scholarly journals Critical strategic issues for the integration of facilities management into the development process

2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (4) ◽  
pp. 380-393 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew Paul Tucker ◽  
Mohd Rayme Anang Masuri ◽  
Alison Cotgrave
Keyword(s):  
Best Practices ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Development Process ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Facilities Management ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Property Development ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Strategic Issues ◽  
The Uk

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify the critical strategic issues for the integration of facilities management (FM) into the development process (DP). It explains the factors that limit the integration and recognises the best practices applied in the property development industry in the UK. Design/methodology/approach The study employs a qualitative research approach through semi-structured interviews from the FM and property development industry in the UK. Findings The study discovered that the recognition of FM in the property development industry is encouraging. However, FM has been given a low priority in the property development industry, resulting in facilities managers being inadequately integrated into the DP. Originality/value The paper suggests that it is imperative to understand these strategic issues to promote best practice in the industry that improve the position of FM in the property development industry.

scholarly journals The rationale to integrate facilities management into the development process

2016 ◽  
Vol 34 (4) ◽  
pp. 332-344 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew Tucker ◽  
Mohd Rayme Anang Masuri
Keyword(s):  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Development Process ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Facilities Management ◽  
Property Development ◽  
Integration Framework ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative Methods ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Industry Needs

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to justify the need to integrate facilities management (FM) into the development process (DP) and establish a framework that potentially serves as a guide to optimise the value of FM in the property development industry. Design/methodology/approach – This study looks at the relevant literature to identify the factors that are hindering FM to effectively integrate in the DP. Subsequently, the authors intend to carry out interviews with various professionals in the property development industry in the UK to identify the best practices. This research uses qualitative and quantitative methods in order to establish an FM-DP integration framework. Findings – The literature suggested that contribution of FM towards the property development industry is unquestionable. Surprisingly, in a real world FM has been given a low priority in the property development industry, resulting in Facilities Managers being inadequately integrated into the DP. There is currently no suitable generic mechanism that is practical in all stages of the DP to guide Facilities Managers and/or other professionals to integrate FM into the DP. Originality/value – This study is to provide evidence that the property development industry needs a framework that potentially serves as a guide to optimise the value of FM in the DP.

A qualitative investigation of benchmarking barriers in Nigeria

2016 ◽  
Vol 23 (7) ◽  
pp. 1677-1696 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yewande Adetoro Adewunmi ◽  
Hikmot Koleoso ◽  
Modupe Omirin
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Computer Software ◽  
Facilities Management ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Quality Of Data ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Port Harcourt ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine benchmarking barriers among Nigerian facilities management (FM) practitioners. Design/methodology/approach Data collection were through semi-structured interviews with 34 FM heads from three selected cities in Nigeria. Out of this number, 16 were from Lagos, ten from Abuja while eight managers were from Port Harcourt, respectively. These managers were selected using purposive sampling based on their experience in the field of FM across the various sectors of the economy. The interviews were analysed with Nvivo 10 software qualitative computer software. Findings Those that do informal benchmarking face challenges with data, employees lack of confidence in new initiatives and poor support of senior management, the companies that use best practice benchmarking face constraints of access to information and employees unwillingness to change and comply to company set standards, unwillingness of benchmarking partners to understand the usefulness of the project, and problems that emanate from the quality of data obtained. Practical implications The results therefore suggest that to improve the practice of best practice benchmarking there is need to improve both quantity and quality of data for the exercise and enhance standard practice. Originality/value The study established a new category of benchmarking barriers called the market category of benchmarking barriers and further distinguished benchmarking barriers based on two forms of benchmarking which is informal and formal benchmarking. Also there are limited studies on benchmarking barriers in developing countries.

Rapid benchmarking: the case of a multinational dairy company

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rubab Malik ◽  
Robin Mann ◽  
Rebecca Knapman
Keyword(s):  
Best Practices ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Rapid Improvement ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Team Members ◽  
Internal Benchmarking ◽  
The Right

