Introduction

In the dynamic field of facilities management (FM), strategic decision-making is crucial for ensuring that operations are efficient, cost-effective, and aligned with broader organizational goals. Facilities managers must navigate complex decisions that involve resource allocation, technology implementation, sustainability initiatives, and more. This 5-day training course equips FM professionals with the tools, frameworks, and techniques needed to make informed, strategic decisions that contribute to long-term success, enhance operational performance, and support organizational growth.

Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will:

1. Understand the principles of strategic decision-making in facilities management.
2. Learn how to assess organizational needs and priorities in relation to facilities operations.
3. Gain skills to apply analytical tools, data, and forecasting to make informed decisions.
4. Develop the ability to align facilities strategies with organizational goals.
5. Understand how to evaluate risks and opportunities in decision-making processes.

Who Should Attend?

This course is ideal for:

• Facilities Managers and Operations Leaders.
• Senior Facilities Coordinators and Supervisors.
• Facilities Project Managers.
• Strategic Planners in facilities operations.
• Professionals who are responsible for making critical decisions in facilities management.

Course Outline

Day 1: Introduction to Strategic Decision-Making in FM

• The Role of Facilities Management in Organizational Strategy
  • Understanding the strategic importance of facilities management.
  • The relationship between facilities operations and business outcomes (cost reduction, employee productivity, sustainability).
• Principles of Strategic Decision Making
  • Key decision-making models: Rational, bounded rationality, and intuitive decision-making.
  • How facilities managers contribute to organizational strategy through decisions.
• Workshop: Analyzing the strategic decisions in your current facilities operation.

Day 2: Analytical Tools for Decision Making

• Data-Driven Decision Making
  • The role of data in strategic decision-making: Financial data, energy consumption, maintenance costs, and tenant satisfaction.
  • Using Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and metrics to inform decisions.
• Cost-Benefit Analysis and Return on Investment (ROI)
  • How to apply cost-benefit analysis for capital investments, technology upgrades, and sustainability projects.
  • Calculating ROI for facilities projects and initiatives.
• Scenario Analysis and Forecasting
  • Techniques for predicting future needs and risks, using historical data and market trends.
  • The use of scenario planning in facilities management decision-making.
• Interactive Session: Performing a cost-benefit analysis for a sample facilities project.

Day 3: Risk Management and Opportunity Evaluation

• Understanding Risk in Facilities Management
  • Identifying and assessing risks: Operational, financial, technological, and environmental risks.
  • How to evaluate the potential impact of risks on facilities operations.
• Risk Mitigation Strategies
  • Developing strategies to reduce or eliminate risks in FM operations (e.g., safety protocols, emergency preparedness plans).
  • Decision-making under uncertainty and managing ambiguity.
• Seizing Opportunities
  • Identifying growth opportunities in facilities management: Sustainability initiatives, technology adoption, and optimizing space utilization.
  • The decision-making process for exploring new opportunities and innovations.
• Workshop: Risk assessment and opportunity analysis for a new facilities project.

Day 4: Aligning Facilities Strategy with Organizational Goals

• Strategic Planning in Facilities Management
  • How to develop and implement long-term facilities strategies that support organizational objectives.
  • Aligning facilities goals with corporate values (e.g., sustainability, cost reduction, employee wellness).
• Decision Making Across Different Areas of FM
  • Strategic decisions related to real estate, maintenance, energy management, technology adoption, and staffing.
  • How to balance immediate operational needs with long-term strategic goals.
• Stakeholder Management and Communication
  • Managing internal and external stakeholders in decision-making (e.g., senior management, tenants, contractors).
  • Effective communication strategies for presenting and defending strategic decisions.
• Case Study: Developing a facilities strategy that aligns with the organization’s mission and long-term goals.

Day 5: Leading Change Through Strategic Decision Making

• Change Management in Facilities Operations
  • The role of strategic decision-making in leading and managing change within facilities operations.
  • How to implement and communicate decisions that drive organizational change (e.g., new technologies, sustainability practices, space redesign).
• Performance Evaluation and Feedback
  • How to evaluate the outcomes of strategic decisions and adjust as necessary.
  • The importance of continuous improvement in facilities management.
• Ethical Decision Making
  • Navigating ethical challenges in facilities management decisions (e.g., vendor selection, sustainability practices, transparency).
• Conclusion and Certification.