increasingly recognised for its relatively untapped contribution to more effective performance. IS developments and implementation are evaluated with great difficulty. The study looks to a new method of evaluating the effects of knowledge acquisition in physical asset management: through the benefits achieved from a maintenance management information system (MMIS). The experiences of four case organizations that had recently introduced an MMIS are studied. The knowledge acquired was categorised according to a structure by Bohn, and the benefits which accrued from the MMIS were classified using a benefits ladder developed by Farbey et al. The study suggests that where greater levels of knowledge resulted from the MMIS, higher level benefits were achieved.

PurposeAsset management is often one of the last options to maximise cost savings in a competitive global economy due to its intrinsic complexity, especially in many developing countries. Asset management in the process industry must consider the commissioning, operational and end‐of‐life phases of physical assets when commencing a design and implementation project. However, current asset management models show inefficiencies in terms of addressing life cycle costs comprehensively, as well as other aspects of sustainable development. An asset life cycle management (ALCM) model is subsequently proposed for assets in the process industry, which integrates the concepts of generic project management frameworks and systems engineering with operational reliability in order to address these inefficiencies.Design/methodology/approachExperiences within a large petrochemical company in South Africa are used as a case study to demonstrate and discuss the different components of the proposed ALCM model.FindingsOperational reliability and systems engineering are the means to achieve optimum value from physical assets over a facility's lifetime. Thereby, activities are identified that should be completed during each stage of the project life cycle. The application of performance measurements for the operation and support stages is proposed to influence decision making in the process industry.Originality/valueSpecific issues pertaining to the ALCM model are highlighted to ensure optimal practicality and incorporation of the model with other management practices in the process industry.

Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this empirical study is to examine the role of two contingency factors, i.e. uncertainty and competitiveness in relation to physical asset management (PAM) practices as well as to maintenance key performance indicators. The research is based on a premise that PAM, which was defined by risk management practices, performance assessment practices, life cycle management practices, and policy & strategy practices, has become an indispensable element of strategic thinking of asset owners as well as maintenance and asset managers. The purpose of this study is to advance the understanding of how organizations that face high or low level of uncertainty and competitiveness respond in terms of PAM deployment.
Methodology/Approach: This study employed a data set based on a large-scale survey among organizations in six European countries (i.e. Slovenia, Poland, Greece, Sweden, Turkey and Slovakia). Data were collected from 138 organizations located in the above-mentioned countries to conduct the study.
Findings: The results show that organizations that are faced with high level of uncertainty and competitiveness are more engaged in the deployment of PAM practices. Moreover, results show that when organizations are facing high levels of competitiveness they are using KPIs to a greater extent than organizations under low levels of competitiveness.
Originality/value: From a theoretical perspective, this study contributes to the contingency theory by providing empirical evidence whether a context-dependent approach to PAM is needed. The findings also provide insights for managers on how to respond to the competitive pressure as well as how to customize PAM practices in order to adapt to the changes in dynamic organizational environment.

Spares determination is the process of determining what spare parts, in the right quantity and when they are required, to support the maintenance of a physical asset such as a ship. With an understanding of the configuration and mean time between failures of an asset's components, organisations are able to determine the maintenance and parts required to keep it at the required level of availability. Feedback through use should further enhance asset knowledge leading to more efficient and effective spares determination. The thesis presents evidence that organisations are ignoring theory in acquisition and feedback loops in asset operation, rendering their spares determination inefficient and ineffective. A significant gap in spares determination knowledge was found that indicated that factors such as culture, leadership and demographics (human factors) may explain why the theory was not being applied. The project used a mixed methods approach. The quantitative phase consisted of a workforce survey conducted across 14 different business units (n=219) in the Australian Department of Defence. Responses were analysed through multiple regression with spares determination performance statistics. Statistical models supported the proposition, with approximately 50% of the sample's variation explained by human factors. Surprisingly, the models indicated that theory was being applied to drive effectiveness not efficiency as it was designed. These unexpected results were explained by the qualitative phase of the project, which included a total of 25 semi-structured interviews of personnel from four business units. These found dominant military 'can-do' culture which emphasised effectiveness to drive asset availability at the expense of efficiency. Where transformational leadership existed, entrepreneurial behaviours where modelling, experimentation and planning provided more effective spares determination. These business units also overcame a series of organisational issues preventing better performance.The thesis quantified the large impact of human factors on spares determination performance. It found that organisational culture and transformational leadership were the factors that had the greatest influence on spares determination efficiency and effectiveness. These findings provide an opportunity for further theoretical and practical development of asset management and integrated logistics support that should yield a substantial increase in spares determination performance.

