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1b Explain the HARD facility management services.

HARD Facility Management Services is a comprehensive set of services designed to manage
and maintain the physical assets of a building or facility. The acronym "HARD" stands for
Heating, Air Conditioning, Refrigeration, and Plumbing - four key areas of facility
management that are crucial to ensuring the smooth operation of a building.

HARD Facility Management Services typically include a range of services, such as:

1. HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) maintenance and repairs: This
involves regular inspection, maintenance, and repairs of HVAC systems, including
boilers, chillers, air handlers, and other related equipment.
2. Refrigeration maintenance and repairs: This involves maintaining and repairing
refrigeration systems, including commercial and industrial refrigerators, freezers, and
other related equipment.
3. Plumbing maintenance and repairs: This includes maintaining and repairing plumbing
systems, including water supply lines, drain lines, and other plumbing fixtures.
4. Electrical maintenance and repairs: This involves maintaining and repairing electrical
systems, including lighting, electrical panels, and other electrical components.
5. Building automation and control systems: This involves managing and maintaining
the building automation and control systems, including security, access control, and
energy management systems.
6. Janitorial services: This includes cleaning and maintaining the interior and exterior of
the facility, including floors, windows, and other surfaces.
7. Grounds maintenance: This includes maintaining the exterior of the facility, including
landscaping, snow removal, and other related services.

HARD Facility Management Services are typically provided by professional facility

management companies or contractors who are experienced and trained to handle the
complex and varied needs of different types of facilities. These services are designed to
ensure that a building's physical assets are well-maintained, safe, and functioning efficiently,
helping to minimize downtime, reduce operating costs, and extend the lifespan of building
equipment.

In relation to Kenya, explain the importance of

excellent facility management services.
Excellent facility management services are crucial for Kenya due to several reasons:

1. Efficient use of resources: With the help of effective facility management services, it
becomes possible to optimize the use of resources such as energy, water, and space.
This leads to cost savings and helps in conserving the environment.
2. Improved productivity: Good facility management services ensure that the working
environment is safe, clean, and comfortable. This, in turn, helps in boosting the
productivity of the employees and leads to better results for the organization.
3. Enhanced customer experience: For businesses that rely on physical spaces such as
retail stores, hotels, and restaurants, facility management services are critical in
creating a positive customer experience. A well-maintained and clean space is likely
to attract more customers and enhance their satisfaction.
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4. Compliance with regulations: The government of Kenya has regulations in place to

ensure that buildings and facilities meet certain standards of safety and environmental
sustainability. Good facility management services help in ensuring compliance with
these regulations, avoiding penalties and fines.
5. Asset protection: Proper maintenance and management of facilities help in protecting
assets such as buildings, equipment, and infrastructure from damage, wear and tear,
and obsolescence. This, in turn, leads to longer lifespans and higher returns on
investment.

Overall, excellent facility management services play a crucial role in ensuring the
sustainability and success of businesses and organizations in Kenya.

Differentiate between facility management and

property management.
Facility management and property management are two different disciplines, although they
share some similarities. The primary difference lies in their scope and focus.

Facility management primarily deals with the operation and maintenance of buildings and
other facilities. This includes everything from HVAC systems and plumbing to landscaping
and security. Facility managers are responsible for ensuring that buildings are safe, efficient,
and comfortable for their occupants. They work to ensure that the building is well-
maintained, and all the systems are running optimally to provide a comfortable and
productive environment for the occupants.

On the other hand, property management focuses more on the overall management of real
estate properties. This includes managing the finances, marketing, leasing, and tenant
relations. Property managers are responsible for ensuring that the property is generating
income, and that tenants are happy and satisfied with their living or working space. They also
handle maintenance issues and oversee any necessary repairs or renovations.

