This paper aims to explore traditional FM research and potential trends.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to explore traditional FM research and potential trends.
Design/methodology/approach
This was an exploratory review of literature.
Findings
The main thrust of the argument in this paper is that FM research develops a more communicable and proven understanding of how to apply a wide spectrum of externally developed methods in unique FM settings as well as developing new methods. Second, a more robust FM knowledge base can inform designers, engineers and architects given that FMs are experts of design in use.
Research limitations/implications
This research focused on the UK, Europe, America and Australia. It does not represent a comprehensive/systematic review of the research activities occurring in FM globally.
Practical implications
Research traditionally focuses on hard FM; in contrast, FM outcomes are heavily dependent on the way end users interact with and use organisational services and equipment. This suggests that there is a gap between practice and research, and that intuitive and in-depth FM knowledge about end users has yet to be captured and formalised through research.
Social implications
Development of FM research requires uptake of contemporary research trends towards partnered research, working across disciplines.
Originality/value
Achieving a more robust FM knowledge base would help capture the wealth of knowledge that FMs have about buildings in use; this could then be used by FMs and also by designers to improve their products and services in disciplines like engineering and architecture.
Details
Keywords
Lucy Zarina Campbell, Michael Pitt and Peter Mclennan
The experiment introduces nutritional labelling, healthier products and product placement designs to the hospital vending machines, to promote healthy lifestyles.
Abstract
Purpose
The experiment introduces nutritional labelling, healthier products and product placement designs to the hospital vending machines, to promote healthy lifestyles.
Design/methodology/approach
The site where this experiment happens is a major London hospital, serving over a million patients every year. In the experiment, the hospital’s snack and drink vending machines are redesigned. The impact on product sales are then analysed using robust statistical methods.
Findings
Nutritional labelling has a statistically significant impact on product sales. Less of the unhealthiest products are sold. Healthier products and product placement designs have a larger impact but with less statistical significance. They require further testing.
Research limitations/implications
Experts in service operations can use this experiment’s regression modelling methods. The methods are ideal for measuring change over time in counting data sets in complex real world environments.
Practical implications
There are suggestions for practical vending service change in this research. They are in line and add a practical example to Government policy guidance.
Social implications
People using the redesigned vending machines have more opportunity for healthy lifestyle choices.
Originality/value
The experiment provides statistical evidence in support of catering for healthier lifestyles.