CFaR Current Project Abstracts

Exploring the Feasibility of a More Flexible, Dynamic, and “Living” Master Planning Model

[CFaR043-23]
Principal Investigator:
Cameron Christensen, CEFP, FMP
Director of Asset Management
Princeton University
with co-investigator:
Jason Wang, Ph.D.
Senior Director of Physical Plant Management
California State University Northridge

Research Team:
Marion Bracy, Vice President of Facilities & Real Estate Management, Dillard University (retired)
Nick Cornier, Executive Director of Planning and Design, Tennessee State University
Nicole Friend, Director of Campus Planning, Steinberg Hart Architects
Dana K. “Deke” Smith, Partner, DKS Information Consulting
Jim Whittaker, Global Product Owner for Engineering Services, JLL

The researchers propose that the current model of the static decennial master planning process is outdated and, with the advent of IT technology, the need for continuous master planning should be reconsidered. The rapid accelerated evolution in technology, career mobility, educational pedagogy, and other factors contribute to the challenges in remaining “on plan” years after the master plan was adopted.

Is there a world in which master planning, like condition assessments, can evolve from the quinquennial or decennial exercise that has become the standard and become more like an integrated life-cycle planning process; a living process that is renewed and refreshed continually as part of the operations of the organization that never sunsets, never expires, and never approaches that evaluative horizon?

The researchers expect to confirm the hypothesis that a dynamic and “living” master planning process is possible. The key deliverable of this project will be a document detailing the findings and recommendations of the group for an integrated living master planning. The precise document has not yet been determined but will be dictated by the findings of the research. However, it is anticipated that the research will yield the ability to produce some sort of guideline, standard, or framework for living master planning for others to adopt.

Project presentations and progress reports:
The Living Facilities Master Plan: Is It Possible? – article in July/August 2022 Facilities Manager
The Living Facilities Master Plan: Is It Possible? – recorded presentation at APPA’s July 2022 Virtual Facilities Summit
The Living Facilities Master Plan: Is It Possible? – slides from presentation at ERAPPA’s September 2022 annual conference
APPA CFaR Project: Dynamic Facilities Planning – slides from presentation at APPA’s April 2024 Spring Conference

Planned Preventive Maintenance – Decision Support System

[CFaR040-19]
Principal Investigator:
Theodore J. Weidner, Ph.D., P.E., AIA, DBIA, CEFP, APPA Fellow
Professor of Engineering Practice
Division of Construction Engineering & Management
Purdue University
with:
Soojin Yoon, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Construction Engineering Technology
Oklahoma State University

Preventive maintenance is an important and yet little-studied area of facility engineering. It is unclear if preventive maintenance does what the name suggests (prevent future maintenance) or whether it is just a way to keep maintenance employees busy. It is necessary to analyze data from facility maintenance records to determine the efficacy of preventive maintenance and to determine if there is benefit either through reduced annual costs, increased component/system life, or a combination of the two. Utilizing the data from higher education facility maintenance organizations may provide an answer.
Click here to participate in the research.

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