The use of I3F in assessing facilities management industry maturity

Facilities ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 33 (11/12) ◽  
pp. 793-808
Author(s):  
Maulidi A. Banyani ◽  
Danny S. S. Then
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Facilities Management ◽  
Key Factors ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Country Level ◽  
Education Professional ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – This paper aims to present and discuss the results of the assessment of maturity of facilities management (FM) industries (FMi) in five countries, namely, Denmark, Hong Kong, Norway, Tanzania and the UK. The analysis is based on the “Integrated Feeder Factors Framework (I3F)”. I3F analyses maturity by assessing the progression and integration of the key factors essential for the maturity of the FMi, which are organisations practice, supply market, education, professional bodies, research and business environment. Design/methodology/approach – FM experts in respective countries were interviewed. Data were also gathered from official documents and websites. The collected evidences were analysed using pattern matching. Findings – The FM industry in the five case study countries are found at various levels of maturity. The UK exhibited high levels of maturity compared to other countries. Norway, Hong Kong and Denmark were at the same level with some notable differences, while Tanzania was at the lowest level. Practical implications – The research successfully tested the I3F. This sets foundation for assessing maturity of the FM industry at a country level. The assessment of maturity at a country level is important to FM stakeholders in charting out plans for its development and longevity. Originality/value – This is the first research which has assessed the maturity of FMi in five countries using an I3F. The results show the strength and weaknesses of the FMi in the five countries and point out areas which require stakeholders’ efforts to be improved or maintained.

scholarly journals Entrepreneurial dynamics and investor-oriented approaches for regulating the equity-based crowdfunding

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonella Francesca Cicchiello ◽  
Maria Cristina Pietronudo ◽  
Daniele Leone ◽  
Andrea Caporuscio
Keyword(s):  
European Countries ◽  
Key Factors ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Equity Crowdfunding ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Entrepreneurial Dynamics

PurposeThe aim of this research is to contribute to the existing literature about the entrepreneurial conditions in crowd-based contexts by describing how different European countries regulate equity crowdfunding market in order to incentive the investments and protect investors.Design/methodology/approachBased on a legal acts' analysis, we conduct a qualitative study comparing the crowdfunding regulation addressed to investors. In particular, we focus our analysis on the European countries with the highest concentration of crowdfunding platforms (i.e. the UK, Germany, France, Italy and Spain).FindingsThe results show that some countries, such as the UK, Germany and France, present an investor-oriented approach based on non-restrictive regulation, while other countries, such as Spain and Italy, have a restrictive approach that protects investors excessively and discourages them. In particular, the case study of France shows how the introduction of unrestricted regulation can produce positive effects on the volume of crowdfunding transactions.Practical implicationsThe paper is addressed to investors, policymakers and intermediaries (platforms) to help the first in orienting themselves between the different crowdfunding regulations and the latter in aligning and orchestrating rules and norms.Originality/valueThis is the first study that analyses the role of investor-oriented regulations in the promotion of entrepreneurship through the identification of four key factors to monitor equity crowdfunding regulations.

Delivering a shared library management system for Wales

2016 ◽  
Vol 37 (6/7) ◽  
pp. 385-395 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gareth Wyn Owen
Keyword(s):  
Management System ◽  
Review Of Literature ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Implementation Phase ◽  
Library Management ◽  
First Case ◽  
Library Management System ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose A case study of the Wales Higher Education Libraries Forum (WHELF) project to procure and implement a shared library management system (LMS) for all universities in Wales, together with the National Health Service Libraries in Wales and the National Library of Wales. In particular, the purpose of this paper is to explore the drivers to this collaboration, outline the benefits achieved and the framework to realise further benefits. Design/methodology/approach Case study review of the process, together with a review of literature on consortia and LMSs. Findings WHELF has developed into a more mature consortium through procuring and implementing a shared LMS. The process has delivered tangible benefits and is driving more work to realise further benefits. Research limitations/implications As the WHELF Shared LMS project is only nearing the end of the implementation phase, many of the anticipated operational benefits cannot be reported. Practical implications Useful case study for other consortia or potential consortia. Originality/value WHELF is in vanguard of consortia developments in the UK, and this is the first case study of the project.

