Tight budget constraints and the absence of strategic planning

Facilities ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 34 (7/8) ◽  
pp. 380-393 ◽  
Author(s):  
Huiying Hou ◽  
Daniel C.W. Ho ◽  
Jacky K.H. Chung ◽  
Kelwin K.W. Wong
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Strategic Planning ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Facilities Management ◽  
Budget Constraints ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Service Outsourcing ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Coding Method

Purpose This paper aims to identify the factors that affect facilities management (FM) service outsourcing. Design/methodology/approach Five focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted for this study. A total of 25 professional FM managers were invited to participate in the FGDs. The qualitative data collected from the FGDs were analysed with the coding method. Findings FM managers commonly regard that tight budget constraints and the absence of strategic planning are two important factors that affect FM service outsourcing. Tight budget constraints reflect that clients control their service providers by constraining budgets, which creates a series of inefficiencies in the outsourcing process and thus lead to adverse outsourcing relationships. A series of strategies are recommended to deal with the challenges posed by budget constraints and the lack strategic planning. Research limitations/implications Twenty-five Hong Kong-based FM managers were interviewed for this study. The empirical data collected mainly reflects FM service outsourcing in Hong Kong. It is important to test the findings with a bigger group of FM managers from other regions. Originality/value The managerial significance of FM service outsourcing has not yet been valued in practice. This study draws academic attention to FM service outsourcing practice and provides practical opinions from FM managers. Also, this study adopts the FGD method in data collection, which extracts to a maximum degree of authentic opinions from practitioners.

scholarly journals Exploring cleanliness in the Dutch facilities management industry: a Delphi approach

Facilities ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (9/10) ◽  
pp. 510-524 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martijn C. Vos ◽  
Mirjam Galetzka ◽  
Mark P. Mobach ◽  
Mark Van Hagen ◽  
Ad T.H. Pruyn
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
End Users ◽  
Facilities Management ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Delphi Approach ◽  
Cleaning Staff ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to identify antecedents that influence perceived cleanliness by consulting experts and end-users in the field of facilities management (facility service providers, clients of facility service providers and consultants). Business models were evaluated to understand why some antecedents are adopted by practitioners and others are not. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative study, with end-users (n = 7) and experts (n = 24) in the field of facilities management, was carried out to identify antecedents of perceived cleanliness. Following the Delphi approach, different research methods including interviews, group discussions and surveys were applied. Findings Actual cleanliness, cleaning staff behaviour and the appearance of the environment were identified as the three main antecedents of perceived cleanliness. Client organisations tend to have a stronger focus on antecedents that are not related to the cleaning process compared to facility service providers. Practical implications More (visible) cleaning, maintenance, toilets, scent, architecture and use of materials offer interesting starting points for practitioners to positively influence perceived cleanliness. These antecedents may also be used for the development of a standard for perceived cleanliness. Originality/value A basis was created for the development of an instrument that measures perceived cleanliness and includes antecedents that are typically not included in most of the current standards of actual cleanliness (e.g. NEN 2075, ISSA).

Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) highlights operating, control and compliance deficiencies in asset management industry

2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 63-68 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne-Marie Godfrey
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Asset Management ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Governance Structures ◽  
Investment Fund ◽  
Extensive Experience ◽  
Investment Funds ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Best Execution ◽  
Asset Managers

Purpose To examine the nine common areas of non-compliance in managing investment funds and discretionary accounts, detailed in a Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) circular dated September 15, 2017, directed at SFC-licensed asset managers. Design/methodology/approach Discusses a July 2017 circular indicating the SFC’s general concerns and analyzing the following nine common areas of non-compliance cited in the September 15, 2017 circular: (1) inappropriate receipt of cash rebates giving rise to apparent conflicts of interests, (2) failure to follow investment-suitability and discretionary account mandates during solicitation, (3) failure to implement liquidity-risk management processes, (4) deficiencies in governance structures and fair-valuation procedures, (5) deficiencies in systems for ensuring best execution, (6) failure to safeguard fair order allocation, (7) inadequate controls for protection of client assets, (8) inadequate systems to comply with investment restrictions, and (9) inadequate safeguards to address market misconduct risk. Findings The nine examples of non-compliance provide a useful insight into key “problem areas” indicated to currently be of particular concern to the SFC. Practical implications All SFC-licensed asset managers would be well advised to revisit their internal governance structures and operational policies and procedures in order to ensure that they are compliant with applicable standards and requirements. Originality/value Practical guidance from a lawyer with extensive experience advising investment managers and advisers, fund administrators, trustees and other fund service providers on investment fund-related issues.

