Facility Management Practices

This research examined the culture of facility maintenance at a Nigerian public University, focusing on evaluating maintenance strategies and the factors that influence the maintenance culture. Data was collected through close-end questionnaires administered to the University’s works department. For data analysis, descriptive statistical methods include the relative importance index, weighted mean, and frequency distribution table. The findings indicate that key factors influencing the maintenance culture at the University include delayed responses to maintenance requests, insufficient funding for maintenance activities, and the absence of a maintenance policy. Reactive and corrective maintenance strategies and occasional renovations were identified as the predominant approaches employed at the University. Consequently, this study proposes that adequate funding should be allocated to the maintenance department to ensure prompt response to maintenance requests, thereby reducing the time required for repairs and preventing further deterioration. Moreover, the existing maintenance strategies at the University are deemed inadequate; thus, it is recommended that a proactive preventive maintenance culture is adopted with purpose-driven plans and policies, along with outsourcing facility maintenance services.

Due to the impact of facilities on the performance of the workforce, there has been a growth in the demand for facilities managers across the globe. To address this shortfall in skills, universities are creating various programmes to satisfy the needs of the industry. However, the skills and competencies required to succeed as facilities managers in the various sectors of the economy remains unclear. The current study seeks to address the gap in knowledge by uncovering the core and soft skills required for facility management job roles. Job advertisements are scrapped from webpages of a job board. The job adverts contain information about qualifications and essential skills required for facility management job roles. Text mining was used to analyse the collected data. Based on the frequency of mention, it was found that risk management, people management, operations and maintenance and procurement are the topfour core skills. Also, team building, problem-solving, communication and time management are the top soft skills required for facility management practice. The findings emerging from this study provides information that can be used for the development of the curriculum for facilities management programmes.

This study explored the critical context-based issues fostering low adoption of digitalisation transformation in Nigerian facilities management (FM) firms. The study adopted a qualitative research approach through interviews, carried out among eight case FM firms in Nigeria purposively selected. The study utilised thematic analysis in analysing data generated. The study revealed the most significant factors inhibiting the adoption of digital transformation of FM firms, among which are lack of funds, shortage of trained professionals, lack of technical know-how, and low level of awareness. Also, the study revealed the strategies aiding the digital transformation of FM firms as government support, digital collaboration, training, increase in research and development, and standardisation of the industry using Building Information Modelling. The study concluded that the strategies aiding the digital transformation of FM firms are effective, as revealed by the case study firms, with some noticeable differences. The study recommended collaboration between government and stakeholders in the FM industry to work out an appropriate roadmap that would position the FM industry on the right track towards the adoption of the fourth industrial revolution and digitalisation in Nigeria.

Studies have shown that effective facility management (FM) is successful is key to sustainable building performance. It enhances the functionality and sustainability of public higher education institution buildings (PHEIBs). However, the performance of FM in Nigerian PHEIBs has yet to receive in-depth study. This study offers a collective insight into hindrances facing FM performance and suggests measures to improve facilities’ performance within the perception of public higher institution buildings in Nigeria. Given the unexplored dimension of the issue, data were collected via face-to-face interviews across selected public higher institutions in Nigeria. Twenty-six participants were interviewed and collated data analysed via a thematic method. Findings show that facilities management performance in Nigerian PHEIBs is characterised by passive actions in the twenty-first century driven by artificial intelligence and less than a decade to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As part of the study’s implications, findings will strengthen and offer a robust insight into a proposed integrated framework for facilities performance in Nigerian PHEIBs, especially concerning functionality and sustainability. The outcome will activate transformation and sustainable development to benefit higher education institutions and humanity.

Public conveniences are important to everyone, irrespective of age, class, ethnic origin, gender, mental ability, or physical ability. Access to it or otherwise serves significant implications on the total learning environment. This paper discusses the accessibility of students to public conveniences in a major academic institution in South West Nigeria. This was a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted among 233 students in the institution. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were used in collecting data for the study. Qualitative data was collected using in-depth interviews, observation, and physical inspection of sanitary facilities in the faculties, while a structured self-administered open-ended questionnaire was used to gather data on students’ assessment of sanitary facilities in the selected faculties. Descriptive statistics and weighted mean scores were used in analysing the data using SPSS version 21. The analysis reveals among other that the state of sanitary facilities across the faculties and hall of residences are in a deplorable state, the student to toilet ratio is as high as 1:195 as against the standard requirements recommended by National University Commission (NUC), the available ones are poorly maintained with a high number of toilet facilities under lock and key resulting in students practising unhygienic practices of open defecation. The findings also reveal that lighting, ventilation, adequate water supply, good management and maintenance, privacy and security, availability of toilet supplies, location, availability of disabled toilets, aesthetics, and segregated toilets with signages are the main factors determining utilisation of public toilet facilities It was recommended that toilet facilities should be made available and accessible for all, irrespective of ability or disability to foster a healthy learning environment.

