Facility Management

Over the years, great attention has been shown to the function of the campus facilities that should be well-equipped, operatedand maintained to better support university’s two main goals: providing education and supporting research. Properly managing campus facilities is the initial step to be prepared to meet the rapidly changing global educational standard. However, so far, nodefinitive answer has been given to the question of what service level/scope is appropriate for the effective campus facility management (FM) in Korea. Therefore, at the outset, it is imperative to establish the framework for the standardized campus FMservices. The main focus of this research is to provide comprehensive understanding on the campus FM by establishing the framework in the form of FM performance indicator (PI). As the first step, FM standards set by Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS) has been thoroughly reviewedand analyzed to establish the framework for FM standards applicable to campus facility management. Secondly, extensive literature review on the development of performance indicator (PI) for the educational facilities has been conducted to classifyPI types and complement FM_KS. Finally, specific guideline and PIs developed by APPA which is globally well-known association in the field of FM for higher education facilities has been added to the combined PI which is the mixed form of FM_KS and PIs from the previous literature. This research provides campus facility managers and FM outsourcing service providers with framework in the form of PI to support future directions of effective campus FM services.

This paper proposes data envelopment analysis (DEA) as a suitable data analysis tool to overcome facility management (FM) benchmarking difficulties: FM performance benchmarking analysis is often unsophisticated, relying heavily on simple statistical representation, linking hard cost data with soft customer satisfaction data is often problematic. A case study is presented to show that DEA can provide FM personnel with an objective view on performance improvements. An objective of the case study is to investigate the relative efficiency of nine facilities with the same goals and to determine the most efficient facility. The case is limited to nine buildings in FM on four inputs and nine output criteria. The paper concludes by demonstrating that DEA-generated improvement targets can be applied when formulating FM outsourcing policies, strategies and improvements. Facility manager can apply DEA-generated improvement targets in formulating FM outsourcing policies, specifications development, FM strategy and planning. FM benchmarking with DEA can enhance continuous improvement in service efficiency and cost saving. This will help reduce utility cost as well as pollution. This paper fills the gap in the research of FM benchmarking by applying DEA which studies both soft and hard data simultaneously. It also contributes to a future research of a trade-off sensitivity test between FM cost, services performance and reliability.

The persistent deterioration of public primary school infrastructure in Nigeria, especially in Ondo State, highlights the critical need for effective facilities management (FM) practices driven by competent personnel. Despite the growing recognition of the role of FM in educational outcomes, limited research exists on how facilities management competencies influence FM practices in public basic education. This study, therefore, assessed the effects of FM competencies on FM practices in public primary school buildings in Ondo State. A quantitative research design was employed, and Ondo State was chosen as the study area due to its socio-economic diversity and educational relevance. Structured questionnaires were distributed to 500 respondents, comprising end-users (teachers and school administrators) and professionals (facilities managers, architects, engineers, builders, and quantity surveyors). A total of 484 valid responses were retrieved, representing a 96.8% response rate. Data were analysed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) to determine the effect of FM competencies on FM practices. The findings indicated a statistically significant and positive relationship, facility management competencies and practices in the study area. influencing FM practices. The Human Resource Management (bHRM) construct emerged as the most impactful factor influencing the various dimensions of facilities management practices (β = 0.372; T = 6.087; p < 0.05). Indicator bHRM 2, which focuses on ensuring adequate staffing for effective facilities management, was found to be the most influential in improving practices such as asset management (eAM), budget allocation (eBA), maintenance practices (eMP), and space planning (eSP). The study concludes that strengthening FM competencies, especially in human resource and stakeholder engagement, is essential for improving FM implementation in public primary schools. It recommends the government and relevant education authorities prioritize the recruitment, training, and retention of qualified FM personnel. Establishing comprehensive training programs and clear career pathways for FM staff will ensure that schools have the human capacity needed to implement effective FM practices. The study contributes to knowledge by offering empirical evidence on the role of FM competencies in shaping FM practices in Nigeria’s public primary education sector and adapting global FM frameworks to localised, resource constrained environments.