Exploring entrepreneurial-group formation by smallholder Burundian farmers

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 85-102
Author(s):  
Bélyse Mupfasoni ◽  
Aad Kessler ◽  
Thomas Lans ◽  
Rama Lionel Ngenzebuke
Keyword(s):  
Group Dynamics ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Group Formation ◽  
Top Management Teams ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Internal States ◽  
Farmer Groups

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyze the role of specific internal states (i.e. the set of sustainable values and motivations) that underlie group formation and joint business idea identification of farmer groups in the context of Burundi. Design/methodology/approach Quantitative and qualitative data were combined in this study. Quantitative data were analyzed using basic statistics. Qualitative data were collected in focus group discussions with farmer groups. Findings Findings revealed that groups are not just formed on the basis of homophily (same level of internal states) but also on “compensation” and “committed leadership.” Moreover, prior sustainable behavior of members influences sustainability of new group business ideas and the nature (e.g. focus on farming) of that business idea. Research limitations/implications As this study was done at an early stage of group formation and does not include group dynamics over a longer period of time, further monitoring of the groups is needed to examine if the observed motivation persists. Originality/value Although there is a vast amount of literature on entrepreneurial and top management teams, literature on the (early) mechanisms of entrepreneurial group formation in an emerging economy and rural context is relatively scarce.

scholarly journals RAPPORT AND ITS MANAGERIAL IMPLICATIONS IN FM SERVICE OUTSOURCING RELATIONSHIPS

2015 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 137-148 ◽  
Author(s):  
Huiying HOU ◽  
Daniel Chi Wing HO
Keyword(s):  
Content Analysis ◽  
Social Relations ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Influential Factor ◽  
Facilities Management ◽  
Service Outsourcing ◽  
Relationship Partners ◽  
Managerial Implications ◽  
Common Goals ◽  
Conceptual Relationships

In Hong Kong, client companies tend not to renew contracts with relationship partners and may change facilities management (FM) service providers on a frequent basis. This phenomenon is common in the FM industry. Inspired by the phenomenon of changing service providers, this study sheds light on a social relations perspective in outsourcing relationships and aims to investigate the factors that affect FM service outsourcing relationships. Open interviews with 20 FM managers were conducted, and the interview results were analysed with content analysis and coding methods. The empirical findings were interpreted on two levels. First, FM managers believe that rapport is an influential factor that affects FM service outsourcing relationships. Second, the courses in which the interviewees explain the manifestation of rapport and its significance reveal that common goals, shared values, trust, openness, and coordination are the factors that not only nurture the formation of rapport, but also have significant influences on social relations in the process of outsourcing. A framework has been developed to describe the conceptual relationships found in the empirical findings from the interviews. Eight guidelines have been outlined to indicate the managerial implications of this study.

Sustainable development and social policy: a case of indigenous villages in Hong Kong

2016 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 305-317 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kwok Wai Ma
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Hong Kong ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Cultural Economic ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Small House ◽  
The Government

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the issues relating to sustainable development (SD) in the context of indigenous village development in Hong Kong. Design/methodology/approach – A case study approach is used in this research. In addition to literature review, qualitative data, primarily collected through personal interviews with various stakeholders were the main source of input. Findings – The Small House Policy (SHP) case illustrates an unsustainable policy. It underscores the interrelatedness among the relevant systems – social/cultural, economic, political and environmental – in the context of SD. In the short term, the government can at least expedite the construction of sewage facilities for the villages. Furthermore, the government can consider elevating the penalty and tightening policing/patrolling in village environs to discourage the illegal sale of “ding” rights and small houses. In the longer term, the government needs to put the rural area in order. Identifying means to zone planning would be a possible direction on this front. Originality/value – Through examining the case of SHP relating to the indigenous villages in Hong Kong, the complexity of SD is thoroughly revealed.

