Understanding facilities management projects
Assignment Brief
UNIT 12: FM4.12: Understanding facilities management projects H/601/1716
This unit enables you to develop knowledge and understanding of project management from start to finish in a facilities management context.
|
Q1. 1.1 Explain the objectives, roles and management in facilities responsibilities of a project manager (including delivery to time, cost and quality, compliance with health & safety and environmental requirements, and communication with stakeholders). AC 1.1 |
|
|
|
Q2. 1.2 Describe the methods, tools and techniques a project manager may use to plan, monitor and manage a facilities management project (providing an overview of related techniques (e.g. Critical Path Analysis, Gantt charts), software (e.g. Microsoft Project), and process-based methodologies (e.g. PRINCE). AC 1.2 |
|
|
|
Q3. 1.3 Describe a range of projects which Facilities Managers are typically expected to organise and manage (no additional guidance). AC 1.3 |
|
|
|
Q4. 2.1 Demonstrate how to develop a project brief including aims and objectives (Achievement of this criteria should be evidenced using example/s of project/s from the learner’s own experience and/or case studies) AC 2.1 |
|
DO NOT EQUIRE THIS AS ALREADY COMPELTED |
|
Q5. 2.2 Develop and manage project programme (Achievement of this criteria should be evidenced using example/s of project/s from the learner’s own experience and/or case studies) AC 2.2 |
|
DO NOT EQUIRE THIS AS ALREADY COMPELTED |
|
Q6. 2.3 Develop and manage project budget (Achievement of this criteria should be evidenced using example/s of project/s from the learner’s own experience and/or case studies) AC 2.3 |
|
DO NOT EQUIRE THIS AS ALREADY COMPELTED |
|
Q7. 3.1 Explain how to devise, create and develop a facilities management project team capable of undertaking the tasks to successfully complete the project (including stakeholder representation) AC 3.1 |
|
|
|
Q8. 3.2 Describe the benefits of cross-functional teams in facilities management (Achievement of this criteria should be from the learner’s own experience and/or case studies.) AC 3.2 |
|
|
|
Q9. 4.1 Organise and monitor a project to meet the requirements of the project and programme (Achievement of this criteria should be evidenced using the same example/s of project/s as for the previous learning outcome.) AC 4.1 |
|
DO NOT EQUIRE THIS AS ALREADY COMPELTED |
|
Q10. 4.2 Identify the problems which a project manager may need to address and explain how to agree changes where appropriate (including problems such as changes in user specification, supplier costs, changes of business priorities, change of project personnel) AC 4.2 |
|
|
|
Q11. 4.3 Report on progress to the project sponsor and other interested parties ((Achievement of this criteria should be evidenced using the same example/s of project/s as for the previous learning outcome.)and including techniques for reporting progress, updating project timelines and budges, comparing delivery against user specifications, addressing variations) AC 4.3 |
|
DO NOT REQURE AS ALREADY COMPETED |
|
Q12. 4.4 Monitor budget (Achievement of this criteria should be evidenced using the same example/s of project/s as for the previous learning outcome.) AC 4.4 |
|
DO NOT EQUIRE THIS AS ALREADY COMPELTED |
|
Q13. 5.1 Explain how, at the end of a facilities management project, all aspects are properly completed and the project signed-off to the client. (no additional guidance). AC 5.1 |
|
|
|
Q14. 5.2 Explain how to evaluate the project and identify successes and development needs to improve future performance. (no additional guidance). AC 5.2 |
|
|
Sample Answer
Understanding Facilities Management Projects
Introduction
Facilities management (FM) projects play a central role in maintaining, improving and operating physical spaces efficiently within organisations. These projects can range from office refurbishments and maintenance upgrades to implementing sustainability initiatives. Effective project management ensures that all work is completed on time, within budget and in compliance with safety and environmental regulations. This essay discusses the objectives and responsibilities of a facilities project manager, the tools and techniques used to manage such projects, the types of FM projects undertaken, the formation of effective project teams, the benefits of cross-functional collaboration, the challenges faced by project managers, and how project completion and evaluation are carried out to improve future performance.
Objectives, Roles and Responsibilities of a Project Manager (AC 1.1)
A facilities management project manager is responsible for leading and coordinating all stages of a project, from planning to completion. Their main objectives include delivering the project on time, within budget and according to agreed quality standards. Time management involves developing a clear schedule with milestones and monitoring progress regularly. Cost control requires accurate budgeting, forecasting and managing expenses to prevent overspending. Quality management ensures that the final outcome meets both client expectations and regulatory requirements.
Health and safety compliance is another critical responsibility. The project manager must ensure that all activities follow legal and organisational safety standards, including the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015. Environmental responsibility involves promoting sustainability through energy-efficient solutions, waste reduction and use of environmentally friendly materials.
Effective communication with stakeholders is also essential. The project manager must maintain regular contact with clients, contractors, suppliers and staff to manage expectations, resolve issues and ensure transparency. According to Atkinson (1999), the “iron triangle” of time, cost and quality remains the core of project success, and it is the project manager’s role to balance these factors effectively.
Continued...
