Nimali Erandathi Rathnasiri, N. de Silva, J. Wijesundara
Purpose The maintainability of urban spaces has become critical with rapid urbanization to create an effective and safe environment for the increasing population. The absence of scientific studies exploring the factors that affect urban space maintainability (USM) has hindered the incorporation of maintainability aspects during the urban space planning and designing stages. This paper aims to establish critical factors for USM. Design/methodology/approach Qualitative content analysis is performed under an abductive approach to developing USM factors. A bibliometric search is conducted using databases including Scopus Elsevier, Emerald Insight, Science Direct, IEEE XPLORE and the American Society of Civil Engineers. The selected primary data set comprises journal papers on USM published after 2000. Seventy-three journal articles are selected through a comprehensive screening procedure and subjected to further analysis. The literature findings are processed via a software-assisted systematic coding and visualizing of the key data using NVivo 12 software. The coded USM factors are validated based on experts’ consensus statements by conducting an expert focus group discussion. Findings Twelve critical factors are established for USM; they include six design stage-related factors, one construction stage-related factor and five operational stage-related factors. Research limitations/implications Established USM factors give an insight into the main focus areas when incorporating maintainability into urban spaces. Originality/value The authors establish a set of maintainability factors for urban spaces based on the life cycle stages. USM factors such as vegetation management, interdepartmental coordination and work zone safety draw attention to context-specific aspects of USM.
{"title":"Urban space maintainability factors based on life cycle approach","authors":"Nimali Erandathi Rathnasiri, N. de Silva, J. Wijesundara","doi":"10.1108/f-04-2023-0032","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/f-04-2023-0032","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Purpose\u0000The maintainability of urban spaces has become critical with rapid urbanization to create an effective and safe environment for the increasing population. The absence of scientific studies exploring the factors that affect urban space maintainability (USM) has hindered the incorporation of maintainability aspects during the urban space planning and designing stages. This paper aims to establish critical factors for USM.\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000Qualitative content analysis is performed under an abductive approach to developing USM factors. A bibliometric search is conducted using databases including Scopus Elsevier, Emerald Insight, Science Direct, IEEE XPLORE and the American Society of Civil Engineers. The selected primary data set comprises journal papers on USM published after 2000. Seventy-three journal articles are selected through a comprehensive screening procedure and subjected to further analysis. The literature findings are processed via a software-assisted systematic coding and visualizing of the key data using NVivo 12 software. The coded USM factors are validated based on experts’ consensus statements by conducting an expert focus group discussion.\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000Twelve critical factors are established for USM; they include six design stage-related factors, one construction stage-related factor and five operational stage-related factors.\u0000\u0000\u0000Research limitations/implications\u0000Established USM factors give an insight into the main focus areas when incorporating maintainability into urban spaces.\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000The authors establish a set of maintainability factors for urban spaces based on the life cycle stages. USM factors such as vegetation management, interdepartmental coordination and work zone safety draw attention to context-specific aspects of USM.\u0000","PeriodicalId":47595,"journal":{"name":"Facilities","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2023-07-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45528831","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Yewande Adetoro Adewunmi, Margaret Nelson, U. E. Chigbu, Lilias Makashini-Masiba, Sam Mwando, Lerato Mompati, U. Kahireke
Purpose This study aims to ascertain the forms of social enterprises created for public services and the dimensions of community-based management of public facilities. It seeks to understand how community-based facilities management (CbFM) can apply to the management of public services created by social enterprises in developing communities. Design/methodology/approach The study examines research studies on CbFM through a scoping review of papers published between 1997 and 2022. Findings The scoping review revealed that there are five dimensions of CbFM for developing communities: CbFM, urban facilities management, sustainable CbFM, urban infrastructure management and management of community hubs. It also revealed that social enterprises have been used to manage services, and for social inclusion, and to increase the efficiency of tangible infrastructure in communities. Research limitations/implications The scoping review included literature from 1997 to 2022 to understand the development trends in CbFM in developing communities. It is possible that literature from a broader timeframe could have produced more in-depth understanding of the subject investigated. Practical implications The paper articulates a framework of CbFM models for public services in developing communities and developed a database of the relevant studies, which can further guide future researchers, stakeholders and policymakers in this area. Originality/value The comprehensive review produced a framework for community management of public services. It also identified that there is a paucity of literature on social infrastructure. It highlighted the need for skillsets to support community-based enterprises. There are limited studies that touch on the development of performance indicators for developing communities.
