ABSTRACT
Over the years, awareness has increased on the negative
effects that human activity has on the environment. It has become evident that human
activities cannot continue as usual and it has become imperative that
government and private organisations and individuals “meet their present needs
without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs - a
concept known as sustainability. There are few studies if any that assess
whether or not the practice of facilities management in Ghana is sustainable
and why. This study therefore explores how the principles of sustainability
applied in the practice of facilities management in Ghana? The aim of this
research was to assess how the concept of sustainability has been applied in
the practice of facilities management in Ghana using the case of Broll Ghana
Limited using. Grounded on literature,a questionnaire survey was conducted among
facility officers of Broll Ghana who were purposively selected to for information
pertaining to the study. The study concludes that although there are certain
sustainable principles that are practiced with regard to Facilities management
in Broll Ghana, it cannot be said that the practice is entirely sustainable due
to a lack of knowledge of the concept and client influence on decision-making.
Consequently, the study recommends that Broll Ghana Limited develops a
sustainability agenda which should include knowledge and awareness creation
amongst relevant stakeholders as well as training.
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background Information
Over the years, awareness has increased on the negative
effects that human activity has on the environment. It has become evident that
human activities cannot continue as usual and it has become imperative that
government and private organisations and individuals “meet their present needs
without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs
(Brundtland, 1987) – a concept known as sustainability.
The modern concept of sustainability has its origins with the
United Nations 1972 Stockholm Conference where Ward and Dubos (1972) made a
presentation on Sustainable development but the Brundtland report is credited
with proliferating the concept.
Since then, the concept has gradually increased in awareness
and is a key consideration in public and private organisations across the
globe. Governments as well as the private sector are increasingly being pressed
to act sustainably.
In Ghana, as well sustainability has become a relevant
consideration in the building industry with major implications such as the
launch of the Swiss-Ghana Sustainable Public Procurement Project and the
construction of sustainable buildings such as Airport One Square and the World
Bank Head office. Often in the application of sustainability principles in the
building industry the focus is on the early life of the building (design and
construction) as these stages in the life cycle offer the greatest opportunity
for influence. However, it is also important that the stage of occupancy be
taken into account as this represents the longest of the life cycle phases.
There is the need to assess whether the management of
building facilities in Ghana during the occupancy stage is also underpinned by
the concept of sustainability.
There are few studies if any that assess whether or not the
practice of facilities management in Ghana is sustainable and why. A
sustainability assessment like a performance appraisal will evaluate whether or
not a set objective has been met and why – in this case whether an endeavour is
sustainable or not and/or the extent.
In carrying out this assessment, the study uses the case of
Broll Ghana Limited. Broll Ghana Limited is a property management company
established in Ghana in 2006. It is arguably “the first company in Ghana to
offer formalised approach to property management.” The services offered by the
organisation include commercial broking, corporate real estate services,
facilities management, property and project management, retail leasing and consulting,
residential estate management, shopping centre management and valuation and
advisory services. The organisation has received many awards and is affiliated
with CBRE, a global real estate firm. In the light of its track record as a
leading facilities management organisation in Ghana, it is selected as an
important player in the industry worth studying.
1.3 Research question
How are the principles of sustainability applied in the
practice of facilities management in Ghana?
1.4 Aim
The aim of this research was to assess how the concept of
sustainability has been applied in the practice of facilities management in
Ghana using the case of Broll Ghana Limited.
1.5 Objectives
To identify a guiding framework for sustainability assessment
of Facilities Management;
To determine the factors that influence the application of
sustainability in the practice of facilities management at Broll Ghana.
1.6 Scope/delimitation
The assessment will be limited to the facilities management
services of Broll Ghana Limited in Accra
1.7 Research Design and Method
A case study research design was used to assess how Broll
Ghana Limited applies the concept of sustainability to its facilities
management practices. This design is selected because of the need to study the
phenomenon within its context.
1.8 Significance of study
Sustainability is now significant factors when determining global
business strategy. Increasingly recognising this, organisations are changing
their values, whether by leading change or by reacting to meet their
obligations. This is evidenced by a survey of a thousand CEOs from 43 countries
by PricewaterhouseCoopers which indicated that 79% of these CEOs believe that
sustainability is vital to the profitability of any company. Sustainable
practices are profitable because they can reduce risk, make business and
consumers more efficient, and advance them technologically while reducing
environmental and social concerns. One of the areas that this responsibility is
being focused within is the FM function. FM which is traditionally tasked with
providing a facility fit for purpose is also evolving to incorporate a new environmental
and sustainability focus. To meet this challenge there is a need to understand
the technical issues involved, which can mean significant training
opportunities and the development of more sustainability focused FM
consultancies.
The study will provide a framework
for conducting assessments and also provide recommendations on how to influence
facilities management in Ghana towards more sustainable practices. With regards
to research, a majority of sustainability assessment initiatives lack
conceptual rigour and this research will seek to fill this gap by underpinning
the assessment process with a strong conceptual framework.
1.9 Structure of report
Chapter One Introduction provides an overview of the thesis
and consists of the background to the study, problem and purpose statements,
research aim and objectives, a summary of the research design and the outline
of the thesis.
Chapter Two Literature Review presents a brief history and
development of the concept of sustainability and an in-depth information on the
current knowledge existing on the concept of sustainability assessment and
procedures/method to carry out such an assessment
Chapter Three Research Method addresses the approach to the
research, method of inquiry and data collection
Chapter Four Analysis and Discussion discusses the techniques
used for analysis as well as the results obtained
Chapter Five Recommendations and Conclusions summarises the
findings that emerge from the study and the significance as well as
opportunities for future research.
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===================================================================Item Type: Ghanaian Topic | Size: 49 pages | Chapters: 1-5
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