In summary, while both facility management and property management are concerned with
the upkeep and maintenance of buildings, facility management is more focused on the
physical infrastructure and systems, while property management is more concerned with the
financial and operational aspects of real estate properties.
2a. Highlight the challenges of facilities management in any country.
Facilities management, which involves the maintenance and management of physical assets
and infrastructure, can present a number of challenges in any country. Some of these
challenges include:

1. Aging infrastructure: Many countries have aging buildings and infrastructure that
require extensive maintenance and repairs. These facilities can be costly to maintain,
and may require significant upgrades to meet modern standards and regulations.
2. Budget constraints: Facilities management requires significant financial resources,
and many organizations and governments may struggle to allocate sufficient funds for
maintenance and repairs. This can lead to deferred maintenance, which can result in
costly repairs down the road.
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3. Regulatory compliance: Facilities management must comply with a range of

regulations, including health and safety, environmental, and building codes. Failure to
comply with these regulations can result in fines and other penalties.
4. Technological advancements: As technology evolves, facilities management must
keep pace with new systems and equipment. This requires ongoing training and
investment in new technologies, which can be expensive.
5. Talent management: Facilities management requires skilled personnel to manage and
maintain facilities. However, there may be a shortage of qualified workers in certain
areas, which can make it difficult to find and retain skilled employees.
6. Sustainability: Many organizations are now focusing on sustainability and
environmental responsibility, which can present challenges for facilities management.
This may involve investing in energy-efficient systems, reducing waste, and
incorporating sustainable materials into building design and maintenance.
7. Security: Facilities management must also address security concerns, including
physical security and cybersecurity. This may require implementing access control
systems, surveillance cameras, and other security measures to protect facilities and
occupants.

Overall, facilities management can be a complex and challenging field that requires ongoing
investment, skilled personnel, and compliance with a range of regulations and standards.

2b A facility manager should have certain qualities.

Discuss at least four of these qualities (8marks)
A facility manager is responsible for ensuring the efficient operation and maintenance of a
building or facility. To succeed in this role, there are certain qualities that a facility manager
should possess. Here are four key qualities:

1. Strong Communication Skills: Facility managers interact with a wide range of people,
including tenants, contractors, and senior executives. To be effective, a facility
manager must have strong communication skills, including the ability to listen
actively, ask questions, and convey complex information in a clear and concise
manner.
2. Organizational Skills: Facility managers are responsible for overseeing a range of
tasks, from managing maintenance schedules to tracking inventory and coordinating
contractors. To succeed in this role, a facility manager must have strong
organizational skills, including the ability to prioritize tasks, manage time effectively,
and keep detailed records.
3. Technical Knowledge: Facility managers must have a deep understanding of the
technical aspects of building systems, including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and fire
safety systems. This knowledge allows them to troubleshoot problems, identify
potential issues before they become critical, and work effectively with contractors and
vendors.
4. Problem-Solving Skills: Facility managers must be able to think creatively and find
solutions to complex problems. This requires the ability to analyze data, identify
patterns, and develop innovative approaches to problem-solving. Additionally, a
facility manager must be able to work under pressure and make quick decisions in
emergency situations.
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4.With regard to functions of facility management

explain at least ten (10) soft facility management
services
Facility management involves the management of a variety of services, including both hard
and soft services. Soft services typically refer to services that are less tangible or physical
than hard services, such as maintenance and repairs. Here are ten examples of soft facility
management services:

1. Cleaning services: Soft facility management services may include cleaning and
housekeeping services, such as dusting, vacuuming, and cleaning bathrooms.
2. Security services: Facility management services may include security services such as
access control, surveillance, and monitoring.
3. Waste management: Facility managers may manage waste disposal and recycling
programs, ensuring that facilities comply with environmental regulations.
4. Catering services: Soft facility management services may include the provision of
catering services for employees and visitors, such as arranging for meals or snacks.
5. Health and safety: Facility managers may be responsible for ensuring that facilities
comply with health and safety regulations, and that employees and visitors are safe.
6. Pest control: Facility management may involve managing pest control services, such
as treating infestations and implementing prevention measures.
7. Landscaping and groundskeeping: Facility management may involve maintaining
outdoor spaces, such as gardens, lawns, and trees.
8. Interior design: Facility management services may include the design and layout of
interior spaces, such as offices or lobbies.
9. Mail and courier services: Facility managers may oversee mail and courier services,
such as handling incoming and outgoing mail and packages.
10. Concierge services: Facility management may involve providing concierge services,
such as arranging transportation, booking travel, and providing other amenities to
tenants or guests.