{"title":"A scoping review of community-based facilities management for public services through social enterprises in developing communities","authors":"Yewande Adetoro Adewunmi, Margaret Nelson, U. E. Chigbu, Lilias Makashini-Masiba, Sam Mwando, Lerato Mompati, U. Kahireke","doi":"10.1108/f-07-2022-0100","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/f-07-2022-0100","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Purpose\u0000This study aims to ascertain the forms of social enterprises created for public services and the dimensions of community-based management of public facilities. It seeks to understand how community-based facilities management (CbFM) can apply to the management of public services created by social enterprises in developing communities.\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000The study examines research studies on CbFM through a scoping review of papers published between 1997 and 2022.\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000The scoping review revealed that there are five dimensions of CbFM for developing communities: CbFM, urban facilities management, sustainable CbFM, urban infrastructure management and management of community hubs. It also revealed that social enterprises have been used to manage services, and for social inclusion, and to increase the efficiency of tangible infrastructure in communities.\u0000\u0000\u0000Research limitations/implications\u0000The scoping review included literature from 1997 to 2022 to understand the development trends in CbFM in developing communities. It is possible that literature from a broader timeframe could have produced more in-depth understanding of the subject investigated.\u0000\u0000\u0000Practical implications\u0000The paper articulates a framework of CbFM models for public services in developing communities and developed a database of the relevant studies, which can further guide future researchers, stakeholders and policymakers in this area.\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000The comprehensive review produced a framework for community management of public services. It also identified that there is a paucity of literature on social infrastructure. It highlighted the need for skillsets to support community-based enterprises. There are limited studies that touch on the development of performance indicators for developing communities.\u0000","PeriodicalId":47595,"journal":{"name":"Facilities","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2023-07-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47830615","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Purpose Not only since the Corona pandemic, working from home has become an important part of the modern workplace. The purpose of this study is to identify environmental as well as psychological factors that could predict employees’ weekly desired home office. Design/methodology/approach Two cross-sectional online surveys were conducted during April and July 2022 at a German company for digital services (Study 1: N1 = 1,912; Study 2: N2 = 1,132). In Study 1, the authors developed a multiple linear regression model with backward selection for employees’ weekly desired home office. Predictor variables were sociodemographic as well as psychological variables. After that, the authors validated the exploratory found model in Study 2. Findings In the final prediction model, the weekly desired home office was positively affected by two age groups (26 to 35 years and 36 to 45 years) and commuting distance (from 10 km upwards). In addition, it was also negatively affected by leader status (i.e. being a leader), stress experience at work and identification with the company. Research limitations/implications Some sociodemographic variables that should be relevant for employees’ choice to work from home were not measured in this study. Practical implications The paper contributes to both theory and practice. The validated prediction model may guide personnel managers in finding the best-fitting working solution for their employees. Originality/value A newly developed model for predicting employees’ weekly desired home office is presented.
{"title":"New work in modern times: predicting employees’ choice to work from home","authors":"C. Borzikowsky, Stephan Raimer, J. Kowalski","doi":"10.1108/f-04-2023-0037","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/f-04-2023-0037","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Purpose\u0000Not only since the Corona pandemic, working from home has become an important part of the modern workplace. The purpose of this study is to identify environmental as well as psychological factors that could predict employees’ weekly desired home office.\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000Two cross-sectional online surveys were conducted during April and July 2022 at a German company for digital services (Study 1: N1 = 1,912; Study 2: N2 = 1,132). In Study 1, the authors developed a multiple linear regression model with backward selection for employees’ weekly desired home office. Predictor variables were sociodemographic as well as psychological variables. After that, the authors validated the exploratory found model in Study 2.\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000In the final prediction model, the weekly desired home office was positively affected by two age groups (26 to 35 years and 36 to 45 years) and commuting distance (from 10 km upwards). In addition, it was also negatively affected by leader status (i.e. being a leader), stress experience at work and identification with the company.\u0000\u0000\u0000Research limitations/implications\u0000Some sociodemographic variables that should be relevant for employees’ choice to work from home were not measured in this study.\u0000\u0000\u0000Practical implications\u0000The paper contributes to both theory and practice. The validated prediction model may guide personnel managers in finding the best-fitting working solution for their employees.\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000A newly developed model for predicting employees’ weekly desired home office is presented.\u0000","PeriodicalId":47595,"journal":{"name":"Facilities","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2023-07-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42792130","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
