Facilities Management Profession Research Articles

Sustainable facilities management in the built environment: a bibliometric review

Purpose This study aims to review the status quo, current state of research, research hot themes and research gaps in sustainable facilities management (SFM) in the built environment (BE) through an extant literature review. Design/methodology/approach To map and analyze knowledge paths in the context of SFM research, a sequential explanatory mixed-method review involving bibliometric and content analysis was used to help identify current research trends, research hot themes and knowledge gaps. The Scopus search engine was used to find 169 relevant articles. For a better understanding of the literature accumulated, a bibliometric analysis was carried out by using VOSviewer to reveal current research themes, the status quo and current state of research as well as research gaps. Findings Through the literature review and content analysis, the current research themes on SFM revealed from the study include green building technologies, assessment methods of SFM, smart buildings and building information modeling. The research hot themes in SFM include smart buildings and green building technologies, green buildings (GB), architectural and building designs in the university sector, assessment methods in buildings and decision-making and the adoption of asset and facility management in the university sector. Indoor air pollution, intelligent buildings, climate change, maintenance, environmental management, facilities, historic preservation, environmental performance, energy management, etc. are the research gaps identified from the study, and these serve as potential areas for future research studies under SFM. It was recognized that facilities managers are increasingly involved with sustainability policies within their organizations and are developing sustainability agendas to keep up with the changing nature of the facilities management (FM) profession. Practical implications The findings of this study hold relevance to the FM practice, as the integration of SFM by facilities managers can lead to waste reduction, decreased operating expenses and reduced energy consumption. In addition, occupants of sustainable buildings experience improved conditions that contribute to better health and productivity, thus boosting their overall well-being. Consistent with the themes of smart buildings and green technologies, revealed to be the hot themes in the SFM research scope, properties with sustainable features can command higher rental rates and property values, appealing to a broader range of stakeholders. SFM practices in universities can aid in saving money from reduced facility operational costs and improve the image of institutions while creating better indoor environments for students and staff. The analyses of countries involved in research can open doors for the establishment of research groups and the development of collaboration between universities in different countries researching similar topics of interest. Originality/value The geographical scope of this study is not limited and, therefore, encourages broad applicability of the findings to the global sustainable BE.

Future of the Facilities Management profession

The focus of facility managers used to be mostly about buildings and services. In this new post-Covid world, facility managers play an important role related to people and services. As organizations make significant transitions to hybrid and remote work, facilities management can ensure by its behalf that employees have productive and fulfilling relationships with their co-workers, their organizations, and their workplaces. The purpose of this paper is to identify short-, medium- and long-term professional challenges to facilities management profession caused by an increase in multilocational work. The short-term challenges may be temporary by nature, and they are based on the explorations of multilocational work. The medium-term challenges are based on a more permanent and stable situation. Long-term challenges are more fundamental by nature reflecting the constant transformation of people, processes, and buildings. The qualitative data were gathered from focus group discussions with Facilities Management professionals from five different continents. The data were organized in three different analyses. The short-term, medium-term, and long-term challenges were identified. The findings indicate that the role of a facility manager is becoming more prominent, and the facility manager should perceive this crisis as an opportunity to step up and support the organisation in its strategic policy. Facilities managers should position themselves as the liaison between the physical and the digital worlds so that they are valuable stakeholders in this emerging virtual space. The results of this study contribute to the development of facilities management training and professional development and shed light on future research needs for the profession.

Quality of Life: alignment of FM with the SDGs

The ISO 41000 series of Facility Management (FM) standards, with 51 countries participating, contributes directly to the future of the FM profession and its value proposition. These FM standards, with seven (7) published plus five (5) more under development in 2022, provide a common language and framework for FM worldwide to support the consistent delivery of services, enhanced performance and the managing of risks. The United Nations 2030 Agenda has at its heart the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are an urgent call for action by all countries, developed and developing, in a global partnership to meet the challenge. The development of ISO/TR 41019 ‘The role of FM in sustainability and resilience’ (2022 working title) will be a technical report demonstrating the alignment of FM standards with the SDGs for improved effectiveness, efficiency and wellbeing of organisations and individuals. Australia has taken the lead on the delivery of this defining project for Sustainable FM in the pursuit of a more productive, sustainable and liveable Built Environment for all.

