Developing a maintenance index framework for heritage concrete buildings

2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (5) ◽  
pp. 510-527
Author(s):  
Zul-Atfi Ismail

Purpose The improper management of conventional systems for recording, diagnosing and analysing information appears to be a major problem in the maintenance of heritage buildings. This is because of a lack of detection of patent or latent defects, ineffective repair methods and inappropriate planning decisions, which increase the risks of failure throughout the lifetime of heritage buildings. The paper aims to discuss this issue. Design/methodology/approach The concept of maintenance management practices, as well as techniques and tools from information and communication technology, was reviewed to identify suitable processes and construct an information database of maintenance and management techniques. A maintenance index framework was then formulated by analysing these concepts. Findings The initial findings identify the need for decision-making support in the diagnosis of heritage building maintenance based on robust data collection. This should include the selection of a durable replacement design and material or an appropriate rehabilitation method for managing quality and reducing associated defects. Originality/value Further research into the maintenance of heritage buildings should consider various aspects in terms of sustainability. The paper concludes that implementing a maintenance index framework can help improve the decision-making performance with regard to the design, construction and maintenance operations of heritage concrete buildings.

Facilities ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (7/8) ◽  
pp. 403-422
Author(s):  
Zul-Atfi Bin Ismail

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.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Arturo Cruz ◽  
Vaughan Coffey ◽  
Tommy H.T. Chan ◽  
Miljenka Perovic

PurposeThis paper presents a conceptual design process for developing a maintenance-focused heritage conservation model. Currently, there are several intervention approaches that can be applied in conservation from reconstruction, restoration and repairs to a “do-nothing” approach. This paper examines whether a maintenance solution is more than just an option or a necessity. The aim of the paper is to study the challenges and opportunities when putting more emphasis on the maintenance approach in conservation.Design/methodology/approachThis research was conducted in an Australian context, where many major buildings were constructed from the 19th and 20th centuries and are now categorised as “modern heritage”. three case studies were undertaken to inform this paper and others. In addition, 17 global heritage conservation experts were interviewed, and their responses were analysed. Also, comparative field observations and archival records were examined and used to develop the initial framework model. Finally, using focus group discussions amongst 7 experts, the framework was reviewed and formally validated in order to ensure the development of a useful model for use in devising an effective maintenance management plan and monitoring conditions in heritage buildings.FindingsThis paper supports others in a series that have already been accepted by this journal, focussing the research on heritage building conservation being conducted in Australia, the homeland of the Burra Charter. The other papers are entitled (1) model for the maintenance-focused heritage building conservation and (2) engineering in heritage conservation.Originality/valueThe paper examines contemporary issues in heritage building maintenance and conservation in Australia and focusses specifically on the lack of focus on maintenance as a conservation intervention for heritage buildings.


2019 ◽  
Vol 39 (1) ◽  
pp. 116-137 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nienke Hofstra ◽  
Wout Dullaert ◽  
Sander De Leeuw ◽  
Eirini Spiliotopoulou

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop propositions explaining the influence of individual goals and social preferences on human decision making in transport planning. The aim is to understand which individual goals and social preferences planners pursue and how these influence planners’ decisions. Design/methodology/approach Propositions are developed based on investigation of decision making of transport planners in a Dutch logistics service provider using multiple data collection methods. Findings The study shows how decision making of transport planners is motivated by individual goals as well as social preferences for reciprocity and group identity. Research limitations/implications Further research including transaction data analysis is needed to triangulate findings and to strengthen conclusions. Propositions are developed to be tested in future research. Practical implications Results suggest that efforts to guide planners in their decision making should go beyond traditional (monetary) incentives and consider their individual goals and social preferences. Moreover, this study provides insight into why transport planners deviate from desired behaviour. Originality/value While individual decision making plays an essential role in operational planning, the factors influencing how individuals make operational planning decisions are not fully understood.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ian R. Hodgkinson ◽  
Thomas W. Jackson ◽  
Andrew A. West