scholarly journals The impact of climate change on food and human security in Nigeria

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kelechi Johnmary Ani ◽  
Vincent Okwudiba Anyika ◽  
Emmanuel Mutambara
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Human Security ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
The South ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The North

Purpose The purpose of this study is to unravel the changing nature of climate change impact on the food and human security sector of the Nigerian State. Design/methodology/approach This study is an in-depth case study that involves the use of both quantitative and qualitative data. Statistical data on climate variability in Nigeria obtained from reliable databases were use in the making of analysis. Also, data derived from semi-structure interviews and special reports from International Non-governmental organizations on the subject matter were also used in the study. The findings of the study were based on an in-depth analysis of both primary and secondary sources of data. The secondary data were derived from existing published academic works. The primary data was developed using qualitative data that were collected from January to November, 2018 to 2019 in the different regions of Nigeria. For the South East, primary data was collected from Abakaliki, Ebonyi State. In the South-South, primary data was collected from Asaba, Delta State. In the South West, primary data was collected from Barutin, Kwara State. In the North East, primary data was collected from Maiduguri, while in North West, data was collected from Gusau, Zamfara State. In the North Central, data was collected from Markurdi, Benue State. During the data collection, 48 semi-structured Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) were carried out in the six selected research areas that represented their geo-political zones. Six Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were carried out, one for each of these six selected cities. Each of the Focus Group Discussions comprised between five and seven respondents. The idea of KIIs and FGDs is to allow the respondents to freely express their ideas comprehensively. Again, in other to get varied forms of responses, the respondents are mainly farmers however, a number of NGOs, civil servants, fertilizer sellers, government officials, transporters and aged men and women/retirees. It should be noted that the respondents cut across male and female gender of all ages and ethnic configuration. The respondents were also randomly selected through social networking. To avoid having people of similar The KIIs were three academics; two community leaders; two small scale fish farmers; rice, cassava, fish, livestock and crop farmers. All KIIs ad TIs were transcribed and analysed using thematic content analysis. Findings The findings revealed that climate change has negatively affected food security in Nigeria. it has also led to continuous armed confrontations over natural resources thereby undermining human security in the country. Originality/value This study is 100% original and can be assessed through turn it in evaluation.

From displacement to resettlement: how current policies shape eviction narratives among urban poor in the Philippines

2020 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 49-63
Author(s):  
Zaldy C. Collado ◽  
Noella May-i G. Orozco
Keyword(s):  
Urban Poor ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
San Jose ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Philippine Government ◽  
Involuntary Displacement ◽  
Cost Of Transportation

Purpose This study aims to examine the experiences of urban poor relocatees in their resettlement communities, specifically those who were relocated from the Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, Valenzuela and Quezon City areas to the province of Bulacan, Philippines. This study hopes to convey the importance of revisiting the law on socialized housing in the Philippines. Design/methodology/approach This study gathered qualitative data through 2 focus group discussions among 28 participants who came from 3 resettlement sites in San Jose del Monte City, Bulacan Province, Philippines. The resettlement areas are owned and managed by the National Housing Authority of the Philippine Government. Findings Results show that resettlement experiences are stories of survival under impoverished conditions. Lack of housing facilities or poorly built units characterize their relocation experience aside from having no immediate access to basic utilities such as electricity and water, despite a law that supposedly secures these rights to relocatees. The expensive cost of transportation and the lack of livelihood also heavily strain the lives of the relocated population. Originality/value This study illustrates that involuntary displacement predicts poor living conditions upon resettlement. This study is an inquiry not only of existing conditions of socialized housing in resettlement areas but also past realities of these housing communities at the onset of the displacees’ relocation.

scholarly journals A review of the strategic planning process in the Hong Kong Police Force

2020 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 245-258
Author(s):  
Hoi-yan Cheung ◽  
Eddie Yu
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Strategic Planning ◽  
Strategic Management ◽  
Police Officers ◽  
Planning Process ◽  
Police Force ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Theoretical Concepts ◽  
Strategic Planning Process ◽  
Planning Cycle