Exploring Architectural Design Factors Affecting Building Maintainability and Strategies to Overcome Current Shortcomings

The design phase is when most critical decisions are made in terms of building maintainability. However, process-oriented empirical studies that identify problem factors and develop strategies remain lacking. Based on this gap in the literature, this research proposes a framework for enhancing architectural design decisions and practices through identifying and exploring problem factors affecting building maintainability. In addition, this research developed strategies to overcome the shortcomings of current practices in the Turkish building sector. Architectural design factors that influence building maintainability and relevant problems were evaluated through a web-based questionnaire survey conducted with facility managers. The findings indicate that improper selection of building materials and inadequate provisions for waterproofing, indoor ventilation, and service areas appear to be prominent areas of concern. Moreover, it was observed that the facility management profession has not gained a well-deserved place in the industry. The strategies proposed to overcome the shortcomings of current practices could be assumed to be supportive actions both for creating awareness in the industry and for making appropriate architectural design decisions about building maintainability.

A Systematic Review of Artificial Intelligence Applied to Facility Management in the Building Information Modeling Context and Future Research Directions

Throughout the operation and maintenance (O&M) stage, facility management (FM) teams collect and process data from different sources, often needing to be adequately considered when making future decisions. This data could feed statistical models based on artificial intelligence (AI), thus improving decision-making in FM. Building information modeling (BIM) appears in this context, leveraging how data and information are systematized, enabling structured information and its use. This article addresses the state-of-the-art of using AI techniques applied to FM in the BIM context, analyzing articles between 2012 and 2021 related to this area. It is interesting to note that only from 2018 onwards, there is a substantial increase in these publications, from about 8 publications (2012 to 2017) to 24 publications (2018 to 2021) on average. This growth shows the progressive application of the optimization methods mentioned above, which opens new opportunities for the FM profession. This study contributes to the body of knowledge by highlighting the investigated tendency and gaps in critical areas and their relationship with the research topic. Noteworthy future directions are suggested, directing on (i) data and system integration; (ii) predictive models; (iii) automatic as-built/classification; (iv) internet of things; (v) energy management; and (vi) augmented/virtual reality.

Managing stressors, stress and strain faced by facility managers

PurposeThis study aims to investigate how to manage the stressors that facility managers (FMs) face with the aim of reducing their stress and strain levels.Design/methodology/approachUsing the job demands-resources (JD-R) model, stressors are operationalized from job demands, job resources and personal resources constructs. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from FMs based in Singapore.FindingsFMs have significantly high levels of stress, but they are able to manage this well. Job demands that cause stress and strain are those relating to insufficient time to complete the work and difficulties in handling the work. The lack of job resources in terms of lack of organizational support and inadequate stress mitigation programs are associated with high levels of stress and strain.Research limitations/implicationsThe limitations are the relatively small sample size and absence of a database of FMs in Singapore, and correlation is not causation when determining the association between stressors and stress and strain.Practical implicationsBased on the recommendations, employers and FMs may manage the specific stressors identified so that FMs’ stress and strain levels are under control to enable them to work optimally.Originality/valueThis research discovered that the JD-R model is moderated by certain features of facilities management and FMs. When these features are present, FMs are predisposed to more stressors, and higher stress and strain. For the facilities management profession, the discovery is that there are significantly more job demands: for in-house FMs compared to those working for outsourced firms; for FMs who need to carry out estate and asset management, landlord activities and facility planning compared to FMs who focus on operations and maintenance; and for FMs who work longer than five days compared to those who work a five-day week.

Condition Assessments in the Facility Management Profession – A Literature Review

ABSTRACT Results from condition assessments can provide facility managers with key insights and knowledge to facilitate strategic planning of an organization's portfolio of facilities. The purpose of this paper is to identify what research has been conducted on the topic of Facility Condition Assessments (FCA) with an emphasis on impact to the facility management profession. This paper provides a structured literature review of assessments performed in the areas of facility, building, and property management. An emphasis of this study was to investigate how previous research supports the decision to pursue an FCA. This study maps condition assessment terminology, analyzes purpose of an FCA through previous research efforts, and proposes to identify future research opportunities that contribute to FCA decision making support for facility managers.

