Facility Management Knowledge Research Articles

Towards Sustainable Public Park Management in Cairo Through Facilities Management: A Conceptual Review Study

Green spaces have a major role in achieving sustainability in cities and improving the quality of life of their residents. Despite their vital role, they do not receive proper attention and care in Cairo. In addition to their deteriorated condition, Cairo has a limited presence of green spaces and public parks that are poorly distributed. Improving and protecting green spaces in Cairo requires a shift in how they are approached and managed. This paper introduces the concepts and principles of facilities management (FM) to public park management (PPM) in Cairo. It specifies the connection between the two in terms of the expected differences between managing buildings and public parks, and how FM concepts can be applied to meet sustainable PPM requirements. Previous FM theoretical research was reviewed for the conceptual analysis of FM characterising concepts. FM and PPM were compared qualitatively to show connections and expected differences. Observations, interviews, and questionnaires were used to investigate the Cairo PPM problems. A FM framework to restructure the practice of PPM is synthesised based on the identified requirements in Cairo and FM knowledge. FM core concepts can provide PPM with a framework towards a sustainable management practice. By examining the parallels between FM and PPM, this research creates a theoretical basis for FM practice in sustainable PPM. Specified FM knowledge for PPM provides a generic approach to the practice that applies the core concepts of FM even without explicitly referring to the field and introduces FM to others who do not apply them, like in Cairo.

Integrating Facilities Management knowledge in municipal school building: Swedish case studies

Due to population growth and evolving demands for flexible premises, the design and construction of school facilities is currently a highly prioritized activity for many Swedish municipalities. However, previous research has found that facilities management (FM) knowledge is rarely integrated in the design of schools, resulting in construction deficiencies, high lifecycle costs and lower user functionality. The propensity to integrate FM knowledge in school projects varies greatly across Swedish municipalities, but the underlying factors shaping such organizational capabilities are less studied. In response, this study investigates how Swedish municipalities are currently organizing the integration of FM knowledge in the design phase of schools. The case study includes three municipalities of different sizes, where 18 interviews were performed with 22 representatives from users, operations and maintenance, construction project management, procurement and top management. To analyse the findings, a framework based on knowledge management was applied. The findings showed that FM knowledge is increasingly translated into codified processes and project planning standards and guidelines, but that personalized knowledge still plays an important role. Further, knowledge sharing in this field is complex and municipalities still face challenges despite improvement efforts. Thus, there is considerable potential to strengthen knowledge codification and sharing between municipalities and on the sector level. The study also points at the importance of studying knowledge governance at higher municipal levels, where many key organizational decisions are made.

Building information modeling to support facilities management of large capital projects: a critical review

PurposeThis paper aims to present a review of research developments relating to the application of building information modeling (BIM) to facilities management (FM). It sheds light on major technical and organizational issues with the view of identifying how existing BIM for FM knowledge applies to large capital projects.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopted a literature search approach to retrieve relevant articles which were subjected to keyword analysis to enable categorization of extant BIM for FM research into appropriate sub-domains. A qualitative analysis of 94 BIM for FM-related literature was carried out in addition to a review of 9 capital project-related articles, leading to the establishment of research trends, gaps and future directions.FindingsThe review found that research in the BIM-FM integration field is predominantly technology and process-oriented, with less attention paid to people or organizational aspects. Therefore, there is a need for expanding the knowledge base in this direction. Several future research directions were identified to lay the foundations for research on BIM application to FM in large capital projects and other application areas for interested researchers. These future directions were categorized under the identified sub-domains of the field and mapped onto two generic activities, i.e. technical integration and business integration, involved in technology adoption by organizations.Originality/valueThe main contribution of this study is the categorization of existing research on BIM for FM, leading to the identification of research gaps concerning the initiation and implementation of BIM for FM in large capital projects. As a secondary benefit, this study has validated some sub-domains of the BIM for the FM research field identified in previous review papers using an empirical approach. This validation of defined sub-domains is useful for an emerging research field as it provides a common understanding of trends and specific application areas.

