Social innovation in working management practices to support facilities management at Malaysian polytechnics
Journal of Global Responsibility
ISSN: 2041-2568
Article publication date: 19 December 2023
Issue publication date: 1 August 2024
Abstract
Purpose
Operation and maintenance (O&M) processes projects such as identification, assessment, planning and execution, embody a variety of standards such as technical (method of statement), environmental, economic (campus development) and social (health and wellbeing). Because these standards have proven to be challenging to integrate, local governments are increasingly experimenting with social innovation (SI) as a bottom-up form of standard integration. This study aims to apply the concept of SI to the O&M processes of facilities management at polytechnics in Malaysia to identify problems with conventional working practices in this area and to recommend potential solutions.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper reviews evidence that conventional working methods generate significant problems related to paper-based forms, improper database management and flawed decision-making processes. Because of the lack knowledge about different ways of how standard integration is achieved, the comparison of three polytechnic institutions which are Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) and Southern Polytechnic College of Engineering and Engineering Technology (SPCEET) in USA as well as Seberang Perai Polytechnic, Pulau Pinang (PSP) in Malaysia shares the ambition to realise standard integration of O&M through SI.
Findings
The findings reveal that SI leads to four ways of standard integration: computerised maintenance management system, online customer complaint, electronic form and relational database. Application of the concept of SI reveals the need for more sophisticated management solutions in the O&M processes of facilities management.
Originality/value
These standard integration arrangements unfortunately seem to mainly contribute to greater alignment between standard rather than true standard integration. The concept of SI will guide future improvements and developments in maintenance management systems to fulfil requirements in this area.
Keywords
Citation
Ismail, Z.-A. (2024), "Social innovation in working management practices to support facilities management at Malaysian polytechnics", Journal of Global Responsibility, Vol. 15 No. 3, pp. 264-287. https://doi.org/10.1108/JGR-03-2020-0043
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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