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to review the strategic planning process of the Hong Kong Police Force (the Force) and its outcomes for the planning cycle of 2019-2021.Design/methodology/approachBased on an insider's perspective drawn from documentation, internal reports and field observation, this study is an analysis of the five-step strategic planning process of the Force as a case study over the two-year period by using the 3-H (Heart-Head-Hand) framework and futures studies.FindingsThis study demonstrates the Force's strategic management in practice. The 3-H framework and the Six Pillars Foresight Process are found to be useful tools in strategic planning. When the Heart, Head and Hand elements are developed and integrated as a mindset during the process, they help theorise the practice and experience of police officers towards a holistic and effective strategic management. Coupled with the foresight process, the Force will be more agile and outward focused in the Volatile, Uncertain, Complex and Ambiguous (VUCA) world.Originality/valueThis is the first study to apply the 3-H framework and futures thinking in analysing the process in a police organisation in Hong Kong. While strategic planning is an important process to set directions for an organisation to move forward, this study describes the process in terms of relevant practice and theoretical concepts. It is hoped that such experience can serve as reference for practitioners in other government departments and police organisations.

An on-campus university student accommodation model

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 213-229
Author(s):  
Fredrick Simpeh ◽  
Winston Shakantu
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Water Security ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Research Strategy ◽  
University Student ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Facility Maintenance ◽  
Internet Study ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop a model that can be used as a guide for the provision, adaptation and management of on-campus student accommodation spaces and services. Design/methodology/approach A phenomenological research strategy was used for the study. Qualitative data were collected by means of focus group discussions (FGDs) and observations. A total of ten FGDs were conducted. The student accommodations were observed to augment the information gathered through the FGDs. The data was analysed thematically. Findings The study found that students perceived some spaces and services as essential, whereas others were perceived as nonessential. Spaces including washroom, sleeping space, kitchen, laundry area and dry line, sick bay, computer area and study area, as well as services such as electricity, water, security, fire safety, internet, study furniture, health care, generators, electric fittings, ventilation, maintenance, pest control, refuse collection and cleaning were perceived as the most essential spaces and services required in student accommodations. It also became evident that apart from the spaces and services aforementioned, a student accommodation should also be provided with spaces and services that promote students’ well-being and leisure. Practical implications The model can be used as a guide by estate, facility, maintenance and hostel managers to effectively manage on-campus university student accommodation spaces and services. Moreover, the model can assist to ensure that all spaces and services perceived as essential are provided when designing, constructing or upgrading student accommodations. Originality/value Although several studies have been conducted on student accommodations, studies that mainly focused on identifying and prioritising the spaces and services required in student accommodations is lacking.

scholarly journals Co-creating digital services with and for facilities management

Facilities ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (9/10) ◽  
pp. 543-556 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rita Henriikka Lavikka ◽  
Teemu Lehtinen ◽  
Daniel Hall
Keyword(s):  
San Francisco ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Construction Project ◽  
Facilities Management ◽  
Management Service ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Emergency Situations ◽  
Digital Services ◽  
The Creation

Purpose This study aims to increase understanding about the co-creation of digital facilities management (FM) services with and for FM during a construction project. Design/methodology/approach The paper reports a case study on the co-creation of a digital facilities management service during the Mission Bay medical center construction project for the University of California, San Francisco. The sub-contractors and the FM team co-created a quick-response (QR) code system for valves on the project. This digital service is now used by the FM team for training purposes and in emergency situations when information on valves and their service areas is quickly needed. Researchers made on-site observations, conducted 84 interviews and reviewed archival data in 2012, 2014 and 2016. Findings The findings show that a successful co-creation process consists of three elements: a dialogue between the project parties, the creation of shared context between the project parties and the creation of shared understanding about the FM’s needs and the service providers’ ways of satisfying those needs. The study describes ways to promote these elements. Originality/value Previous studies emphasize the need for digital FM but few explain how FM teams can be involved in creating digital services for them. This paper describes how to co-create digital FM services with and for FM in the context of a construction project.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document