Facilities management has acquired greater importance with boom in retail and real estate sectors

"The facility manager's role is no longer just a maintenance job. It has a positive impact on the value of retail, commercial and residential properties as a facility manager ensures smooth running of operations to guarantee shoppers, visitors and tenants are happy with the services offered, "said Duncan Waddell, managing director, FM Intelligence Pty Ltd, Australia

The two day workshop, attended by over 40 delegates from UAE, KSA, Bahrain, Qatar and India, gave an overview of the industry with focus on building services, environmental and ecological aspects and managing contractors. Waddell discussed best practices from around the world and how it could be applied to day to day work.

"This region is an exciting market for operations and facilities managers. To make the best of it, it's important to know the best practices to increase efficiency, reduce cost and achieve expectations, "added Waddell.

The programme was offered under license by the Property Council of Australia and upon completion delegates received a Certificate of Attendance and are now eligible to enroll for a 3 day Diploma Program in Operations and Facilities Management.

Venkataraman Rajamani, building and assets manager, Dubai Festival City, who attended the workshop commented, "The programme was very useful and it gave a complete picture of operations and facilities management and how to improve contractor performance."

Omar Al Bishr, deputy general manager of MAF Shopping Malls says he gained valuable insights into occupational health and safety, environmental impacts and emergency response planning through the workshop and is now looking forward to the 3 day Diploma Program in Operations and Facilities Management to be conducted by Waddell from November 28 - 30, 2006 in Dubai.

Waddell is the Chairman of the Corporate Real Estate Committee of the Property Council of Australia and is a Life member of the Facility Management Association of Australia (FMAA) having served as a past Director and Chairman for over 10 years. He is also a Professional Member of the International Facility Management Association (IFMA USA), Board member of the International Society of Facility Executives (MIT USA) and is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.