PurposeThe purpose of the study is to investigate and document a new approach to best practice benchmarking called rapid benchmarking. Rapid benchmarking is defined by the authors as an approach to dramatically shorten the typical length of time to conduct a successful best practice benchmarking project.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology involved a case study exploration of a multinational dairy company's best practice benchmarking approach using structured interviews and data collection to examine the speed and results achieved through its benchmarking approach and whether it was justified in naming it as rapid benchmarking. A comparison of the speed of the dairy company's approach was undertaken against 24 other organisations that had utilised the same benchmarking methodology (TRADE Best Practice Benchmarking). In addition, a literature review was undertaken to search for other cases of rapid benchmarking and compare rapid benchmarking with other rapid improvement approaches.FindingsThe findings revealed that the approach used by the dairy company was unique, with best practices being identified and action plans signed off for deployment within a five-day period (far quicker than the average time of 211 days reported by other organisations). Key success factors for rapid benchmarking were found to be allocating five dedicated days for the benchmarking team to spend on the project, identifying the right team members for the project, obtaining sponsorship support for the project and providing intensive facilitation support through a benchmarking facilitator.Research limitations/implicationsOnly one company was found to use a rapid benchmarking approach; therefore, the findings are from one case study. The depth of analysis presented was restricted due to commercial sensitivity.Practical implicationsThe rapid benchmarking approach is likely to be of great interest to practitioners, providing them with a new way of finding solutions and best practices to address challenges that need to be solved quickly or with minimal expense. For organisations that have been using benchmarking for many years, the research will enable them to re-evaluate their own benchmarking approach and consider if rapid benchmarking could be used for some projects, particularly for internal benchmarking where it is easier to apply.Originality/valueThis research is the first to identify and document a rapid benchmarking approach and the first to provide a detailed analysis of the length of time it takes to undertake best practice benchmarking projects (and each stage of a benchmarking project).

Facilities management: tracing its development trajectory

2015 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 212-223 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xianhai Meng
Keyword(s):  
Best Practice ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Facilities Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Industry Sector ◽  
The Past ◽  
Management Area ◽  
Development Trajectory ◽  
The Times ◽  
The Uk

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide facilities management (FM) practitioners and researchers with a better understanding of the FM industry sector by analyzing the trend of its development. Design/methodology/approach – Semi-structured interview is adopted in this research as the main methodology. In total, 30 FM professionals in the UK were interviewed to explore the past, present and future of FM. The analysis of interview results helps to identify the key areas in which FM has changed, is changing and will change. It also helps to explain the implications of FM development in each key area. Findings – FM evolves and matures continuously. It is important for FM organizations and practitioners to recognize the dynamic nature of this industry sector, based on which they can develop appropriate strategies to adapt to changing circumstances. This is probably the only way for them to keep pace with the times. Originality/value – Both backward looking and forward looking are crucial to the development of an industry sector. However, existing studies on FM development are conducted through either review or outlook. On the other hand, most of these studies focus on one particular management area or one particular industry sector. Based on 30 expert interviews, this research attempts to bridge the knowledge gap and analyze the trend of FM development in a systematic way. A better understanding of the trend provides a possibility and a guide for FM organizations and practitioners to pursue best practice.

scholarly journals Implementing supply practice at Bridgend engine plant

2007 ◽  
Vol 27 (7) ◽  
pp. 754-776 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mickey Howard ◽  
Mike Lewis ◽  
Joe Miemczyk ◽  
Alistair Brandon‐Jones
Keyword(s):  
Critical Incident ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Strategic Choices ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Theoretical Concepts ◽  
Adoption And Implementation ◽  
Component Supplier ◽  
The Uk

PurposeThis paper investigates the stalled adoption of a supplier park at Bridgend Engine Plant in the UK. It starts from the position that not all firms can or should implement the same set of practices.Design/methodology/approachCritical incident technique and semi‐structured interviews over five years were used to understand the influence of institutional and strategic choices during the implementation of a supplier park. A conceptual framework was developed to incorporate practices broadly associated with parks, i.e. improving supply stability, supply coordination, redefining the OEM/supplier boundary and enhancing interaction between co‐located firms.FindingsThe findings demonstrate a limited implementation of supply practices at Bridgend with only one component supplier brought onto the site. The original plan was to create a supplier park that would “grow” to an industrial park, creating an automotive sector in the area. However, a combination of operational, processual, and contextual factors have conspired against the plan.Research limitations/implicationsThe combination of a broad range of theoretical and practical elements means there are associated discussions that could be more fully explored. Condensing the interview notes has resulted in the researchers' own interpretation of events becoming a significant reality filter. Whilst single case studies raise inevitable concerns over comparability, our focus is on theoretical generalizability through richness of empirical data.Originality/valueAs firms continue to use best practice as a core ingredient of strategy, researchers must respond with robust theoretical concepts explaining adoption and implementation. This paper integrates disparate perspectives across multiple levels in order to build a richer and more believable picture of a stalled initiative. Three key conclusions can be drawn: the contingent nature of “bundles of practice” implications of political ambiguity over the efficiency argument and the effect of isomorphic or bandwagon responses by firms.

scholarly journals An investigation into agile learning processes and knowledge sharing practices to prevent identity theft in the online retail organisations

2019 ◽  
Vol 23 (9) ◽  
pp. 1857-1884 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahmood Shah ◽  
Abdullah Maitlo ◽  
Paul Jones ◽  
Yahaya Yusuf
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Sharing ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Identity Theft ◽  
Learning Processes ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Online Retail ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Individual Knowledge ◽  
Agile Learning ◽  
The Uk

