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Bu Jawdeh, H M (2013) Improving the integration of building design and facilities management, Unpublished PhD Thesis, School of the Built Environment, University of Salford.

  • Type: Thesis
  • Keywords: collaboration; facilities management; integration; interview; life cycle; occupancy
  • ISBN/ISSN:
  • URL: http://usir.salford.ac.uk/id/eprint/29274/
  • Abstract:
    This thesis investigates the relationship between facilities management (FM) and design on construction projects in the Middle East region. Input provided by facilities management, the party responsible for developing and maintaining a facility support services system, is found to be vital for enhancing the design’s supportive function and preventing operation problems from occurring during the occupancy phase. An extensive literature review is undertaken to study both FM and design practices, their responsibilities during a facility’s life cycle and the types of services each discipline provides. The nature of facilities management input into design is also explored. The review of literature reveals a limited integration among the facilities management and design professions, a problem mainly caused by the nature of project delivery processes that prevent external input into the design. Accordingly, the research aims of investigating integration in practice and determining the actions to be taken to improve the situation are developed. The survey method is chosen for carrying out the research, involving FM and design practitioners. Semi-structured interviews are utilised for collecting qualitative rich information on professional views and experiences. Research findings disclose the nature of the relationship between facilities managers and designers as well as the status of their current collaboration on construction projects in the Middle East. FM-related concerns occurring during the occupancy phase are identified to show the prominence of their consideration during the design stage. This research also presents the various benefits of achieving successful integration and identifies the different means which could be implemented to improve the process of integration and avoid negative consequences currently affecting facilities and their occupants.