G. Carlsson, Oskar Jonsson, Stefan Olander, Marianne Salén, E. Månsson Lexell, B. Slaug
Purpose This study aims to explore how an accessibility database (AD) has been developed and implemented as a tool for facility managers to evaluate and increase the accessibility of public facilities. Design/methodology/approach Eight participants were strategically sampled for semi-structured interviews, and documents on the AD were gathered. The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) was used for a directed content analysis of the data. The CFIR domains used for the analysis were: intervention characteristics, outer setting, inner setting, characteristics of individuals and process. Findings The development and implementation of the AD demonstrated the complexity in assessing and planning for increased accessibility. The communication and iterative processes within the inner as well as with the outer setting was an important part of the development and implementation, as well as anchoring each step locally, regionally and nationally, within public authorities and disability organizations. Practical implications The assessments of environmental barriers and the results reported in the AD can serve as a guide for identification of accessibility issues. However, singular identified barriers were reported as a fragmentation of the building regulations, and thereby when retrofitting is carried out, experts who have the competence to suggest solutions based on the entirety need to be involved to reach the goals of increased accessibility and countering of exclusion and discrimination. Originality/value By structuring the implementation process by means of the CFIR, facilitators and barriers of using an AD as a basis for retrofitting were revealed. The practical challenges outlined in assessing and increasing accessibility can guide facility managers when considering actions to increase accessibility.
{"title":"Exploration of a Web-based accessibility tool for public facilities","authors":"G. Carlsson, Oskar Jonsson, Stefan Olander, Marianne Salén, E. Månsson Lexell, B. Slaug","doi":"10.1108/f-10-2022-0132","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/f-10-2022-0132","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Purpose\u0000This study aims to explore how an accessibility database (AD) has been developed and implemented as a tool for facility managers to evaluate and increase the accessibility of public facilities.\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000Eight participants were strategically sampled for semi-structured interviews, and documents on the AD were gathered. The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) was used for a directed content analysis of the data. The CFIR domains used for the analysis were: intervention characteristics, outer setting, inner setting, characteristics of individuals and process.\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000The development and implementation of the AD demonstrated the complexity in assessing and planning for increased accessibility. The communication and iterative processes within the inner as well as with the outer setting was an important part of the development and implementation, as well as anchoring each step locally, regionally and nationally, within public authorities and disability organizations.\u0000\u0000\u0000Practical implications\u0000The assessments of environmental barriers and the results reported in the AD can serve as a guide for identification of accessibility issues. However, singular identified barriers were reported as a fragmentation of the building regulations, and thereby when retrofitting is carried out, experts who have the competence to suggest solutions based on the entirety need to be involved to reach the goals of increased accessibility and countering of exclusion and discrimination.\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000By structuring the implementation process by means of the CFIR, facilitators and barriers of using an AD as a basis for retrofitting were revealed. The practical challenges outlined in assessing and increasing accessibility can guide facility managers when considering actions to increase accessibility.\u0000","PeriodicalId":47595,"journal":{"name":"Facilities","volume":"1 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2023-06-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"62427856","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Purpose This paper aims to uncover an understanding of how the quality assurance measures used by the property management teams of Grade-B high-rise office blocks influence the satisfaction and retention of tenants and walk-in users. Design/methodology/approach This study used a case study design backed up by qualitative and quantitative research approaches on a sample size of 90 respondents, including tenants, landlords, property managers and walk-in building users. The data were collected predominantly through interview guides and transcribed, coded and illustrated by the aid of ATLAS.ti software. Data reporting was through tables, graphs and themed direct quotations and eventual discussion. The in-depth/structured interview sessions took between 40 min and 1 h, and the walk-along interviews ranged between 30 and 40 min. Content analysis through thematic coding, categorisation and analysis were used in handling qualitative data. Direct quotes from participant responses from interview transcripts were inserted in line with the themes. And participants allocated pseudo-names to guard their confidentiality. Findings The key themes that linked quality assurance measures of access systems and tenant retention included distribution of access systems, the retention trends, quality assurance measures followed and the tenant experiences regarding how complaints are handled. Originality/value It is important to understand how tenants and other users of high-rise buildings experience their performance and inclusiveness. In a place like Kampala city, such a phenomenon can be proven through tenants sustaining their tenures/use of the facilities. Yet, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, presently no empirical studies have explored such a connection.
