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Article
Publication date: 30 January 2009

Sarel Lavy and David L. Bilbo

The purpose of this paper is to present previous studies and reports which have shown that most school buildings in the USA suffer from inadequate physical conditions. As American…

3197

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present previous studies and reports which have shown that most school buildings in the USA suffer from inadequate physical conditions. As American school buildings become “older”, it is essential for every school district to have an effective facilities maintenance management plan of its facilities. Therefore, the main purpose of this study is to identify and analyze how facilities maintenance is planned, managed and carried out by large public schools in the State of Texas, USA.

Design/methodology/approach

Guidelines taken from the literature drove the development of a survey questionnaire, which was sent to 320 school facilities managers from four major metropolitan areas in Texas. Elementary, middle and high schools with enrollments of 750 students or more were selected from the Texas Education Agency's web site. The responses were received in a secure database established at an online web site, where participants' identities were kept confidential.

Findings

The overall findings of this research indicate a poor quality of facilities maintenance management practices exists in large public schools in Texas. Nevertheless, the study also found that schools following the guidelines set by the US Department of Education tend to have comparatively more detailed and contemporary information about their facility's condition. As a result, these schools are able to predict the projected needs of the school, including its maintenance needs.

Originality/value

The results of this study can be adapted and used by any public school that would like to provide high‐quality school facilities for healthy and supportive teaching and learning environments.

Details

Facilities, vol. 27 no. 1/2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-2772

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 May 2018

Mal Kong Sia, Vivien Wong Chin Yew, Zhi Yong Lim and Ye Dongqing

It is essential to provide the necessary facilities in a building for human living. However, most unit owners of high-rise buildings do not realise the importance of good property…

1710

Abstract

Purpose

It is essential to provide the necessary facilities in a building for human living. However, most unit owners of high-rise buildings do not realise the importance of good property management until their buildings and common facilities have deteriorated. It is thus important to ensure adequate maintenance is provided to create and sustain a healthy living environment for high-rise households. The purpose of this study is to measure and compare the perceptions and satisfactions of residents with the facilities and maintenance services provided in two different condominiums located next to each other.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey questionnaires were used, and the data were collected from 120 residents of each condominium which was developed by the same developer but completed at different times. Using the IBM SPSS Statistics software, cross tabulations, χ2 tests of independence and independent-samples t-tests were carried out for descriptive and inferential statistics. A simple post questionnaire survey was conducted to confirm the findings obtained from χ2 tests and t-tests.

Findings

The results show that residents’ perceptions of facilities and maintenance services provided are significantly higher for the newer condominium compared to the older one. Residents’ satisfactions with facilities are also higher for the newer condominium. However, poorer lift services and their maintenance have resulted in lower overall mean satisfaction with maintenance services for the newer condominium. Nevertheless, results from data collected in post questionnaire survey reveal that the respondents still prefer to live in the newer condominium despite higher rental rates.

Research limitations/implications

This paper reports only the data collected from samples of two condominiums in Kuala Lumpur.

Practical implications

There is a dearth of literature on residents’ perceptions and satisfactions towards facilities and maintenance services provided for high-rise residential living, particularly in Malaysia, where high-rise buildings are either managed by joint management body or management corporation depending on whether the strata titles have been issued. The findings can be used as benchmarks for property management purposes of condominiums.

Originality/value

This paper could be considered as the first in reporting residents’ perceptions and satisfactions with the facilities and maintenance services provided in residential high-rise buildings since the implementation of the Strata Management Act 2013, which was implemented to provide for proper maintenance and management of high-rise buildings and the common properties.

Details

Facilities, vol. 36 no. 7/8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-2772

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 May 2018

Zul-Atfi Bin Ismail

The current maintenance management method has affected the efficiency of the building facility management at Polytechnics. Many issues such as poor service delivery, inadequate…

Abstract

Purpose

The current maintenance management method has affected the efficiency of the building facility management at Polytechnics. Many issues such as poor service delivery, inadequate finance, poor maintenance planning and maintenance backlogs have emerged due to the usage of conventional method application (paper-based form and unsystematic database. The purpose of this paper is to review existing literature and case studies project of the technologies in maintenance management at Polytechnic, and subsequently to identify the challenge in improving the current maintenance management technologies.

