Dragline operations support over A$5 billion in Australia’s export earnings per year. Variations in dragline operator performance have major maintenance and productivity implications for mines. Approximately A$2 million per dragline per year could be saved by replacing operators who achieve below-average performance with operators who achieve higher productivity and lower damage costs, through better selection and training practices. Different dragline operators perform at different levels but there has never been a validated method of determining the performance capabilities of individuals (before or after they begin operating). For many operator jobs, the next person-in-line is selected instead of employing effective, standardised procedures to identify prospective ‘top’ performers for trainee positions. To address these shortcomings and to develop an effective selection, development and training tool, a field study was conducted that investigated whether psychomotor skills (viz., perception, co-ordination); demographic factors (viz., age, experience, etc.); and personality (viz., intelligence, conscientiousness, etc.) can predict dragline operator performance (viz., productivity, maintenance impact and safety). Psychomotor skills and demographics were measured through a computer based testing program called the Vienna Test System (VTS). Conscientiousness was assessed through supervisor ratings in terms of dependability, hardworking, achievement-orientation and perseverance.
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Submitted in fulfillment of the requirements of the degree of Doctor of Business Administration, University of the Sunshine Coast, 2006.
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