{"title":"Quality assurance measures of access systems for tenant retention in high-rise office buildings in Kampala, Uganda. Experiences from building users","authors":"M. Mubiru, Janice Maria Naturinda","doi":"10.1108/f-08-2022-0106","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/f-08-2022-0106","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Purpose\u0000This paper aims to uncover an understanding of how the quality assurance measures used by the property management teams of Grade-B high-rise office blocks influence the satisfaction and retention of tenants and walk-in users.\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000This study used a case study design backed up by qualitative and quantitative research approaches on a sample size of 90 respondents, including tenants, landlords, property managers and walk-in building users. The data were collected predominantly through interview guides and transcribed, coded and illustrated by the aid of ATLAS.ti software. Data reporting was through tables, graphs and themed direct quotations and eventual discussion. The in-depth/structured interview sessions took between 40 min and 1 h, and the walk-along interviews ranged between 30 and 40 min. Content analysis through thematic coding, categorisation and analysis were used in handling qualitative data. Direct quotes from participant responses from interview transcripts were inserted in line with the themes. And participants allocated pseudo-names to guard their confidentiality.\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000The key themes that linked quality assurance measures of access systems and tenant retention included distribution of access systems, the retention trends, quality assurance measures followed and the tenant experiences regarding how complaints are handled.\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000It is important to understand how tenants and other users of high-rise buildings experience their performance and inclusiveness. In a place like Kampala city, such a phenomenon can be proven through tenants sustaining their tenures/use of the facilities. Yet, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, presently no empirical studies have explored such a connection.\u0000","PeriodicalId":47595,"journal":{"name":"Facilities","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2023-06-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42865703","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Purpose China’s population is ageing. Continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) are an emerging living arrangement of older Chinese. Incorporating social sustainability features into CCRCs helps to create age-friendly residential environments for residents. However, it is still unclear what kinds of social sustainability features are incorporated into the residential environments of CCRCs in China. Therefore, this study aims to address this research gap. Design/methodology/approach Qualitative content analysis is adopted to analyse the retrieved business information of representative CCRC developers in China. Findings This study revealed 36 social sustainability features in CCRCs, with the top-ranked ones being health care and management, social connection and engagement, high-quality and diverse services and daily life support and assistance. Additionally, a preliminary social sustainability framework of CCRCs was proposed, and this framework includes the five components of care and health, environment and management, service and facility, age-friendly life philosophy and social support and inclusion. Originality/value In theory, this research’s findings clarify the meaning of social sustainability within the context of CCRCs, which supports future relevant explorations in the CCRC research community. In practice, these findings enhance stakeholders’ understanding of the social sustainability in CCRCs, which promotes the development of age-friendly living environments for older people in an ageing society.
{"title":"Social sustainability of continuing care retirement communities in China","authors":"Xin Hu","doi":"10.1108/f-09-2022-0127","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/f-09-2022-0127","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Purpose\u0000China’s population is ageing. Continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) are an emerging living arrangement of older Chinese. Incorporating social sustainability features into CCRCs helps to create age-friendly residential environments for residents. However, it is still unclear what kinds of social sustainability features are incorporated into the residential environments of CCRCs in China. Therefore, this study aims to address this research gap.\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000Qualitative content analysis is adopted to analyse the retrieved business information of representative CCRC developers in China.\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000This study revealed 36 social sustainability features in CCRCs, with the top-ranked ones being health care and management, social connection and engagement, high-quality and diverse services and daily life support and assistance. Additionally, a preliminary social sustainability framework of CCRCs was proposed, and this framework includes the five components of care and health, environment and management, service and facility, age-friendly life philosophy and social support and inclusion.\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000In theory, this research’s findings clarify the meaning of social sustainability within the context of CCRCs, which supports future relevant explorations in the CCRC research community. In practice, these findings enhance stakeholders’ understanding of the social sustainability in CCRCs, which promotes the development of age-friendly living environments for older people in an ageing society.\u0000","PeriodicalId":47595,"journal":{"name":"Facilities","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2023-06-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48996348","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Oliver Tannor, William Appau, Elvis Attakora-Amaniampong
