3. Data collection
Data were collected using interviews, questionnaires,
scientific company profiles from approximately 60 companies
from 12 countries. In addition, maintenance professionals
from companies who provided maintenance consultancy were
contacted. The aim was to collect, analyse and present a
varied and ‘uncensored’ view of maintenance strategy
development. Interviews were carried out with senior
managers while questionnaires were distributed to shop floor
personal. The interviews allowed a range of experiences,
situations and knowledge that would otherwise be hidden, to
be discussed and analysed. The questionnaires were used, in
certain situations, to support the views of senior management,
and in many situations dispute the views of senior managers.
The questions were similar to each organisation i.e. “who,
what, when, where and how”. Although the interviews were
open they did provide a systematic description on: