Facilities

LEED accredited professionals' perceptions affecting credit point adoption : Table of Contents

Sarel Lavy, Jose L. Fernández-Solis — Sat Oct 31 08:00:32 GMT 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – Literature review indicates that Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design – Accredited Professionals (LEED APs) practicing during the first ten years of LEED in the building industry hold perceptions that have influenced the adoption of LEED. These perceptions may include that some LEED credit points are more difficult to obtain than others, LEED projects have higher first costs, and LEED projects have higher levels of complexity. The literature also indicates that the relationship between these three topics merits research attention, in an effort to discover the magnitude of those perceptions. This paper aims to address these issues. Design/methodology/approach – Both self-administered questionnaires and interviews are utilized to secure information directly from practitioners. Out of a pool of 8,000 possible interviewees, a total of 102 qualified respondents participated in the cross-sectional survey. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software is used to analyze the data derived from the survey information and to arrive at conclusions. Findings – The survey identify which LEED credit points are perceived by LEED APs as more difficult, as contributing to higher initial costs and as increasing project complexity. The conclusions indicate a trend toward a higher adoption rate of points that are perceived as having lower initial costs and a lower level of complexity. These findings are primarily due to two reasons: increased cost in managing project documentation; and increased cost in project complexity. Originality/value – The results of this study can be used by designers, construction professionals, and facility managers who are involved in new construction projects. The trends in credit point adoption, and the professionals' perceptions of their initial cost and level of complexity, may encourage others to consider using systems that introduce sustainability concepts into their design and construction process.

National standards of customer satisfaction in facilities management : Table of Contents

Matthew Tucker, Michael Pitt — Sat Oct 31 08:00:32 GMT 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the first stage of primary research undertaken to establish generic customer satisfaction benchmarks for the facilities management (FM) industry, and test whether the benchmarks can be strategically implemented into individual FM provider organisations to further enhance their existing performance measurement processes and subsequent service provision. Design/methodology/approach – The study proposes the development of a conceptual framework, the Customer Performance Measurement System (CPMS). The CPMS consists of four stages, and uses a mixed methodological strategy. This paper provides the findings from the first stage of the CPMS, to establish generic customer satisfaction benchmarks for the FM industry. This is undertaken through two annual customer satisfaction surveys in 2007 and 2008 across the UK and Ireland. Findings – The paper establishes customer satisfaction benchmarks for individual FM services. The benchmarks identify trends between key variables of criticality, efficiency and service provision, including general variables regarding the performance of the FM team delivering the services and overall satisfaction with all services provided. Research limitations/implications – The research presented forms part of a wider study testing the concept of the CPMS framework. The paper provides an overview of the wider study, while focusing on the completion of the first stage of primary research. Originality/value – Information on the application of customer satisfaction indicators within the industry is limited. This paper provides an insight into how customers perceive individual FM services within the UK and Ireland.

Workplace experience – a journey through a business park : Table of Contents

Heidi Marja Rasila, Peggie Rothe, Suvi Nenonen — Sat Oct 31 08:00:32 GMT 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – This paper aims to present a methodology for assessing end-user experiences of workplace environments and proposes an “experience sheet” as a way to illustrate the findings. Design/methodology/approach – In the theoretical part, the article combines understanding from post-occupancy evaluations in the facilities management field with service process audits in the hospitability sector. This methodology is then tested in a case environment. Findings – The findings suggest that the methodology and the experience sheet provide a usable and interesting way of assessing user experience in the workplace environment. Practical implications – This article offers an illustrative way to understand user experience in workplace environments, and through that helps in improving existing working environments and in creating new ones. Originality/value – This article combines theoretical understanding in a cross-disciplinary manner in a novel way, and through that introduces a usable method for workplace improvement for practitioners.

Indicators for evaluating environmental performance of the Hong Kong urban renewal projects : Table of Contents

Grace K.L. Lee, Edwin H.W. Chan — Sat Oct 31 08:00:32 GMT 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – This study is a follow-up to the previous studies undertaken by the authors. The paper aims to develop a set of valid and reliable performance indicators to evaluate the environmental quality of a project in order to minimise the adverse impacts of urban renewal projects on the environment. Design/methodology/approach – First, a brief introduction to the most critical environmentally sustainable factors that should be considered when planning an urban renewal project is provided. Then this study identifies criteria for the selection of indicators, and develops appropriate indicators and a corresponding points-scoring system for six major environmental design criteria through a comprehensive literature review and with the help of a number of experts from industry and academia. Findings – This study proposes a set of environmental performance indicators and a corresponding points-scoring system for the assessment model derived in a previous study. A total of 12 indicators have been developed for six design criteria (i.e. two indicators per criterion) in which both quantitative and qualitative indicators are derived, and five different scales are adopted to score individual assessment indicators. Originality/value – By developing relevant indicators, the parties concerned can easily identify whether a renewal project meets pre-determined planning initiatives and environmental objectives. Once deficiencies are noted, the relevant parties can take immediate action to rectify and refine the design accordingly. It is expected that the environmental performance of a renewal project can be evaluated effectively against the benchmarks through the assessment process.

Time-cost relationships of building construction project in Korea : Table of Contents

Long Le-Hoai, Young Dai Lee — Sat Oct 31 08:00:32 GMT 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – Time is an important factor in any project, especially in construction projects. Although using detailed scheduling techniques is unavoidable, a model to predict or benchmark time performance has interested many researchers. For an exploratory purpose, this paper aims to investigate the time-cost relationship proposed by Bromilow with data from construction projects in Korea. Design/methodology/approach – The data are collected from 34 historical building projects in Korea. Construction cost is adjusted using a building price index. Analysis is carried out on variety of project characteristics. Findings – It is shown that a time-cost relationship is applicable to the Korean construction industry. Further analysis indicates that the original Bromilow time-cost model is not the best fit regression form, and alternative models are proposed. Research limitations/implications – The data are limited to a small sample of 34 building projects. This limitation arises because of the data collection approach, which is direct contact with historical project documents supplied by construction firms. Originality/value – Models from this study can serve as a reference tool for practitioners in the early stages of building projects in Korea. The results from this study are not intended to reject or replace detailed construction scheduling techniques.