Purpose The purpose of this study is to explore user satisfaction with in-house facility management (FM) services in multi-tenanted office buildings in Accra, Ghana using a post-occupancy evaluation (POE) approach. Design/methodology/approach The study assessed user satisfaction with FM service quality by using a POE of their perceptions about the attitude and courtesy of the FM personnel, the reliability of the FM services they provide, the responsiveness and the competence of the service providers. The study used walk-throughs and questionnaire surveys as the POE methods. One hundred and twenty-one users from 22 multi-tenanted office buildings, who have actively used the FM services for at least a year, were purposively sampled. The data was collected via a survey using a structured questionnaire. The data was analysed using descriptive statistics and principal component analysis in version 25 of statistical package for the social sciences. Findings The study revealed that users were dissatisfied with the quality of in-house FM services across all 15 services The results also showed that users’ satisfaction with the services is not affected by the differences in their age, gender, educational level, job role and number of years in the buildings. The results further demonstrated that the most critical factors that resulted in users’ dissatisfaction were electric facilities, building fabric maintenance, emergency coordination, waste management and the decoration of the buildings during festive seasons. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the present study based on POE to assess user satisfaction with FM services for multi-tenant office buildings has, presumably, not been tackled before in Ghana. The results of the study are very essential to the owners of the buildings and facility managers in decision-making concerning the delivery of FM services. Building industry-wise, the results demonstrate the need for in-house FM managers in multi-tenanted office buildings in Ghana to adopt FM service delivery methods that increase user satisfaction. The results also call for further research into user satisfaction with outsourced FM services in multi-tenanted office buildings and further research on the use of the in-house strategy on other types of buildings to ascertain whether the dissatisfaction with FM is due to other factors such as the choice of FM strategy, the property type etc.
{"title":"A post-occupancy evaluation of in-house facilities management service quality and user satisfaction in multi-tenanted office buildings in Ghana","authors":"Oliver Tannor, William Appau, Elvis Attakora-Amaniampong","doi":"10.1108/f-08-2022-0116","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/f-08-2022-0116","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Purpose\u0000The purpose of this study is to explore user satisfaction with in-house facility management (FM) services in multi-tenanted office buildings in Accra, Ghana using a post-occupancy evaluation (POE) approach.\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000The study assessed user satisfaction with FM service quality by using a POE of their perceptions about the attitude and courtesy of the FM personnel, the reliability of the FM services they provide, the responsiveness and the competence of the service providers. The study used walk-throughs and questionnaire surveys as the POE methods. One hundred and twenty-one users from 22 multi-tenanted office buildings, who have actively used the FM services for at least a year, were purposively sampled. The data was collected via a survey using a structured questionnaire. The data was analysed using descriptive statistics and principal component analysis in version 25 of statistical package for the social sciences.\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000The study revealed that users were dissatisfied with the quality of in-house FM services across all 15 services The results also showed that users’ satisfaction with the services is not affected by the differences in their age, gender, educational level, job role and number of years in the buildings. The results further demonstrated that the most critical factors that resulted in users’ dissatisfaction were electric facilities, building fabric maintenance, emergency coordination, waste management and the decoration of the buildings during festive seasons.\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the present study based on POE to assess user satisfaction with FM services for multi-tenant office buildings has, presumably, not been tackled before in Ghana. The results of the study are very essential to the owners of the buildings and facility managers in decision-making concerning the delivery of FM services. Building industry-wise, the results demonstrate the need for in-house FM managers in multi-tenanted office buildings in Ghana to adopt FM service delivery methods that increase user satisfaction. The results also call for further research into user satisfaction with outsourced FM services in multi-tenanted office buildings and further research on the use of the in-house strategy on other types of buildings to ascertain whether the dissatisfaction with FM is due to other factors such as the choice of FM strategy, the property type etc.\u0000","PeriodicalId":47595,"journal":{"name":"Facilities","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2023-06-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"49272631","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
H. W. Brink, Stefan C. M. Lechner, M. Loomans, M. Mobach, H. Kort
Purpose This study aims to qualitatively examine the relationship between the indoor environmental quality (IEQ), lecturers’ and students’ perceived internal responses and academic performance. Design/methodology/approach To capture user experiences with the IEQ in classrooms, semi-structured interviews with 11 lecturers and three focus group discussions with 24 students were conducted, transcribed, coded and analyzed using direct content analysis. Findings The findings show that lecturers and students experience poor thermal, lighting, acoustic and indoor air quality (IAQ) conditions that may influence their ability to teach and learn. Maintaining acceptable thermal and IAQ conditions was difficult for lecturers, as opening windows or doors caused noise disturbances. In uncomfortable conditions, lecturers may decide to give a break earlier or shorten a lecture. When students experienced discomfort, it may affect their ability to concentrate, their emotional status and their quality of learning. Research limitations/implications The findings originate from a relatively small sample, which might have limited the number and variety of identified associations between environment and users. Practical implications Maintaining acceptable air and thermal conditions will mitigate the need to open windows and doors. Keeping doors and windows closed will prevent noise disturbances and related distractions. This will support the quality of learning in classrooms. This study reveals the end users’ perspectives and preferences, which can inspire designers of new school buildings in higher education. Originality/value This study emphasizes the importance of creating and maintaining optimal IEQ conditions to support the quality of teaching and learning. These conditions are particularly relevant when classroom occupancy rates are high or outdoor conditions are unfavourable.
