An Investigation in Implementation of Maintenance Models in Higher Learning Institutions in Gaborone

Abstract

To investigate on the implementation of maintenance models and techniques used when executing facilities maintenance works by facility managers or external service providers' of higher learning institutions in Gaborone. The investigation was based or focused on outsourced maintenance works within identified institutions. The objectives of this study were; to find out why maintenance models are not used in higher learning institutions in Gaborone, to assess the challenges faced by maintenance personnel in carrying out maintenance models and techniques and lastly to recommend strategies that can be adopted by maintenance personnel to enhance use of maintenance models in higher learning institutions in Gaborone. In order to achieve these objectives both primary and secondary sources of data were used. Primary data was collected through the use of questionnaires from 30 facility managers, contract managers and maintenance personnel of higher learning institutions in Gaborone with a response rate of 50%. Secondary data on the other hand was collected from journal articles, published books, conference papers, periodicals and dissertations. Microsoft Excel was used to analyse and present the data. The findings revealed that the majority of maintenance personnel in higher learning institutions are aware of facilities maintenance models and techniques. The incremental budget model and Computerised Maintenance Management System (CMMS) are the models widely used in higher learning institutions in Gaborone. The Navy long range maintenance planning methodology (NLRMP) is sometimes used in learning institutions as far as maintenance is concerned. The use of maintenance models enables increased useful life or building lifespan. The main challenges which are frequently encountered in efforts of implementing facilities maintenance models are the gap between theory and practice and lack of expert engineers and specialists. Corrective and preventive maintenance is often or frequently used in tertiary institutions. The main factor causing high cost in maintenance in learning institutions is human behaviour. Unethical behaviours expressed towards institutions equipment and building users contribute towards increased maintenance costs. The implication for this study is that if maintenance models and techniques are not effectively implemented by maintenance personnel, building occupants will not be satisfied with living in the building and building's lifecycle will ultimately reduce thus affecting the productivity of employees. In addition, implementation of maintenance models in higher learning institutions will result in minimal expenditure on maintenance activities. Training maintenance personnel should be done in order to ensure that professionals are up-to-date with new technical methods of carrying out maintenance activities effectively. Property owners should be actively involved in construction of high rise buildings so that important information can be documented to eliminate the issue of facilities managers managing properties which they do not have full details about. This study has provided a context in which facilities maintenance models and techniques can be effectively implemented by facility managers during maintenance works in higher learning institutions in Gaborone.