Article Text
Abstract
Background Oman is one of the GCC countries that has the highest road fatality rates. Using data obtained from the Royal Oman Police (ROP), it was found that speeding is the primary cause of more than 50% of the fatal crashes within the country. Additionally, in 2014, there was a rate of approximately 5 speeding fines for each registered car and approximately 4.8 speeding fines for each driving licence. Speed cameras in Oman have been extensively used during the last decade. It appears that the speed camera program has not, as yet had a significant effect on road safety as it was originally anticipated. The purpose of this research is to examine the current program and provide opportunities for improvement.
Methods The project utilises two methodological frameworks. The first is a benchmarking process comparing operational Omani procedures and processes against international best practice. The second strategy is based on Nedlar and Tushman’s Congruence Model of organisational behaviour. In this model the ROP management and operational process of the speed camera program are examined via the three processes of input, transformation and output. The key research approach will be qualitative (along with document review) interviews of approximately 10 operating personnel within and relevant to the program. Officers from three managerial levels will be interviewed; comprising of executive management, middle management and operational personnel. Overall the benchmarking method will be used to compare the international best practice of speed camera program with the Oman speed camera operations while the congruence model will be used to identify the internal gaps and inconsistencies within the speed camera operations.
Results The researcher has just finished data collection and started analysing the data. The results will be ready by the end of April 2016 as the researcher has to deliver a confirmation seminar on May 2016.
Conclusions As mentioned above, the whole paper will be ready during the next two months of this year.
- Oman speed camera
- speed camera operations
- benchmarking