STATUS QUO AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS OF FACILITY MANAGEMENT: A BIBLIOMETRIC – QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS

Facility management (FM) has received extensive attention from practitioners and researchers. While FM is continuously maturing as a scientific discipline and relevant studies are constantly growing, there are no holistic reviews of current research. The information in previous studies is generally scattered, and existing literature reviews mostly focused on specific aspects of FM. It is necessary for researchers and practitioners to obtain a thorough view of the current status in the FM field and future development trends that have been summarized and discussed in depth. Using a bibliometricqualitative analysis, a total of 724 academic journal papers on FM, between 1995 and 2018, were reviewed. A number of the latest advancements and emergent trends were identified based on knowledge maps in FM, including changing circumstances, enhancing information technology, all-around facility manager, strategic performance management, sustainable FM and innovative FM practice. It is hoped that this review can help researchers understand the current body of FM knowledge. The future directions were also highlighted in this study to help researchers identify areas where research is most needed. This study could also help practitioners to address upcoming challenges in the FM field.

Ascertaining the Transfer of Facility Management Knowledge to the Development of New Students’ Residential Colleges in UTHM Malaysia

Facility management (FM) knowledge has been deemed beneficial because it arises from the use and operation of buildings. Transferring the knowledge from old buildings to new ones will ensure that maintenance problems which occur as a result of poor design decisions will be avoided. Despite the numerous benefits that stem from the transfer of FM knowledge, existing literature has revealed that FM knowledge is rarely included in the design of new buildings. To combat this, a typology was created to identify mechanisms needed for the transfer of FM knowledge to new buildings. This study adopted this typology to ascertain the transfer of FM knowledge to new students’ residential colleges in UTHM Malaysia. The qualitative case study design was used to obtain data by interviewing selected individuals that played key roles in the development of the new students’ residential colleges in UTHM. When compared to the old students' residential colleges, study findings revealed a decline in the transfer FM knowledge to new students’ residential colleges. This was basically as a result of the fact that the new students' residential colleges were built by private developers. Problems with the current transfer process for FM knowledge were revealed, and suggestions were made for improvements. Keywords: Facility management knowledge, knowledge transfer, students' residential colleges, UTHM

Towards sustainable public FM: collective building of capabilities

Purpose Public facilities management (FM) is in the unique position of aligning building projects and FM with the policies of sustainable development at societal level. However, sustainable facilities management (SFM) is an emergent profession, and there is a need to build a code of conduct for SFM in FM organisations. The purpose is to develop and test a workshop based concept for collective building of capabilities targeting in-house FM organisations, in particular public in-house FM organisations. Design/methodology/approach This research explores the role of public facilities managers and examines how an empowerment process can help FM employees develop collective competences for SFM. The methodologies used are literature review, and a 3–year-long action research process in the Danish local authority, Albertslund, which is internationally recognised for its innovative and green profile. Findings This paper describes the phenomenon of public SFM imbedded in societal steering paradigms and suggests a framework for a sustainable FM code of conduct. The suggested “Next generation SFM code of conduct” support the employees in taking a proactive strategic position in which translation between politics, strategy, tactics and daily practice becomes the basis for prioritisation and decision-making. The capabilities needed is FM knowledge (including FM know-how, understanding of technologies for sustainability and public governance); it is the FM code of conduct, and it is control of own practice to be obtained through strategies and planning, collaboration and education. Research limitations/implications This study is based on findings in a single local authority, why the findings are primary valid for concept development to be further developed and tested. However, the local authority of Albertslund is recognised as a front runner in green FM, why this case, compare to other cases, represents a relatively mature thinking in terms of FM contribution to sustainability at societal level. When this FM organisation express a need for developing collective competences for sustainability in FM, it can be assumed that less mature FM organisations needs it even more. The findings seem relevant beyond public FM organisations. Practical implications The produced framework for a sustainable FM code of conduct is useful for educational purposes as well as for strategic decision about FM organisations collective competence profile. The use of workshops for the building of collective competences might be useful for many other organisations and not only public FM organisations. Social implications Public FM organisations manage significant shares of existing buildings and can be a driver for societal change if they have the capabilities. This paper provides an answer to how these collective capabilities can be build within an organisational development process, through dialogue and collective reflections. Originality/value This paper is a pioneer in understanding the capabilities needed in FM organisations to take leadership in an integration of sustainability in FM processes.

