Facilities Economics: Incorporating Premises Audit's
| Type | Book, Whole |
|---|---|
| Author(s) | Bernard Williams Associates |
| Publication year | 1994 |
| Notes | ID: BERNARDWILLIAMS1994; Still probably the most comprhensive guide to every aspect of 'facilities' management from building design to coffe making and motor fleet management. The authors are clear that the Facilities Manager (in their conception) subsumes the property and premises roles, and while individual services may be contracted in organisational intelligence and sponsorship remains core. (The former at least could be challenged in 2000). Assuming a best way approach this book sets itself the ambitious task of providing it, and largely succeeds to the extent that the assumption is true. $"As yet there exists no common language between building professionals and their clients whereby the performance required of buildings can be described in terms which are exclusive of specification and design parameters" $(p.1-17) is a sentiment echoed subsequently, yet one wonders whether this book provides it.$ "Performance, in business terms means the manner or quality of functioning"$ (page 1-11). Does it? or does it mean shareholder value, profits, customer retention, knowledge etc, matters on which the book is largely silent. Their (very brief) discussion of new ways of working concentrates solely on cost savings and increased efficiency. Whole life economics does not mention income, or even staff retention (c.f. Citex, 1999). The authors are clearly aware of these issues. Indeed they are addressed briefly in the consideration of departures from zero base design proposals where the assumption is made that "current research will... make it possible as never before, to measure and value the performance of buildings". Six years on the evidence is dubious. Undoubtedly this is a towering work of reference on operational FM issues. Did it inadvertently drive the profession, in the 1990's away from the directions set by Becker and Worthington, and toward building operations and sourcing debates? |
| Volume | revised 1996 |
| Relevance to practice | Operationally high |
| Ease of application | Variable |
| Stage of application | All |
| Evidence base | Strong |
| Readability | High |
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