A Concept: Strategic Maintenance Management for Built Facilities of Universities

Abstract

The built facilities of universities are essential facilities that are procured to support smooth administration of the primary functions of the institutions, which is the dissemination of specialist knowledge that will boost development of human capital. However, the degree of deterioration of built facilities at many educational institutions, including universities has been hinged majorly on ineffective maintenance management systems. To address problems related to ineffective maintenance systems, a strategic approach to maintenance management has been suggested by researches in the maintenance related fields both in the building construction and the manufacturing industries. This paper provides an understanding of the concept of maintenance management of built facilities using the strategic management approach. The methodology adapted for this investigation was basically an intensive literature review of related publications that underpin the theories and concepts of maintenance and strategic management. The exercise enabled an indepth understanding of the importance of strategic management principles towards achieving an effective maintenance mangement system for built facilities. The articulated concepts and principles from the existing theories of which maintenance mangement is imbedded informed the concept of strategic maintenance management which is needful for managing the esteemed built facilities of universities. The paper recommends the integration strategic maintenance management principles in the development of a maintenance management system by maintenance management unit/department of universities. Keywords: Maintenance