Lean facilities management: preliminary findings from Singapore’s international schools

Facilities ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (7/8) ◽  
pp. 539-558
Author(s):  
Shang Gao ◽  
Low Sui Pheng ◽  
Wanying Tay
Keyword(s):  
School Environment ◽  
International Schools ◽  
Facility Management ◽  
Facilities Management ◽  
Manufacturing Companies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Pull System ◽  
Important Principle ◽  
Representative Study ◽  
People Development

Purpose Lean has been adopted in various industries (i.e. construction, health care and service) over the years; the level of lean adoption in facility management is relatively unknown. The purpose of this study is to analyze the 14 lean management principles (LMPs) and seek to develop an understanding as to whether LMPs, which are most commonly used by the manufacturing companies, are relevant to the facility personnel’s scope of work. The research scope focuses on international schools located in Singapore. Design/methodology/approach For the purpose of this study, a conceptual framework that focuses on connecting the 14 lean production principles to facility management has been developed. Questionnaire survey and interviews were used. A total of 30 facilities professionals from eight international schools participated in the survey. Six interviews were followed up to gain deeper insights into the extent of lean importance and implementation in the work of facility personnel in a school environment. Findings The survey findings revealed that P8 “use of reliable technology”, P9 and P10 relating to leadership and people development, P12 “go and see for yourself” and P14 “continuous improvement” are generally perceived more important than the other LMPs and are also well implemented. On the contrary, P3 “use the ‘pull’ system” is considered the least important principle. The interview findings also offer insights into modifications of some LMPs for the facilities management (FM) sector. Research limitations/implications There are several limitations affecting this study. First, the research sample size was small. Only 30 respondents participated in this study. Second, as this study is one of the first to explore the applicability of lean in FM, there is no consensus on how to define lean, which means that the LMPs could be interpreted in many ways. Originality/value The adoption of lean in FM can potentially optimize the value of the school organization. It is recommended that more research be conducted, resulting in a more holistic and representative study of the applicability of lean FM.

A scientometric analysis of BIM studies in facilities management

2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
pp. 122-139 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mustafa Hilal ◽  
Tayyab Maqsood ◽  
Amir Abdekhodaee
Keyword(s):  
Mapping Method ◽  
Facility Management ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Scientometric Analysis ◽  
Facilities Management ◽  
Science Mapping ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Visual Maps ◽  
Building Information ◽  
Mapping Techniques

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to statistically classify and categorize Building Information Modelling (BIM)-Facility Management (FM) publications in order to extract useful information related to the adoption and use of BIM in FM. Design/methodology/approach This study employs a quantitative approach using science mapping techniques to examine BIM-FM publications using Web of Science (WOS) database for the period between 2000 and April 2018. Findings The findings guide the researchers who are interested in the BIM-FM model by providing visual maps analysis of that area in a simple, easy and readable way. In addition, they help the researchers to understand which authors and journals to consider when dealing with BIM-FM topics. Finally, knowledge gaps in this domain can be identified easily using the findings of the Scientometric analysis. Research limitations/implications First, the results of the analysis depend on the database that has been extracted from WOS, and therefore it carries any of WOS’s limitations in terms of how much it covers the published studies. Another limitation is that the study is based on exploration of “what” questions, rather than “how” and “why”. These limitations represent the hot topics to be addressed in future research. Originality/value This research is the first to conduct the Scientometric Analysis of BIM-FM topics, in which 68 top-ranked publications were systematically examined using a Science Mapping method through VOSviewer software.