Analysis of Standardization and Guidelines for Facility Condition Assessments

ABSTRACT Facility Condition Assessments (FCA's) in the facility management (FM) profession is a growing area of research. However, delivery methods of FCA projects and studies on standardization has largely not been a focus of further exploration. Thus, this research aims to identify a current state of academic research on standardization of condition assessments and FM practitioner perspectives on FCA delivery methods and standardization. Results revealed 75% of participants indicated that no standards were used in conducting their FCA. This study identifies underutilization of standards and guidelines to conduct an FCA and leads to the proposal of three FCA project delivery methods; 1. Conduct FCA's with in-house personnel and resources; 2. Outsource the FCA to a service provider; 3. Hybrid the approach with both in-house and contracted FCA service providers. This research contributes to the body of knowledge by proposing FCA project delivery methods for owners and or operators to consider when deciding to pursue an FCA project. Further, the apparent absence of standards and guidelines use in the practice of FCA's in the FM profession presents an opportunity for future research efforts towards FCA standardization.

Analysis of Facility Condition Assessment Practice: Facility Managers Hiring Preferences of AEC Service Providers

ABSTRACTFacility Condition Assessments (FCA's) in the facility management (FM) profession is a growing area of research. However, the study of who is providing FCA services in the facility management profession has largely not been explored. Thus, this research aims to identify a current state of academic research and industry standards on FCA service providers and AEC stakeholders, which AEC service providers conduct FCA's and how FCA service providers are selected. A study consisting of 303 decision makers in the facility management profession identified which Architects, Engineers and Construction (AEC) service providers are conducting FCA's, hiring preferences of FCA service providers, how FCA projects are procured and awarded and limiting factors to conduct an FCA with in-house personnel. The results of the study identify an industry trend to outsource FCA services to a multi-disciplinary team of AEC professionals, with experience conducting FCA's as a primary hiring preference. Globally, this is the first study of its kind to identify who FM's are hiring to provide condition assessments in facilities or buildings. This research contributes to the body of knowledge by taking the first step towards providing owners and or operators considerations regarding varying service providers when deciding to pursue an FCA project. Further, the apparent lack of asset organization methods, standards and guidelines used in the practice of FCA's in the FM profession presents an opportunity for future research efforts.

Developing healthy cities with urban facility management

PurposeMost people live in cities and work in offices, two contexts offering many lifestyle-related and environmental health risks. To advance their health, this paper aims to introduce an analogy between urban design and facility design to explore whether health-directed design interventions in cities and facilities are related and to look for applicable cross-overs and opportunities to develop the facility management (FM) profession on the urban level.Design/methodology/approachThe principles of abductive reasoning as a first phase of scientific investigation were followed, by introducing a new idea and attentively observing phenomena in the communities of FM and urban design. The method was desk research, in the context of discovery.FindingsMany possible cross-overs exist which offer opportunities for urban planners and facility managers to reinforce each other and interesting market opportunities for the further development of urban FM. However, more systematic research is needed on efficacious and effective interventions. Furthermore, experiences and capacities of the FM sector should be unlocked and applied within a city context, as the knowledge and experiences of facility managers and urban planners can create synergy.Practical implicationsThe findings are directly applicable to facility and urban design practices and to FM education by involving students in city design practices.Originality/valueCross-overs between facilities and cities are new and can inspire both facility managers and urban planners to work together more closely for the benefit of citizens and employees.

Evaluating the Impact of Facility Management Credentials

ABSTRACT The field of facility management (FM) has existed alongside other related fields, such as engineering and construction, yet its place within traditional education pathways is less formalized than is the case with other areas of the built environment. As such, those seeking entry into the profession will discover that it is largely undefined and a function of experience, with many professionals looking to supplement their experience with credentials and continuing education to better prepare themselves for advancement in the FM profession. To better understand and evaluate the impact and value of FM credentials in the industry and for its members, data were collected through two online international surveys of FM professionals and FM organizations. The research was commissioned by the International Facility Management Association (IFMA). The results indicate that FM professionals experience value in attaining a credential, and their employers also benefit. The return on investment of the IFMA credentials was calculated to be 15:1 over five years.

Towards Examining the Social Implications of Technology Adoption on the Well-Being of Facilities Management Professionals

This study examines the effects of adopting technological innovations on the social well-being of facilities management professionals. The paper takes the form of an in-depth literature review of peer-reviewed publications focused on the primary constructs of the study, namely: technological innovations in facilities management; the role of facilities management professionals; and, social sustainability in facilities management. The study found that the adoption of innovative technology has significant positive outcomes in the facilities management profession, but negatively affects the social well-being of the facilities management professionals. This paper provides the basis for the development of a social sustainability framework for the analysis of the impact of technological innovation on facilities management professionals. Further empirical study is needed to verify the findings. This review will sensitise facilities managers as it illustrates the impact of technological innovation beyond improved efficiency and service delivery by considering the facilities management profession as a whole.

