Abstract:
Grade A office buildings in Bangkok are of high value because of their excellent condition, modern facilities, and effective facility management. The purpose of this study is to investigate physical condition and uses of grade A office buildings as well as recommend guidelines to help improve the facility management of fifteen commercial office buildings in the central business district of Bangkok. This study adapted multiple case study approach, using purposive sampling criteria in selecting 15 case studies in collecting data and information, semi-structured interview and documentary search were used as main methods. The findings show that the office buildings share similar policies regarding security systems, building maintenance, and quality of services, with the main focus being on building maintenance and building construction management. For service standards, customer satisfaction, security systems, and facility management, three components are considered most important - administration, management, and operations. The administration deals with policy and strategic planning, monitoring, and evaluation. The management team focuses on assigning roles and responsibilities, managing building functional areas, coordinating among different sections, outsourcing needed services and building maintenance, annual budgeting, and providing preventive maintenance services such as annual maintenance planning, facilities maintenance, and security of life and property. The operations section is concerned with the actual maintenance of the buildings, facilities, cleaning, security systems, insect control, gardens, overall landscaping, and special services upon request. Facility management can be classified into three categories: in-house management (100% or eight buildings), outsourcing management (80-90% or six buildings), and mixed management (one building). The study shows a total of three kinds of management structures and six types of facility management.