Abstract

This thesis was written during the researcher’s time employed in both the Oil & Gas and Food Industry. The researcher developed a strategy during his career in the Oil & Gas industry. The aim of this thesis is to understand if the same strategy can be used in the Food Industry. An empirical research methodology has been used for this thesis and is based on the experience of the Researcher as well as professional / Notified bodies that have been encountered via audits during the researcher’s career (e.g. Bureau Veritas, Amtri Veritas, Health & Safety Executive, British Retail Consortium, Client Auditors, etc. The strategy development was also influenced by an improvement project that was ran in conjunction with Sunderland University. To help deliver an accurate and consistent thesis the research seeks to answer three research questions.
RQ1 – What is current maintenance strategy utilised within the Oil and Gas Industry and how has it developed?
RQ2 – Can the same maintenance strategy, developed by the researcher, be used within the Food and Drink Industry?
RQ3 – What are the differences and limitations of using a specific maintenance strategy developed within Oil and Gas and could they be overcome for the Food and Drink Industry?
The researcher provides a detailed description on the history of the maintenance function and how it has developed to reach a recognised process considering academically recognised practices as well as the researcher’s experience. The academic literature review examines several ‘best practice’ elements that have supported the development of the maintenance strategy devised by the researcher. The thesis will describe the strategy itemising, describing and showing examples of each element of the proposed dual-purpose strategy.
The thesis will examine the operational differences and limitations between each industry. The limitations of the case studies are discussed and the impact that they may have on the maintenance department when developing a new approach to maintenance.
The conclusion of this research describes the results of strategy implementation within the two different industries and describes the necessary elements required for further research.