Collaboration between designers and facility managers

PurposeThe aim of this study is to focus on the perspectives of facility managers in each region and the different challenges impacting collaboration in each geographical context. This research analyzed obstacles to collaboration between facility managers and architectural designers in three international regions.Design/methodology/approachA multi-method approach was used, allowing the researchers to triangulate data from in-depth interviews and a widely distributed survey instrument. The participants included a large cross-selection of facility management professionals in each of the regions under study. The interview data were parsed to identify recurring themes, while the survey data were analyzed statistically to test specific hypotheses.FindingsSignificant differences were found in the culture of the facility management profession in each region. These differences created unique challenges for collaboration, especially in the context of a non-local design team. While the facility management profession was perceived as most established and professional in the UK, rates of collaboration between facility managers and designers were actually much higher in the USA. Collaborations between facility managers and designers were almost non-existent in the Middle East.Originality/valueWhile the importance of collaboration between facility managers and designers is increasingly recognized for improving the efficiency of building operations, crucial obstacles continue to limit the scope of this engagement. There has been limited previous research analyzing obstacles to collaboration that are specific to international contexts and non-local design teams. This study helps to fill an important gap in the literature by providing a comparative analysis of collaboration challenges in three international contexts.

Finding the niche towards performance excellence

PurposeThis paper aims to address the often fragmented approach to performance issues to maximise services quality and returns. With the increased emphasis on corporate reforms, the research presents a model framework as logic to strategy viability and competitive advantage for better outsourcing services delivery and excellence. The global change requires models with logic and variability to practically see the reality and challenges of all times.Design/methodology/approachBased on comprehensive literature search on performance research, nine influence factors were deduced as models for performance measure. This model is used to evaluate the performance of outsourcing firms in Malaysia. Over 200 questionnaires were sent out to outsourcing services delivery firms in Malaysia by post or personal visits; 68 of them responded. The study applied multivariate analysis to ascertain strategy capability and perception about factors that influence performance in the firms.FindingsThe outsourcing strategy performance revealed by the principal component analysis has given the strategy capability of the firms to be above-average, however not in a state to guarantee achievement of sustaining quality and excellence in services delivery. Conversely, to remain at the edge requires strategy that is flexible, integrated and sustainable, which most firms do not have. The results have also shown that more than half of the sampled population opted for a high-performance delivery goal; however, this vision was not supported adequately by a viable strategy. This inflexibility in strategy by most firms gives rise to usurpation and sub-optimality, which failed to take the facilities management (FM) profession beyond the reactive maintenance culture of the past century.Research limitations/implicationsThis research paper is one of the few strategic models from Malaysia that holistically evaluates performance in outsourcing firms.Practical implicationsThe paper provides a model that can integrate and sustain the workplace which is a valuable insight to the FM and research world.Originality/valueThis study introduced a paradigm using influence factors (timeless practice) to ensure excellency in outsourcing services delivery. Today savvy customers are looking for reliability and quality services with cost certainty, which is partly the reason for the expanding interests on outsourcing. The workplaces require strategic reforms to foster better facilities performance and value.

Sustainability in facilities management: an overview of current research

PurposeClimate adaptation, energy efficiency, sustainable development and green growth are societal challenges for which the Facilities Management (FM) profession can develop solutions and make positive contributions on the organisational level and with societal-level effects. To base the emerging sub-discipline of sustainable facilities management (SFM) on research, an overview of current studies is needed. The purpose of this literature review is to provide exactly this overview.Design/methodology/approachThis article identifies and examines current research studies on SFM through a comprehensive and systematic literature review. The literature review included screening of 85 identified scientific journals and almost 20,000 articles from the period of 2007-2012. Of the articles reviewed, 151 were identified as key articles and categorised according to topic.FindingsThe literature review indicated that the current research varies in focus, methodology and application of theory, and it was concluded that the current research primary addresses environmental sustainability, whereas the current research which takes an integrated strategic approach to SFM is limited. The article includes lists of reviewed journals and articles to support the further development of SFM in research and practice.Research limitations/implicationsThe literature review includes literature from 2007 to 2012, to manage the analytical process within the project period. However, with the current categorisation and the access to the reviewed journals and articles, it is possible to continue with the latest literature.Practical implicationsThe article provides an overview of theoretical and practical knowledge which can guide: how to document and measure the performance of building operations in terms of environmental, social and economical impacts? How to improve the sustainability performance of buildings? What are the potentials for and barriers to integrating sustainability into FM on strategic, tactical and operational levels?Originality/valueThe paper presents the most comprehensive literature study on SFM so far, and represents an important knowledge basis which is likely to become a key reference point for pioneers and scholars in the emerging sub-discipline of SFM.

