Space Management: A Study on Space Usage Level in Higher Education Institutions

Abstract According to Archibus (1987), space management is to effectively manage the space to reduce the cost of wasted space and optimize the use of space. Nowadays, research on space management plays an important role to ensure the related organization will achieve the target of its business goal. The optimization of space management contributes to the efficiency and success of most organizations. The importance of the costs to build and acquire, to maintain and use should not be taken frivolous. In fact, the expenses associated with the space are the second highest cost after staff salary in higher education institutions. Subsequently, a study on space management especially in higher educational institutions is highly critical more than other organizations. The purpose of this paper is to identify the level of space usage in UTHM as a case study . The study specifically took place at the actual lecture room usage against the students’ time table which was made available by the Academic Management Office of the university (audit). Interview of space user (person in charge) that represents UTHM in higher education institutions has been conducted to find out the level of space usage. The result is differentiation of audit and qualitative use to analyze the level of space usage. The aim is to see if the user use the space efficiently compared to the audit method. To overcome the problem, the space charging model will be suggested as a management tool for the space management. The Space Charging technique will foster attentiveness of the costs of space and eradicate a culture which sees space as free good. Noted that the space management for institute of higher education are very critical and therefore, space and facilities management have to be the main agenda and need to be managed efficiently and appreciated wisely.