Showing papers in "Journal of Facilities Management in 2007"

Environmental management systems

Abstract: Purpose – To demonstrate the importance of environmental management systems (EMS) in achieving overall sustainability within organisations, by reducing ecological impacts of economic activities and improving corporate environmental care.Design/methodology/approach – A range of published works over a decade (1994‐2004) has been explored in setting the trend for EMS within the context of corporate responsibility (CR). The discussion is presented in four sections, which are – introduction; background; requirement of environmental management system and conclusion.Findings – The literature traces the gradual transformation of the role of environmental management system within organisations, from a legal obligation in the past, to an investment driver for commercial advantage in future. Facilities management is identified as the crucial link, which can assist in developing appropriate knowledge management systems necessary for attaining continued business success.Research limitations/implications – The work hig...

The impact of the behavioural environment on office productivity

Abstract: Purpose – The aim of this paper is to demonstrate the role the behavioural environment plays in office productivity.Design/methodology/approach – The paper reviews the literature from the occupier perspective. This approach enables a greater appreciation of the social context of offices. The review establishes the need to link work process with the office environment. It identifies the need to understand how occupiers make sense of space through personalisation. The balance between the positive interactions in the office and negative distractions are explored.Findings – The review of the literature reveals that by adopting the occupier perspective potential tensions can be identified between individual, private and team‐based collaborative work areas. These tensions can have an impact on the office occupier's productivity.Originality/value – This paper establishes that to ensure office environments are designed for optimum productivity; consideration needs to be given to the role of the behavioural enviro...

Hospital facilities and the role of evidence‐based design

Abstract: Purpose – Drawing on recent research related to hospital facilities, this paper aims to discuss the role of evidence‐based design in facility planning and design as a key element in helping the field of facility planning and management continue to strengthen professional practiceDesign/methodology/approach – The discussion draws on relevant literature and recent researchFindings – Evidence‐based design is having a major impact on planning and design of hospital facilities, and can play a similar role for other facility typesOriginality/value – Calls for evidence‐based design for healthcare facilities abound This paper discusses important issues surrounding the implementation of an evidence‐based design approach that need to be considered for this approach to be successful in all types of facilities

Performance‐based maintenance partnering: a promising concept

Abstract: Purpose – Performance‐based maintenance partnerships promise benefits compared to traditional tendering of maintenance projects. The paper aims to give process models and examples of performance requirements and measurement methods for buildings and facilities managers.Design/methodology/approach – Case studies of housing associations' current procurement and outsourcing methods have been performed, including an examination of initiatives for performance‐based partnerships. Purchasers and technical managers of housing associations and directors of medium‐sized maintenance contractors were interviewed, asking about the objectives, expected benefits and drawbacks of maintenance partnering. Maintenance performance requirements and measurement methods for the exterior envelope of housing estates were developed, based on the functions of building components. The maintenance partnering process has been modelled in three partnership forms, based on the case studies and interviews.Findings – The process models an...

Building optimisation with life cycle costs – the influence of calculation methods

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate that the result of an optimisation via life cycle costs (LCC) depends on the assumptions made throughout the process of calculating LCC.Design/methodology/approach – A framework is used to structure the assumptions made in the process of calculating LCC. These include the following three pairs: technical versus economic life‐span, static versus dynamic calculation method or costs only versus income minus costs. In a broader sense, these LCC are referred to as the life cycle economy (LCE). Two case studies form the basis for the LCC calculations. Using different assumptions, the LCC of virtual design variations of these buildings are compared to each other.Findings – The rankings drawn from the calculations differ according to the chosen calculation method, i.e. the chosen variation for the optimisation of a building is not consistent.Research limitations/implications – This is essentially an exploratory study and the prognosis of future cash flow in re...

