Purpose The selection of a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) is a strategic asset management (AM) decision for any organization that owns and operates built assets. In the context of institutional built assets (IBA), these decisions are becoming increasingly critical due to the complex nature of these systems, the significant budget allocation to maintenance and the importance of maximizing the service life of these assets. This study aims to propose a structured approach to guide built asset owners in selecting a system that aligns with their strategic plans for operations and maintenance of their built assets. Design/methodology/approach A mixed-methods approach is used that combines participant observations with qualitative methods, including interviews, workshops, document analysis and focus groups for data validation. A case study of an educational IBA in Canada is carried out, and the quality function deployment (QFD) method is used to identify the most suitable CMMS tool. Findings The results show that the QFD method enables the identification of an overall set of requirements for IBAs by harmonizing AM and facility management (FM) needs with available CMMS capabilities in the market, providing a comprehensive roadmap for future system selection processes in IBA management. Originality The originality of this study lies in the development of systematic method that aids IBA owners in making informed system selection decisions while guiding CMMS vendors in aligning their products with AM and FM requirements.

Purpose There is increasing responsiveness to the advantages of sustainable infrastructure practices (SIP) when conceptualising urbanised environments. This can be accomplished through processes and practices, but it is challenging, especially in developing countries. This study aims to investigate the perceived issues impeding adapting sustainable infrastructure practices in Nigeria and how to mitigate the issues and enhance the quality of life in a climate-resilient environment. Design/methodology/approach This research adopted a qualitative design and accomplished saturation with 34 interviewees. The interviewees were construction consultants, contracting firms and government policymakers knowledgeable about SIP in Nigeria. This study adopted a thematic analysis and data were analysed manually. Findings Findings identified an absence of an institutional framework to drive the implementation, lax construction digitalisation, lack of funding, tougher government rules and low awareness as the major challenges. They proffered measures to advance SIP in Nigeria and, by extension, improve achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 9 (Industry, innovation and infrastructure) and other construction-related SDGs. Originality/value As part of this study’s value, it will promote sustainable infrastructure practices in construction projects to be environmentally, economically and socially sustainable in Nigeria and other countries with similar encumbrances. The outcome would enhance the construction project’s resilience to provide users with durable, healthy, safe and affordable infrastructure.

Purpose This study aims to investigate the impact of outsourcing on cleaning service quality at Harta Maintenance Sdn Bhd by analyzing stakeholder perceptions across five key areas: communication, quality, technology, operations and maintenance and business continuity planning. The authors identified the factors that most significantly influence customer satisfaction. Design/methodology/approach The authors distributed a structured survey to 70 stakeholders and analyzed 56 responses. The authors used correlation analysis to assess the relationships between specific tasks within the five categories and customer satisfaction. Findings The authors found that regular meetings and performance reports significantly enhance customer satisfaction, whereas standard communication plans have less direct impact. The correlation analysis shows that developing key performance indicators (KPIs) and maintaining clear specifications are crucial for improving satisfaction. Conversely, customer service agreements and monitoring satisfaction had minimal influence. Stakeholders did not link their satisfaction to technological innovations, highlighting the need to focus on visible service quality aspects. Regular safety inspections showed a strong positive correlation with satisfaction, while risk management and emergency plans were often undervalued. Research limitations/implications This study focuses on a single organization, limiting the generalizability of the findings. Future research should investigate similar analyses across various industries or service sectors to provide broader insights. Practical implications The authors emphasize the importance of effective communication, visible safety measures and robust quality assurance for improving satisfaction in outsourced cleaning services. Organizations can enhance service quality by prioritizing stakeholder engagement and implementing clear performance metrics. Originality/value This study offers a unique contribution by identifying how specific operational factors in outsourced cleaning services influence customer satisfaction. The findings provide actionable recommendations for improving service quality in similar contexts.

