ABSTRACT

This research project “Network Analysis as an effective maintenance planning tool” created a detailed evaluation of strategies and techniques for planning maintenance activities in the Nigerian process industry, laying focused emphasis on operations of Warri Refinery and the effectiveness of CPM Network analysis. A review of previous works related to maintenance planning was extensively undertaken and findings revealed the extent in which planning activities has been carried out in the oil and gas downstream sector. The analysis of related literatures showed that wrench time and equipment reliability were not considered by previous researchers. Field studies were then carried out to ascertain how these maintenance indices have been affected by CPM network planning. With the use of frequency tables, percentages, standard deviation and simple regression, data collected were analyzed accordingly. Results deduced from regression analysis and the simple t-test showed that CPM Network tool is effective in maintenance forecasting and equipment reliability at 5% level of significance. These analyses identified with great precision, the need for stakeholders in the process industry to fully inculcate project management and network planning tools into maintenance operations. Recommendations on integrating CPM Network tool and SAP ERP for effective maintenance planning was proffered. The study was concluded by inferring that innovative use of Network planning tools for maintenance activities would spur rapid growth and development of the Nigerian oil and gas downstream sector. Further studies on applying Network Techniques to aspects of maintenance such as Turnaround Maintenance (TAM), in Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM) and Capacity Planning were suggested.