A model for performance management in real properties using statistical techniques

Abstract

Within Real Property Portfolio Management. there is a conscious search for new methodologies to improve building management practice, particularly for facilities in use. An approach in this direction is realized by the application of Statistical Quality Control (SQC), a technique used for monitoring quality in industrial products. This thesis presents a framework for performance control of real property portfolio, based on the principle and practice of SQC. The model has three primary constituents: information, techniques and rules. The model uses data generated from building operations activity of maintenance and repair. The usage of non-monetary information to assess performance of buildings is one of the key features of this model. User generated information, such as complaints, originating from various sources within the portfolio, are used as indicators of performance. Two groups of statistical techniques are used in the model; the first uses historic operations data for designing management priorities in the building inventory, and the second utilizes data generated from current maintenance and repair activities. The rules determine the practice at different levels of the organization, with particular illustration for operations level. To understand various organizational issues brought forth by the model from the point of view of an existing facilities management organization, a case study is undertaken of the Physical Plant Department (PPD) at MIT. PPD governs the operations of MIT's academic portfolio; it is primarily engaged in providing day-to-day building services to the MIT community. The model is then tested for performance control of the roofing sub-system by utilizing the operations information collected by Physical Plant Department from 1980 through 1988. The implications of assessing building performance in "statistical terms" are enormous. This thesis is aimed at understanding various organizational pre-conditions that apply for accepting the SQC model in order to improve building management practice.