Facilities Management and Value Adding - The LEGO case

Purpose: To investigate how Facilities Management (FM) can add value and develop a management concept that can assist facilities managers in implementing value adding strategies and practices. Background: Earlier research has shown an increased focus on added value of FM and a FM Value Map has been developed to analyse and demonstrate the different ways FM can add value. However, there is a need to develop management tools that can be used more directly and proactively by facilities managers to implement adding value strategies and practices. Approach: The development of the concept is based on the management model for FM included in the European FM standards, recent theories on added value of FM and real estate and the related concept of Value Management from building projects. The paper outlines a preliminary theoretical based management concept, which is investigated, tested and discussed based on a case study of LEGO. Results: The study shows that the management model for FM creates a relevant starting point but also that stakeholder and relationship management is an essential aspect of Value Adding Management. The case study confirms the relevance of the basic concept and provides an important example of how Value Adding Management can be implemented and added value measured. Practical Implications: The concept of Value Adding Management is expected to increase the awareness of the impacts and strategic importance of FM for organisations and can be a practical tool for facilities managers in implementing value adding strategies and practices.