Research methodologies for engineering asset management

This paper serves as a guide for researchers in Asset Management (AM). Its objective is to establish sufficient reasoning to select and complement research methodologies for AM research studies. It explores literature and adds to existing research approaches in AM. This will lead to a stronger body of knowledge through a better contribution from research. AM as a discipline, addresses the management of the life cycle of assets utilized by an organisation. This extends from identification of the need to the disposal and liability thereafter. It includes technical and business activities. From this view, AM is a relatively new discipline. The nature of the AM activities is both interdisciplinary and cross functional. It has been found that most reported research in the area of AM focuses on specific functions and technical activities such as maintenance. Often it is either not apparent that a particular research method has been used, or, not is explicitly identified. Combining case study methods with a retroductive research strategy yields suitable methodologies for improving the research process in AM.