OPTIMIZING THE MANAGEMENT AND PERFORMANCE CAPABILITIES OF DOT PRODUCT EVALUATION PROGRAMS

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Kasana, D. (2018). OPTIMIZING THE MANAGEMENT AND PERFORMANCE CAPABILITIES OF DOT PRODUCT EVALUATION PROGRAMS. Unc Charlotte Electronic Theses And Dissertations.
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Abstract

State transportation agencies (STAs) implement countless transportation products that are identified, evaluated, and accepted through a Product Evaluation Program (PEP). Through an effective PEP, STAs can ensure the continuous availability of high performance products to be used on various construction and maintenance projects. STAs are encouraged to constantly monitor and update an Approved or Qualified Product List (APL or QPL, respectively). The purpose of this study was to assess the current state of practice of PEPs throughout transportations departments in the United States. The researcher analyzed flowcharts, product application forms, and standard operating procedures, and also conducted an extensive academic literature related to the subject. A survey was then developed and distributed to all 50 DOTs (56% response rate). Follow-up interviews were conducted with about half of the respondents. Data was collected on PEP staffing levels, satisfaction, size of approved product lists, annual budgets, and more.The study found that, in general, PEPs lack priority, consistency, and coordination. Statistical analyses revealed that agencies dedicating equal time toward both phases of evaluation (initial product application review and technical product review) have achieved the highest satisfaction levels for PEP communication and performance. An optimal PEP management model is proposed, and includes a modified product application form, past performance survey (where applicable), and revised product evaluation form.

Details
Author

Kasana, Dipin

Title

OPTIMIZING THE MANAGEMENT AND PERFORMANCE CAPABILITIES OF DOT PRODUCT EVALUATION PROGRAMS

Physical Description

1 online resource (189 pages) : PDF

Date

2018

Degree Granting Institution

University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Abstract

State transportation agencies (STAs) implement countless transportation products that are identified, evaluated, and accepted through a Product Evaluation Program (PEP). Through an effective PEP, STAs can ensure the continuous availability of high performance products to be used on various construction and maintenance projects. STAs are encouraged to constantly monitor and update an Approved or Qualified Product List (APL or QPL, respectively). The purpose of this study was to assess the current state of practice of PEPs throughout transportations departments in the United States. The researcher analyzed flowcharts, product application forms, and standard operating procedures, and also conducted an extensive academic literature related to the subject. A survey was then developed and distributed to all 50 DOTs (56% response rate). Follow-up interviews were conducted with about half of the respondents. Data was collected on PEP staffing levels, satisfaction, size of approved product lists, annual budgets, and more.The study found that, in general, PEPs lack priority, consistency, and coordination. Statistical analyses revealed that agencies dedicating equal time toward both phases of evaluation (initial product application review and technical product review) have achieved the highest satisfaction levels for PEP communication and performance. An optimal PEP management model is proposed, and includes a modified product application form, past performance survey (where applicable), and revised product evaluation form.

Genre

masters theses

Subjects--Topics

Engineering

Degree

M.S.

Keywords

Initial Product Review
Product Evaluation Program
Qualified Product List
Technical Product Review

Subject Area

Construction & Facilities Mgmt

Advisor(s)

Smithwick, Jake

Committee Members

Mayo, Glenda
Cavalline, Tara

Degree Note

Thesis (M.S.)--University of North Carolina at Charlotte, 2018.

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Rights Holder Information

Copyright is held by the author unless otherwise indicated.

Identifier

Kasana_uncc_0694N_11860

Permalink

http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.13093/etd:1344