Optimising the role of facilities management in the development process: The development of FM-DP integration framework for sustainable development

The purpose of this study is to establish the critical success factors needed to optimize the integration of facilities management (FM) into the full development process (DP). This paper offers an initial finding towards development of FM-DP integration framework. An extensive literature review is provided, drawing critical links between FM, project management and property development and highlights the importance of integrating FM in the wider property life cycle. Differences in opinion with respect to the contribution of FM-DP integration to sustainable development are also highlighted. The paper found a broad understanding on the development process and different views on the most effective position of FM within the development process. FM aspects can be incorporated in four strategic areas in the development project namely the early stage (investment programme, project initiation and planning and design stage), construction stage, operation stage (after handing over and occupational) and/or can be implemented throughout development process. The proposed FM-DP framework offers a new perspective on the role of facilities management in the full development process, and its wider contribution to sustainable development. This research provides new ideas into the current views on the importance of FM-DP integration. The framework provides social implications for the consideration of FM within the property and construction industry, and considers the critical factors required to fully integrate FM within this process.