Editorial

Facilities

ISSN: 0263-2772

Article publication date: 30 March 2012

299

Citation

Finch, E. (2012), "Editorial", Facilities, Vol. 30 No. 5/6. https://doi.org/10.1108/f.2012.06930eaa.001

Publisher

:

Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2012, Emerald Group Publishing Limited


Editorial

Article Type: Editorial From: Facilities, Volume 30, Issue 5/6

This issue of Facilities has a common theme of “theory building” – something that has been somewhat elusive in terms of underpinning the industry. Uncertainty remains in this fledgling industry: uncertainties about definitions; taxonomies; and perhaps most importantly, the language that enables facilities managers to communicate unequivocally what the value contribution of the industry is.

In the paper by Ebinger we explore the issue of facilities management taxonomies. It proposes a model with strong parallels with other existing European and North American models. Such models highlight the value stream of FM activities. BEM2 (the proposed model) incorporates concepts from the project management and IT industries, thus producing a refined FM model. The resulting model is designed with the intention of providing transparency and a common communication platform for the industry.

The quest of defining the value contribution of FM is continued in the paper by Jensen et al. In their analysis the authors consider how we document and manage value in the industry. The paper also examines the methodological challenge of measuring value in the FM industry. The proposed value map addresses previously neglected issues relating to neighborhood effects, sustainability and corporate social responsibility.

The building surveying profession in the UK is the subject of the next paper by Hoxley. This profession is critical to the UK facilities management since many graduates in building surveying go on to work in the industry. Based on a survey of over 800 graduates, the survey indicated numerous shortcomings in existing taught programs, as perceived by the graduates. Contract administration and dilapidations were the two most commonly cited omissions from such programs. The paper raises many pertinent questions about curricular design in the UK building surveying profession – not least because of proposed changes to professional entry in the face of declining uptake of building surveying courses.

Continuing on the subject of value, the paper by Too examines how organizations create value through their business processes. The subsequent case studies in the paper consider the challenges and approaches that arise in maintenance management processes. A final part of the discussion considers the capability needed for the effective management of maintenance activities.

Melissen, in the final paper, continues along the conceptual theme. The paper questions the emerging view of facilities management as a means of generating cost-savings through. The discussion argues that an emerging and broadly consensual model of facilities management can be discerned. It is suggested that the emergence of such a model is inhibited by the absence of leadership in both academic and professional spheres together with a preoccupation with operational issues.

Edward Finch

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