英語(yǔ)翻譯
Abstract
Purpose – The innovation patterns and processes in facility management (FM) organizations are
crucial for the development of FM as a discipline,but they are not yet fully explored and understood.
This paper aims to clarify FM innovation from the perspective of innovation processes and the
innovativeness of FM organizations.
Design/methodology/approach – It explores the innovation patterns in FM organizations by
applying the innovation management concepts to FM practices.A sample of four FM organizations is
analyzed by means of a comparative case study approach.Based on their innovative performance,the
sample of FM organizations are divided into two groups – a group of high-performers and a group of
low-performers.The major similarities and differences in managing the innovation process between
these two groups are described.
Findings – Based on this study it is concluded that FM organizations innovate only mildly.The
innovation in FM industry is incremental due to the day-to-day nature of decision-making in FM
projects and fast changing demands and needs of the client organizations.
Research limitations/implications – Further research should concentrate on a specific type of
innovation projects,where the points of interest would be the routines followed,activities performed
and the tools used by the FM teams when carrying out the innovation projects.
Originality/value – This paper provides a different perspective on studying the innovation patterns
in FM industry.
Keywords Property management,Innovation,Service industries
Paper type Case study
1.Introduction
Facility management (FM) is growing as a business field and also as a scientific
discipline,slowly finding and anchoring its position among the organizations’ business
processes.Nowadays,dedication of FM organizations to new developments and
continuous innovation processes seems to be the way to stay in business,constantly
exceeding customers’ expectations and adding value to the core business of the client
organization.
In order to be able to compete in the changing business environment,organizations
focus on cost reductions and outsourcing of noncore activities (Hinks,2000).However,
the perception of FM as being an outsourceable noncore function may be one of the
major reasons why managers continue to overlook its strategic potential in overall
business competitiveness.