{"title":"Understanding how indoor environmental classroom conditions influence academic performance in higher education","authors":"H. W. Brink, Stefan C. M. Lechner, M. Loomans, M. Mobach, H. Kort","doi":"10.1108/f-12-2022-0164","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/f-12-2022-0164","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Purpose\u0000This study aims to qualitatively examine the relationship between the indoor environmental quality (IEQ), lecturers’ and students’ perceived internal responses and academic performance.\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000To capture user experiences with the IEQ in classrooms, semi-structured interviews with 11 lecturers and three focus group discussions with 24 students were conducted, transcribed, coded and analyzed using direct content analysis.\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000The findings show that lecturers and students experience poor thermal, lighting, acoustic and indoor air quality (IAQ) conditions that may influence their ability to teach and learn. Maintaining acceptable thermal and IAQ conditions was difficult for lecturers, as opening windows or doors caused noise disturbances. In uncomfortable conditions, lecturers may decide to give a break earlier or shorten a lecture. When students experienced discomfort, it may affect their ability to concentrate, their emotional status and their quality of learning.\u0000\u0000\u0000Research limitations/implications\u0000The findings originate from a relatively small sample, which might have limited the number and variety of identified associations between environment and users.\u0000\u0000\u0000Practical implications\u0000Maintaining acceptable air and thermal conditions will mitigate the need to open windows and doors. Keeping doors and windows closed will prevent noise disturbances and related distractions. This will support the quality of learning in classrooms. This study reveals the end users’ perspectives and preferences, which can inspire designers of new school buildings in higher education.\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000This study emphasizes the importance of creating and maintaining optimal IEQ conditions to support the quality of teaching and learning. These conditions are particularly relevant when classroom occupancy rates are high or outdoor conditions are unfavourable.\u0000","PeriodicalId":47595,"journal":{"name":"Facilities","volume":"1 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2023-06-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41482973","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Purpose This paper aims to present a systematic review of the published literature on building information model (BIM)-based simulation tools used for occupant evacuation over the past 23 years. Design/methodology/approach A literature review was conducted on BIM-based simulation tools used for occupant evacuation over the past 23 years. The search identified a total of 37 relevant papers, which were reviewed. The paper describes the use of BIM-based simulation tools over the years and identifies the research gaps. Findings BIM-based simulation tools have undergone progressive development, with constant improvements through the integration of advanced tools and collection of more data. These tools can assist in identifying faults in the building design. The outcomes of the simulation were not entirely accurate, as real-life scenarios vary depending on the various building types and the behavior of their occupants. Research limitations/implications This study contributes to the literature through reviewing the capabilities of BIM-based simulation tools and the different simulation methods along with their limitations. Practical implications Fire safety engineers and architects can comprehend the utilization of BIM-based simulation tools to enhance the fire evacuation in light of their shortcomings and flaws. Originality/value BIM-based simulation tools are becoming more advanced and widely used. There has not been a comprehensive evaluation of the capabilities of the integration of BIM tools and simulation modeling for occupant evacuation. This study guides researchers on the capabilities and efficiencies of integrated solutions for occupant evacuations and their inherent shortcomings. The study identifies future research areas in BIM-based tools for occupant evacuation.
