Best Practices for linking strategic planning to resource allocation and implementation decisions using elements of a transportation asset management program

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Agenda
Cover Letter
Directions
Problem Statement
Suggested Selection Criteria
Members List
MRUTC Appendices Draft
MRUTC Chapter Draft


Project Number:         
02-05

Research Project:        Best Practices for linking strategic planning to resource allocation and implementation decisions using elements of a transportation asset management program 

P.I. Name & Address: Dr. Anthony Pagano                                Dr. Sue McNeil

                                   Associate Professor                                Director Urban Transportation Center

                                   University of Illinois at Chicago                 University of Illinois at Chicago

                                   2218 University Hall (MC 243)                  412 South Peoria St, Suite 340

                                   Chicago, IL 60607                                   Chicago, IL 60607

                                   312-996-8063                                          312-996-9818

                                   amp@uic.edu                                         mcneil@uic.edu

Project Objective:       This research will facilitate and integrate the successful strategic planning and performance measurements found in DOT asset management programs. The project will develop a summary of best practices for strategic planning and recommendations of metrics to use in evaluating the performance of strategic planning efforts. The end result will be a guidebook with a model process, guidelines, and performance metrics.

 Project Abstract:         In the past, strategic plans were commonly focused on process management, with each DOT prioritizing individual goals and objectives. There are also an increasing number of stakeholders with varied goals and objectives in the strategic planning process. Regional projects and common asset management issues were not measured or managed with common metrics leading to inconsistent implementation. It is noted that there is no common definition of asset management variables or expense categories. In order to maximize performance and customer satisfaction, a common measurement system is necessary. 

Most state DOTs are taking innovative approaches to strengthen their capacity for strategic leadership and performance measurement. In this area, no standard solutions or measurements apply. Nevertheless, it is possible to develop some guiding principles from the DOT experience to date regarding the development and use of leading edge strategic management systems.

The research will build on past and ongoing work and also assemble a set of tools based on experiences and best practices in a diverse set of states. To accomplish this, literature will be reviewed as well as a survey of practices in each state DOT that will explore, document and synthesize both strategic planning processes and products. With input from an expert advisory panel, states will be selected for detailed analysis. From this analysis, a synthesis of best practices will be prepared as well as a model strategic planning process that incorporates principles of asset management.   

Task Descriptions:        Task 1: Review literature
Task 2: Survey 50 State DOTs
Task 3: Summarize State Activities
Task 4: Convene Expert Panel
Task 5: In-Depth Analysis of Five to Seven State DOTs
Task 6: Case Analysis of Each Chosen DOTs
Task 7: Develop Preliminary Synthesis of Best Practices
Task 8: Convene Expert Panel
Task 9: Develop Model Process and Set of Guidelines
Task 10: Communicate the Findings of the Research   

Milestones, Dates:        Project Start Date: September 1, 2001
                                    End Date: August 31, 2002

Total Budget:               $264,298.10 

Student Involvement:   Two graduate research assistants and two student hourly employees. Students will complete surveying in Task 2.

Relationship to Other

Research Projects:       Not related to existing MRUTC research projects – research is in response to RFP issued Summer 2001

Technology Transfer

Activities:                     Case studies will be developed for use in graduate infrastructure and asset management programs. Articles will be prepared documenting the findings of this project and released to publications. Public education and outreach will be developed to illustrate the connection between asset management and strategic planning in state DOTs. Finally, other deliverables include a summary of best practices, synthesis of metrics, recommendations on metrics, summary of factors to explain success, models and guidelines, and a final report. This information will be incorporated into a guidebook for practitioners.

Potential Benefits

of the Project:              This project will produce many deliverables that will assist practitioners in the field with strategic planning as well as materials for use in the academic environment. The project outcome will establish common metrics and benchmarks for DOT performance evaluation. 

TRB Keywords:            Asset Management, Maintenance Management, Strategic Planning  

Primary Subject:         Strategic Planning

Modal Orientation:      All, primarily highways