The import of the real estate assets of business organisations, otherwise known as corporate real estate (CRE), has shifted from being regarded as a mere factor of production to a strategic business resource which can be used to improve the profitability of the organisation. This study evaluates the contributions of corporate real estate management (CREM) to the performance of listed business organisations in Nigeria. Primary data were collected with the aid of questionnaires served on CRE executives of the 105 listed organisations in Nigeria. In addition, secondary data in respect of the profit margin, share price, dividend payout as well as CREM strategies were also extracted from SEC factbook and the annual reports of the organisations. Regression analysis was carried out to determine the level of CREM contribution to the organisations’ profit margin. The result shows that CREM contributed 15.6% and 25.7% to the profit of the organisations in 2010 and 2017 respectively. Omitting the perception of various business organisations could subject the findings of the study to bias. Further research targeted at the customers of the organisations will provide a balanced view. The findings will provide the corporate managers and policy makers with data for efficient utilisation of CRE to business performance and ultimately enhance productivity.

Senior or care homes for the elderly are a relatively new phenomenon in Nigeria, and they have not received much attention as a real estate investment option. This paper aims to examine the viability of investing in senior or care homes for the elderly in Lagos State, Nigeria. It examined the viability of the investment and the factors affecting the residence of the elderly as an investment in the area of study. Data gotten through structured questionnaire administered on four (4) investors operating facilities for the elderly in Lagos, Nigeria was analyzed using descriptive analytics (Weighted Average Scores, frequency distributions, and a graphs) and discounting viability appraisal techniques [NPV, IRR, and Profitability Index (PI)]. Factors such as affordability, Governmental and cultural factors ranked high among the major factors affecting old peoples’ home investment in the area of study. The findings further revealed that old peoples’ home is a novel, yet viable investment that require huge capital outlay, which is the reason small scale investors could not easily break into the market. As a result, government should formulate legislations that favour the growth of this industry. In addition, Prospective investors are encouraged to take advantage of this investment among other various real estate investment options.

Investors and property developers are dealing with increased vacancy because of the recent COVID-19 pandemic, which primarily hit office buildings and commercial centers in urban areas. Vacancies and increased abandonment of particular property classes are increasing at an alarming rate in both Nigeria and South Africa. The national vacancy rate, according to the South African Property Owners Association (SAPOA) in 2022 was 11.6%, with Johannesburg having the highest vacancy rate at 15.8% in the first quarter of 2021 and 19.4% in the first quarter of 2022. In Ibadan, South-West Nigeria, 20% of residential houses developed in the last 50 years remain vacant. As a result, investors and property developers are constantly looking for new uses for unoccupied properties such as office buildings and commercial spaces. The highest and best use (HBU) analysis was described in this research to solve the vacancy problem in South Africa and Nigeria. The physically achievable, appropriately supported, and economically feasible use of vacant land or improved property to produce the most benefits as well as the highest land value at any given time. This study investigates how investors and property developers might utilize the concept of HBU analysis to remodel buildings and commercial spaces to ensure that they are not only profitable but also provide optimal value to cushion the aftermath of the recent global pandemic. The paper’s key question is, “What are the best alternative uses for vacant property in the selected cities?”.

As with other public facilities, cemeteries must be maintained on a regular basis to sustain their original state and to guarantee that they continue to fulfill their intended purpose. However, urban administration in Nigeria tends to place a low premium on burial spaces, as evidenced by the dilapidated physical conditions of public cemeteries. The purpose of this research is to assess the physical and environmental aspects, as well as management procedures, of two public cemeteries in Osogbo. Primary and secondary sources of data were used in this study: cemeteries and their surrounds were visited, and data on cemetery administration were received directly from the municipal officials. The questionnaire completed by (10) cemetery staffs was examined using the Relative Important Index (RII). The findings indicate that the two cemeteries are in a neglected state; are constrained by a shortage of experienced employees, a lack of contemporary equipment and management procedures; and are virtually always overgrown, isolating them from the urban environment. Additionally, the most significant obstacles impeding good preservation practices are a lack of a maintenance culture, a lack of current equipment, poor usage of the cemetery, a shortage of experienced staff, and sabotage by third parties. The recommendations include a complete makeover of these facilities and the establishment of a modern management team tasked with the objective of developing environmentally friendly, physically appealing, and motorable cemetery.