Applying the KANO model to analyse the value of green FM

2014 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 312-325 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eeva Määttänen ◽  
Tuuli Jylhä ◽  
Seppo Junnila
Keyword(s):  
Process Development ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Facility Management ◽  
Office Buildings ◽  
Facilities Management ◽  
Kano Model ◽  
Research Project ◽  
Case Study Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Management Concept

Purpose – This research project studies office tenants’ perceived value of green service attributes, with the focus being on facility services and management. The purpose of this paper is to gain an understanding of what kind of green attributes tenants value in their office buildings. Design/methodology/approach – The research project was conducted using a single case study methodology. A green facilities management concept was tested in a pilot building. Data were collected via a structured questionnaire based on the Kano model of attractive quality. In addition, open-ended questions were asked to further understand the tenants’ views on the matter. Findings – The findings of the research project indicate that tenants have begun to value green attributes in their office buildings. While environmental efficiency is not yet a strategic guideline for small tenants, it would increase their satisfaction with facility management and services. Practical implications – Facility management and service organisations can utilise the results of this study in their own service scopes and process development. Originality/value – This study provides insight into the value of green facilities and user services for small office tenants.

Developing facilities management (FM) competencies for Malaysia

2018 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 157-174 ◽  
Author(s):  
Syahrul Nizam Kamaruzzaman ◽  
Nik Elyna Myeda ◽  
Emma Marinie Ahmad Zawawi ◽  
Rozita Mohamed Ramli
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Preparedness ◽  
Service Level Agreement ◽  
Service Level ◽  
Facility Management ◽  
Facilities Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Space Planning ◽  
Operational Space ◽  
Technology Service ◽  
Management Association

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the significance of facilities management (FM) competency levels from three different stages, namely, strategic, tactical and operational levels, to propose a set of FM competencies for an enhanced FM industry in Malaysia. Design/methodology/approach The overall focus for this paper is to discuss on the area for each level of competencies for asset and facilities management (AFM). This is done through a questionnaire survey focusing on the competency areas posed by FM companies in Malaysia and a comparison review of all FM levels as outlined by the international professional bodies, namely, International Facility Management Association, British Institute of Facilities Management and Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors. This paper also looks at formulating a holistic framework for an effective AFM for the benefit of FM industry in general and Malaysian FM industry specifically. Findings The findings indicate that among the significant factors for the respective strategic, tactical and operational practice of FM are strategic: managing change, benchmarking and strategic facilities planning; tactical: risk management, emergency preparedness, FM technology, service-level agreement and supply management; and operational: space planning and management. This study also proposes a set of holistic FM competency areas which can be implemented by the FM industry in Malaysia. Originality/value This research sets a baseline for a set of FM competencies, an area of FM which has not been regulated in the FM practice in Malaysia.

The need for a comprehensive facility decision-making process

Facilities ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Erik Carl Backus ◽  
Jakob C. Bruhl
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Facility Management ◽  
Decision Making Process ◽  
Facilities Management ◽  
Key Factors ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Face ◽  
Decision Making Processes ◽  
Intuitive Decision Making ◽  
Physical Assets

Purpose The facility decision-making process (FDMP), as described in this paper, is a framework based on decades of proven effectiveness in analogous military applications. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate key factors which justify the need for the FDMP before describing the FDMP. Design/methodology/approach This paper conducts a literature review as it relates to facilities specific decision-making, puts forward a new concept for those processes and provides an abridged case study of the concept in application. Findings Facilities management is a key function for nearly every type of business or enterprise. As part of facilities management, many decisions are made about physical assets that a business or enterprise owns or maintains. Currently, there is no uniform decision-making framework, in literature or in practice, which enables consistency, robustness and scalability for facility management decisions. Such a framework would enable facility managers to effectively justify decisions related to capital and operational expenses. Practical implications The FDMP provides a robust procedure for facilities managers and engineers that enables enhanced strength in the face of business enterprise scrutiny as compared with the often-intuitive decision-making processes currently used in practice. Originality/value This novel conceptual process articulates the opportunity to provide for a comprehensive facilities decision-making process that enables better decisions especially as it relates to what are often ill-defined problem sets in facilities management.

scholarly journals The role of maintenance and facility management in logistics: a literature review

Facilities ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 32 (5/6) ◽  
pp. 241-255 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giulio Mangano ◽  
Alberto De Marco
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Business Performance ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Facility Management ◽  
Operational Performance ◽  
Facilities Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Status ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a literature review on the different ways of carrying out facility management and related topics in order to uncover that there is limited research regarding the impact of facility management on the logistics and operational performance of warehouses. Design/methodology/approach – Four different focus areas have been identified and for each one different methodologies and streams of research have been studied. Findings – The study underlines the importance of facility management for the logistics operations; therefore it supports the notion that investments aiming at preserving the status of the building and service components of warehouses are crucial. Originality/value – This paper aims to suggest to facilities management managers that they can contribute to enhance business performance by designing effective facility management strategies.