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the strategy, selection and perception of facility management (FM) services and the effect it may have on perceived building quality.Design/methodology/approachData was collected through a survey distributed to board members of cooperatives for newly constructed buildings in Sweden. Responses from 394 cooperative boards were included in the data set and analysed. The difference in cooperative choice of FM strategy and satisfaction with FM services was examined with non-parametrical Kruskal–Wallis tests and the effect of FM strategy and satisfaction with FM services on perceived building quality was examined with a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test.FindingsThe results suggest information asymmetry and indicate urgent need for an objective accreditation system for FM services, which will inform and assist housing owners in the FM selection process. The study validates the hypothesis that facilities management strategies applied by housing cooperatives have a significant effect on perception of building quality.Practical implicationsThe findings will assist developers, facility and property managers to understand the needs and services valued by the housing cooperative. The findings highlight the information asymmetry, restricted techniques and weak signalling methods among FM services, and advocates promoting an objective accreditation system for FM services.Originality/valueThe study contributes to the discussion on the concept of building quality and the results presented provide a better understanding of facilities management strategy on perception of building quality.

Post-occupancy evaluation data on both building performance and occupant comfort can be useful for facility operation and management, and for workspace design but are rarely used in practice due to challenges and research gaps in data collection and analysis. We argue that with the growth of mobile and pervasive computing capabilities, future space design and building management will be based on real-time feedback loops of building performance data—qualitative and quantitative—available through the cloud, at stakeholders’ fingertips. We have developed a live, cloud-based system to begin contextualizing fragmented big data sets as evidence to support improvement of workspace management and design, and this paper presents the development process. The proposed system has three functions: data collection, processing, and reporting. A wireless sensor network collects physical environmental data which are then posted to a cloud-hosted server. A smart device-administered survey collects occupants’ perception data. Thermal comfort principles, as well as HCI (human–computer interaction) development guidelines and design principles, were followed during development of the app, which was then rigorously tested. The time-stamped survey data are synchronized with environmental data captured by relevant sensors. Pilot data collection is ongoing, as is the correlation analysis of the two data sets used to validate the process. The real-time reasoning and report generation features, supplemented with additional data, will be beneficial to space design, and to facility operation and management. This holistic system is expected to provide a powerful and practical tool for both designers and facility managers.

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the specifics of facilities management (FM) process modelling and the application of the service blueprinting technique within the field of FM. The paper aims to develop a visualisation method for optimised management of process interfaces to better integrate core and support processes and increase effectiveness and efficiency.Design/methodology/approachBased on an extensive overview of general management literature about process management issues in FM, certain challenges and requirements of FM process modelling are presented and discussed. Service blueprinting, a technique known from services marketing, is introduced and characterised in detail. Subsequently, the application of blueprinting within the FM sector is discussed and the specifics of FM blueprinting are presented. A qualitative case‐based research in the health‐care sector was conducted to provide a practical insight into this technique.FindingsThe paper argues that the implementation of FM blueprinting gives management the opportunity of improving process steps and dependent interrelationships between core and support processes. The insights not only apply to the field of management, but can also readily be used for operations.Originality/valueThe paper presents a new process modelling method that supports the customer‐oriented perspective within FM and facilitates the visualisation of simultaneous complex process networks within core and support businesses. The paper introduces the possibility of including measures to achieve effectiveness and efficiency within one single process visualisation.

In this paper the authors discuss challenging interrelations between the contemporary architectural practice and the expanding facility management (FM) sector. After defining FM and determining the part of it that is directly dependent on an architectural expertise, the authors identify possible interests in combining knowledge between the two fields, both dealing with the built environment. The empirical part of the research is a study of the current development of FM concepts and strategies in Serbia, and examination of the position and a possible impact of the local architectural practice. A systematization of local real-estate from the point of FM includes three different groups of objects: the ones with integrated FM strategy in the early design stage; the ones with imported FM strategy from international firms; and the last incomparably largest group of objects that desperately need an appropriate FM concept. The methodology of tracking the FM related knowledge has been applied with the aim to recognize key actors in the FM knowledge exchange on the national level, as well as to understand current position and propose possible activities for the local architectural community.