The quality of plumbing materials in Kumasi the capital of Ashanti Region in Ghana is questionable. Plumbing fittings deteriorate quickly after installation. The study's purpose is to assess the causes of poor plumbing work in the built environment industry in Ghana. The research utilised stratified and purposive sampling methods to solicit respondents’ responses. Data were collected from 10 plumbing teachers, 40 plumbers, 15 suppliers of plumbing materials, and 20 clients through a self-completed questionnaire with a five-point Likert scale. The data were analysed with a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) at a 0.05 level of significance. A post hoc test was used to compare the significant differences that existed among the views of the stakeholders. Findings reveal that Ghana's standard board does not check the quality of plumbing materials before they arrive in the country. There is no association to monitor the inflow of inferior plumbing fittings. The study found that most plumbers are not equipped with knowledge of the basic plumbing principles of vent pipe termination requirements. Most plumbers do not know the reasons for constructing inspection chambers in drainage systems and fixing traps to the sanitary appliances. The study contributes to the literature on the causes of poor plumbing in the built environment industry in Ghana.

The growing shortage of skilled artisan in the construction industry calls for concern. This paper examines the causes of the issue with a view to provide a direction for policy makers in the industry. The research design was basically survey. It involved a 2 rounds Delphi survey among 25 selected expert in the construction industry. Data were collected by simple random sampling from 370 stakeholders in the construction industry by means of structured questionnaire. It applied descriptive statistics for the analysis of data. The essential elements are assessed and ranked according to their average ratings. The findings indicate that the primary cause of the scarcity of skilled artisans in the Nigerian construction sector is the insufficient investment in staff and manpower development, as evidenced by a mean score of 4.46. This is closely followed by a lack of interest in skill acquisition, with a mean score of 4.42.

This paper investigates the factors affecting the survival of construction businesses in Ghana, with recommendations for enhancing their continuous industry participation. The paper gauges contractors’ and professionals’ views on factors contributing to Ghana's construction business failure. It adopts a questionnaire survey distributed to contractors and industry professionals in Ghana. With an average response rate of eighty (80)%, the data was organised and analysed using mean scores of the identified variables. Paired samples T-test was also used to assess the significant difference between the two variables. Six common causes of business failure were identified: payment delays, excessive debt incurred, high charges on credit, working in unfamiliar localities, low profit margins and change in type/scope of work. It also emerged that the causes of business failure vary by the different financial classes of construction businesses operating in the industry. The study has practical, academic and policy implications for the survival and growth of construction businesses in Ghana. It is recommended that construction businesses should be strategic in selecting the type of work to undertake, the client group to work for, and the location to undertake projects. Government should expedite processes leading to establishing a Construction Industry Development Authority.

Corporate real estate is a strategic resource generally undermanaged, particularly in the global south. This study examines the current approach to corporate real estate management (CREM) within five sectors in Ghana to explore whether the approaches differ across the sectors. A questionnaire survey supplemented by semi-structured interviews and document analysis was adopted. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used to determine if opinions on corporate real estate management practice differ by manager level, years of experience, and sector. Findings reveals that CREM practice is reactive in the five sectors with none of the organizations having a CREM policy that recognizes its importance in organisational activities and provides a structured approach to its management. The CREM function is thus not well integrated into corporate activities in the five sectors. The research has found that CREM is reactive and unsystematic CREM and corporate activities in the five sectors are not well aligned from corporate managers’ point of view. It draws corporate policymakers’ attention to the defective approach to CREM and the need for change.

Facilities management arguably influences the quality of teaching and learning. In this chapter we undertake a conceptual review of the role of facilities management in the quality of teaching and learning in public universities across the world, but more specifically in Uganda. The chapter highlights the contextual and theoretical givens of quality of teaching and learning with respect to facilities management in the public university space. The review revealed a number of challenges of effective facilities management including limited funding, questionable staff practices, unaffordable maintenance costs, and delayed response times. Strategies for overcoming these challenges include upskilling administrative, support, and teaching staff to improve facilities management for fitness of purpose and hence promote the quality of teaching and learning. We argue that the quality of teaching and learning at public universities can be enhanced with better management of facilities.