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Facility management in Qatar: current state, perceptions and recommendations

Zofia K. Rybkowski (Department of Construction Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA)
Mardelle M. Shepley (Department of Design and Environment Analysis, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA)
John A. Bryant (Department of Construction Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA)
Cynthia Skelhorn (Department of Sustainability, Qatar Green Building Council, Doha, Qatar)
Alex Amato (Department of Sustainability, Qatar Green Building Council, Doha, Qatar)
Saleh Kalantari (School of Design and Construction, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA)

Facilities

ISSN: 0263-2772

Article publication date: 4 April 2017

1278

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to identify the current challenges and opportunities faced by the facility managers (FMs) in Doha, Qatar.

Design/methodology/approach

Researchers queried 40 FMs about their experience working in Qatar, using interviews and workshops.

Findings

Comments gathered followed general patterns. Participants expressed appreciation for their work, but also concern about cultural challenges they faced managing facilities in the region. In general, it was agreed that the low cost of water and energy in Qatar is one of the largest obstacles to conserving resources; however, current consumption is not sustainable.

Research limitations/implications

The sensitive nature of this study made strict demands on the research team to maintain participant anonymity during data collection and reporting. This sensitivity also limited the sample size; a larger sample size for future research would support greater generalizability.

Social implications

Qatar is taking steps to reduce its per capita carbon footprint and energy use, which is among the highest in the world. However, there appears to be a disconnect between Qatar’s expressed intentions and its actions with respect to facility management. To ensure that Qatar manages resources more efficiently, participants recommended that reduced energy use standards be adopted and legally mandated. This action would address many of the challenges, incentivize increased qualifications and training of FM professionals working in Qatar and encourage improvement of the long-term performance of buildings which are energy drains and heavy contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.

Originality/value

Prior to this study, little has been published about current practices of facility management in Doha, Qatar, and the challenges and opportunities that FMs face in this region.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the NPRP award NPRP 5-1445-2-614 from the Qatar National Research Fund (a member of The Qatar Foundation). The authors also wish to acknowledge the intellectual contributions of Mr Jim Riley and Mr Les Williams, Utilities & Energy Services, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX; Mr Rodney Weis of SSC Service Solutions; Mr Danny L. Kahler, PE; and Mr Anush Neeraj for assistance in the preparation of the final document. The statements made herein are solely the responsibility of the authors.

Citation

Rybkowski, Z.K., Shepley, M.M., Bryant, J.A., Skelhorn, C., Amato, A. and Kalantari, S. (2017), "Facility management in Qatar: current state, perceptions and recommendations", Facilities, Vol. 35 No. 5/6, pp. 335-355. https://doi.org/10.1108/F-06-2016-0070

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2017, Emerald Publishing Limited

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