PurposeThis paper aims to identify crisis leadership competencies in the facility management (FM) sector in Thailand.Design/methodology/approachThe Delphi technique was used in three rounds of opinion evaluation from 24 Thai FM experts, based on which a large-scale questionnaire survey instrument was developed and administered. Of the 350 questionnaires distributed, 290 usable questionnaires were obtained (82.85 per cent response rate). Factor analysis was used to reveal important leadership competencies for managing facilities in crisis situations.FindingsThe Delphi technique identified 32 potential FM crisis leadership competencies. Of these, principal component analysis revealed 29 significant competencies. These competencies were grouped, using factor loadings, into five different competencies: emergency preparedness; crisis communication; emotional intelligence; leadership skills; and problem-solving. Emergency preparedness was found to be the most important leadership competency in FM crisis management.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is limited to the experiences of FM experts in Thailand. Its empirical results can help human resource managers to develop appropriate training programs and policies for FM practitioners, as well as to help junior FM practitioners develop competencies essential for leaders in the FM sector.Originality/valueThis is a novel empirical study of leadership competencies in a growing business sector in Thailand (FM) and possibly other countries in the Asian region. Leaders in FM can benefit from recognizing the leadership competencies that are critical during crisis management.

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop a hybrid conceptual model for building information modelling (BIM) adoption in facilities management (FM) through the integration of the technology task fit (TTF) and the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) theories. The study also aims to identify the influence factors of BIM adoption and usage in FM and identify gaps in the existing literature and to provide a holistic picture of recent research in technology acceptance and adoption in the construction industry and FM sector.Design/methodology/approachThe research methodology was to first review the literature to determine how users come to accept new technologies and what leads to adoption of BIM in the construction industry and in FM and to identify gaps as the starting point for developing a conceptual framework for greater adoption of BIM in FM. Using the results from the literature review, the conceptual framework for BIM adoption in FM has been formulated.FindingsThe resulting model of the current research is expected to improve our understanding of the acceptance and adoption of BIM by FM.Research limitations/implicationsThe research hypotheses need to be tested for validation. Future works includes survey and experts’ interviews for model validation.Originality/valueThis paper fulfils an identified need to study how FM come to accept and adopt BIM through the integration of TTF and UTAUT.

Nowadays, the FM scenario is undergoing a deep transformation due to the increasing adoption of information and communication technologies (ICTs). Real-time data, new storage possibilities and data analytics are changing the modalities of monitoring and control of service performances offered at the building scale. Data-driven approaches based on predictive analyses applied in FM are meeting a large consensus from FM operators which are perceiving the related achievable benefits. However, applications of ICTs in FM are still at an experimental stage and they can be subjected to a variable level of uncertainty due to the lack of knowledge about systems behaviors. This uncertainty can not only affect the calculation of the expected service performance (SLA) but also the deviation between expected and actual service performances. The uncertainty on expected performances gains a higher relevance when FM services are outsourced to an external provider (especially in performance-based contracts). The paper aims to propose a methodology to quantify and manage the deviation between expected and actual service performances within FM contracts, acting both in the contracting phase (SLAs definition) and during the service provision (deviation expected/actual performance). This methodology would support FM stakeholders in managing the level of uncertainty on expected service performances, mitigating related risks.

PurposeAdoption of building information modelling (BIM) in facilities management (FM) provides an information platform to store and exchange asset data. Quantity Surveyors, with cost management expertise, are increasingly involved in FM roles in the operation phase. However, no study has been conducted on how BIM may assist Quantity Surveyors when contracted in FM roles. This study aims to identify the potential benefits and challenges of using BIM by Quantity Surveyors in FM roles.Design/methodology/approachInterviews were conducted with eight professionals from an international built and natural asset design and management company and its FM business partner in Australia.FindingsLack of complete and accurate data was the main issue faced by Quantity Surveyors in FM. The benefits of BIM in FM were digitizing and storing asset information and developing a cost database that would be useful for Quantity Surveyors, whereas challenges included keeping model data up to date, cost, industry resistance to change and contractors' lack of model use.Originality/valueThis study contributes to revealing the niche adoption of BIM by Quantity Surveyors in FM and identifying the issues faced by Quantity Surveyors in FM roles using BIM. It contributes to the knowledge of BIM adoption in post-construction. Findings will be useful to develop strategies for adopting BIM in FM and supporting Quantity Surveyors' roles in FM.

