Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to establish the drivers that guide or assist organizations with the need to have a maintenance shutdown in a cost-effective manner and in full support of the organizational strategies.
Design/methodology/approach – The emphasis of this research seeks to reinforce the connection between the organization strategies and the shutdown drivers.
Findings – The analysis results from a chemical manufacturing company in South Africa have been utilized in establishing the validity of the data.
Research limitations/implications – The establishment of the shutdown drivers may assist maintenance managers in planning and improving the plant's utilization of shutdowns and may contribute to substantial cost savings.
Originality/value – The approach in the paper adds important knowledge on shutdown maintenance drivers and how they relate to the organization’s operational strategies.