Operation And Maintenance In Facilities Management Practices: A Gap Analysis In Malaysia

Facilities management in Malaysia has started as early as 1990s during the development of mega projects such as Putrajaya in 1999 [8, 9]. During this period, Malaysia was introduced to an integrated property management and maintenance services known as facilities management. However, its implementation according to the standard practice is still being disputed. The purpose of facilities management standard practices is to provide the facility management profession with a leading reference on facilities management activities and standards. Therefore, the determination of how far the gap in FM current practice is essential to help our FM industry. Thus, the aim of this study is to establish the gap between the current practices and the standard practices and also how far the gap should be satisfied. A set of questionnaire was designed upon literature and previous research done to gather the required information. The study is subjected to FM organizations in private sectors and only the personnel at management level are assessed. There were certified that most of the practices that assessed by means of gap analysis had an acceptable result which the gap between the current practices and the standard practices are not too far.

Discerning policy and drivers for sustainable facilities management practice

Due to the changing nature of the facilities management (FM) profession, facilities managers are increasingly engaged with the evolving sustainability agenda in the UK and the development or uptake of sustainability policies within their organisations. This study investigates how facilities managers are engaging with the sustainability agenda and the drivers, policy issues and information they use to improve their sustainability performance management. A web based self-administered questionnaire survey of facilities managers in the UK was conducted to identify drivers and issues that influence and support good sustainable practices. A total of 268 facilities managers responded. The results indicate that legislation is the most important driver for the implementation of sustainable practices. Corporate image and Organisational ethos are also recognised. However demand for efficient monitoring, management and reporting on environmental impact is not highly rated even though the top three issues of sustainability managed by facilities managers are energy management, waste and recycling management and carbon footprint. In addition, facilities managers are expected to take ownership of activities assigned to the reduction of carbon emission. Government industries and organisation with high turnover are more likely to have a sustainability policy. Financial constraints are the main barriers while legislations are the main driver for implementing sustainability. For non-profit organisations and the charitable sector, financial constraints are no hindrance to implementing a sustainability policy. The conclusion drawn is that sustainability agendas continue to be influenced by regulated environmental issues rather than a balanced approach which takes into consideration the wider social and economic aspects of sustainability. While this scenario is far from ideal, the expectation is that the organisation will trust FM to take a vital role in delivering a comprehensive sustainability policy due to the rising tide of legislation, public scrutiny, as well as the needed business case for genuinely embracing sustainability. However, as the integration of sustainability with core business strategies is continuously evolving the emphasis on different drivers will vary from organisation to organisation as well as the responsibilities of facilities managers.

Promoting the facilities management profession in the project development phase of high-rise buildings in Sri Lanka

Purpose – The Facilities Management (FM) profession is now established in most developed countries and in few developing countries such as Singapore and Hong Kong. However, with rapid mushrooming of high rise buildings, which are known to be complex, the role of a facilities manager may require to be extended even up to the project briefing stage. This paper aims to highlight the importance of consulting a facilities manager during the project development phase of high rise buildings in Sri Lanka. Design/methodology/approach – The methods of data collection used in this study were site observations and interviews. The data from site observations were collected from 67 high rise residential and commercial buildings. While doing the site observations or some on occasions after the site observations, the facilities managers or building managers and maintenance managers of these buildings were interviewed to gather further detailed information. Findings – This paper highlights 15 critical maintainability problems, which originated during the development phase. It was found 26 significant factors which would have been emphasized during the development phase by a facilities manager to reduce the occurrence of such problems during the phase of occupancy. Research limitations/implications – There were few qualified facilities managers involved during the data collection process due to lack of qualified facilities managers in Sri Lanka. Originality/value – The paper provides useful information to the facilities managers and clients/users on maintainability problems related to high rise buildings. It also emphasize the importance of the involvement of facilities managers at the development phase of high rise buildings in order to minimize their maintainability problems faced during the phase of occupancy. DOI: 10.4038/besl.v9i1-2.3063 Built - Environment - Sri Lanka - Vol. 09 - 10, Issue 01 - 02 : 2011 pp.37-44