A review of sustainable facilities management knowledge and practice

Sustainability is seen as a far-reaching issue now, and one which the facilities management [FM] profession cannot overlook. This paper explores current sustainable facilities management [SFM] knowledge and practice with specific focus on performance as part of a research focus toward proposing a sustainable FM performance management framework for sustainable healthcare waste management in Malaysia. This paper utilized a review of extant literature on the subject of SFM, FM performance and FM development in Malaysia as source of information. Findings reflect the increasing recognition of the need for the strategic FM function, and how facilities managers are best positioned to drive organizations’ sustainability agendas. In Malaysian context, this recognition is barely evident as findings show FM practice is still immature and predominantly operational. Unlike developed FM markets, FM relevance in Malaysia is being driven by the public sector. Also findings show a disharmony between organizations’ sustainability priority areas and the responsibilities for facilities managers to execute them where the sustainability policy of organizations prioritize one FM service and the facilities managers’ responsibilities prioritize another. As most of SFM implementation is driven by legislation this seems to strengthen the position that, organizations continue to view support services as non-value-adding, as unavoidable liabilities. The implication of this is the pressure on the FM function to continually express its strategic relevance to organizations by tangible value-adding performance output. This creates a new perspective to measuring and managing facilities performance. This paper therefore elevates the importance of FM performance management in SFM context taking into account the peculiar position of the facilities manager. This is seen as a way forward for FM to better express its value to the organization

Key Drivers of an Effective Facilities Management Practice for Malaysia State Mosque

The paper discuss on the importance of facilities management (FM) in supporting mosque function and propose the key drivers for an effective FM practice for mosque. Qualitative research design was adopted in this study. Data were collected using focus group consists of seven (7) participants who have been selected among mosque management committee, FM practitioner and academician. Transcript of focus group discussion was analysed using content analysis. Coding system was applied in order to describe the interpretation of data. The results show that there is an agreement among participants on the importance of FM in supporting mosque function. Although practice of FM in mosque is not widely recognised, but its potential in uplifting and prospering mosque function could not be denied. Therefore, an effective of FM practice in mosque is seen vital. This paper discovered that team working is the most significant drivers to an effective FM practice for mosque. Other key drivers are organisational structure design; appoint knowledgeable and skilled facilities manager; sharing FM knowledge and its benefits; and strong change management. The discovered FM drivers are important for all stakeholders that directly or indirectly involve in mosque management.

Facility management knowledge development in Malaysia

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to clarify recent research on knowledge development in Facility Management (FM); identify types of knowledge and its degree of importance in the FM field within the Malaysian environment; and how does it benefit Hospitality Management (HM) in terms of managerial competency.Design/methodology/approach– The nature of this study is quantitative. Data were gathered through questionnaires distributed to various practitioners in the FM field in the private sector and government sector in Malaysia.Findings– The analysis results support that all types of knowledge, which was considered important, are required to develop a conceptual model of training syllabus for an intensive training program. The analysis results will be discussed in the context of hospitality management. In addition, a decision-making tree model was created to facilitate the training program in the future with the aim of developing a competency model.Research limitations/implications– Most of the participants have experience with the FM field. Future research is recommended to include the conceptual model of training syllabus in analysis information relating to managers directly involved with the orientation of HM.Originality/value– This paper presents a quantitative survey regarding the importance of knowledge in the FM industry in Malaysia and generally discusses the link between FM and Hospitality managerial competency. Further, this research delivers useful information for FM and HM managers who intend to further develop the practical training program based on the proposed decision-making tree model.

The role of facilities managers in sustainable practice in the UK and Ireland

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of facilities managers in sustainable practice. It also analyzes the change in facilities management (FM) in terms of sustainability. Design/methodology/approach – This research adopted a combination of literature review and expert interviews. Empirical data were collected through in-depth interviews with 40 industrial experts in the UK and Ireland. Findings – The analysis of interview results shows a sustainable movement in the context of FM. Facilities managers play important roles in sustainable practice, including integrating all sustainability considerations, linking strategic level with operational level, incorporating FM knowledge and experience into design, disseminating sustainable knowledge and educating people and encouraging sustainability through innovation. Research limitations/implications – This research goes beyond the limitations of existing studies that are characterized by a lack of positioning facilities managers in sustainability. Practical implications – Sustainable delivery represents a direction of FM development. This research describes what facilities managers can do and how they should do for sustainable delivery of FM, based on which improvements are made and benefits are maximized. Originality/value – This research provides a deeper insight into the FM role in the sustainable agenda. The findings of this research help industrial practitioners and academic researchers to better understand sustainable FM.