Design/methodology/approach

The purpose of this paper is to review existing literature and case studies project of the technologies in maintenance management at Polytechnic, and subsequently to identify the challenges of information and communication technology (ICT) implementation for strategic defect diagnosis and decision-making in improving the current maintenance management technologies. Eight Polytechnics are selected on the basis of the major problems of using the conventional method in the comparison to investigate the maintenance management practices in each Polytechnic. There are around 32 Polytechnics in Malaysia and most are using conventional methods.

Findings

The findings reveal the need for a more sophisticated maintenance management system that provides guidelines for decision-making processes with the implementation of ICT. The interview results also reveal irregularities within the Malaysian Polytechnics’ maintenance management database. The system architecture and the information system prototype are presented to integrate the information database and maintenance management processes in improving the building diagnosis approach and decision-making process for managing building maintenance.

Originality/value

This new system is expected to become the successful technology in assisting the maintenance contractors, clients and developer for effective management of maintenance defects at Polytechnic.

Article
Publication date: 23 May 2023

Arnt O. Hopland and Sturla Kvamsdal

There is widespread and long-lasting worry related to the condition of public purpose buildings and public investments. Public buildings make up a huge capital stock and proper…

Abstract

Purpose

There is widespread and long-lasting worry related to the condition of public purpose buildings and public investments. Public buildings make up a huge capital stock and proper maintenance and investments are important for public policy. Notwithstanding, the relevant research literature is fragmented and spread across several fields. The authors take stock of earlier and more recent research and suggest some ideas for future research.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors summarize the relevant literature and discuss implications of various theoretical assumptions and empirical findings for maintenance and investment strategies.

Findings

A better understanding of the role of public facilities in public service provision is important. Relevant topics for further research are the impact of technological changes, both in buildings and service provision, economic issues including macroeconomic shocks and trends that influence public funding and demand for public services, and advancing maintenance scheduling models to consider a portfolio of facilities. Further, the empirical literature suffers from a lack of relevant data to gauge both the condition of public facilities and their impact on public services.

Originality/value

There is widespread worry that poor facilities adversely impact public services, but the size and significance of this impact are an open question. This paper contributes by taking stock of the existing research on public facilities, maintenance, and investments, and suggest ideas for further work.

Details

Property Management, vol. 41 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-7472

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 November 2022

Fredrick Simpeh, Glenrose Miller Mavangwa and Lance Wentzel

Public facilities in most part of the world, including South Africa, are poorly managed due to factors including inadequate funding and poor implementation of systems. This study…

Abstract

Purpose

Public facilities in most part of the world, including South Africa, are poorly managed due to factors including inadequate funding and poor implementation of systems. This study seeks to develop strategies that would help to overcome the barriers to managing public facilities.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted an exploratory research design. A semi-structured interview was used to collect qualitative data from the respondents. Purposive sampling was used to select the organizations whereas quota sampling was used to select the participants. The collected data were analysed by means of the thematic analysis technique.

Findings

The study found that 6 main strategies (i.e. adequate and capable human resources, provision of maintenance equipment and systems, adequate budget provision, amendment of procurement systems, root out corruption and effective organization structure) could be implemented to overcome public facilities management challenges.

Research limitations/implications

The data were collected from only one province in South Africa. However, the findings may be applicable to other provinces since most of the provinces in the country share similar characteristics.

Practical implications

The Department of Public Works and other public institutions could use these strategies to mitigate the barriers to public facilities management. This will help to improve the facilities management systems leading to enhanced facilities' value.

Originality/value

Studies on challenges of public facilities management abound; however, approaches and strategies of dealing with these challenges have not received much attention. This study has identified strategies that could help mitigate the challenges associated with public facilities management. Thus, the findings of this study contribute to the body of knowledge on strategies of mitigating public facilities management challenges.

Details

Property Management, vol. 41 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-7472

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 April 2017

Zul-Atfi Ismail

Conventional methods practiced by the Development and Facilities Management Unit (UPPF) have faced issues due to management deficiencies and incompetent staff members who were…

Abstract

Purpose

Conventional methods practiced by the Development and Facilities Management Unit (UPPF) have faced issues due to management deficiencies and incompetent staff members who were unable to handle facilities management assessment processes at Malaysian Polytechnics. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

The prime objective of this paper is to improve the conventional methods which tend to be both cumbersome and ineffective in the UPPF Maintenance Management Systems (MMSs) at Malaysian Polytechnics. Primary data were gathered through interviews to develop the proposed system. Eight Polytechnics were selected based on major problems arising from using conventional methods. A comparison was then conducted to investigate the maintenance management practices at each Polytechnic. There are around 32 Polytechnics in Malaysia and most are using conventional methods.

Findings

The major conclusion drawn from the interview results was that comprehensive MMSs are lacking, specifically those that integrate operation and maintenance (O&M) processes of facilities management and software programming that provides guidelines for decision-making processes. The interview results also revealed irregularities within the Malaysian Polytechnics’ maintenance management database. This paper explores the concepts of Electronic Form Defect Assessment (E-Form Defect Assessment), relational databases and online customer complaints to adapt their role as dynamic maintenance management tools.

Originality/value

The paper concludes that the developed system is able to accommodate recording of data, such as complaints and specific items needed for maintenance, through the internet and intranet. MMSs potentially transform facilities management O&M processes into one of the most sophisticated technologies by providing access to all information published by each Malaysian Polytechnic institution. This technology was established in order to foster financial cooperation with the idea being that Polytechnics which compete with one another become financially interdependent with the goal of promoting successful facilities management in the construction of new facilities and infrastructure.

Article
Publication date: 1 April 2014

Sarel Lavy, John A. Garcia and Manish K. Dixit

The purpose of this paper is to identify key variables that affect the quantifiable key performance indicators (KPIs) and to derive equations to measure these indicators…

2058

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify key variables that affect the quantifiable key performance indicators (KPIs) and to derive equations to measure these indicators. Qualitative KPIs are also discussed in terms of the aspects that need to be covered while carrying out qualitative performance assessment.

Design/methodology/approach

A combination of literature and an industry opinion-based qualitative approach is applied to develop equations to calculate the quantifiable KPIs. A facility asset management consulting firm is included in the process of deriving the equations. Key aspects of a facility's qualitative performance assessment are categorized and discussed by performing a literature review.

Findings

Mathematical expressions for core performance indicators are presented and discussed along with key variables. In addition, the information needed to quantify these core indicators is also discussed.

Research limitations/implications

This paper represents the second step towards establishment of a relevant list of quantifiable and measurable core KPIs, which were identified and categorized in Part I of this paper. In Part II, the authors derive equations to quantify the core KPIs. Future research is needed to use relevant information from industry for validating these equations.

Practical implications

A need for a concise and relevant list of KPIs was identified in Part I of this paper. Part II provides an approach to quantify the core KPIs based on information that is available in the industry. This research will help facility management professionals in not only selecting the indicators of choice, but also quantifying them based on available information yielding enhanced facility management decisions with measurable facility performance outcomes.

Originality/value

This paper provides equations and variables to measure a facility's physical, functional and financial performance using both quantitative and qualitative performance assessments.

Details

Facilities, vol. 32 no. 5/6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-2772

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 September 2017

Zahra Yousefli, Fuzhan Nasiri and Osama Moselhi

The complexity and criticality of healthcare services highlight the importance of maintenance management function in healthcare facilities. The purpose of this paper is to review…

3283

Abstract

Purpose

The complexity and criticality of healthcare services highlight the importance of maintenance management function in healthcare facilities. The purpose of this paper is to review the literature on maintenance management of healthcare facilities and hospital buildings to provide an organized literature review and identify gaps from the perspective of research and practice.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper categorizes the literature and adopts a review hierarchy according to maintenance management functions in hospital buildings. It explores the impact of those functions on the performance of maintenance activities in hospitals. Furthermore, it examines the role of information technology and automated decision support systems in facilitating hospital maintenance management functions and performance.