Purpose Lack of individual awareness of knowledge sharing practices to prevent identity theft is a significant issue for online retail organisations (OROs). Agile learning processes and sharing of knowledge is essential, but the lack of relevant training inhibits these processes within the online industry. This study aims to identify the inhibiting factors in agile learning and knowledge sharing process with recommendations for best practice for organisations and staff to effectively share knowledge on identity theft prevention. Design/methodology/approach Three qualitative case studies were undertaken in OROs in the UK. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews, internal documents and related external material. The data were analysed using a thematic analysis method. Findings The findings identified that individual staff members within OROs from the information security and fraud prevention departments often share their knowledge as a community. However, there is no formal knowledge sharing process or any related training facilitating this exchange. There is a need for agile learning environment in OROs of the UK. Originality/value The study offers both theoretical and practical contributions to the extant literature of agile learning of knowledge sharing to prevent identity theft in OROs. Existing learning opportunities are not being used to enhance the knowledge of individuals, and OROs need to increase the skills and trust of their staff to share knowledge efficiently. This study identifies the systemic weaknesses inherent in the process of knowledge sharing and existing training provision within OROs. It provides ORO managers with practical guidelines in facilitating trust between individuals and developing appropriate training systems to educate staff on sharing organisational knowledge. This study contributes by extending the knowledge sharing framework proposed by Chong et al. (2011) for enhanced individual knowledge sharing processes to prevent identity theft within OROs. It also identifies OROs’ weaknesses in knowledge sharing learning processes for theft prevention and offers prevention guidelines and recommendations for developing effective agile learning environments.

An actor–network theory model of property development

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 246-262
Author(s):  
Emily Ward
Keyword(s):  
Network Theory ◽  
Development Process ◽  
Actor Network Theory ◽  
Theory Model ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Property Development ◽  
Actor Network ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Structure And Agency ◽  
Core Actor

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to model the property development process from an actor–network theory perspective. The model aims to address the relationship between structure and agency to combine the social and the economic aspects of the property development process. Design/methodology/approach An inductive methodology was appropriate for this study. Consequently, 12 semi-structured interviews have been carried out with professionals involved in the property development process in central London. Findings Analysis of the interview transcripts revealed that throughout the development process a developer creates a core actor–network and enrols those required for production. Economic, cultural, legal and political structures influence actions throughout the development process and therefore have the ability to cause disruption. As a result, sub-networks are created to overcome challenges throughout the development process, such as obtaining planning consent. This allows the interests of actors to be aligned or re-aligned so that solutions can be punctualised into the core actor–network. Additionally, structures are affected by actions throughout the property development process. Practical implications It is recommended that developers measure the extent to which the interests of actors are successfully aligned and re-aligned throughout a developments life cycle, in addition to a developments financial success. The findings are paramount for policymakers and regulators, as it allows them to understand the intricate workings of the development process and so when they regulate or develop policy, they will understand how it will reverberate through the process and recalibrate it, thereby limiting unforeseen consequences. Originality/value This research has proven valuable given it advances the property development process literature by examining the property development process from an actor–network theory perspective and provides areas for further study.

scholarly journals Implementing a HBIM approach to manage the translocation of heritage buildings

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
David Heesom ◽  
Paul Boden ◽  
Anthony Hatfield ◽  
Aneuris De Los Santos Melo ◽  
Farida Czarska-Chukwurah
Keyword(s):  
Digital Simulation ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Entire Process ◽  
Simulation Techniques ◽  
Heritage Buildings ◽  
Physical Elements ◽  
The Uk

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to present a study which exploited synergies between the fields of Heritage BIM, conservation and building translocation to develop a new approach to support a digitally enabled translocation process. The translocation (or relocation) of buildings or structures is a niche area of the construction sector and much of the significant work in this field has focused on the relocation of heritage buildings. However, hitherto there was a paucity of work between translocation and the process and technology of BIM.Design/methodology/approachThe study employed a constructive research approach to analyse the phenomenon of heritage translocation. As part of this approach, semi-structured interviews were undertaken with professionals engaged in heritage translocation projects within the UK, and this was supported by a multi-faceted review of literature within the cross cutting themes of translocation and HBIM. Building on the results, a BIM-enabled process was implemented to support the translocation of a 19th-century timber framed building in the UK.FindingsFollowing analysis of results of semi-structured interviews and supported by findings from prevailing literature in the field of translocation and HBIM, a HBIM for Translocation Conceptual Framework (TransHBIM) was developed. Building on the key constructs of the framework, a HBIM-based workflow was implemented to develop a digitally enabled translocation process, which provided a new approach to managing and documenting heritage translocation where disassembly and reconstruction are utilised. The workflow provided a more effective way of documenting individual elements of the building within a digital environment opening up potential for new simulation of the entire process.Originality/valueCurrent approaches to translocation involve traditional/manual methods of recording the building and cataloguing the key heritage elements for all aspects of the process. This new approach implements BIM technologies and processes along with the use of barcode or RFID tags to create a digital bridge between the physical elements of the building and the BIM database. This provides more accurate recording of the heritage and also opens up opportunities to support the process with additional digital simulation techniques enhancing the efficiency of the entire process.

