Collaborative facilities management model: Sri Lankan perspective

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop a collaborative facilities management (CFM) model incorporating facilities management (FM) functions that can be shared and performed collaboratively by two or more organisations to enhance the performance of FM functions of collaborating organisations.Design/methodology/approachA critical literature review followed by a preliminary investigation was used to identify main categories of FM functions that can be performed collaboratively and dimensions that affect FM collaboration. Subsequently, a detailed list of FM functions that can be performed collaboratively under eight different contexts based on three dimensions identified through observations, document reviews and in-depth interviews with experts who have experience in each context.FindingsThe paper introduces a novel concept of CFM to share utility/infrastructure facilities, facility services and information by two or more organisations to maintain, improve, adapt and ensure functionality of the built environments of the collaborating organisations. The study identified core business, geographical location and ownership as the key dimensions that affect CFM concept. The outcome of the study, which is CFM model, proposes FM functions that can be performed collaboratively and benefits of collaborating utilities/infrastructure facilities, facility services and information under the aforementioned key dimensions to create a win-win situation for the organisations.Practical implicationsThe paper highlights the FM functions that can be performed collaboratively in order to provide favourable solutions for operational issues faced by facilities managers, while optimising the FM performance of the organisations.Originality/valueThe CFM model offers original insights to the FM functions that can be shared and performed collaboratively by organisations under different contexts to optimise the FM performance.