Empirical study of the current United States facilities management profession

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to verify pre‐existing perceptions of the facilities management (FM) industry through the collection of empirical evidence that establishes the current state of the profession. Data collected will identify the major challenges facing the FM industry, and will be used in the development of proposed academic programs to address these challenges.Design/methodology/approachTwo online surveys of facilities managers on the national and local scale were used to produce a quantifiable description of the profession and its deficiencies. These surveys also focused on obtaining data to aid in the development of formal academic programs to train future facilities managers and measured the willingness of industry representatives to support the proposed academic programs.FindingsResults indicate that there is an insufficient number of facilities managers entering the field to account for the high rate of attrition that will occur in the next ten to 15 years. The main reason for the lack in new facilities managers is the severely limited number of formal academic programs that specifically educate students in FM.Originality/valueResults of this paper are valuable in that they quantified the main challenges facing the profession as well as the willingness of the US FM industry to support and recruit from proposed undergraduate programs. Collected data are also used to develop a specific undergraduate curriculum to educate students in the core skills needed to become successful facilities managers.

Facilities management: Structuring a body of knowledge for continuing and tertiary education in South Africa

Globally the development of property and infrastructure, being part of the creation of fixed investment and wealth, is taking place unabated. In support of this process is a multitude of highly skilled built environment professionals such as engineers, architects, quantity surveyors, construction managers, town and regional planners, land surveyors, etc. The absence of a universally acknowledged profession of the same standing, designated to manage and optimise the utilisation of the ever-compounding fixed investments in the products of the collective built environment (buildings, engineering structures and infrastructure), is observed. In practice it manifests itself in the attempts, by the previously mentioned professionals and others, to cast themselves into the role of facilities managers. Of concern is the resultant diverse group of “facilities management” practitioners, sometimes without basic built environment education, often lacking any noteworthy specialised education or experience. For obvious reasons, the more developed a country, the more evident it becomes that a specific facilities management profession is taking root and is practised at various managerial levels. The term “facilities management” reportedly came into use in the United States of America during the 1970’s when a Facility Management Institute was founded in the USA and the first known formal symposium was held in Washington DC in 1989. Although perhaps lacking some of the prestige associated with other professions, there are reasons to believe that facilities management is in the process of becoming a driving force, not only in the scientific management and optimisation of fixed assets, but as a knowledge-based initiator of development in the built environment. The lack of a highly developed facilities management profession manifests itself in the alarming rate at which infrastructure and buildings are deteriorating in South Africa. This situation is exacerbated by the fact that very little is being done at the level of continuing education and formal tertiary education in South Africa. The limited attempts in this regard are furthermore taking place in isolation, with practically no dialogue between the limited facilities management industry and the providers of the limited education that is available.Although the study that was undertaken did not have the objective to create comprehensive interaction between the existing role-players, the stated problems were addressed by involving the industry, participants in continuing education programmes and other role-players in the condensed research problem as stated below. The problem at hand is firstly to extract, from the present practice of facilities management, a knowledge framework and secondly to formulate the results in terms of suitable continuing and tertiary education programmes to address the shortcomings in South Africa. Research was therefore undertaken to address the structuring of educational programmes. The methodology applied comprised a comprehensive literature survey and three quantified and qualified data surveys, the latter conducted amongst facilities management practitioners, primarily the perceived beneficiaries of such programmes. These surveys provided information that led to the resultant educational activities stated below. The most important aspects that were determined were the following: It was possible to create and test amongst facilities management practitioners a diagrammatic presentation that contextualised facilities management. The literature survey, including international and South African sources, contributed towards compiling a primary knowledge framework for facilities management. The perceived value of the contents of a continuing education programme that had been attended by numerous groups of delegates over a number of years was established. A proposed tertiary education programme was presented to practitioners, resulting in quantified guidance regarding the perceived knowledge framework that could partially address the stated problems. The knowledge that was gained by presenting a five-day continuing education programme over a period of years and the acceptance and support it enjoyed provided guidance for the introduction of a three-year academic programme in facilities management. Further confirmation of the proposed route to follow was obtained through the literature survey, quantitative data obtained from practitioners and academics, as well as from the quantified questionnaire data. The foregoing provided a beneficial basis to support the relative “new” but most important discipline of facilities management. The results of this research found application in the enhancement of an existing continuing education programme and the introduction of a three-year tertiary education programme at the University of the Free State.