Facility management services (FM) have developed into a major, flourishing business sector or discipline in the past decade and still continues to grow in many countries. As an emerging discipline, it has become the focus for the important issues of best value and customer satisfaction within the management of supporting services. IFMA (International Facility Management Association) 2003 defines facility management as “a profession that encompasses multiple disciplines to ensure functionality of the built environment by integrating people, place, process and technology”. It is now accepted by governments, the business community, educationalists and researchers as an essential component of today’s business world.
The term FM is generally interpreted as “facility management” in the US, Australia and some other countries. In the UK and across much of Europe the term “facilities management” is used. There is no significant difference. However, “facility management” means the management of a facility, for example a hospital or office complex, whereas “facilities management” refers to a wider range of activities.