This section describes the structural layout of this study; a structure specif- ically aligned with the research objectives listed in Table 1.2. Included in Section 1.3 is a brief discussion of the research objectives to be achieved by
each chapter in this study. This discussion includes information, albeit incom- plete, detailing the content of each chapter. A brief summary of each chapter’s complete content is therefore provided in the following sections. Figure 1.3 de- picts the chapter layout and the core topics of discussion.
Figure 1.3: Document structure
The structural layout depicted by Figure 1.3 corresponds to the research methodology and design stated in Section 1.5. As a result, this structure allows the reader to follow and comprehend the laminated knowledge contained in each chapter.
Chapter 1: Introduction
Chapter 1 introduces the reader to the research undertaken in this study through a description of the research domain and core concepts of this study. A problem statement is presented which is translated piecewise into research objectives. Following the progression of the research objectives, the delimita- tions of this study can be defined, allowing a research design and methodology to be developed. A description of the study structure is finally provided as a conclusion to this chapter.
Chapter 2: Literature Study
Chapter 2 begins the logical progression for finding an answer to the re- search question stated in Section 1.2 by first describing the PAM landscape.
Stemming from this landscape, the literature review covers the concepts of PM, PMa, PMS, KPIs and inter-KPI relationships. Existing frameworks and methodologies that employ the concept of inter-KPI relationships are investi- gated, as well as the mathematical techniques and rules employed. Through the investigation of these topics and concepts, the chapter collates the neces- sary information for the development of the methodology in Chapter 3.
Chapter 3: The Quantitative Identification of Inter-Performance
Measure Relationships Methodology
Chapter 3 develops an improved methodology for the objective identification and quantification of relationships between a set of KPIs. This methodology, called the Quantitative Identification of Inter-Performance Measure Relation- ships (QIIPMR) methodology, is this study’s proposed solution to the problem stated in Section 1.2. The QIIPMR methodology is discussed and all of its constituents are detailed.
Chapter 4: Case Study
The QIIPMR methodology (which is developed in Chapter 3) is validated as the solution methodology to a real world problem. The deliverables of the QIIPMR methodology are compared to those of its predecessor, the QRPMS methodology. A comparison study is completed and an assessment of the results presented. The validation of the QIIPMR methodology results are provided as the conclusion to this chapter.
Chapter 5: Conclusion and Recommendations
A reflection of the research is presented in Chapter 5, along with a dis- cussion of the limitations of the study. Final conclusions are formulated which provide an answer to the research question presented in Section 1.2. In addi- tion, the null hypothesis is tested and either rejected or not rejected. Chapter 5 concludes the study by providing recommendations and opportunities for future research.
Chapter 2
Literature Study
Chapter Aims:
This chapter aims to introduce and investigate the primary research topics of this study, as well as their accompanying peripherals, in a logical sequence to aid in the conceptualisation and comprehension of this study’s research question. The information gathered through this research is intended to facilitate the laminated development of the knowledge required to answer to the aforementioned research question.
Chapter Outcomes:
⇒ Familiarisation with, and understanding of, the topics relevant to this study. ⇒ Comprehension of the links between the fundamental research topics.
⇒ Comprehension of the elements which constitutes the research question.
2.1
Chapter Introduction
The literature topics required to conceptualise the research question stated in Section 1.2 are described and investigated in this chapter. The aforementioned literature topics are introduced in a sequential manner with relationships link- ing the topics. This flow pattern is depicted in Figure 2.1.
Figure 2.1: The flow between the investigated literature topics in Chapter 2
The concept of Physical Asset Management (PAM) is first introduced, de- scribing it with respect to the common concept of Asset Management (AM). A brief overview of the international standards for PAM is provided, establish- ing the link between PAM and the fields of Performance Measurement (PM) and Performance Management (PMa). Following this is the introduction and description of PM and PMa. Upon completion, the respective systems em- ployed by PM and PMa, Performance Measurement System(s) (PMS) and Performance Management System(s) (PMaS), are investigated as well as the elements employed by these systems, performance measures and Key Perfor- mance Indicators (KPIs).
The Quantitative Relationships at the Performance Measurement System (QRPMS) is the methodology on which this study aims to improve. Phase 1 of the QRPMS methodology requires the basic knowledge of how to design and implement, or adopt, a PMS. Therefore, the discussion of PMS and PMaS is orientated at a general overview of PMS development and includes relevant sources for more, in-depth guidance. Furthermore, performance measures and KPIs are also discussed in a manner similar to that of PMS and PMaS, facili- tating the inclusion of recommendations and discussions of their problems, as well as the challenges met in their development and implementation. It is for this reason why Section 2.3 and Section 2.4 contributes to the majority of the literature in this chapter.
Following the discussion of PMS and KPIs, an investigation is carried out regarding frameworks which aim to identify relationships between per- formance elements. Following the guidance of Rodriguez et al. (2009), exist-
ing frameworks are introduced and their individual inadequacies are briefly discussed with respect to the assessment techniques they employ. The afore- mentioned QRPMS methodology is among these frameworks, and is singled out and described in more detail. The mathematical procedures employed by the QRPMS methodology, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Partial Least Squares (PLS) analysis, are briefly described. This description leads to the origin of the research question stated in Section 1.2.
The crux of the research problem this study aims to address constitutes the last topic discussed in this chapter. The selection criteria chosen by the QRPMS methodology for employment in PCA, the Guttman-Kaiser criterion (K1), is discussed. Multiple literature sources are consulted for the criterion analysis, and multiple alternative selection criteria to K1 are investigated; a task which concludes the literature review of this study.