Part IV: ICT and Emerging Technologies ; International audience ; Physical asset Management is "the optimal life cycle management of physical assets to sustainably achieve the stated business objectives". A "physical asset" is defined as a physical item that has potential or actual value to an organization. During 2011-2012 the European Federation of National Maintenance Societies (EFNMS) European Asset Management Committee (EAMC) carried out a survey of industries seeking to map physical asset management practices. The survey contained questions concerning the business environment of respondents, management practices, key performance indicators usage, organizational policies and driving factors. This paper presents the survey deeper findings regarding the responses, influences of industrial sector and business environment on physical asset management practices, identification of typical existing asset management profiles and improvement suggestions. Focus is given on comparing asset management practices between Greece and other EU countries, offering insight into different technological, business environment and other factors influencing physical asset management practices.

Introduction to Asset Management -- Structure and Activities -- Asset Management Personnel -- From Concept to Project Approval -- Financial Methods -- Developing a Business Case -- Implementing Development Plans -- Life Cycle Planning and Costing -- Know Your Assets -- Asset Continuity Planning -- Strategic Asset Management Planning -- Capital Planning and Budget -- Asset Management -- Information Systems -- Cost-Benefit Analysis -- Risk Analysis and Risk Management -- Outsourcing -- Logistic Support -- Asset Basic Care -- Maintenance Organization and Budget -- Stock Control -- Reliability, Availability, Maintainability -- Safety -- Profit, Depreciation and Tax -- Asset Decision Examples -- Economic Life -- Equipment Replacement Decisions -- Further Financial Topics -- Performance, Audit and Review. .

<p>The present study was conducted to highlight the Fishery as a source of livelihood among the people of North Garo Hills of Meghalaya. About 30 respondents of different villages of North Garo Hills Meghalaya have consulted together with the information of their practicing Fishery as a source of livelihood. Fish culture is a simple farming system where a farmer can earn more profit than any other agriculture crops and economically it helps the farmer in a short period. By adopting this system of culture, the farmer can easily earn money to depend on their livelihood. The practice of Fish culture provides additional sources of income as well as employment to the native people, while Fish provides lots of nutritive palatable food to each consumer.</p>

Purpose of the study: Amidst soaring use of excellent physical assets, there is a less clear understanding of their weight on service delivery. Drawing on the contention that quality services delivery relies on excellent physical assets, the study aimed to establish how physical asset management practices affect quality service delivery in local governments in the mid-north sub-region of Uganda. Methodology: The study used a cross-sectional design with a quantitative approach. A sample of 131 respondents was targeted and obtained using simple random and purposive sampling of physical asset managers in local governments. Collected data using a self-administered questionnaire was analyzed quantitatively (descriptive and inferential statistics) using Statistical Program for Social Scientists (SPSS Ver. 23). Main Findings: Findings revealed that there was a positive correlation between physical asset management practices (rho.506) and quality service delivery. Accordingly, it was concluded that physical asset management practices, measured in terms of lifecycle planning, risk management, information management and performance management significantly affected quality service delivery in local governments in the mid-north sub-region of Uganda. Research limitations/implications: The study used a quantitative approach in two local governments with probable missed out on qualitative aspects aside difficulty in generalizability. However, it enlightens theoreticians and practitioners in ensuring proper execution of physical asset management practices in engineering, infrastructure, estate, finance and above all public procurement; for the provision of quality services desired and expected by the different stakeholders. Novelty/Originality of this study: This study parallels those in developed countries which reveal that success in quality service delivery is a result of using excellent physical assets. However, in developing countries studies are nearly nonexistent. Essentially, there is a paucity of research addressing ...