The best practice in work-integrated pedagogy for degree apprenticeships in a post-viral future

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 727-739
Author(s):  
Finbar Lillis ◽  
Darryll Bravenboer
Keyword(s):  
Best Practices ◽  
Curriculum Design ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Research Study ◽  
Significant Degree ◽  
Pedagogical Practices ◽  
Pedagogical Practice ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Development Fund ◽  
Content Type

PurposeThis article draws on a study of best practices in work-integrated learning (WIL) identified in the Middlesex University Degree Apprenticeships Development Fund (DADF) Project, which examined their application for four public sector degree apprenticeships (DAs). The authors suggest that WIL pedagogical practices deployed to deliver DAs can bridge traditional pedagogical and occupational divisions while building institutional resilience in a post-viral world. The paper is intended to contribute to both practitioner and policy-level discourse regarding the best practice in WIL for DAs.Design/methodology/approachA literature review of key texts was used to identify “success characteristics” in WIL “signature” pedagogies, with potential applicability for DA design and delivery. These characteristics were used to frame interrogation of best pedagogical practices, using the best practice matrix developed. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with selected expert practitioners to examine their matrix responses and to discuss the researcher's initial “read-across” analysis of best practices and possible implications for pedagogical practice in WIL for DAs across other sectors. This paper also draws on feedback from employer groups who were consulted on the project report recommendations and further feedback from a national project dissemination conference in 2018. The findings from the research project have also been re-evaluated with reference to further literature in the context of the challenges presented by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).FindingsThe findings from the study indicate that pedagogical best practices were to a significant degree transferable across professions and sectors; success characteristics in one pedagogical area (for example, mentoring/practice education) underpin success in another (recognition of prior learning [RPL] and practice-based assessment of achievement); success characteristics in WIL can also be applied and operated across professions and sectors to demonstrate how the best practice in WIL should be applied in the design of DAs more generally.Research limitations/implicationsThe original project research study focussed on WIL pedagogical practices in four specified professions across four public sectors within one institution. This approach, though limited, enabled the research study to focus on in-depth qualitative interactions with practitioners from different sectors rather than institutional differences. As a consequence, the research study was able to focus on in-depth and dynamic interrelationships in pedagogical practice from the perspective of the professions, which facilitated productive examination of similarities and differences across these professions.Originality/valueThe research study provided evidence of the potential value of a more explicit recognition of WIL practice in the higher education sector and how consistent approaches to WIL should inform programme design. This has potential to improve the quality of curriculum design and pedagogy across DA programmes and provide a valuable reference point for quality assuring this provision.

The 2012 Italian anti-corruption law in light of international best practices

2014 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 264-309 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniele Canestri
Keyword(s):  
Best Practices ◽  
Practice Guidelines ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Efficient Solutions ◽  
Council Of Europe ◽  
Content Type ◽  
International Evaluation ◽  
Best Practice Guidelines ◽  
The Law ◽  
The Uk

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to compare a new anti-corruption law approved by the Italian Parliament in November 2012 with Italian treaty obligations, the international evaluation reports on the Italian anti-corruption regime elaborated by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the Council of Europe, the best practice guidelines and other European models. The year 2012 has marked a turning point in Italian anti-corruption policy. In response to the low ranking that Italy has in all international anti-corruption indices, the critiques expressed in international reports on its anti-corruption regime, and the increasing pressure of public opinion, the Italian parliament approved the new anti-corruption law. Design/methodology/approach – The Law was preceded by critiques in the mass media and has been labelled as a token act. To evaluate the effectiveness of the steps undertaken by the Italian Parliament, this paper compares the new law with Italian treaty obligations, the international evaluation reports on the Italian anti-corruption regime elaborated by the OECD and the Council of Europe, the best practice guidelines and other European models (i.e. the UK Bribery Act). Findings – This comparison gives the author the opportunity not only to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the law but also to suggest efficient solutions that the Italian legislator could have adopted. Originality/value – So far, this is the only analysis in English of the changes introduced in the Italian anti-corruption regime in 2012. Several international colleagues and practitioners have asked the author about the new regime and it was therefore deemed appropriate to address the issue in an academic article.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document