A hybrid approach to investigating major management factors for effective highway preventive maintenance

To resolve the problem of the low management capacity of highway preventive maintenance (HPM), this paper identified and evaluated the major HPM management factors to improve management effectiveness and achieve sustainable highway development. The study conducted a literature review and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) to identify the major HPM management factors. Social network analysis (SNA) was used to distinguish the degree of importance of these factors. A system dynamics (SD) model was developed to explore their patterns of influence. The research identified six dimensions of HPM management, including the management system, management resources, management cognition, management decisions, management technology, and external conditions, along with 26 major management factors. Moreover, information acquisition, system perfection, etc., are key factors; system execution, manager capability, etc., are hub factors; and route selection, machinery allocation, etc., are non-key factors. These factors have a positive impact on HPM management, leading to an upward trend in management effectiveness. The main innovation provided a hybrid and comprehensive approach to identify and evaluate the major management factors for effective HPM. This study can guide managers in developing effective HPM plans, allocating resources more efficiently, improving the overall quality of highway maintenance and forming a sustainable transportation system.