{"title":"BIM-based simulation tools for occupant evacuation: a scoping review","authors":"Abdullah Ehtesham Akbar, M. Hassanain","doi":"10.1108/f-01-2023-0006","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/f-01-2023-0006","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Purpose\u0000This paper aims to present a systematic review of the published literature on building information model (BIM)-based simulation tools used for occupant evacuation over the past 23 years.\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000A literature review was conducted on BIM-based simulation tools used for occupant evacuation over the past 23 years. The search identified a total of 37 relevant papers, which were reviewed. The paper describes the use of BIM-based simulation tools over the years and identifies the research gaps.\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000BIM-based simulation tools have undergone progressive development, with constant improvements through the integration of advanced tools and collection of more data. These tools can assist in identifying faults in the building design. The outcomes of the simulation were not entirely accurate, as real-life scenarios vary depending on the various building types and the behavior of their occupants.\u0000\u0000\u0000Research limitations/implications\u0000This study contributes to the literature through reviewing the capabilities of BIM-based simulation tools and the different simulation methods along with their limitations.\u0000\u0000\u0000Practical implications\u0000Fire safety engineers and architects can comprehend the utilization of BIM-based simulation tools to enhance the fire evacuation in light of their shortcomings and flaws.\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000BIM-based simulation tools are becoming more advanced and widely used. There has not been a comprehensive evaluation of the capabilities of the integration of BIM tools and simulation modeling for occupant evacuation. This study guides researchers on the capabilities and efficiencies of integrated solutions for occupant evacuations and their inherent shortcomings. The study identifies future research areas in BIM-based tools for occupant evacuation.\u0000","PeriodicalId":47595,"journal":{"name":"Facilities","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2023-06-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46604730","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Purpose The era of digital construction, including building information modelling (BIM), has placed a high demand for a seamless collaboration of people, technology and processes in meeting a project delivery. The project actors involved in a BIM process must ensure compliance with all regulations and contractual requirements from inception. While many studies have disclosed the various contractual implications arising from BIM implementation, little has been examined on the current state of BIM in contract administration practice, particularly in the Malaysian construction industry. This study aims to explore the current state of BIM implementation with specific reference to a design-and-build construction project. Design/methodology/approach The exploratory case study involved the construction of a public complex. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with the project actors, and document analysis was performed on the project’s contractual guidelines to derive the findings. Findings Findings from the thematic analysis revealed the following five sequences of activities that guided the contract administration practices, particularly during the pre-contract and post-contract stages of a BIM-based construction project: project inception, tendering phase, detailed design, construction and preparation for the handing over phase. Most of the activities were conducted to deliver the final BIM outputs successfully. Nevertheless, some shortcomings were noted in the project monitoring, the validation process of the BIM deliverables and the BIM players’ competency level in fulfilling the specified BIM contractual requirements. Practical implications The study contributes to a practical understanding of how BIM can affect project administration and how a public client can improve contractual risk allocation in future BIM implementation. Originality/value This paper discloses the current practices of contract administration to better understand the impacts of BIM management during the pre-contract and post-contract stages of a BIM-based construction project.
{"title":"Contract administration practices on building information modelling (BIM)-based construction project – an exploratory study","authors":"S. Alwee, U. K. Zolkafli, H. Salleh","doi":"10.1108/f-10-2021-0094","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/f-10-2021-0094","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Purpose\u0000The era of digital construction, including building information modelling (BIM), has placed a high demand for a seamless collaboration of people, technology and processes in meeting a project delivery. The project actors involved in a BIM process must ensure compliance with all regulations and contractual requirements from inception. While many studies have disclosed the various contractual implications arising from BIM implementation, little has been examined on the current state of BIM in contract administration practice, particularly in the Malaysian construction industry. This study aims to explore the current state of BIM implementation with specific reference to a design-and-build construction project.\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000The exploratory case study involved the construction of a public complex. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with the project actors, and document analysis was performed on the project’s contractual guidelines to derive the findings.\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000Findings from the thematic analysis revealed the following five sequences of activities that guided the contract administration practices, particularly during the pre-contract and post-contract stages of a BIM-based construction project: project inception, tendering phase, detailed design, construction and preparation for the handing over phase. Most of the activities were conducted to deliver the final BIM outputs successfully. Nevertheless, some shortcomings were noted in the project monitoring, the validation process of the BIM deliverables and the BIM players’ competency level in fulfilling the specified BIM contractual requirements.\u0000\u0000\u0000Practical implications\u0000The study contributes to a practical understanding of how BIM can affect project administration and how a public client can improve contractual risk allocation in future BIM implementation.\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000This paper discloses the current practices of contract administration to better understand the impacts of BIM management during the pre-contract and post-contract stages of a BIM-based construction project.\u0000","PeriodicalId":47595,"journal":{"name":"Facilities","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2023-05-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47455413","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}