Analysing outsourcing policies in an asset management context: A six-stage model

Asset managers of civil infrastructure are increasingly outsourcing their maintenance. Whereas maintenance is a cyclic process, decisions to outsource decisions are often project-based, and confusing the discussion on the degree of outsourcing. This paper presents a six-stage model that facilitates the top-down discussion for analysing the degree of outsourcing maintenance. The model is based on the cyclic nature of maintenance. The six-stage model can: (1) give clear statements about the present state of outsourcing in each step of the model; (2) facilitate discussion about the desired future state of outsourcing and (3) identify of room for improvement in aligning the steps of the model. We successfully tested the model at the Dutch Road Agency in various workshops. We validated the model in discussions with experts, using the description of the past and present degree of outsourcing by the English Highways Agency. The model proves to be a simple means of communication to explain the outsourcing policy. This paper also describes the recent developments in outsourcing by Main Roads Western Australia, using the model.