University of Twente Student Theses
Anticipating Key Technological Innovations in Maintenance Operations : Design and development of a technological impact model for the Royal Netherlands Army mechanic
Koopmans, S. (2024) Anticipating Key Technological Innovations in Maintenance Operations : Design and development of a technological impact model for the Royal Netherlands Army mechanic.
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| Abstract: | This thesis investigates how the Royal Netherlands Army (RNLA) can determine the impact of key Technological Innovations (TIs) on ground-based military systems. In recent decades, the RNLA has almost continuously faced a large number of technological developments that have had their effect in the equipment acquired. Simultaneously, the RNLA experienced major adverse effects of cutbacks resulting from relaxations in the geopolitical security situations. This combination often caught the maintenance organization off guard, constantly dealing with unexpected challenges. Consequently, at this moment the maintenance organization was unable to adjust in the required manner. Therefore, the main problem that has led to this research is the lack of insight into the impact that future TIs will have on the required skills and capacities. To ensure that personnel are properly trained and equipped to deal with continually changing technological assets, the organization needs to know the effects of TIs on the professional maintenance tasks that the RNLA mechanics have to perform. The main research question (RQ) guiding this study is: ”How can the Logistic Centre of Excellence (in the role of maintenance policy advisor) anticipate the impact of technological innovations in ground-based military systems on the mechanic’s work, and support effective maintenance operations in the future?” In support of finding an answer to this question, the Design Science (DS) research methodology has been adopted to develop an impact model that considers changes in tasks, skills, facilities, support equipment, training, manpower, and job quality. The impact model has been developed and demonstrated using three different case studies. The impact model distinguishes itself by providing a structured approach which focuses on the micro-level impact of TIs on the (army) mechanic. Based on the results of the case studies, the impact model does not offer definitive solutions due to inherent uncertainties; however, it does prove helpful in identifying potential risks and opportunities. Identifying these risks and opportunities, in turn, assists the organization to proactively address challenges, explore solutions, provide advice to maintenance management, and potentially mitigate future issues. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Master) |
| Clients: | Dutch Ministery of Defense, Soesterberg, Netherlands |
| Faculty: | ET: Engineering Technology |
| Subject: | 50 technical science in general |
| Programme: | Mechanical Engineering MSc (60439) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/99582 |
| Export this item as: | BibTeX EndNote HTML Citation Reference Manager |
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