Facilities management in Malaysia

Facilities ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 32 (9/10) ◽  
pp. 490-508 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nik Elyna Myeda ◽  
Michael Pitt
Keyword(s):  
Facilities Management ◽  
Key Factors ◽  
Case Study Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Participation Constraint ◽  
Study Methodology ◽  
Research Gap ◽  
Preliminary Study ◽  
Method Approach

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to understand the facilities management (FM) industry in Malaysia, looking at the development and focus in the industry in contrast with other countries where the FM industry is mature. The paper also focuses on the development hierarchy and initiatives taken by the Malaysian Government regarding public service in FM. Design/methodology/approach – The study adopts a mixed method approach. The first method used is an FM literature review; this is followed by a survey of Malaysian FM practitioners, which also acts as a preliminary study for this research. Findings – The paper proposes a set of elements in understanding FM development in Malaysia. These are categorised into seven key factors: level of growth, practice, service, profession, opportunities, demands and challenges. Research limitations/implications – The preliminary survey was carried out to ascertain the research gap and viability of the study. Although there was a participation constraint, it is believed that the responses have contributed significantly in indicating the way forward for this research. Practical implications – There is a lack of FM studies in the Malaysian context, which limits the knowledge and exploration of the research scope. This study gives more opportunities for future researchers to embark on research in this area. Originality/value – The paper gives comprehensive key factors defining development or progress of the FM industry in Malaysia. A further study exploring the element of FM service performance will be conducted based on a case study methodology.

scholarly journals Fraud in overseas aid and the challenge of measurement

2015 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 184-198 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark Button ◽  
Chris Lewis ◽  
David Shepherd ◽  
Graham Brooks
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
International Development ◽  
Local Context ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the challenges of measuring fraud in overseas aid. Design/methodology/approach – The research is based on 21 semi-structured interviews with key persons working in the delivery of aid in both the public and voluntary sectors. It uses the UK Department for International Development as a case study to applying more accurate measures of fraud. Findings – This paper shows there are significant challenges to using fraud loss measurement to gauge fraud in overseas aid. However, it argues that, along with other types of measures, it could be used in areas of expenditure in overseas governments and charities to measure aid. Given the high risk of such aid to fraud, it argues helping to develop capacity to reduce aid, of which measuring the size of the problem is an important part; this could be considered as aid in its own right. Research limitations/implications – The researchers were not able to visit high-risk countries for fraud to examine in the local context views on the challenges of measuring fraud. Practical implications – The paper offers insights on the challenges to accurately measuring fraud in an overseas context, which will be useful to policy-makers in this context. Social implications – Given the importance of as much aid as possible reaching recipients, it offers an important contribution to helping to reduce losses in this important area. Originality/value – There has been very little consideration of how to measure fraud in the overseas aid context, with most effort aimed at corruption, which poses some of the same challenges, as well as some very different challenges.

An exploration of how research can aid the development of facilities management

Facilities ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (5/6) ◽  
pp. 356-366 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucy Zarina Campbell
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Base ◽  
Wide Spectrum ◽  
End Users ◽  
Facilities Management ◽  
Review Of Literature ◽  
Content Type ◽  
New Methods ◽  
Research Activities ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to explore traditional FM research and potential trends. Design/methodology/approach This was an exploratory review of literature. Findings The main thrust of the argument in this paper is that FM research develops a more communicable and proven understanding of how to apply a wide spectrum of externally developed methods in unique FM settings as well as developing new methods. Second, a more robust FM knowledge base can inform designers, engineers and architects given that FMs are experts of design in use. Research limitations/implications This research focused on the UK, Europe, America and Australia. It does not represent a comprehensive/systematic review of the research activities occurring in FM globally. Practical implications Research traditionally focuses on hard FM; in contrast, FM outcomes are heavily dependent on the way end users interact with and use organisational services and equipment. This suggests that there is a gap between practice and research, and that intuitive and in-depth FM knowledge about end users has yet to be captured and formalised through research. Social implications Development of FM research requires uptake of contemporary research trends towards partnered research, working across disciplines. Originality/value Achieving a more robust FM knowledge base would help capture the wealth of knowledge that FMs have about buildings in use; this could then be used by FMs and also by designers to improve their products and services in disciplines like engineering and architecture.

