You have chosen ABC plc for your ongoing academic studies and met the Facilities Manager at one of its regional branches. The manager has agreed to support and mentor you for your studies, with the hope that the studies may contribute positively towards the business. At first, the manager requires you to prepare detailed notes that demonstrate your understanding of the role of facilities managers in businesses.

Assignment Brief

Unit 4.36 Managing Business Facilities

Level 4 (10 Credits)

Related Qualifications

ATHE Level 4 Diploma in Business and Administrative Management (QCF)

ATHE Level 6 Extended Diploma in Business and Administrative Management (QCF)

Scenario

ABC plc is an international business with its headquarters in the UK. The organisation has experienced strong growth in recent years. The addition of new products and services through a recent acquisition has resulted in challenging demands being placed on support functions. Significant increase in turnover has substantially out-stripped the corresponding increase in the cost of support functions. Lack of attention to these functions is now starting to impact on the rate of growth with market share now proving harder to increase.

Task 1

You have chosen ABC plc for your ongoing academic studies and met the Facilities Manager at one of its regional branches. The manager has agreed to support and mentor you for your studies, with the hope that the studies may contribute positively towards the business. At first, the manager requires you to prepare detailed notes that demonstrate your understanding of the role of facilities managers in businesses. You must cover the following in your notes:

• an explanation of the contribution facilities management makes to competitive advantage (1.1)
• an outline of the skills needed by effective facilities managers (1.4)
• an investigation of the role and responsibilities of facilities managers (1.3)

Assessment criteria (AC), 1.1, 1.3 and 1.4

Task 2

The manager is presently working on updating noticeboard information covering health and environmental issues in the organisation.  He is concerned that his knowledge is out of date and has asked you to assist by identifying the main aspects of environmental and health legislation regulating facilities management (3.1) and present your findings in a reference guide.

AC, 3.1

Task 3

In this task you are required to research other businesses with the aim of understanding the relationship of the operations function and of business ethics with facilities management in businesses. With the help of information gathered on best practices (including business ethics) in facilities management write a report which covers the following:

• explains how businesses may minimize their impact on the environment (3.2)
• examines the relationship between ethical business practice and facilities management (4.1)
• evaluates the relationship between the operations function and facilities management in businesses (1.2)..

ACs, 1.2, 3.2 and 4.1

Task 4

The efficient and cost-effective use of space is a function of facilities management[1]. Your manager has asked you to provide a worked example of planning and managing organisational accommodation. You must complete this task for a named organisation you know well. This organisation may be where you are currently employed, are on a work placement or where you study. Please check the named organisation with your tutor and then:

• analyse the relationship between business needs and space planning (2.1)
• explain identified improvements to the usage of space for your chosen organisation (2.2)
• produce a plan to manage the changes to accommodation (2.3)

ACs, 2.1, 2.2 and 2.3                         

A bibliography must be attached in a standard format.

Sample Answer

Managing Business Facilities

Assignment Submission
Organisation Chosen: ABC plc (fictional international business based in the UK)

Task 1: Understanding the Role of Facilities Managers

1.1 Contribution of Facilities Management to Competitive Advantage

Facilities management (FM) plays a crucial role in supporting business strategy and achieving competitive advantage. Here’s how:

• Cost Efficiency: Good FM practices help reduce overheads through energy efficiency, better maintenance, and optimal use of resources.

• Workplace Productivity: A clean, safe, and comfortable environment increases employee morale and productivity.

• Business Continuity: FM ensures that building services like IT, heating, and water are operational, reducing downtime.

• Sustainability: FM helps the company adopt eco-friendly policies which attract environmentally conscious customers and investors.

• Compliance: Ensures the organisation meets health and safety standards, reducing legal risks.

1.3 Role and Responsibilities of Facilities Managers

Facilities managers have a wide range of duties that support daily business operations:

• Building Maintenance: Ensuring the physical premises are in working order.

• Health & Safety: Making sure the work environment complies with health laws.

• Space Management: Planning and managing office layouts to suit business needs.

• Service Coordination: Overseeing cleaning, security, and catering contracts.

• Budgeting: Managing budgets for maintenance and renovations.

• Sustainability Planning: Reducing environmental footprint.

• Emergency Planning: Developing procedures for fire, floods, or system failures.

1.4 Skills Needed by Effective Facilities Managers

Facilities managers must possess a variety of skills:

• Communication: To work with staff, contractors, and stakeholders.

• Leadership: To manage teams and lead change.

• Organisation: To handle various tasks and schedules.

• Problem-Solving: Quickly addressing faults or safety issues.

• Technical Knowledge: Understanding building systems and regulations.

• IT Skills: Using facilities management software.

Task 2: Environmental and Health Legislation Reference Guide

3.1 Key Legislation Regulating Facilities Management

• Health and Safety at Work Act 1974: Employers must ensure safe working environments.

• The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992: Covers cleanliness, lighting, ventilation, and space requirements.

• Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) 2002: Ensures safe handling of chemicals.

• Environmental Protection Act 1990: Deals with waste management and emissions.

• Energy Performance of Buildings Regulations 2012: Requires energy certificates for buildings.

• Disability Discrimination Act 1995 / Equality Act 2010: Ensures accessibility for all individuals.

These laws guide FM teams to maintain safe, legal, and environmentally responsible workplaces.

Continued...