Purpose Smart visitor management systems (SVMS) are digital tools that control and monitor visitor access to enhance safety and security in complex, high-occupancy buildings. Despite increasing security demands in high-rise developments, SVMS remain underdeveloped in Sri Lanka. This study aims to investigate the key barriers to implementing SVMS in high-rise commercial buildings in Sri Lanka. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative approach was used using a multiple case study strategy. Six high-rise commercial buildings in Sri Lanka were purposively selected for in-depth investigation. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 experts, including in-house stakeholders and SVMS vendors. Data were analysed using the template analysis method to ensure reliability and credibility. Findings A total of 31 barriers were identified and categorised into five themes: technological, economical, organisational, regulatory and informational. Key barriers specific to Sri Lanka include legacy infrastructure, economic instability, limited skilled workforce, lack of regulatory environment and low awareness. These challenges reflect both global patterns and unique contextual limitations faced by the local industry. Practical implications The results assist stakeholders, building owners, property managers and policymakers in optimising visitor management, improving safety and efficiency and fostering smarter high-rise environments. Originality/value Unlike existing global studies that generalise about SVMS barriers, this research provides a contextualised analysis of the Sri Lankan high-rise sector, articulating a clear knowledge gap in the adoption of SVMS in developing countries. It bridges the gap between global smart building practices and local adoption challenges relating to SVMS, offering context-specific insights that have not been previously explored.
Purpose This study aims to facilitate the industry on their readiness for building information modelling (BIM) adoption by assessing current practices and critical success factors (CSFs) of BIM adoption in the Sarawak construction industry. Design/methodology/approach This paper used a quantitative approach using a questionnaire survey to assess the level of BIM adoption in the Sarawak construction industry by examining current BIM practices and CSF. A total of 345 responses were required, and 295 valid responses were obtained from construction industry players, resulting in a response rate of 85.5%. The data were analysed using descriptive analysis, specifically mean scores and ranking. The questionnaire comprised three sections: demographic information, current BIM practices and CSF of BIM. Findings The findings identify the highest and lowest-ranked factors for construction performance (CP) and CSF within the scope of this study. The highest-ranked CP and CSF represent the most influential elements contributing to project success in the Sarawak construction industry, while the lowest-ranked factors indicate areas with minimal impact or lower perceived importance. These results highlight priority areas for industry stakeholders to focus on, as well as aspects that may require further investigation or improvement in future studies. Research limitations/implications This study is limited to the construction industry in Sarawak, and the population size of contractors and developers was not considered in the research scope. Future studies should incorporate a broader geographical coverage across divisions and more categories of population size to enhance the reliability and generalisability of the results. Originality/value There is no study on the current practices and CSF of BIM in the Sarawak construction industry yet. The significance of this study is to close the research gap by producing and documenting both variables for Sarawak.
Purpose Long-term care homes (LCHs) are crucial in supporting older adults and promoting their health and quality of life. The supportive features in these homes often vary depending on funding sources, which directly impacts the well-being of residents in late life. This study aims to compare the evaluations from older residents regarding the supportive features in private and public LCHs and to identify the facility-related disparities. Design/methodology/approach Based on a classification of private and public funding, four LCHs were selected. Satisfaction with 23 supportive features across four domains (barrier-free, safety, aesthetics and leisure) was rated by older residents in selected homes. The variances in supportive features across home type and sex were examined using the Mann–Whitney U test and the Kruskal–Wallis test. Findings There was no significant difference between private and public LCHs for 19 features. However, those in private LCHs were more satisfied with the height of toilets, ease of opening windows and color of walls than residents of public LCHs. Conversely, public LCHs elicited higher satisfaction among older residents than private homes for their courtyards. Sex influenced satisfaction with supportive features in both homes. Originality/value The strengths and weaknesses of supportive features in two typical types of LCHs with different founding sources were identified and interpreted in relation to their operational characteristics. The context-specific findings, along with practical recommendations, provide insights into improvements in ageing-friendly environments in LCHs. These insights can inform efforts to promote environmental quality and support the health and well-being of older people.
Purpose Although seasonal homes make up a large and growing part of the built environment, facility management (FM) requirements have been neglected. This study aims to fill this critical gap, challenge the common principle that function is the agent of deterioration and explain a distinct model of stagnation-induced erosion by examining previously unknown mechanisms in intermittently occupied environments. Design/methodology/approach This study moved beyond unidimensional methods by integrating objective electricity meter data (50 cases over 12 periods) with diagnostic insights from 50 expert interviews. Using a mixed-methods design, their first quantified the “building dormancy” periods and then, using Wilcoxon non-parametric tests and thematic analysis, failure roots are distinguished from normal wear and tear. Findings The analyses revealed that seasonal downtime accelerates the deterioration of stationary infrastructure (particularly pumps and electronics) through hydraulic deposition, mechanical seising and sulphation (p < 0.001). In contrast, heavy mechanical equipment, such as elevators, showed greater longevity. Originality/value These findings provide statistical evidence that distinguishes stagnation-induced deterioration from consumptive depreciation and show that disuse is an active deterioration mechanism. This establishes a new engineering framework that necessitates a transition from reactive maintenance to mothballing strategies by prioritising service readiness in the housing-based tourism sector.
Purpose This study aims to investigate the underlying causes of the energy performance gap (BEPG) in green office buildings in Malaysia, with particular emphasis on organisational, leadership and occupant behavioural factors. It further derives practical strategies to bridge the gap based on empirical findings. Design/methodology/approach An exploratory qualitative approach was adopted using multiple case studies of ten Green Building Index (GBI)-certified office buildings. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with facilities management and energy management personnel. The data were analysed using NVivo through a three-stage coding process (open, axial and selective coding), followed by cross-case thematic analysis. Findings The findings reveal that BEPG is primarily driven by interrelated organisational, leadership, behavioural and technological factors. Key challenges include limited facilities management authority, fragmented organisational structures, budget constraints and low occupant engagement. These factors collectively constrain effective energy management practices and widen the performance gap. Practical implications Based on the findings, this study proposes a set of practical strategies, including strengthening facilities management authority, improving organisational governance, enhancing monitoring systems and promoting occupant engagement, to improve operational energy performance. Originality/value This study provides empirically grounded insights into BEPG in Malaysian green office buildings and contributes a practical strategy framework to bridge the gap between predicted and actual energy performance.