Reducing carbon footprint of facilities using a facility management approach

Facilities ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 34 (3/4) ◽  
pp. 247-259 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manish K. Dixit ◽  
Charles H. Culp ◽  
Jose L. Fernandez-Solis ◽  
Sarel Lavy
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Carbon Footprint ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Facility Management ◽  
Embodied Energy ◽  
Management Approach ◽  
Facilities Management ◽  
Life Cycle Approach ◽  
Content Type

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to emphasize the importance of a life cycle approach in facilities management practices to reduce the carbon footprint of built facilities. A model to holistic life cycle energy and carbon reduction is also proposed. Design/methodology/approach A literature-based discovery approach was applied to collect, analyze and synthesize the results of published case studies from around the globe. The energy use results of 95 published case studies were analyzed to derive conclusions. Findings A comparison of energy-efficient and conventional facilities revealed that decreasing operating energy may increase the embodied energy components. Additionally, the analysis of 95 commercial buildings indicated that nearly 10 per cent of the total US carbon emissions was influenced by facilities management practices. Research limitations/implications The results were derived from case studies that belonged to various locations across the globe and included facilities constructed with a variety of materials. Practical implications The proposed approach to holistic carbon footprint reduction can guide facility management research and practice to make meaningful contributions to the efforts for creating a sustainable built environment. Originality/value This paper quantifies the extent to which a facilities management professional can contribute to the global efforts of reducing carbon emission.

scholarly journals Developing a people capability framework to promote sustainability in facility management practices

Facilities ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 34 (7/8) ◽  
pp. 450-467 ◽  
Author(s):  
Norliana Sarpin ◽  
Jay Yang ◽  
Bo Xia
Keyword(s):  
Professional Practice ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Research Study ◽  
Facility Management ◽  
Facilities Management ◽  
Technological Advancement ◽  
Statistical Data Analysis ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Right ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to introduce a research study that aims to establish a people capability framework to promote the sustainability agenda in facilities management (FM) practices. Design/methodology/approach Through a literature review, a range of factors relating to people capabilities in the context of sustainability endeavours is identified. A questionnaire survey of industry practitioners and statistical data analysis help prioritise these people capability factors and evaluate the role played by each factor in promoting sustainability in FM practices. Findings Twenty-three people capability factors are identified as significant to the promotion of sustainability measures in FM practices. Dealing with these factors effectively can provide a sound basis for equipping FM professionals with the necessary knowledge, information on training and educational needs and the right mindset to enhance the implementation of sustainability in FM practices. Practical implications The research shows the importance of capabilities and skills in the pursuit of sustainability in professional practice. In addition, it highlights specific areas for improvement in the FM sector. Originality/value The research links the importance of sustainability with the mindset and preparedness of FM practitioners. It emphasises people capabilities, in addition to technological advancement and financial implications, in the promotion of sustainability in the building industry.

Does facility management affect perception of building quality?

