Integrating human factors and operational research in a multidisciplinary investigation of road maintenance

Abstract

There has been limited collaboration between researchers in human factors and operational research disciplines, particularly in relation to work in complex, distributed systems. This study aimed to investigate work at the interface between human factors and operational research in the case example of road resurfacing work. Descriptive material on the factors affecting performance in road maintenance work was collected with support from a range of human factors-based methods and was used to inform operational research analyses. Investigation of the case example from a different perspective, for the supply of asphalt from a distribution centre to multiple work locations, gave a broader picture of the complexity and challenges for the improvement of road maintenance processes. Factors affecting performance in the road maintenance context have been assessed for their potential for further investigation using an integrated human factors and operational research approach. Relative strengths of the disciplines and a rationale for ongoing, collaborative work are described.

Statement of Relevance: The paper provides evidence of the potential benefits of greater collaboration across human factors and operational research disciplines, using investigation of a case example in the complex, distributed system of road resurfacing.

Keywords:

• human factors
• operational research
• road maintenance
• scheduling

Acknowledgements

This project was funded in part by the Highways Agency in the UK and by the Bridging the Gaps scheme at the University of Nottingham. We would like to express our gratitude to Alex Tam from the Network Services Directorate at the Highways Agency, Aliaa Naja and Alistair Hunter, Scott Wilson Ltd., who supported part of the data collection and project management. We would also like to thank Arailymn Ualkhanova, for her work during a summer intern project at the university. Finally, we are indebted to the staff from the various organisations who gave their time and offered us insights into their expertise, during the site visits, interviews and workshops.