Determining a conceptual framework for green FM intellectual capital

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to consider how a facilities management (FM) organisation can strategically manage its intellectual capital with regard to environmental management services and to suggest a conceptual strategy for determining FM intangible assets' competitiveness and performance.Design/methodology/approachThis paper is based on a literature review of published work within the industry in relation to environmental issues and FM knowledge management, forming a basis for a further research paradigm.FindingsBuilding on the resource‐based view of the FM organisation, the FM intellectual capital framework is referred to emphasize the significance of green strategy in its knowledge components.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper emphasizes the importance of FM intellectual capital in achieving overall sustainability and profitability to an organisation. However, due to limitations of experience within the FM knowledge perspective, it will take a while before significant results can be provided in proof of this.Practical implicationsThis paper establishes an imperative approach about FM knowledge capital capability to drive a greater environmental effectiveness and to reduce liability from a pertinent environmental directive.Originality/valueThis paper theoretically evaluates the importance of FM intangible assets to the development of environmental management by an FM firm.

Standardizing FM knowledge acquisition when information is inadequate

PurposeBesides designing a comprehensive building maintainability scoring system, this paper aims to develop a standard and reliable method for acquisition of tacit knowledge in facility management (FM) and convert the same into organizational records so that the current dearth of information and poor feedback leading to recurrent defects and arbitrary FM strategies can be eliminated.Design/methodology/approachNine major building elements in terms of maintainability were compared by analytic hierarchy process (AHP). Various aspects of consistency checking and group decision making were reviewed to find the best suitable method. During data collection via an AHP questionnaire in face‐to‐face interviews, logical reasoning employed by experts was noted and later matched with the subjective data.FindingsIt was observed that technical viability of services and business profile given by building height and location, respectively, set different priorities for major building elements. HVAC system is the prime element followed by elevator and façade. Such priorities can be derived from consistent judgment which improves steadily with a decision‐maker's work experience. A threshold of 10 per cent consistency and aggregating individual priorities (AIP) using geometric mean method of AHP were found most appropriate.Practical implicationsAdaptation of this framework will help industry experts to document their tacit knowledge in a structured manner without facing present constraints. By tracking the recorded facts and logical reasoning, neophytes can learn the multi‐faceted aspects of FM without trial and error.Originality/valueThis research establishes AHP as a standard and reliable method for knowledge acquisition and thus elevates its status from a multi‐criteria decision analysis tool to decision enhancement tool.

Knowledge management practices in facilities organisations: a case study

PurposeThe paper's purpose is to identify the key knowledge variables within a facilities management (FM) environment and to develop an understanding of how FM knowledge is generated and utilised within FM organisations.Design/methodology/approachThe paper includes a review of literature on, underlying trends in FM, knowledge management (KM) in general, and current status of KM in FM and outcomes of three expert interviews with two academics and a practitioner who had extensive knowledge and experience with FM organisations. A case study approach was followed in order to apply the intellectual capital framework to map the knowledge variables within the FM context.FindingsThis paper highlights the main findings of the literature, expert interviews and the case study. The research recognised the intellectual capital framework as the means of identifying KM variables within the FM context. It reported the current practices of the case study organisation, strengths and weaknesses in relation to management of facilities knowledge. Literature, expert interviews and case study findings provided the basis in developing the KM maturity stages: recognition of importance, formulation of strategy, implementation of techniques, and evaluation of performance; relating to three components of the intellectual capital.Originality/valueFM knowledge is at a primitive stage of development and its terrain is largely unexplored. While the relevancy and potential value of KM is recognised, its application to the specifics of facilities operations is poorly developed. This study explores the management of knowledge within FM considering the strategic importance of facilities operations within the core organisational setting.

FACILITY MANAGEMENT: A PARADIGM FOR EXPANDING THE SCOPE OF ARCHITECTURAL PRACTICE

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.