South african stakeholder views of the competency requirements of facilities management graduates

Abstract

The aim of this study is to evaluate South African stakeholder views of the competency requirements of graduates of facilities management programmes. The study was done using a questionnaire survey of a cross-section of professionals registered with the South African Facilities Management Association (SAFMA). The responses cover graduates’ technical, personal, interpersonal and professional skills as well as their ability to conceive, design, implement and operate business systems. Respondents also offered opinions on the degree of importance of these skills. The findings of this research will enable those designing FM degree programmes of study to ensure that their curricula are current and relevant to the needs of the relevant stakeholders within their respective contexts. The paper goes beyond previous research in the built environment in specifying the requisite proficiency levels in terms of the relevant skills and competencies.