Performance measurement action research

Abstract: – The purpose of this paper is to summarise the four phases of the action learning processes that Centre for Facilities Management have undertaken with a major central government department., – Action research. The researchers have been imbedded in the client organisation through knowledge transfer programme and went through an action learning process with the organisation., – The researchers have implemented the new and improved performance management system and shared KPIs with the department. The new system has been aimed to address the problems within the previous system., – The action learning cycle was not fully completed as the new system has not been evaluated by the researcher yet., – The problems with the department's performance measurement system (PMS) are very common among other facilities department who are trying to manage their suppliers. Therefore, they should be able to learn the lessons and processes of how to establish an effective performance management system., – This is the first time the researchers have published the whole action research process they went through in trying to review, design and implement the PMS.

An exploratory study into the factors that influence patients' perceptions of cleanliness in an acute NHS trust hospital

Abstract: Purpose – If NHS hospitals wish to influence patients to choose them and, as the literature review suggests, cleanliness will be a key‐influencing factor in making that choice, it would seem important for hospitals to understand what factors lead people to decide whether a hospital is clean or dirty. The research aims to identify what the key factors are that influence patients' perceptions of cleanliness and to rank these factors in order of importance.Design/methodology/approach – The project utilised a mixed methodology to collect the data. The hospital staff and people who had been recent patients took part in focus groups in order to gather their views. The current hospital in‐patients were surveyed through the use of a paper questionnaire.Findings – The main themes that influence the perceptions of cleanliness emerging from the analysis can be summarised under three broad headings – appearance of the environment, physical cleanliness and staff behaviour. The findings suggest that this subject is muc...

Analysis of supply models and FM service market trends in Finland – implications on sourcing decision‐making

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this research is to analyse Facilities Management (FM) service market trends and different supply models of FM services in Finland In addition, the implications of the prevailing market conditions for a client's decision‐making concerning FM services sourcing are discussedDesign/methodology/approach – The research is based on thematic interviews and a survey that were conducted in Finnish FM service companiesFindings – In order to compete successfully in the FM service market and fulfil the clients' needs in the near future, service providers need to be able to offer a wider range of FM services In addition, it is important that the suppliers become stronger in the area of technical service competence As the service companies are developing their internal technical competences, the clients might become more confident in outsourcing more technically demanding FM services These market trends might explain why buyers in the FM service market are more ahead in using supply model

Translating military experiences of managing innovation and innovativeness into FM

Abstract: Purpose – This is a conceptual paper for facilities management (FM) practitioners and FM researchers. The paper seeks to analyse a number of well‐documented successes and failures in military exploitation of innovation, and identify several recurrent facets that resonate with the contemporary approach to, and difficulties with achieving innovation in FM.Design/methodology/approach – Several military cases are selected for their analogous pertinence to FM. They cover military aspects of technological innovation; process innovation, including innovativeness in the modes of engagement; innovativeness within strategy and paradigm; and innovativeness in the tactical behaviours needed to realise the value of innovations. They are presented as an indirect means of illuminating systemic challenges for innovation within FM.Findings – The paper identifies the primacy of innovativeness over individual technological innovations; and the centrality of empowerment practices and the catalysing of local tactical and oper...

Integrating self‐managed work teams into project management

Abstract: Purpose – To present the advantages and possible deterrents of self‐managed work teams, and offer recommendations on ways to integrate these teams into project management.Design/methodology/approach – A range of works, which provide a description and practical advice about self‐managed work teams, are reviewed in an effort to provide a thorough picture of self‐managed work teams. The information is sorted into sections: history of self‐managed work teams; self‐managed work teams: a definition; characteristics of self‐managed work teams; the role of emotional intelligence in self‐managed work teams; developing and empowering the team; barriers to successful self‐managed work teams; factors to consider before forming a self‐managed work team; and the longevity of self‐managed work teams.Findings – Integrates theories and findings from other works to offer a holistic view of self‐managed work teams in today's workplace.Research limitations/implications – Resources from USA, as well as European writings, were...