Purpose Customer experience is more critical than ever to firms’ successes and future growth opportunities. Typically measured through aggregate satisfaction scores, businesses have been criticized for oversimplifying what experience means. The purpose of this study is to provide a new perspective on experience management and offers a novel way forward for customer-centric strategizing. Design/methodology/approach Mapping the current digital technologies being used across businesses in all sectors to engage and connect with customers more effectively, this paper outlines some of the fundamental challenges of experience management and future opportunities to enhance business practice. Findings Businesses are capturing what they know about customers, rather than what a customer thinks and feels about the firm. Many experience management initiatives create customer pains (not gains), while for businesses, decision-making can be jeopardized by fake customer data. A framework based upon the five experience dimensions is presented for optimal customer-driven decision-making. Practical implications Going beyond aggregate satisfaction scores that serve as an output rather than an input into businesses strategizing, the paper presents an actionable framework for targeted investments and enhanced experience management practices. Originality/value Businesses are seeking to grow intelligent customer experience analysis capabilities to disrupt traditional business models toward greater customer-centricity and to track the digital spread of positive and negative experiences. Examining how this is being done and where the weaknesses lie by bridging management practice and the scientific literature, this paper provides new knowledge to advance customer-centric strategies for growth and profitability.


2018 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 204-216 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric C.K. Cheng

Purpose This study aims to explore the principles and practices for managing records with the lens of functional analysis and knowledge management by using a case study that focuses on the experience of implementing records management at a public high school in Hong Kong. Design/methodology/approach A single case study is chosen as the research method for this paper. A series of qualitative interviews and documentary analysis were used to collect and triangulate the qualitative data. Findings The results show that the case school adopted a hybrid top-down and bottom-up approach to record management, facilitate decision-making and manage knowledge. The school adopted the taxonomy provided by the quality assurance framework as the functional classification in a digital archive in the records management system. Practical implications This study provides a set of taxonomy and a hybrid top-down and bottom-up approach to schools for ensuring that accurate information of all school activities is kept and can facilitate an effective and evidence-based, decision-making process. Social implications Identifying taxonomy and management practices for effective documentation in public schools can support planning, assist with organising the continuity of improvement plans and increase reporting and accountability to society. Originality/value This study offers a taxonomy and management approach to the literature of records management and the practices for promoting and improving records management in school.


2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. 63-89 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brit Anak Kayan

Purpose Sustainability encapsulates economic, environmental and societal domains. In order to conform to these domains, the efficiency of maintenance and repair of heritage buildings is no exception. Emergently, environmental considerations for sustainable heritage buildings repair have become increasingly important. The purpose of this paper is to present a decision-making process based on “Green Maintenance Model” – an appraisal approach based on life cycle assessment (LCA) of paint repair options for heritage buildings. Design/methodology/approach Calculation procedures of Green Maintenance model within selected boundaries of LCA enable evaluation of carbon emissions, in terms of embodied carbon expenditure, expended from paint repair for heritage buildings during maintenance phase. Findings “Green Maintenance” model could be understood as a carbon LCA of paint repair and has been recognized in reducing carbon emissions. Significantly, the model underpins decision-making for repair options for heritage buildings. Practical implications It must be emphasized that the calculation procedures of Green Maintenance model is not limited to heritage buildings and can be applied to any repair types, materials used and building forms. More importantly, this model practically supports environmentally focused conservation and promotes sustainable repair approach. Social implications The implementation of Green Maintenance model highlights the efficiency of repairs options that may be adopted. Originality/value Green Maintenance shows that generated environmental maintenance impact from repair options relays the “true” embodied carbon expenditure contextualized within the longevity of repair and its embodied carbon. This will consequently allow rationale in appraisal of repair options.


2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 803-817 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zul-Atfi Ismail

Purpose The improper maintenance affects the performance of management practices for Green Building (GB) in Malaysia. This is due to the issues of lack of GB knowledge and competency for maintenance activities in GB projects. However, only a few researchers have investigated maintenance within the GBs. This may be due to industry’s lack of awareness concerning the currently existing maintenance problems and their causes. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach This paper intends to develop a new Information and Communication Technology (ICT) based approach for managing maintenance in GB schemes. As a precursor to this work, the current maintenance management activities, ICT tools and techniques are reviewed and explored in such projects to gather processes and information database of maintenance and management. Findings The findings reveal the need for more sophisticated maintenance management solutions that accord with the needs of GB schemes to manage quality and reduce associated defects. Originality/value The paper concludes by presenting a research framework for developing such a system in the future. It is also suggested that further research into maintenance of GB should consider issues in terms of concern for lifecycle assessment and sustainability.