Facilities ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (7/8) ◽  
pp. 559-576
Author(s):  
Agnieszka Zalejska-Jonsson
Keyword(s):  
Information Asymmetry ◽  
Selection Process ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Facility Management ◽  
Facilities Management ◽  
Accreditation System ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Housing Cooperatives ◽  
The Difference

Purpose This paper aims to examine the strategy, selection and perception of facility management (FM) services and the effect it may have on perceived building quality. Design/methodology/approach Data was collected through a survey distributed to board members of cooperatives for newly constructed buildings in Sweden. Responses from 394 cooperative boards were included in the data set and analysed. The difference in cooperative choice of FM strategy and satisfaction with FM services was examined with non-parametrical Kruskal–Wallis tests and the effect of FM strategy and satisfaction with FM services on perceived building quality was examined with a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test. Findings The results suggest information asymmetry and indicate urgent need for an objective accreditation system for FM services, which will inform and assist housing owners in the FM selection process. The study validates the hypothesis that facilities management strategies applied by housing cooperatives have a significant effect on perception of building quality. Practical implications The findings will assist developers, facility and property managers to understand the needs and services valued by the housing cooperative. The findings highlight the information asymmetry, restricted techniques and weak signalling methods among FM services, and advocates promoting an objective accreditation system for FM services. Originality/value The study contributes to the discussion on the concept of building quality and the results presented provide a better understanding of facilities management strategy on perception of building quality.

Integration of facility management and building information modeling (BIM)

Facilities ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (7/8) ◽  
pp. 455-483 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manish K. Dixit ◽  
Varusha Venkatraj ◽  
Mohammadreza Ostadalimakhmalbaf ◽  
Fatemeh Pariafsai ◽  
Sarel Lavy
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Building Information Modeling ◽  
Life Cycle Management ◽  
Facility Management ◽  
Information Modeling ◽  
Facilities Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Building Information ◽  
General Contractors

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate factors that impede the integration of facilities management (FM) into building information modeling (BIM) technology. The use of BIM technology in the commercial construction industry has grown enormously in recent years. Its application to FM, however, is still limited. The literature highlights issues that hinder BIM–FM integration, which are studied and discussed in detail in this paper. Design/methodology/approach A review of literature is conducted to identify and categorize key issues hampering the application of BIM to FM. This paper has also designed a questionnaire based on a literature review and surveyed FM professionals at two industry events. Using the collected responses, these issues are analyzed and discussed using non-parametric statistical analyses. Findings A total of 16 issues are identified through the literature review of 54 studies under the four categories of BIM-execution and information-management, technological, cost-based and legal and contractual issues. The results of the survey of FM professionals (with 57 complete responses) reveal that the single most important issue is the lack of FM involvement in project phases when BIM is evolving. Originality/value The findings of this study could assist the construction industry (e.g. building-material and equipment manufacturers, design professionals, general contractors, construction managers, owners and facility managers) with creating guidelines that would help in BIM–FM integration. BIM is a virtual database that contains important design and construction information, which can be used for effective and efficient life cycle management if building data are captured completely and accurately with a facility manager’s involvement.

scholarly journals Navigating the logics of changing public facilities management

Facilities ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ingrid Svensson ◽  
Martin Löwstedt
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Context ◽  
Facility Management ◽  
Facilities Management ◽  
Public Facility ◽  
Organizational Practices ◽  
Building Stock ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Public Facilities ◽  
Large Building

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore how a multitude of demands and challenges faced by public facilities management organizations’ (PFMOs) particularly in relation to a large building stock in need of measures’ are acted upon and negotiated in practice. Specifically this study asks: What are the institutional logics (IL) that constitute the organizational context of PFMOs? How does an institutional worker navigate to create change in PFMOs? Design/methodology/approach Data were collected through a case study of a public facility management organization and include interviews, a questionnaire, observations and organizational documents. The analytical focus is the work of a single actor, a project manager portrayed as “the navigator” and his institutional work (IW) of developing and implementing new organizational practices, to meet current challenges and develop a more “strategic” facility management. Findings The complex institutional landscape faced by officials in PFMOs enforce officials responsible for implementing and developing new practices to become navigators. Originality/value The findings offer a rich practice-based account of the day-to-day IW carried out by actors that try to navigate complex institutional landscapes, consisting of multiple and, at times, conflicting IL. Current challenges for PFMOs are to be portrayed as multi-dimensional and the actual work to transform organizational practices in this context is highly complex, unordered and messy. The findings point towards a need for new competences and roles to tackle current challenges; geared towards integrating different logics and perspectives.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document