Purpose This paper aims to explore the complexities of risk management and value-for-money (VFM) frameworks in the context of smart city projects developed through public–private partnerships (PPPs). The research aims to address the challenges associated with pricing dynamic risks in smart infrastructure while proposing an adaptive framework that integrates both financial and non-financial performance metrics. Design/methodology/approach This theoretical study develops a risk costing framework for smart city PPPs by applying financial models such as options pricing theory, capital asset pricing model and portfolio theory. It uses mathematical modeling techniques, including expected value analysis, utility functions and discount rate calculations, to conceptualize risk as a tradable asset and simulate optimal risk allocation scenarios without collecting empirical data. Findings The research reveals that traditional PPP risk management models are insufficient for smart city projects due to rapid technological change, cybersecurity risks and multi-stakeholder coordination challenges. An adaptive risk management approach, incorporating mid-project adjustments and continuous evaluation, is essential to achieving project success. The findings also underscore the importance of expanding VFM frameworks beyond financial efficiency to include social, environmental and technological outcomes. Practical implications The paper offers actionable recommendations for policymakers and private sector stakeholders, including adaptive contract clauses, governance structures for risk monitoring and mechanisms to promote innovation while mitigating vendor lock-in risks. It emphasizes the need to align risk-sharing strategies with long-term sustainability goals. Originality/value This study bridges theoretical and practical gaps between theoretical financial frameworks and the operational realities of smart city PPP projects by integrating advanced financial models with real-world smart city experiences. It contributes to the emerging discourse on smart city development by proposing a dynamic framework that balances risks, returns and sustainability objectives within PPPs.

Purpose High energy consumption by higher education institutions (HEIs) structures may enhance air pollution, flooding and land degradation. These hazardous environmental problems can be prevented or mitigated in a green enabling environment. Thus, implementing green construction practices (GCP) in HEI projects may successfully prevent or mitigate environmental threats. There is a paucity of studies regarding barriers facing GCP implementation in Nigerian public HEIs. Hence, this study aims to explore GCP’s barriers and identify measures to improve implementation in Nigerian public HEIs. Design/methodology/approach The researchers used a qualitative approach through virtual interviews to achieve the study’s objectives. Eighteen interviewees were engaged via a convenient sampling technique and achieved saturation. The researchers adopted a thematic method to analyse the collected data. Findings Findings identified material, stormwater, waste and energy management practices as the major GCP, showing lax implementation in most public HEIs. Results grouped the encumbrances facing GCP implementation in Nigerian public HEIs into six groups. This includes government, organisation, financial, technical, design team and stakeholders encumbrances. Findings show that identifying measures to address these encumbrances would improve GCP implementation in Nigerian public HEI projects. Originality/value The research contributes to GCP literature. It stirs relevant stakeholders, especially public HEI authorities, towards enacting measures via policies and programmes that will improve GCP implementation in Nigeria’s HEI projects. The outcome would advance the existing GCP knowledge and improve achieving sustainable development goal (SDGs) related to education, construction and health and safety performance.

Purpose Information sharing within the procurement process is considered crucial since most procurement activities and task performance are largely contingent on achieving organizational goals. With the advent of technology and the inadequacy of it, information sharing has become a struggle in most developing nations. Hence, this study aims to investigate the impact of information sharing and management commitment on procurement performance within public procurement organizations. Design/methodology/approach Predicated on a comprehensive review of pertinent and extant literature, a pilot survey, questionnaire was administered to 150 procurement officers in various organizations directly involved in Ghana’s procurement supply chain. Using the resource-based theory, an examination of the roles of information sharing and management commitment on procurement performance in procurement companies; three (3) constructs were tested using a partial least square structural equation modeling approach. Findings The results revealed that information sharing and management commitment are key to improving procurement performance. This result suggests that management and policymakers should ensure that information shared in line with procurement dealings is well protected since major decisions are relied on to improve procurement performance. Practical implications The insight given in understanding the extent and nature of the influence of information sharing and management commitment on procurement performance in public organizations should inform actions and efforts to improve the procurement supply chain, particularly in the Ghanaian landscape. Originality/value The findings of the study indicate that the procurement performance of a firm is shaped by the extent of information sharing within the firm’s procurement chain. Hence, firms need to focus on timely, accurate and quality information sharing pertaining to the procurement processes, decisions and management to engender the required performance of procurement tasks and functions.

