Classifying FM Value Positioning by Using a Product-Process Matrix

Purpose and Background: Facilities management value position is conceptualized as the relative optimal point of value delivering of facilities management (FM). This paper argues that the degree of value delivering is based on the degree of facilities product customization and complexity comparing with the type of facilities processes between FM organizations with their clients. Approach (Theory/Methodology): The paper develops the facilities product - process matrix to allow comparisons of different facilities products with facilities processes and illustrate its degree of value delivering. The building blocks of matrix are a facilities product structure and a facilities process structure. Results: A facilities product structure, characterized by degrees of facilities product customization, complexity, contingencies involved, defines four facilities product categories. A facilities process structure, characterized by levels of information, knowledge and innovation sharing, and mutual involvement, defines four facilities process types. Positions on the matrix capture the product-process interrelationships in facilities management. Practical Implications: The paper presents propositions of relating stakeholder value to positions on the facilities product and facilities process structures and on the matrix. This framework also demonstrates the illustrative applications of the matrix to examine facilities management value positions from two FM organizations within two multinational corporations: LEGO group and A.P. Moller - Maersk Group.