Facilities ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 38 (3/4) ◽  
pp. 201-217
Author(s):  
Huiying Hou ◽  
Hao Wu

Purpose Heritage building revitalisation (HBR) is gaining its popularity to intervene historic buildings/sites for their conservation and reuse. Given that multiple stake-holding situations are often involved in HBR process, coordination or managerial problem may hinder versatile facilities design for operational efficiency while preserving the heritage values. To address the coordination challenge, this paper aims to examine the relevance and relative advantages of a FM-led revitalisation strategy for HBR, which the existing literature has not yet addressed. Design/methodology/approach This paper adopts a case study approach to a major HBR project in Hong Kong. This study conducted field observations and interviews, which were combined with publicly accessible policy and project information to identify stakeholders’ opinions and specifications for the role of facilities management (FM) in HBR project process. Findings The paper reveals the role of FM in coordinating the HBR process for the benefits of stakeholders and general community. FM allows a balanced approach to heritage building adaptation, sound user experience and broader community effects. This enables efficient decision-making, creative facilities design and effective public engagement. FM’s strength of fitting in the urban renewal context illustrates its comparative advantage for heritage conservation and revitalisation management. Research limitations/implications This study develops a conceptual map to identify FM’s role in heritage building conservation and revitalisation. This will enhance process evaluation and project decision-making that are central to heritage conservation policy and HBR intervention practices. Originality/value This study examines relevance and advantage of FM-led business strategy for HBR, which the existing literature has not yet addressed. It discovers FM’s strategic roles and initiates a conceptual framework for evaluation of heritage conservation management.


2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (5) ◽  
pp. 771-784
Author(s):  
Ali Asghar Sharifi ◽  
Amir Hossein Farahinia

PurposeThe concept of adaptive reuse is an effective strategy in enhancing the heritage assets economic, cultural and social values. The main purpose of this research is to determine how to increase the life of the heritage buildings thereby improving their sustainability and reducing energy consumption and waste, while preserving them from the risk of obsolescence.Design/methodology/approachThe qualitative method has been used in this research to evaluate the functional quality and sustainability of Mashrooteh house by using the adaptSTAR model with its scoring sheet with respective design criteria. Predicting and evaluating the sustainability and adaptability of the historic Mashrooteh house in Tabriz will ensure its reuse and increase its adaptability and future life.FindingsFindings have shown that to increase the adaptability and future life of Mashrooteh house, it requires the improvement of the physical, legal, technological and functional criteria in order to provide suitable conditions for increasing the environmental and functional sustainability of this heritage building, while improving the quality of its spaces.Originality/valueWith the emphasis on conservation of national heritage as well as promoting sustainable development, the overall service life of these structures can be extended. The significance of this study lies in recognizing the incompatibilities and potential of viable approaches to rehabilitate the volatile condition of Mashrooteh house. The result of this study will add value to existing sustainable reuse database in Tabriz and other countries in the Middle East region.


2019 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
pp. 311-328 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nurul Fadzila Zahari ◽  
Adi Irfan Che-Ani ◽  
Robiah Binti Abdul Rashid ◽  
Mas Ayu Mohd Tahir ◽  
Suzana Amat

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to reveal the significant factors that contribute to the development of the assessment framework for wheelchair accessibility to National Heritage Buildings. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative approach was conducted via semi-structured interviews and go-along interview (Accessible Audit) through selected multiple case studies to reveal the main factors that contribute to the development of the assessment framework for wheelchair users in National Heritage Buildings in Malaysia. There are four National Heritage Buildings (gazetted under National Heritage Act, 2005) selected for this research. Findings The findings revealed a few significant factors comprising the physical built environment, organizational behavior and structure, financial resources, and existing legislation. Research limitations/implications This research is limited to wheelchair users and National Heritage Buildings, which was conducted through semi-structured interviews and go-along interview (Accessible Audit). Practical implications This research investigates the standpoints of both the National Heritage Building operators and the wheelchair users pertaining to accessibility in National Heritage Buildings with regard to their respective roles as management and users. Social implications The research demonstrates the importance of social participation effects on the accessibility in National Heritage Buildings based on empirical evidence in highlighting operators’ and wheelchair users’ challenges toward enhancing their accessibility. Originality/value This research will be a great contribution to the development of the assessment framework for wheelchair accessibility in National Heritage Buildings in Malaysia, including accessibility for pushchair, elderly, and pregnant women.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document