scholarly journals Accountability dilemmas and identity struggles

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 2-29 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna-Karin Stockenstrand
Keyword(s):  
Management Strategy ◽  
Strategy Management ◽  
Management Control ◽  
Comparative Case Study ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Managerial Decisions ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Higher Purpose ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to add to our understanding of how external factors such as funding and external accountabilities affect the organisational inner workings, especially identity issues. Design/methodology/approach The paper is based on a comparative case study of two professional chamber orchestras, one in Sweden and one in the UK. The two orchestras had significantly different funding conditions and had different relations with funders and were thus exposed to different kinds of accountability dilemmas. The two organisations were studied using and ethnographically inspired approach. The developments of various parts of the organisations were studied, such as funding, management, strategy, management control and identity issues. Findings The paper illustrates how the solution to accountability dilemmas in an organisation can, over time, result in the protection or the dilution of a perceived organisational core and thus in an identity struggle. Especially, management has to deal with the balance between financial and operational accountability, where organisational members could perceive the decisions to be confirming or rejecting what they perceived as being the higher purpose of their work. Practical implications This paper may help managers become more aware of the long ranging consequences of managerial decisions and how such decisions may affect the identity orientation of organisational members. Originality/value The paper combines the concept of identity with the concept of accountability, something that has not been done to a large extent in previous research.

Predicting handbill avoidance in Hong Kong and the UK

2014 ◽  
Vol 48 (1/2) ◽  
pp. 132-146 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gerard P. Prendergast ◽  
Alex S.L. Tsang ◽  
Ranis Cheng
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Perceived Value ◽  
Theoretical Knowledge ◽  
Social Psychological ◽  
Psychological Variables ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Advertising Avoidance ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – Handbills are an interesting advertising medium since they are distributed by people in a social context. Little, however, is known about why handbills are often avoided. This study was designed with the purpose of extending previous research on advertising avoidance by using social psychological variables to explain consumers' avoidance of handbills in Hong Kong and the UK. Design/methodology/approach – A survey of 337 individuals was conducted (166 in Hong Kong and 171 in the UK). A series of hypotheses relating to perceived handbill clutter, perceived goal impediment, and the perceived manner of the distributer were tested. Findings – Perceived handbill clutter was found to be the strongest predictor of handbill avoidance in both Hong Kong and the UK. The second strongest predictor was perceived goal impediment. The perceived manner of the distributor did not predict handbill avoidance in Hong Kong, but it did predict handbill avoidance in the UK. Research limitations/implications – The study's methodology has a number of limitations. First, the measure of the distributor's perceived manner may not have directly tapped the distributor dimensions of importance to handbill avoidance. Second, no account was taken of non-response bias. The model also did not recognize that there may be other variables capable of explaining handbill avoidance. Practical implications – The results suggest that effort is needed to raise the perceived value of handbills so that their perceived value neutralizes any perceptions of goal impediment. In addition, handbill designers need to find creative ways to stand out from the clutter. In the UK, deportment should be considered when distributors are recruited and trained. Originality/value – Handbills are frequently used as a promotional tool. In two contrasting countries, this study found that perceived handbill clutter, perceived goal impediment, and perceived manner of the distributer influence handbill avoidance. The research has extended theoretical knowledge related to advertising avoidance and generated insights that are likely to be of practical value to marketers.

