No abstract

If you would like to write for this, or any other Emerald publication, then please use our Emerald for Authors service information about how to choose which publication to write for and submission guidelines are available for all. Please visit www.emeraldinsight.com/authors for more information. About Emerald www.emeraldinsight.comEmerald is a global publisher linking research and practice to the benefit of society. The company manages a portfolio of more than 290 journals and over 2,350 books and book series volumes, as well as providing an extensive range of online products and additional customer resources and services.Emerald is both COUNTER 4 and TRANSFER compliant. The organization is a partner of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) and also works with Portico and the LOCKSS initiative for digital archive preservation. AbstractPurpose -This paper aims to provide better understanding of the practices and experiences of facilities management (FM) in Malaysia. Design/methodology/approach -The paper discusses contemporary roles, issues and future challenges facing FM in Malaysia. It also reviews other western countries where FM is better and more effectively managed. In addition, the paper generates ideas on the future plans and strategies for the development of FM in Malaysia. Findings -The paper finds that Malaysia still lacks a maintenance and facilities culture. Many things need to be established in order to satisfy both the public and private sectors. Out-sourcing is identified as one of the best options for FM in Malaysia, which may involve more companies, with more contracts being tendered out. Originality/value -This literature review offers insight into FM in Malaysia. It is suggests that more technical expertise in this field should be encouraged in order to improve the status of FM in the country.

No abstract

It is accepted that occupants who are more satisfied with their workplace's building internal environment are more productive. The main objective of the study was to measure the occupants' level of satisfaction and the perceived importance of the design or refurbishment on office conditions. The study also attempted to determine the factors affecting the occupants' satisfaction with their building or office conditions. Post-occupancy evaluations were conducted using a structured questionnaire developed by the Built Environment Research Group at the University of Manchester, UK. Our questionnaires incorporate 22 factors relating to the internal environment and rate these in terms of "user satisfaction" and "degree of importance." The questions were modified to reflect the specific setting of the study and take into consideration the local conditions and climate in Malaysia. The overall mean satisfaction of the occupants toward their office environment was 5.35. The results were measured by a single item of overall liking of office conditions in general. Occupants were more satisfied with their state of health in the workplace, but they were extremely dissatisfied with the distance away from a window. The factor analysis divided the variables into three groups, namely intrusion, air quality, and office appearance. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was then used to determine which factor had the most significant influence on occupants' satisfaction: appearance. The findings from the study suggest that continuous improvement in aspects of the building's appearance needs to be supported with effective and comprehensive maintenance to sustain the occupants' satisfaction.

Critical Success Factors (CSF) is used to measure an organization's performance in achieving its mission. In building maintenance, CSF is important as it can identify the cause of failure as well as improving the system. The aim of this paper is to derive a generic concept of CSF in maintenance management to be used by various organizations in Malaysia. This paper reviews the current practices of maintenance management in local authorities in Malaysia. The focus is the management of maintenance including setting up an organization, policies and quality standards. The target group for sampling of data are the local authorities in Selangor. Two stages are involved in the study and this paper presents the first stage of data collection. Based on a literature review and the findings, the critical factors for success are identified. It is believed that CSF can enhance the management process and work planning, which would result in a more economic use of resources and a corresponding reduction in the total cost of maintaining buildings