A data quality framework for engineering asset management

Abstract

Data Quality (DQ) is a critical issue for effective engineering asset management (AM). DQ problems can result in severe negative consequences for an organisation. Several research studies have indicated that most organisations have DQ problems. This research aims to explore DQ issues associated with asset management in engineering organisations. The study first develops an AM specific DQ framework, and then tests it in a preliminary case study of two large Australian engineering organisations. The empirical findings of the DQ issues from the research are used to validate the proposed AM DQ framework. This study provides a better understanding of DQ issues for engineering asset management. This in turn will assist in providing useful advice for improving DQ in this area, leading to activities which will help ensure DQ. The research suggests that the importance of DQ issues for engineering asset management is often overlooked; thus, there is a need for more scrutinised studies in order to raise general awareness.

Keywords:

• Data quality
• engineering asset management

Additional information

Notes on contributors

S Lin

Shien Lin is currently working towards the completion of a PhD at the University of South Australia. He is also a researcher in the Strategic Information Management Lab of the School of Computer and Information Science. He has been involved with the research associated with the CRC for Integrated Engineering Asset Management program in Australia. Shien has gained extensive experience in the information system and finance sectors in Taiwan and Australia since he graduated from his Bachelor of Accounting from Soochow University in Taiwan. He has also undertaken further study at Deakin University in Australia, and obtained a Master degree in Electronic Commerce. Shien was previously appointed Financial Controller of South Australian Red Cross from 1999-2001. He has published journal papers in the International Journal of Electronic Business Management, International Journal of Information Quality, book chapter in the Information Quality Management: Theory and Applications as well as various proceedings in international conferences such as International Conference on Information Quality, Australasian Conference on Information Quality, Americas Conference on Information Systems, Australasian Conference on Information Systems, International Conference on Accounting and Information Technology, World Congress on Engineering Asset Management.

J Gao

Jing Gao received his PhD degree from the University of South Australia. He is currently working as a full time research fellow / lecturer for the School of Computer and Information Science at University of South Australia. He has also been working as a professional trainer / consultant for many Australian leading organisations including the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) of Australia, SA Water and etc. His research interest is about how to obtain an alternative view to appreciate complex social and technical problems.

A Koronios

Prof Andy Koronios is the Head of the School of Computer & Information Science, in the Division of Information Technology, Engineering & the Environment. Andy began has degrees in electrical engineering, computing and education and a PhD from the University of Queensland.

Andy has extensive experience in both commercial and academic environments and has interests in electronic commerce, information quality, computer security, strategic information management, multimedia systems as well as online learning technologies He has worked both as a consultant and as a professional speaker on IT issues in Australia and South East Asia. He has over 20 years experience in the academic environment and has received the University of Southern Queensland Award for Excellence in Teaching.

Andy has established two University Research Labs and a funded centre. He is currently Research Program Leader of a federally funded centre for system integration in engineering asset management and has attracted more than $2M in research funding. He has published 10 books, several chapters and numerous research papers in diverse areas such as information security, data quality, electronic commerce, multimedia, and online learning.