Competing corporate sustainability perceptions in a global retail organization

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ulf Elg ◽  
Jens Hultman ◽  
Axel Welinder
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Sustainability ◽  
Organizational Level ◽  
Case Study Method ◽  
Communication Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Country Level ◽  
Strategic Issue ◽  
Retail Managers ◽  
The Uk

PurposeThe purpose is to explore the different and often contradictory perceptions individual managers have about corporate sustainability within a global retailer.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative case study method is used, including interviews and document studies. The authors study the global retailer IKEA. In total the authors have interviewed respondents on both the global level and the country level, within the sustainability organization as well as corporate, sales and communication management. The study includes managers in Sweden, the UK and Germany.FindingsThe research is based on institutional theory, focusing upon cognitive and normative aspects; the authors propose that managers may have a proactive, forceful view on sustainability or a reactive view. These need to coexist. The authors also show how global retailers can balance sustainability goals with other business considerations, as well as about the implications of the sustainability approach for the retailer's business model.Practical implicationsRetail managers need to recognize and integrate the contradictory views on sustainability that managers hold. The authors show how sustainability can be given different impact depending on the context and the strategic issue it is linked to.Originality/valueMost studies have focused on how sustainability is managed on an organizational level and how different goals can co-exist. The authors’ focus is on individual managers and their perceptions of sustainability – what it includes, how they want to manage sustainability issues, and the priority it should be given.

A practical guide to e-journal and e-book supply – a UK perspective

2014 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark Kluzek
Keyword(s):  
Journal Articles ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Document Delivery ◽  
King's College ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Insight Into ◽  
Library Professionals

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to report on current interlending and document delivery of e-books and e-journals in the UK and analyse the challenges encountered in such practices, using the experiences at King's College London as an example. Design/methodology/approach – The author uses a case study approach. Findings – Most UK libraries and higher education institutions negotiate the usage terms for their e-resources through Jisc's NESLI2 model license agreement. While the terms of this agreement work relatively well for document delivery of e-journal articles, allowing for secure electronic document transmission under prescribed circumstances, the interlending of e-books remains problematic. Research limitations/implications – The paper provides insight into how UK document supply services can better use electronic holdings to offset the costs of requesting. It discusses the dilemma of e-books and potential solutions. Practical implications – This will enable UK library professionals to better use e-resources in a legally compliant way for the purpose of document delivery. It will explain to non-UK library professionals how supplying from e-resources works in the UK. Originality/value – The paper provides insight into how UK document supply services can better use electronic holdings to offset the costs of requesting. It discusses the dilemma of e-books and potential solutions.

scholarly journals The Community Empowerment Act and localism under devolution in Scotland

2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 302-319 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ian Charles Elliott ◽  
Violetta Fejszes ◽  
Mariola Tàrrega
Keyword(s):  
Community Empowerment ◽  
Key Factors ◽  
Shared Resources ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Social Barriers ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Local Councillors ◽  
Service Managers ◽  
Depth Interviews

PurposeIn Scotland, the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act represents a significant development towards greater localism in the way public services are designed and delivered in Scotland. This also represents a different approach to that adopted in the rest of the UK. The purpose of this paper is to explore the stakeholder perceptions of localism within a council ward.Design/methodology/approachThis paper is based on an in-depth exploratory case study of a single council ward in East Scotland. The fieldwork involved 61 in-depth interviews with multiple stakeholders including local councillors, public service managers and residents.FindingsThe findings highlight that, whilst the discourse of community empowerment represents policy divergence, there remain some significant structural and social barriers to meaningful community empowerment in practice. Finally, it is argued that there are three key factors to consider when developing community empowerment: a shared strategy, shared resources and shared accountability.Originality/valueThe research draws on extensive data from an in-depth case study to explore the realities of community empowerment within a single local authority ward. In doing so, it provides a rich contextual narrative of how the rhetoric of community empowerment is perceived within a council ward setting.

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