Discussion related to planning and management of educational facilities and infrastructure and their role in improving the quality of education. Some of the main issues raised include the concept of planning facilities and infrastructure, the contribution of facilities and infrastructure management to improving the quality of education, as well as challenges and solutions in planning and managing educational facilities and infrastructure itself. Regarding the planning concept, this discussion emphasizes the importance of considering various aspects, such as needs analysis, procurement, inventory, maintenance and write-off. Good management can make a significant contribution to improving the quality of education. This can be achieved through the provision of adequate learning facilities, regular care and maintenance, and effective utilization. However, this discussion will also identify several challenges faced, such as budget limitations, inadequate maintenance, and suboptimal coordination. To overcome these challenges, this document suggests the need for commitment and responsibility from the school, especially the school principal, as well as good coordination with relevant stakeholders. Therefore, good planning and management of facilities and infrastructure is very important to improve the quality of education. However, there are several challenges that need to be overcome through collaborative efforts between schools and stakeholders. So that the Institution can ensure optimal availability, maintenance and utilization of educational facilities and infrastructure to support improving the quality of education.

BackgroundSupported by development partners, the Government of Bangladesh carried out a comprehensive reform of health services in Bangladesh between 1998 and 2003, intended to make services more responsive to public needs: the Health and Population Sector Programme (HPSP). They commissioned a series of surveys of the public, as part of evaluation of the HPSP. This article uses the survey findings to examine the changes in public opinions, use and experience of health services in the period of the HPSP.MethodsWe carried out three household surveys (1999, 2000 and 2003) of a stratified random sample of 217 rural sites and 30 urban sites. Each site comprised 100–120 contiguous households. Each survey included interviews with 25,000 household respondents and managers of health facilities serving the sites, and gender-stratified focus groups in each site. We measured: household ratings of government health services; reported use of services in the preceding month; unmet need for health care; user reports of waiting times, payments, explanations of condition, availability of prescribed medicines, and satisfaction with service providers.ResultsPublic rating of government health services as "good" fell from 37% to 10% and the proportion using government treatment services fell from 13% to 10%. Unmet need increased from 3% to 9% of households. The proportion of visits to government facilities fell from 17% to 13%, while the proportion to unqualified practitioners rose from 52% to 60%. Satisfaction with service providers' behaviour dropped from 66% to 56%. Users were more satisfied when waiting time was shorter, prescribed medicines were available, and they received explanations of their condition.ConclusionServices have retracted despite increased investment and the public now prefer unqualified practitioners over government services. Public opinion of government health services has deteriorated and the reforms have not specifically helped the poorest people. User satisfaction could be increased if government doctors improved their interaction with patients and if waiting times were reduced by better management of facilities.

The purpose of this study was to examine: (1) the relationship between the implementation of the cooperative learning model and the learning activeness of PAK and Character Education among Grade VI students in Public Elementary Schools in Parmonangan District; (2) the relationship between the management of learning facilities and infrastructure and student learning activeness; and (3) the combined relationship of both variables with learning activeness. This research employed an inferential quantitative method with a population of 306 students and a sample of 61 selected through random sampling. Instrument trials involving 30 students indicated that all items were valid and reliable. Data were collected using a 60-item closed questionnaire. The results showed significant positive relationships: the cooperative learning model with learning activeness (tcount 5.124 > 2.000), the management of facilities and infrastructure with learning activeness (tcount 4.158 > 2.000), and both variables simultaneously with learning activeness (Fcount 16.606 > 3.15). Thus, Ha is accepted and H0 rejected.

This paper intends to explore whether there exists any relationship between management of facilities and tenants’ satisfaction towards retirement homes in Malaysia. A set of questionnaire was administered to 400 tenants of retirement homes in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Johor, and Kelantan and only 205 complete questionnaires were used for the study. The questionnaire consists of six items on management of facilities with a high reliability value of α = 0.93; and eight items on tenants’ satisfaction with a high reliability value of α = 0.91. The results from Pearson correlation analysis show that there is a strong, positive and significant relationship between management of facilities and tenants’ satisfaction towards retirement homes. The respondents agreed with the items on efficient management of facilities which are collaborations with NGOs in providing transport and medical assistance, creating awareness of these collaborations, availability of food bank supply, an integrated database, effective management of activity space, collaboration with public professional healthcare and skilled social volunteers. As for tenants’ satisfaction, the tenants agreed with the items which include an increase in the number of retirement home tenants, availability of health screening equipment, high quality food and facilities, and skilled caretakers, retirement homes equipped with internet facilities, and happy with activities conducted. Hence, the findings show that the management of facilities in retirement homes has a direct relationship with tenants’ satisfaction towards these retirement homes.