Synthesis of Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Applications in Facilities Management and Building Maintenance: Trends, Methods, and Future Research Directions

Building maintenance decisions are complex and often influenced by various factors. Multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods have been widely applied to address this complexity, yet guidance on selecting the most appropriate method for specific problems remains limited. Considering these, the purpose of this study is to provide a guidance for the nexus of MCDM methods and facilities management (FM) and building maintenance with the aim of supporting the selection of the most appropriate MCDM method for a specific problem. To achieve this, the study first offers a comprehensive overview of MCDM applications in FM and building maintenance through a systematic literature review guided by the PRISMA framework combined with scientometric analysis. This approach identifies key trends, reviews the methods most frequently employed, and outlines future research directions. From an initial pool of 4291 records retrieved from Scopus and Web of Science between 2000 and 2024, 107 studies were further analyzed. Using VOSviewer and Bibliometrix, the review maps the application of MCDM methods in FM and building maintenance over this period. As a major outcome of the study, a contextual MCDM Method Selection Matrix is developed, linking specific FM and maintenance problems to the most suitable MCDM methods. The findings reveal growing adoption of hybrid MCDM methods and highlight persistent challenges, including subjectivity, uncertainty, expert qualifications, methodological gaps, and technology integration in the decision-making process. By providing structured guidance on method selection, the contextual MCDM Method Selection Matrix supports researchers and practitioners in achieving consistent, data-driven, and context-sensitive decision-making, ultimately enhancing the longevity, efficiency, and sustainability of the built environment.