6.5.3.3
Process Improvements
The success of a TAM Improvement Plan that outlines steps the agency plans to take to enhance its asset management program will also benefit from a clear set of roles and responsibilities for:
- Implementing the suggested changes,
- Monitoring progress, and
- Repeating the assessment periodically.
Ownership for the implementation of the planned enhancements generally lies with the TAM Coordinator in an agency, with specific tasks assigned to one or more individuals with the specialized skills and capabilities that are needed.
A major function of the implementation leader is to ensure that all roles are understood and that the various assignments are being carried out as intended. This may require building buy-in among the team members, who are likely busy with other responsibilities. It is also important that the leader have the authority responsibility to hold individuals accountable for progress, even if they report to a different division within the agency.
Figure 6.8 Risk Types and Owners
Source: Transportation Research Board. 2014. Managing Risk Across the Enterprise: A Guide for State DOTs.
The availability of adequate resources is also important to the successful implementation of an improvement plan. Establishing clear role descriptions that describe the required tasks to be completed and the requirements needed to implement the changes enables an agency to compare the availability of existing staff to the implementation requirements. In some instances, staff may be temporarily assigned responsibility for a particular activity, such as developing a TAMP, to address a specific need.
Figure 6.9 Risk Management Roles and Responsibilities for the Highways Agency, England
Source: Washington State DOT. 2018. Project Risk Management Guide.