Ergonomic solutions for an aging workforce

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to focus on obstacles faced by older workers in the workplace and provide three main ergonomic solutions designed to mitigate and prevent age‐related injuries.Design/methodology/approach – Research methodology includes a comprehensive literature review to identify issues, best practices, and improvements for ergonomic conditions in the workplace, especially those impacting aging workers.Findings – Solutions presented include strategies for reducing extreme joint movement, reducing extreme pressure, and reducing repetitive tasks. Examples of engineering improvements, administrative improvements, and safety equipment additions are also presented.Practical implications – This paper provides ergonomic solutions and examines the importance of providing effective workplace ergonomics for the older worker. The examples demonstrated can be directly applied by facility planners and managers who wish to create safe and productive working environments.Originality/value – With a...

Successful distributed work arrangements: a developmental approach

Abstract: Purpose – To provide understanding in developing high‐performance distributed work arrangements (DWA), suggestions for an evaluation framework for analysis of DWA options, and to discuss the expected role of facility management (FM) in DWA.Design/methodology/approach – A self‐evaluation table was developed to provide an example of how to assess the potential appropriateness for establishing DWA within an organization. Additionally, relevant attributes demonstrating an organization's level of appropriateness toward DWA are evaluated.Findings – The best decisions regarding DWA have major impacts to an organization's resources and productivity, and can be aided by critical analysis of more complex factors and attributes to gain insight into these important decision‐making processes. FM support is critical to this decision making.Research limitations/implications – This paper only shows a simple interdependency typology among factors and the importance of possible levels of relevant attributes toward the leve...

Improving service management in outsourced IT operations

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to first evaluate the effect of IT service management (ITSM) tools in a practical environment followed by sharing experience in developing management process modules in a service outsourcing model. In order to improve the fault correlation from business and user perspectives, the aim is to propose a framework to automate network and system alerts with respect to its business service impact and user impact for proactive notification to IT operations management.Design/methodology/approach – Three years of quantitative analysis using real operational data were used to present the effect on ITSM tools adoption. For the proposed framework, it consists of a hybrid case‐ and rule‐based reasoning module and a new approach for fault mapping with business criticality and user activities.Findings – Over the past decade there has been significant focus in the context of ITSM in the IT services operations industry. In the market of ITSM software tools, customer and operational pr...

The application of a benchmarking concept

Abstract: Purpose – Today, the occupancy cost of owner‐operated property is the second or third largest cost factor for many companies. Benchmarking projects that focus on occupancy cost comparisons are, therefore, becoming increasingly important. Such projects must contrast comparable properties since the comparison otherwise cannot produce meaningful results. The paper aims to focus on the issues involved.Design/methodology/approach – An occupancy cost benchmarking concept is explained using the example of a Swiss portfolio of office buildings used for own operations. The chosen approach works primarily with known cost drivers that are used in the selection of suitable benchmarking properties.Findings – The benchmarking concept enables the benchmarking of comparable properties. In addition to a pure benchmarking, it also allows the reasons for cost differences between the properties under consideration and the specific benchmarks to be identified. Recommended actions can be derived from the comparison.Practical i...

The significance of cognitive dissonance for the “hard and soft FM” paradigm and quality assessment practices: A whole new can of worms?

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to report on a study based around a commercial facilities management (FM) service provider's creation of an internal benchmark of how services for an acute hospital perform in terms of service quality.Design/methodology/approach – The paper presents findings of a hard and soft FM application of the widely‐recognised SERVQUAL performance assessment tool; including its use and usefulness in a healthcare FM context. The paper proceeds to a conceptual discussion on emergent issues. It offers a questioning framework which the authors identify requires further study and debate but raises potentially profound issues for FM. Further replication‐related and conceptual development research is underway.Findings – Principally, the paper discusses the emergence and significance of the psychological phenomenon of cognitive dissonance within the datasets for the private finance initiative hospital case study. The paper also briefly discusses the scope for using the service consumer...

