Enhancing the Effectiveness and Uptake of Integrated Management Systems (IMS) in Asset-Intensive Organisations
Engineering, IT, Mathematics and Statistics
PLEASE NOTE
- This project will be undertaken on a part-time basis over six months, for a full-time equivalent of three months.
ABOUT THE INDUSTRY PARTNER
Programmed is a leading provider of Facility Management, Maintenance, and Staffing services. We employ over 30,000 people every year across a broad range of industries and partner with more than 10,000 customers, small and large.
We work in partnership with many of Australia and New Zealand’s leading businesses across major industries, including Mining and Resources, Oil and Gas, Government and Defence, Education, Aviation, Health, Infrastructure, Manufacturing, Transport and Logistics.
We provide the people, knowledge, expertise and support to help our customers and communities grow and succeed.
WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?
- Work closely with industry practitioners at varying levels of maturity to understand how Integrated Management Systems (IMS) operate in real, asset-intensive business environments.
- Gain hands-on experience analysing how people, processes, and systems interact across multiple contracts and business units.
- Develop practical skills in ISO-certified management systems, governance, and continuous improvement.
- Contribute to real improvements in how organisations use IMS in day-to-day operations and deliver value.
RESEARCH TO BE CONDUCTED
The research will explore how Integrated Management Systems (IMS) are used in practice across an asset-intensive organisation, and why engagement and consistency can vary between teams. It will involve reviewing current processes, speaking with operational staff, and understanding how people, processes, systems, and governance come together in everyday work.
Using these insights, the project will develop practical, ISO-aligned recommendations to make the IMS easier to use, better understood, and more closely aligned with operational needs, so it delivers real value rather than being seen as a compliance exercise.
SKILLS WISH LIST
If you’re a postgraduate research student and meet some or all the below we want to hear from you. We strongly encourage women, indigenous and disadvantaged candidates to apply:
- Background in engineering, asset management, business, or a related field, with an interest in how management systems work in practice.
- Ability to think critically, analyse information, and understand real-world organisational challenges.
- Good communication and people skills, including the ability to listen, engage, and clearly document ideas.
- Comfortable working collaboratively with different teams and disciplines.
- Self-motivated, organised, and able to manage research tasks independently.
- Strong agility and multitasking skills, with the ability to engage and collaborate with multiple stakeholders operating at different levels of industry and systems maturity.
RESEARCH OUTCOMES
The research will provide practical insights into how Integrated Management Systems are currently used across the organisation and why engagement and consistency vary between teams. The focus will be on identifying a small number of key barriers and enablers based on real operational experience.
The outcomes will include clear, practical recommendations to improve understanding, usability, and day-to-day uptake of the IMS. These findings are intended to inform near-term improvements, reduce rework and compliance risk, and support more consistent “one way, same way” practices across the business.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS
The intern will receive $3,300 per month of the internship, usually in the form of scholarship payments.
It is expected that the intern will primarily undertake this research project during regular business hours and maintain contact with their academic mentor throughout the internship either through face-to-face or phone meetings as appropriate.
The intern and their academic mentor will have the opportunity to negotiate the project’s scope, milestones and timeline during the project planning stage.
Please note, applications are reviewed regularly and this internship may be filled prior to the advertised closing date if a suitable applicant is identified. Early submissions are encouraged.
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