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The Neoclassical approach to analysing personal choice is compared with an approach contained in a Biblical Christian mode of analysis. This paper compares the Neoclassical and Christian positions via analysis of characteristics of the Neoclassical rational choice model. The main characteristic examined is a basic assumption of the rational choice model that human choice is explained as the optimisation of utility via rational self‐interest. The two positions are compared in terms of how they treat self‐interest and rationality, the degree to which basic assumptions about human behaviour are specified, the importance they attach to the realism of assumptions underlying their models, and the explanatory and predictive purposes for which the models are used. The conclusion of the comparison is that the Biblical Christian perspective encompasses the variables regarded as important in Neoclassical explanation, but presents them in the context of a more embracing worldview perspective than the Neoclassical. This Christian belief perspective is applicable to human behaviour in both “economic” and “non‐economic” domains.

Real estate success is frequently defined within a narrow frame: capacity, budget and time. However, setting the real estate decision within the broader context of the business ‐ leveraging the connections to do more than simply house the workforce ‐ expands the value equation. Understanding how the various components of the business interact and how the facility can help or hinder that collaboration, while remaining cognisant of one‐time and life‐cycle costs, is likely to drive more robust real estate decisions.

The issue of workplace performance is examined in the broader context of the enterprise. While organisations may be quick to acknowledge the complexity of their business, efforts to link or synchronise the ‘working parts’ often collapse in the face of ‘silo‐based’ thinking. Real estate professionals have a role in bridging this ‘effectiveness’ gap. Building a connected organisation requires the thoughtful interplay of the physical and cultural aspects of the workplace to support the constantly changing flow of people and ideas. It is the quality of the interactions ‐ of the connections ‐ that determines business success. This paper outlines action steps of varying scale, intensity and time which can be used to combat this corporate tendency toward weak ‘connectedness’.

A significant shift in the demand for buildings is under way due to IT innovations, new working practices and tightening of the environmental agenda. This is both reducing the extent and altering the nature of the demand for space. The paper explores how existing buildings may be adapted to support new needs and how new buildings may be designed to support a variety of uses and functions. It concludes that a degree of physical redundancy, use ambiguity and flexibility, within a permissive and dynamic regulatory system, could lead to a more adaptable and sustainable future for facilities, buildings and infrastructure.

Argues that measurement is the foundation of the new discipline of facilities management. Advocates increased rigour in the invention and use of measurements, greater awareness of consumers, balance between supply and demand, and making measurement data open. Offers suggestions for successful building measurements. Concludes that performance measurements are desirable not for their own sake, but because they have the power to bring about change.

Start‐up companies in particular can benefit from cloud computing services, since frequently they do not operate an internal IT infrastructure. The purpose of this paper is to present a total cost of ownership (TCO) approach for cloud computing services.

The authors applied a multi‐method approach (systematic literature review, analysis of real cloud computing services, expert interviews, case study) for the development and evaluation of a formal mathematical TCO model.

It was found that decision processes in cloud computing are conducted ad hoc and lack systematic methods. The presented method raises the awareness of indirect and hidden costs in cloud computing.

Some restrictive assumptions were made. For instance, cost types that focus on an existing internal IT infrastructure were hidden. Future research can combine risk and security aspects by means of a TCO approach. Additionally, benefits management in cloud computing is another new research field that can, for instance, be explored by means of cost‐benefit analyses.

The analysis of relevant cost types and factors of cloud computing services is an important pillar of decision making in cloud computing. The software tool allows for an easy application of the TCO model with reasonable effort.

The paper provides an evaluated mathematical model for the calculation of the TCO of cloud computing services. With this tool, decision makers are able to decide whether outsourcing into the cloud is monetarily attractive; to be more specific, whether the costs associated with cloud computing services are lower than with a pre‐existing infrastructure.

Discusses the strategic brief and its application to facilities. The briefing process is, therefore, of crucial concern to the facility manager and facility user. The traditional process begins with identifying needs of the client and user, as this is the first condition of responsible design. This is flawed, however, because of its failure to be flexible towards the needs and objectives of the client/user in the future. Mechanisms for continuous adjustment to briefing processes will need to be put in place to accommodate these objectives. Fundamental changes in the pattern of the supply side of the property market also need to be taken into account. Strategic briefing procedures would ensure future facilities are more robust to functional change and make a more responsive use of existing facilities.

To illustrate the complexity of post‐occupancy evaluation of office buildings, details the 1991 IFM competition and the FT competition for Architecture at Work. Stresses the importance of research into and knowledge of building user needs to developers and financial institutions; property professionals; and government departments. Suggests that post‐occupancy evaluation is a technique that will be increasingly applied, and it will help the profession of facilities management to become more scientific.

Portastor all‐steel security vaults — protection against fire and theft The rapid introduction of information systems into the office environment has led to a growing concern over the security of such valuable and portable elements as wordprocessors and printers. A simple, safe and relatively cheap way to protect office equipment is offered by Brovault, from Portasilo's range of security vaults, Portastor.