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New common floor area measurement definitions
Pinning down area measurements can be a challenge – but a new report outlines standards that can take the guesswork out of the process.

Viewpoint: Facility Management as a New Strategic Initiative
by David A. Henrichon, MS, FMA, CPE, FMP - Having delivered facility management certification training to national and international audiences, I have heard all of the war stories. To no one’s surprise, the situation is the same the world over. Funds are limited.  Projects are due yesterday. Energy expense, indeed all expense line items must be managed down, year after year.  Some of the attendees are looking to gain insight into the world of the facility manager, or to more finely tune their sales pitch when dealing with the FM. 

IFMA renews commitment to Strategic Facility Planning
by Eileen McMorrow - While facilities managers are adept at practicing strategic planning, the International Facility Management Association (IFMA) is revisiting the concept and the condition of Strategic Planning by elevating its importance as a professional undertaking and its impact on the profession and the corporation or organization.

Uniformity is a Key to Sound Masking Systems
by Jodi Jacobs - In business we need to be able to communicate, and this communication creates noise and noisy offices can be distracting and unproductive.  As our office environments must often support both heads down work and interaction simultaneously we must incorporate acoustical and design solutions to make this possible.

Practical Advice for Consolidating Assets in M & A Growth Strategies .
by Ray Summerell - One of the first realities facing companies involved in a merger and acquisition (M&A) growth strategy is that they suddenly have two of everything. Two IT infrastructures, two headquarters campuses, two sets of regional offices—combined with possible redundancy in manpower, this duplication can create an unnecessary drain on finances.

Americans & Europeans Feel Well-Paid...and Like the Boss
ROCHESTER, N.Y. –A new International Herald Tribune/France 24/Harris Interactive survey finds that, overall, in the United States and the five largest European countries, people are mostly satisfied with their jobs. At least two-thirds of each country’s workers say they are satisfied, with Italy having the lowest satisfaction numbers (67%) and Spain the highest (83%), according to Harris Interactive. 

Construction Management: Be in the Know
by Jerry Kingwill - Construction is a major responsibility of facilities management. One way to ensure successful construction projects is to work with a highly competent construction manager.

Avoiding Flooring Failure—Insist on Moisture Testing
by Terry Nali, Coordinator, INSTALL Twin Cities and IFMA MSP Member - A common phrase in the commercial flooring industry is: The most beautiful flooring in the world is useless if not installed properly. An additional caveat: A properly installed floor will probably fail if excessive moisture is present in the substrate.

Study Reveals Benefits of Managing Real Estate & FM Spending
by Beth Leibson Hawkins - Real estate and facilities lifecycle management solutions can cut costs while establishing significant process efficiencies, according to a new study published by Aberdeen, a Boston-based Harte-Hanks Company.

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