Evolving Trends and Innovations in Facilities Management Within Higher Education Institutions

The increasing global influence of FM in higher education institutions (HEIs) reported in the literature necessitates a comprehensive examination of the research landscape, with emphasis on how facility management (FM) plays a crucial role in enhancing the quality of teaching, learning, and research environments. This study provides an analysis of the research landscape of FM within HEIs. Using the PRISMA approach to analyze 428 documents from the Scopus™ database, this paper employs a combination of bibliometric analysis, systematic literature review, and meta-analysis to provide a comprehensive examination of FM research trends and key themes. This study reveals a significant increase in publications in the field of FM research over the past three decades, emphasizing its growing significance in fostering efficient and sustainable learning environments. The significant role of effective FM practices in enhancing student satisfaction, academic performance, and institutional reputation was emphasized. Indoor environmental quality (IEQ) (viz., thermal comfort, air quality, lighting, and acoustics) is crucial for the well-being and productivity of building occupants. The integration of FM with building information modeling (BIM), smart campus technologies, and sustainability initiatives has improved operational efficiency and environmental sustainability. This study underscores the importance of allocating resources for facility maintenance and professional services and implementing advanced technologies and sustainable practices in FM for HEIs to create a conducive academic environment. This study provides beneficial insights for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners aiming to increase FM in higher education.