Clive M.J. Warren

Aim, fire, aim—Project planning styles in dynamic environments

Rapidly changing environments are a newly recognized and increasing challenge in the field of project management. Traditional prescriptive approaches, oriented around process control, are considered suboptimal in meeting this challenge. In this article, the authors present an exploratory theory-building study aiming to identify the project management approaches used by experienced practitioners to respond to rapidly changing environments. The results of 37 semistructured interviews with 31 participants across 10 industries (i.e., construction, aerospace, international community development, pharmaceutical, defense, film production, start-ups, venture capital, research, and information technology) were analyzed according to the planning styles used. Results are discussed in the light of previous research, and a model for better management in rapidly changing environments is proposed.

New working practice and office space density: a comparison of Australia and the UK

The growth of facilities management has brought with it a greater emphasis on the way in which we use office space. The drive for greater economic efficiency has resulted in more intense use of offices and the introduction of new office practices. This paper compares the effect of new office practices on office densities in both Australia and the UK. Comparing the office use across a range of organisation functions and use categories, it provides a framework for future performance measures within the selected markets and wider comparison of office space globally and, as such, establishes a foundation for the development of strategic asset plans based on clear measured objectives.

The role of public sector asset managers in responding to climate change: Disaster and business continuity planning

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe the current climate change predictions and the likely consequences for building assets, and therefore the delivery of public services, in the face of extreme weather events. Public sector asset managers need to mitigate and prepare for future events. However, current practice, as illustrated by the literature, shows that little risk assessment is currently undertaken.Design/methodology/approach – This paper is based on a literature review of current climate data and best practice asset management. An extensive survey of public sector asset managers working at senior levels in their organisation was designed and distributed to gather data on the current levels of disaster and business continuity planning. The survey design sought to establish the level of risk assessment across the organisations and the integration of property management into the disaster planning process.Findings – This paper describes the current climate change predictions and the likely...

The facilities manager preparing for climate change related disaster

Purpose – Climate change is predicted to have a significant effect on the frequency of extreme weather events and the occurrence of natural disasters. There is a need for facilities managers to mitigate against potential disruption and prepare for future events. Current practice, however, as illustrated by the literature shows that little risk assessment is currently undertaken with few organisations preparing integrated disaster management plans or business continuity plans to help them meet the challenge. This paper aims to describe the current climate change predictions and the likely consequences for building assets in the face of extreme weather events.Design/methodology/approach – The paper was based on literature review of current climate change data and published research and guidance for facilities managers in preparing risk assessment and disaster plans.Findings – The research reveals that there exists a divergence between current scientific data relating to potential effects of climate change o...

Measures of environmentally sustainable development and their effect on property asset value: An Australian perspective

Purpose – The global market for sustainable buildings is growing, albeit from a slow start, as awareness of the consequences of climate change begin to influence the corporate decision makers seeking new office accommodation. Research has shown that a circle of blame has prevailed in recent times resulting in few sustainable buildings being developed. The recent growth of the Green Star and NABERS rating schemes is testament to the need to establish market recognisable measures of environmentally sustainable development (ESD) against which developers, occupiers, and owners can benchmark their sustainability credentials. The developers and owners dilemma that has emerged from the uncertainty as to what a sustainable building is, has been one of; can I afford the added cost of ESD or, more particularly, can I afford not to build ESD? A more precise question that is being asked is how many green stars do I actually need? This paper aims to examine the growth of the rating systems in Australia and the issue...

Benchmarking Corporate Real Estate: Fundamentals of Measurement

Abstract Benchmarking of corporate real estate performance is an essential tool in the efficient management of assets to support the core business. Many of the performance indicators used to measure property are based on the area of the property occupied. The disparity that exists in the methods of measuring office properties hampers the comparison of properties on a global scale. This paper explores the extent of measurement differences that exist between Australia, Europe and the UK. This paper demonstrates that differences in the methodologies applied to the measurement of office accommodation can lead to discrepancies in the range of 3% or 4% for a typical multi-tenanted office floor. This research demonstrates the need for caution in comparing benchmarks based on area and further illustrates the need for the development of a global standard for measurement.

Deconstructing the glass ceiling: gender equality in the Australian property profession

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to export the role of professional bodies within the property industry in Australia in bringing about gender equality. In particular the policy objectives of the various professional bodies is analysed and contrasted with the level of genres equality demonstrated within the governance structures of the organisations at national and regional level. Design/methodology/approach – The paper analyses the annual reports of the leading property professional bodies in Australia to identify any gender equity policy objectives and to identify the balance between male and female representation in the governing boards of the associations. Findings – The research shows that while a few organisations have made some statements regarding the need for change to a more inclusive property industry these objectives are not reflected within the governance structure of the organisations. It is therefore evident that significant attitudinal and structural change will be required to bring a...

The impacts of historic districts on residential property land values in Australia

Purpose Focusing on the externality effects of historic districts, this paper aims to assess and compare the impact of historic district designation on the value of residential vacant land property. Design/methodology/approach Hedonic regression is used to analyze data from 4,233 residential vacant site transactions to measure the influence of historic district designation on the price of residential vacant site properties. Findings Results support established theory and research on other residential property types, showing a significant and positive relationship between designation in a historic district and property prices. Residential vacant sites located in a designated historic district sold at a 10-11 per cent premium compared to similar vacant sites not located in a historic district. Originality/value This is the first empirical study of the influence of historic districts on residential vacant land property. The paper extends limited previous literature on the externality effects of historic districts through detailed analysis of a large Australian housing market (Brisbane).

Knowledge city and urban economic resilience

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the limitations and potential usefulness of a “knowledge city” concept as diversification vehicle for property investors.Design/methodology/approach – The paper first dissects the “knowledge city” concept and then investigates whether it inoculates against economic turbulence as measured by growth and jobs recovery. The paper also looks at the protection offered by middle class population growth.Findings – The idea of the “knowledge city” comes from earlier economic constructs but concentrated at the urban scale. There are two versions – a technical and one enriched with institutional and social dimensions. The limited analysis of selective secondary data suggests that “knowledge city” and strong middle class population growth provide some protection from economic and, presumably, property market instability.Research limitations/implications – Statistical limitations include arbitrary sample frames; lack of data and unclear spatial resolution, short ti...

The portrayal of Australian women in property publications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to undertake an analysis of the visual portrayal of women published in a professional journal within the built environment and to establish whether or not there is gender stereotyping through these published images. Design/methodology/approach A prominent property professional industry journal was selected for the research analysis. This journal was selected because of the national coverage within Australia and high prominence within the property industry. The analysis focused on a total of 166 pictures in the 2015 issues. The coding identified the publication year, issue number and page number of each photograph analysed and total number of pictures on each page. After this information was tabulated, each photograph was analysed using a thematic analysis approach. Findings The research identified that given the opportunity to be photographed ad hoc, women tend to take the dominant stance and yet when the pictures were posed, the women showed a tendency to adopt a submissive stance. Male images were 13.39 per cent in the dominance category indicating a higher score in comparison to females at 3.45 per cent. Practical implications Whilst it is generally accepted that there are more males in the built environment, the reality leans towards the notion that with less woman on property boards and management roles, it will be difficult to portray women in positions of authority and to balance the gender portrayal. In summary, the marginalisation of women is evident, and marketing media can be highly influential and unintentionally promote gender inequity with image portrayal. Originality/value This research provides a valuable insight on how women are portrayed in the property profession. The property industry and the professional bodies can provide an influential role to promote gender equality.