Posts Tagged ‘facility management’

Is Facility Management Really That Different Between Countries?

I saw an Interesting comment about my FM Pie diagram recently. Someone from the United Kingdom made a comment that it didn’t really apply in the UK.

Given that the FM Pie included the full range of responsibilities involved in managing a building of any kind, imagine my surprise that things might be so different in the United Kingdom.

After seeing more discussions on the LinkedIn groups, I realized that there are some perceptions and preconceived notions about the differences between facilities management in various countries. The tendency is a ‘we’re different’ or perhaps even a ‘we’re better’ approach.

It’s clear to me that the basic functions of Facility Management are the same no matter where you are. The difference is sometimes are simple as the terminology that’s used or how the various roles and responsibilities are divided up between individuals within a facilities management group.

Posted by Michel Theriault Oct 13, 2011

0 Comments

Space and Occupancy Planning Tools – Do you have what you need to manage your space efficiently?

I recently had a chance to talk about space planning with David Spence from OfficeSpace at The Facilities Management Show in the UK where I was an invited speaker.

His experience confirmed my own observations – I see that for many companies, space planning in Facility Management hasn’t progressed much beyond the manual process I was using 20 years ago.

Very few Facility Managers and Office Managers seem to get the tools they need to properly manage and track space and occupancy. These tools are critical for a more efficient operation and more importantly, they are critical for collecting, analyzing and using information to make occupancy decisions that can save your company money. After all, the cost of space, whether you own it or lease it, is among the top expenses for most organizations.

Posted by Michel Theriault Jul 21, 2011

1 Comment

The Developing FM Profession: Middle East

I learned about the Middle East Facility Management Association (MEFMA) when I was in Abu Dhabi delivering a workshop on Strategic FM. (read what I said about FM in the Middle East)

At the time, I heard that they were developing a “Foundations in FM” course for local facility practitioners. Recently, they decided to provide a copy of my new book “Managing Facilities & Real Estate” to each participant in the course.

As a result, I decided to learn more about what MEFMA was trying to accomplish in the Middle East so I asked the Membership & Event Director, Sinead Bridgett, a few questions, which are answered further below.

On the subject about developing the profession, I’ve just returned from Abuja, Nigeria, where they have a strong IFMA chapter and quite a few FMP certified Facility Managers. I gave a short speech about the “Sustainable FM” at a chapter meeting and will do a future item on my trip.

Posted by Michel Theriault May 10, 2011

0 Comments

Managing To Advance Your Career In Fm – Michel Theriault Interviewed by the Editor of CFM&D Magazine

Cover - Facility Management Magazine Article - Interview of Michel Theriault In the December 2010 issue of Canadian Facility Management & Design magazine, the magazine’s editor Pamela Young interviewed me about Facility Management and about my new book “Managing Facilities & Real Estate”

Here’s how she began the article:

“Managing Facilities & Real Estate, by FM consultant and Strategic Advisor principal Michel Theriault, is hot off the presses. In a Q&A with CFM&D, Michel, a frequent contributor to this magazine, explains why his new book is controversial and how it can help facility managers kickstart their careers…”

Then, she lead me through the questions listed below.

Posted by Michel Theriault Jan 10, 2011

0 Comments

Now Available: “Managing Facilities & Real Estate” Book by Michel Theriault

My Facility Management book is now available.
It’s written for both new and experienced facility professionals, regardless of level, function or the type of facility managed, who want to leverage existing skills and advance their career with leading business practices, strategy, management and leadership in FM.

$39.95 US Soft Cover 7″x10″ 532 pages ISBN 978-0-9813374-1-8
$59.95 US Hard Cover 7″x10″ 532 pages ISBN 978-0-9813374-2-5

(Ships worldwide. Standard service up to 6 business days for NA and Europe, 12 days elsewhere. Email for other options. Corporate, Wholesale, Educator or Academic pricing also available.)