Training for a pavement management system: Experiences from New Zealand

Road & Transport Research, Mar 2003 by Pradhan, Nabin K, Wilson, Douglas J, Dunn, Roger C M

Abstract

In late 1998 New Zealand embarked on an ambitious project to implement a National Pavement Management System (PMS) throughout NZ, using the software application dTIMS.1 An important aspect of this project was the development and implementation of a comprehensive training program. To successfully complete this, a Training Needs Assessment (TNA) was undertaken to identify the training needs, the different target levels, the appropriate training methods and the materials required. From this TNA various training modules and formats were developed, and included pilot study training and standard and refresher training courses via seminars and workshops. In addition, some modules were developed specifically for the universities at both graduate and postgraduate levels. The training materials and courses were formulated in a modular format and differentiated to three target levels of system users (management level, general technical users and advanced users). A well-planned training program has resulted in the ongoing successful implementation of the NZ dTIMS project which has recently been recognised by the engineering profession by the award of the Institution of Professional Engineers New Zealand (IPENZ), Supreme Award for Engineering Excellence for Information Technology in 2001.

BACKGROUND

In December 1998 the national implementation of predictive modelling for Pavement Management Systems (PMS) in New Zealand (NZ) began. This project, locally known as the NZ dTIMS project, was initiated by the Road Infrastructure Management Steering (RIMS) group. The RIMS group is made up of representatives of Road Controlling Authorities and Consultants throughout NZ. Refer to Figure 1 for an organisational chart of the RIMS Group.

The vision of the RIMS Group was to have a nationwide and consistent approach in the implementation of a PMS. Deighton's dTIMS software was the selected platform for multi-year programming of road works. It can be one of the most powerful applications for this type of task because it is such an 'open system'. The user can build the system up to suit local requirements and functions. dTIMS contains the five components shown in Figure 2.

Less than four years after the beginning of the project, more than 90 systems are now being used by about 60 road controlling authorities through out NZ. It is planned that more than 70 different Road Controlling Authorities (RCAs) responsible for approximately 100 000 km of sealed and unsealed roads will ultimately use this system. HTC Infrastructure Management Ltd. (HTC) was awarded the implementation project in conjunction with the University of Auckland, which was involved in the development and implementation of the training program for the project.

A pragmatic approach was selected and followed in the implementation of PMS in NZ. The main aim or benefit of this approach was that it followed an evolutionary progression and allowed an early system to be developed and a program of continual improvement to the system. Because of this approach, a preliminary NZ dTIMS system was developed within a very short time frame during Phase I of the project (over a 7-month period), using available information and systems. This preliminary system was released in August 1999. The system was then further refined by incorporating feedback from the users, and the refined system was released in August 2000 at the end of Phase II of the project. Phase II also included the development of training materials and supporting documentation, and the training of more than 300 users throughout NZ. Further refinement of the system, including the updating of the training materials, was completed in Phase III (2000/01) and IV (2001/02). The project is now running in Phase V (2002/03), which will see further refinement, continued support for users and operational research that will enhance the system.

The pragmatic approach undertaken allows the end users to get the benefits of the developing system as early as possible, rather than waiting for a 'perfect' system to be developed after the completion of the research and development process. At the same time the users need to be aware that the system being developed is not the optimum or final system, but the best one available at the time. Furthermore, the active participation of the users and their experiences and feedback from using the system helps to ensure the successful development of the final system within a few years. This was to be complemented with focused operational research on the issues identified during the implementation. These objectives could only be achieved once the users from the RCAs network consultants and contractors in NZ were properly trained in the use of the system. A need for a comprehensive training program was therefore identified, properly planned and implemented from the beginning of the project.

NEEDS ASSESSMENT

The training of NZ nationwide users required a comprehensive training program, and the establishment of a training management team to plan and manage the training. A Training Needs Assessment (TNA) was carried out in Phase I, in conjunction with the University of Auckland. Its objectives were to: