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Article
Publication date: 7 June 2019

Zul-Atfi Ismail

The purpose of this study is to develop a new information and communication technology (ICT)-based approach for optimising safety transportation according to the needs of the…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to develop a new information and communication technology (ICT)-based approach for optimising safety transportation according to the needs of the current industrialised building system (IBS) building construction schemes. The improper handling and information management of road transport workers appears to be a major problem in the safety of the IBS building construction industry. Transportation activity is particularly problematic for IBS building construction projects in which traffic incident and safety management level are not in good condition to match with construction specification.

Design/methodology/approach

A new ICT-based approach is suggested for optimising safety transportation in accordance with the needs of the current IBS building construction schemes. As a precursor to this work, the concept of road transport workers practices is reviewed and the main features of ICT tools and techniques currently being used on such projects are presented.

Findings

The sophisticated road transport workers system solutions is described as an essential component of this optimisation to promote long-term safety and quality improvements of IBS building construction projects.

Originality/value

Finally, the potential for a research framework for developing such a system in the future is presented.

Details

Social Responsibility Journal, vol. 15 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1747-1117

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 March 2020

Zul-Atfi Ismail

Several previous studies have described the use of maintenance management (MM) at polytechnic institutions. However, a major drawback of those studies is that they did not reveal…

Abstract

Purpose

Several previous studies have described the use of maintenance management (MM) at polytechnic institutions. However, a major drawback of those studies is that they did not reveal the actual support for MM as practiced using the conventional method. To describe the full situation at polytechnics, the gaps in the conventional method must be determined. Thus, the purpose of this study is to analyse the gaps in the conventional method for actual MM as practiced at Malaysian polytechnics.

Design/methodology/approach

The existence of these gaps must be explored further to reach a better understanding of the utilisation of the conventional method for MM. Primary data were gathered through interviews to develop the proposed system. The major conclusion drawn from the interview results is that there is a lack of comprehensive MM systems that integrate the operation and maintenance processes of facilities management and software programming to guide the decision-making processes. The interview results also reveal irregularities within the MM database used by Malaysian polytechnics related to e-complaints, as well as the fact that the database is unsystematic.

Findings

The findings show the need for sophisticated MM at polytechnics.

Originality/value

The identified gaps will guide future improvements to develop MM systems that meet the solution needs.

Details

Social Responsibility Journal, vol. 16 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1747-1117

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 December 2023

Zul-Atfi Ismail

Operation and maintenance (O&M) processes projects such as identification, assessment, planning and execution, embody a variety of standards such as technical (method of…

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.

Details

Journal of Global Responsibility, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2041-2568

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 31 March 2023

Zul-Atfi Ismail

Green building (GB) maintenance is increasingly accepted in the construction industry, so it can now be interpreted as an industry best practice for maintenance planning. However…

Abstract

Purpose

Green building (GB) maintenance is increasingly accepted in the construction industry, so it can now be interpreted as an industry best practice for maintenance planning. However, the performance competency and design knowledge of the practice's building control instrument process can be affected by its evaluation and the information management of building information modelling (BIM)–based model checking (BMC). These maintenance-planning problems have not yet been investigated in instances such as the Grenfell Tower fire (14 June 2017, approximately 80 fatalities) in North Kensington, West London.

Design/methodology/approach

This study proposes a theoretical framework for analysing the existing conceptualisation of BIM tools and techniques based on a critical review of GB maintenance environments. These are currently employed on GB maintenance ecosystems embedded in project teams that can affect BMC practices in the automation system process. In order to better understand how BMC is implemented in GB ecosystem projects, a quantitative case study is conducted in the Malaysian public works department (Jabatan Kerja Raya (JKR)).

Findings

GB ecosystem projects were not as effective as planned due to safety awareness, design planning, inadequate track insulation, environmental (in) compatibility and inadequate building access management. Descriptive statistics and an ANOVA were applied to analyse the data. The study is reinforced by a process flow, which is transformed into a theoretical framework.

Originality/value

Industry practitioners can use the developed framework to diagnose BMC application issues and leverage the staff competency inherent in an ecosystem to plan GB maintenance environments successfully.

Details

Journal of Enterprise Information Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0398

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 July 2020

Zul-Atfi Ismail

The purpose of this study is to identify existing weaknesses in precast concrete building maintenance and how to overcome it. The contemporary practice of conventional methods in…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to identify existing weaknesses in precast concrete building maintenance and how to overcome it. The contemporary practice of conventional methods in the pre-cast concrete (PC) building maintenance entails many issues such as PC component aesthetic and structural defects, no integration between maintenance systems and lack the intelligent capabilities of linking defect diagnosis operations in maintenance due to poor service delivery and defect repetition. A key problem impeding the widespread adoption of emerging technologies is the lack of competent contractor supporting the effectiveness of implemented information and communication technology than conventional methods and the returns on investment.

Design/methodology/approach

The shortcomings of conventional methods are assessed from the perspective of PC buildings. Several data were collected through a case study of eight PC buildings from high-rise and complex buildings.

Findings

The conventional methods had significantly little emphasis on defect diagnosis tools. It had also increased the inadequate strategic decision making to analyse information in improving the maintenance project outcomes for PC building.

Originality/value

Building information modelling tools is suggested from findings and lessons learned as a good practice to reduce the repetition of defects on the design specification used and construction practiced.

Details

Journal of Facilities Management , vol. 18 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1472-5967

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 August 2017

Zul-Atfi Ismail

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the principles for managing precast concrete (PC) building in the context of Malaysian maintenance practice. A large number of…

1388

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the principles for managing precast concrete (PC) building in the context of Malaysian maintenance practice. A large number of clients/contractors in a PC building maintenance project faced many issues due to poor service delivery, less-competent contractor and defect repetition. Meanwhile, conventional method practices tend to be ineffective in Malaysian PC building.

Design/methodology/approach

Case studies were used to investigate the practice of maintenance management with eight professional engineers working in the Malaysian PC building maintenance departments.

Findings

Interviews were held with these departments and content analysis was used to identify themes that demonstrate effective PC building maintenance management practice. The frontline approaches (new system development with the integration of BIM) and underlying approach such as decision making in defect diagnosis are presented to address the maintenance management problems on PC building such as defect repetition and less-competent contractor.

Originality/value

The underlying approaches include sustaining existing maintenance quality and providing decision making in diagnosis support while the frontline approaches include the use of emerging technologies, efficient control of building performance-based design and monitor the defect component operation in maintenance.

Details

Industrial Management & Data Systems, vol. 117 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-5577

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 March 2020

Zul-Atfi Ismail

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the system approaches and their application for managing IBS building in the context of Malaysian maintenance practice. Currently, the…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the system approaches and their application for managing IBS building in the context of Malaysian maintenance practice. Currently, the maintenance management method has affected the efficiency of the complex and high-rise industrialised building system (IBS) building maintenance management in Malaysia. Many issues such as poor service delivery, limited budgets, less competent staff and defect repetition emerged because of the usage of conventional method applications (paper-based form). The data revealed that the practice of maintenance management for complex and high-rise IBS buildings needs to be digitalised.

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative research was carried out by conducting literature review and semi-structured interviews. Eight major maintenance organisations were selected based on a conventional method of practice in managing maintenance for complex and high-rise IBS buildings. The computerised system was developed using a data flow diagram and coding. Subsequently, the prototype system was tested.

Findings

By having this prototype system, the defect diagnosis and decision-making process become easier, faster and cost-effective in facilitating the maintenance assessment, defect diagnosis and control in relation to IBS building structure components.

Originality/value

In conclusion, the prototype system may improve the effectiveness of maintenance management practices for IBS building structure components in reducing defect design risks such as design calculation error to provide high-quality IBS building structure components for a safe and healthy environment.

Details

Facilities , vol. 39 no. 3/4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-2772

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 December 2021

Zul-Atfi Ismail

In the context of the study, soft skill means identifying efficient and effective approaches for improving operation and maintenance (O&M) processes in facilities management and…

Abstract

Purpose

In the context of the study, soft skill means identifying efficient and effective approaches for improving operation and maintenance (O&M) processes in facilities management and extending the management of building facilities and infrastructure. Applying the concept of soft skill to the O&M processes of facilities management at polytechnics in Malaysia, the paper aims 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.

Findings

The paper finds that the application of the concept of soft skill reveals the need for more sophisticated management solutions in the O&M processes of facilities management.

Originality/value

The concept of soft skill will guide future improvements and developments in maintenance management systems (MMS) to fulfil requirements in this area.

Details

Property Management, vol. 40 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-7472

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 September 2021

Zul-Atfi Ismail

The conventional methods practiced by Development and Facilities Management Unit (UPPF) faced issues due to management deficiencies and negligent staffs to handle operation and…

358

Abstract

Purpose

The conventional methods practiced by Development and Facilities Management Unit (UPPF) faced issues due to management deficiencies and negligent staffs to handle operation and maintenance processes of Chemical Facility (CFs) management at Malaysian Polytechnic. The prime objective of this paper is to improve the conventional methods which tend to be both cumbersome and ineffective in the Maintenance Management Systems (MMS) for UPPF at Malaysian Polytechnic.

Design/methodology/approach

Primary data was gathered through the interview to develop the proposed system. The major conclusion drawn from the interview results was that there is a lack of comprehensive MMS that integrate operation and maintenance processes of CF management and software programming that provide the guides for decision-making processes. The interview results also revealed irregularities within the Malaysian Polytechnic's maintenance management database.

Findings

The conventional methods had significantly little emphasis on defect diagnosis tools. It had also increased the inadequate strategic decision making to analyse information in improving the maintenance project outcomes for Malaysian Polytechnic's building. New MMS tools is suggested from findings and lessons learned as a good practice to reduce the frequent overhauling and repairs on the durability's performance and design of building control instrument.

Originality/value

The new MMS potentially transform operation and maintenance processes of CF management into one of the most sophisticated technologies by providing access to all information published by all Malaysian Polytechnics institutions. This is in order to foster financial cooperation, the idea that being that Polytechnics who compete with one another become financially independent towards successful achievements of CF management for laboratory building and equipment.

Details

Journal of Quality in Maintenance Engineering, vol. 28 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2511

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 July 2018

Zul-Atfi Ismail

This paper aims to identify the different system approach that is equipped with decision making processes. Presently, most maintenance organisations are still implementing…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to identify the different system approach that is equipped with decision making processes. Presently, most maintenance organisations are still implementing conventional methods rather than fully integrated information and communication technology (ICT) to manage the information database on maintenance of residential building. The significant factor to select an ICT is much more advantageous than just a way to improve interfirm communication and cooperation on maintenance management processes and be able to perform the task needed without stressing the budget. ICT could be a pillar of fundamental importance for the implementation of an effective and efficient maintenance management on residential building and facility.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents a review of recent publications on the topic regarding residential maintenance systems, which also takes into consideration the heritage structures, due to their same maintenance requirements and processes.

Findings

The findings reveal the need for ICT tools and techniques specific to the needs of reducing poor service delivery, inadequate financial support, poor maintenance plan and maintenance backlogs.

Originality/value

The paper concludes with a comprehensive research framework of ICT-based system as the basis for further progress in the development of the residential maintenance schemes of system.

Details

Journal of Facilities Management, vol. 16 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1472-5967

Keywords

1 – 10 of 36