UTILITY INSIGHTS
June 2025 Edition – Bridging Qualitative and Quantitative Research in Asset Management
Feature Article: A Mixed-Methods Approach to Asset Performance
Background
Modeling asset performance is essential for ensuring reliability and efficiency in the electrical utility sector. However, the early retirement of assets, informed by qualitative health indices like dissolved gas analysis (DGA), introduces informative censoring. This challenge limits the reliability of quantitative service life models, impacting decision-making and resource optimization.
The Research
This study develops a mixed-methods framework that integrates qualitative health assessments with quantitative modeling to address these challenges. The research examines how qualitative health indices influence early retirement decisions and their effects on statistical evaluations of asset service life.
- Quantitative Analysis: Evaluates right-censored service life data to enhance modeling accuracy.
- Qualitative Insights: Investigates DGA-derived health indices, categorizing assets into states like “Good” or “Faulty.”
- Methodology Adaptation: Refines traditional qualitative approaches to suit industry needs, prioritizing scientific measurements over social methods.
Impact
This framework reduces prediction errors, enhancing asset management and resource allocation. The study’s findings support improved reliability analysis and operational strategies while offering a scalable model for integrating qualitative and quantitative approaches across industries.