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Research Implementation & Best Practice. AASHTO Research Advisory Committee Meeting July 27, 2010 Rick Collins, P.E. rcollins@dot.state.tx.us (512) 416-4731. Agenda. Purpose Challenges Next Steps. Purpose.
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Research Implementation & Best Practice AASHTO Research Advisory Committee Meeting July 27, 2010 Rick Collins, P.E. rcollins@dot.state.tx.us (512) 416-4731
Agenda • Purpose • Challenges • Next Steps
Purpose • To continually improve TxDOT in all facets by accelerating research implementation and enhancing best practices. “The value of an idea lies in the using of it.” Thomas Alva Edison
Purpose Sunset Advisory Commission, Feb. 2009 • “TxDOT should establish an internal program tocapture, disseminateandarchiveuseful examples of Division and District staff best practice.”
Duties • Assists with implementation of research results. • Measures application and effectiveness of applying research results. • Coordinates the use of equipment that has been developed through the research program. • Serves as implementation director on appropriate research projects.
Duties • Solicits research ideas. • Communicates with universities on issues TxDOT is dealing with, that might lend themselves to research. • Works with Divisions in pushing innovation.
Duties • Serves as a conduit • Between the Districts and Region to summarize best practices and new ideas; relays this information to Divisions and other Regions in a consistent manner. • For the consistent application of new policies, specifications and standards, and provides feedback between the Districts and Divisions.
Challenges • Clarity of Information • Process • Documentation • Information Sharing • Time
Challenges • Clarity of Information • Which research projects should we implement? • Which district is this best suited for? • What are the expected benefits? • Process • How should this be coordinated? • What’s the process if I need money?
Challenges • Documentation • Hasn’t this been tried before? • What were the results? • Information Sharing • Who else has done this? • Who should I contact?
Challenges • Time • I don’t have the people to do this. • I don’t have enough time to figure it out.
Next Steps • Determine the Status of Reports • Can it be implemented? • How? • Implementation Plan
Next Steps • E-mails • “To-the-point” • Status • Benefits • Points-of-contact • Links to detailed info
Next Steps • Liaison • Assistance • Follow up • Website • Follow up Information • Best Practices • Projects status
Next Steps • District Visits / Project Visits • Meetings • TAP • RMC • RLT • Regional Office Meetings • Communicate with Universities
Next Steps • Market the Program • Internally • Externally
Program Needs • Champion volunteers • Effective Communication
Conclusion “Do, or do not! There is no try.”-- Yoda
Conclusion Thank You Questions?