Findings

Literature on maintenance management in healthcare facilities and hospital buildings has so far been very limited. Recently published literature focusing on healthcare facilities management and its maintenance management functions is classified into various areas and sub-areas. The paper highlights gaps in the literature and suggests avenues for future research and improvements.

Originality/value

The paper contains a comprehensive listing of publications and their classifications according to various attributes. It will be useful for researchers, maintenance managers, practitioners and stakeholders concerned with facility management of hospital buildings.

Details

Journal of Facilities Management, vol. 15 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1472-5967

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 February 2009

Sarel Lavy and Igal M. Shohet

Increasing demand for healthcare services world‐wide creates continuous requirements to reduce expenditures on “non‐core” activities, such as maintenance and operations. At the…

2354

Abstract

Purpose

Increasing demand for healthcare services world‐wide creates continuous requirements to reduce expenditures on “non‐core” activities, such as maintenance and operations. At the same time, owners, users, and clients of healthcare expect a high level of built‐facilities performance and minimized risks. The objective of this research is to develop an integrated facilities management (FM) model for healthcare facilities.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents a case study analysis of an Israeli acute care hospital, in which the integrated healthcare facilities management model (IHFMM) was implemented, and the findings were examined and evaluated three years later. The case studies investigated the effectiveness of the developed model in terms of maintenance and performance management. The robustness of the model was also examined by applying sensitivity analyses to its parameters.

Findings

Both of the case studies show significant results in predicting FM‐related aspects, such as the level of performance and the required maintenance budgets. The findings reveal a high correlation between the two phases of the case studies in terms of financial outcomes and performance predictions.

Originality/value

The core of the model is based on the strength of identified effects of certain parameters, such as maintenance expenditure and actual service life, on the performance and maintenance of healthcare facilities. The proposed IHFMM addresses two core topics of FM: maintenance and performance, for strategic FM decision making.

Details

Facilities, vol. 27 no. 3/4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-2772

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 March 2019

Fadi A. Fatayer, Mohammad A. Hassanain, Abdullatif Abdallah and Abdul-Mohsen Al-Hammad

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the current practices of the early facilities management (FM) involvement during the design development and review stages (DDRS), and…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the current practices of the early facilities management (FM) involvement during the design development and review stages (DDRS), and recommend activities aimed at achieving better integration.

Design/methodology/approach

A comprehensive literature review was conducted to ascertain the challenges faced by the integrated design team (IDT) in the absence of the facilities managers’ review of design solutions, and underscore the significance of the early involvement of facilities managers during the DDRS. A questionnaire survey was then developed for collecting data on eight aspects of the current practices of early FM involvement during the DDRS. The questionnaire survey was administered to the FM departments of 13 long established, public universities in Saudi Arabia. Ten responses were obtained and analyzed.

Findings

The findings suggest that the early involvement of the FM department enhances the operation and maintenance of facilities. This has been measured through reductions in the number of architectural, structural, electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilating and air conditioning defects.

Practical implications

Recommendations were provided to facilitate the process of integrating the practices of two influential stakeholders of building projects. These recommendations encompass the need for maintainability considerations at the early schematic stage, the necessity of direct contact between the two parties and the necessity of facility managers’ increased familiarity of the design stage activities, among other recommendations. In this way, the study promotes the awareness of the significance of integrating FM with the IDT at the DDRS.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature and practice by presenting a detailed analysis of the integration process between the FM department and the IDT. Furthermore, the outcomes of the integration between the parties were measured to assess the effectiveness of the collaboration and highlight the possible areas of improvement.

Details

International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation, vol. 37 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2398-4708

Keywords

1 – 10 of over 30000