CROSS-INDUSTRY ADOPTION AND SUSTAINABILITY PRACTICES IN FACILITY MANAGEMENT

Abstract

Propelled by new technology, modern management methodologies, and sustainability movement, the facility industry has become one of the fastest growing business sectors. This dissertation conducts research on facility market growth, cross-industry learning and innovative method adoption, and sustainable facility practices. Multiple research methodologies are employed to examine six propositions. Mixed use of case studies, surveys, interviews, qualitative comparative analysis (QCA), and Grounded Theory with Pre-Post comparisons are applied to study target propositions from multiple angles, draw strengths from one methodology to offset the weaknesses of another, and deliver balanced analyses and arguments. The demands for modern facility management methods, preconditions for new practice adoptions, and risk control in project execution are discussed in reference to case studies. Importance of government involvement and the critical role of corporate policy plays in converting government efforts into results are confirmed with survey responses from industry practitioners and backed by case studies. Current challenges encountered in sustainable facility practices are discussed and the causes of these issues are investigated. Besides survey and case studies, interviews and special topic content research are conducted to explore potential solutions. The collective outcome of the research has established case-based reasoning to support each of six propositions on the determinants of project success.