Purpose This research aims to identify the key factors and appropriate actions influencing knowledge sharing in auditing firms and to examine the relationship between knowledge sharing and audit quality. Design/methodology/approach This study uses a mixed-methods approach, comprising qualitative and quantitative stages. In the qualitative phase, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 audit experts. These interviews were analyzed using the grounded theory approach to develop a conceptual model. Subsequently, a questionnaire derived from the qualitative findings was administered to 259 auditors across 18 audit firms, and the collected data were quantitatively analyzed using structural equation modeling in SmartPLS software. Findings The findings indicate that institutional, technical, knowledge exchange, individual, motivational and cultural factors significantly influence knowledge sharing in audit firms. Furthermore, institutions with state ownership and greater experience tend to exhibit higher audit quality. However, these characteristics are also associated with lower levels of knowledge sharing. Notably, an inverse relationship was observed between audit quality and knowledge sharing within Iranian audit firms. Originality/value This study integrates three theoretical approaches: investigating the knowledge sharing process, examining social interactions that facilitate sharing and evaluating performance in the auditing profession. By considering the specific characteristics of auditing firms, the results highlight the significant impact of identified factors on knowledge sharing and the potential effects of knowledge management on audit performance.

Purpose This study aims to examine the influence of coworking spaces (CSs) on work–life balance (WLB). Furthermore, it investigates the impact of demographic and professional attributes of CS users. Design/methodology/approach The data for this exploratory study was obtained from a survey distributed to professionals working in CSs, primarily from Czechia, Portugal, Slovakia and Vietnam. The data was processed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings Age and caregiving responsibilities emerged as influential factors in the perception of CSs as a conduit for achieving WLB. Strategic location, flexible business hours and a vibrant community are crucial elements contributing to an enriched WLB across demographics and professional groups. Professional development was also highlighted as highly beneficial. Originality/value This study highlights that the design of CSs must evolve to match modern workforce needs. By targeting the preferences of specific demographic groups, CSs can gain advantages by promoting themselves as places conducive to resource gain and accumulation, as well as to WLB.

Purpose The quest for academic excellence among university students is inextricably linked to their living situations, especially the housing challenges they encounter. The purpose of this study is to identify and understand the various factors that contribute to students’ overall satisfaction with their living conditions outside of the campus premises. Design/methodology/approach This study uses a mixed-methods research technique that blends qualitative and quantitative research methods. The study’s sample population included off-campus public university students who were questioned and their responses were used to make inferences. The sample methods used in the data collection were purposive and convenience sampling. The data analysis techniques used in analysing the data were descriptive and inferential statistics as well as content analysis. Findings Based on the descriptive analysis, the most significant determinants of student satisfaction in off-campus university housing were electricity, access to transport and access to water. Subsequently, the Mann–Whitney U-test was performed to establish whether there is no significant difference between participants’ gender and the determinants of students’ satisfaction with off-campus university accommodation. The test analysis revealed that only the TV room showed significant differences between male and female students, while no significant differences were found in the other determinants. Research limitations/implications This study has uncovered valuable insights that can inform housing policies, improve the quality of off-campus accommodations and enhance the overall student experience. Originality/value The research aims to contribute novel insights and tailored recommendations that address the needs and concerns of students residing in off-campus accommodations.

Purpose This systematic study aims to investigate the impact of BCA and SERVQUAL on the distribution of maintenance budgets in higher education institutions with the hope of providing more structured and effective guidance in building maintenance management. Design/methodology/approach This systematic review explores the integration of BCA and SERVQUAL to optimize maintenance budget allocation in HEIs. Using a rigorous PRISMA-based methodology, relevant studies from 2019–2024 were identified, screened and evaluated. Findings The review highlights that combining BCA and SERVQUAL offers a comprehensive approach to maintenance management, ensuring that budget allocations are both data-driven and aligned with technical requirements and user satisfaction. Research limitations/implications Integrating data from BCA and SERVQUAL requires a sophisticated data management system and can pose challenges, especially for organizations with limited resources. Practical implications This integration enhances strategic decision-making, leading to more efficient resource allocation and improved maintenance outcomes in HEIs. Social implications Integrating BCA and SERVQUAL into maintenance management provides building managers with comprehensive data, enabling more effective strategic planning. This ensures that maintenance budgets are allocated based on both the physical condition of the buildings and user satisfaction, leading to more targeted and efficient use of resources. Originality/value This combined assessment helps in making more informed decisions about where to allocate maintenance budgets. The combined use of these assessments helps in justifying maintenance costs more effectively, ensuring that resources are allocated based on both the condition of the facilities and the quality of services provided. The finding showed that by adopting a more structured and integrated approach using BCA and SERVQUAL, institutions can achieve more efficient allocation of maintenance budgets, ensuring that funds are directed to the areas of highest need. Enhanced transparency and systematic assessment methods contribute to better overall maintenance management, improving the safety and usability of educational facilities.