Incentivising project performance in the construction of new facilities

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of the paper is to outline a method for reporting project performance that can be used to provide incentives to both clients and contractors to share risks and opportunities.Design/methodology/approach – The conceptual foundation of the paper is two‐fold: firstly, a review of the literature highlights the limitations of fixed price, fixed unit price and variable (fee for service) type contracts and hence the need for contracts that incentivise project clients and contractors to act in mutually beneficial ways; secondly, the earned‐value method (EVM) is discussed as a means of reporting project progress via a single value‐based metric that is applicable to both client and contractor. The integrating of these two elements provides the basis for the method for reporting project performance described in this paper.Findings – The paper presents the co‐operative incentivised negotiation budget (COIN). The COIN budget uses the concept of the variable (fee for service) type contract. In addi...

Heritage site area type classification for facility management purposes

Abstract: Purpose – Although heritage sites are numerous, facility management (FM) is maybe the most important process in heritage site management systems. The similarities and differences of the sites should be considered before implementing common FM information systems that support more heritage sites with various area types. The presented classifications are collected and made primarily to support this process. Specialties of heritage sites were also observed from FM point of view. The paper attempts to identify a few groups that can be used well for FM system installations.Design/methodology/approach – The paper observes the sites from several points of view. The sites are classified by heritage types, by facility planning point of view, by fragmentation and the rate of built‐in area, by human influence, by application. It offers three methods for area classification, later the computerized supporting systems are observed.Findings – On most heritage sites FM is probably the most important management process. T...

Spatial orientation in the cubicle

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of worker orientation in their cubicles on workplace behavior and experience.Design/methodology/approach – Data were collected via written surveys, oral interviews, and workspace observations.Findings – Based on computer location, cubicle occupants in a large corporate office were classified as facing out or facing into the corner of their cubicle. People faced out to enhance communication, to protect the confidentiality of material they were working with, and to avoid being startled. Those facing in did so to reduce distractions and/or physical constraints. The chief disadvantages of facing in were loss of confidentiality and the possibility of being startled by people approaching from the rear. Cubicle occupants whose computers faced out, relative to those facing in, maintained that their spatial orientation had a positive effect on communication and morale within the work unit. Respondents used nonverbal signals to modulate interaction...

Evaluating the effectiveness of utility privatization effortsThe views expressed in this paper are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of the United States Air Force, Department of Defense, or United States Government.

Abstract: Purpose – Government‐owned utility systems at many locations are old, obsolete, and unreliable. Replacement of these systems has become more technically and operationally complex, thereby making them more difficult for personnel to operate and maintain. In response, some governmental agencies are conveying ownership of these systems to the private sector through utility privatization as a way to efficiently operate and upgrade them. For utility privatization to be successful though, independent audits are necessary to ensure desired quantitative and qualitative factors are balanced. The purpose of this paper is to address this issue.Design/methodology/approach – The paper explains how the value‐focused thinking (VFT) methodology was used to develop a multi‐objective decision analysis (MODA) model to determine the effectiveness of utility privatization efforts.Findings – The VFT MODA model was determined to be a suitable tool to evaluate a complex decision problem such as utility system evaluation. The mod...

An assessment of the effectiveness of embedded smart sensors on users' performance in the workplace

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between the embedded smart sensors (ESS) technologies and users' performance in the workplace. An attempt will be made to assess the impact of incorporating ESS on user performance in the workplace.Design/methodology/approach – A multi‐pronged approach was adopted in compiling relevant factual and perceptual information about users responses in the workplace. Both questionnaires and structured interviews with users and facilities managers (FMs) in a selected study sample are adopted to identify issues of concern and assess the level of users comfort in the workplace.Findings – The incorporation of ESS will have wide‐ranging implications to office productivity which is partially dependent on the utility of the space and qualities of internal environment within which business operates.Originality/value – The use of ESS is significant in optimizing the operational efficiency of the workplace and its responsiveness of meeting varying users nee...