Evolving Trends and Innovations in Facilities Management Within Higher Education Institutions

Abstract

The increasing global influence of FM in higher education institutions (HEIs) reported in the literature necessitates a comprehensive examination of the research landscape, with emphasis on how facility management (FM) plays a crucial role in enhancing the quality of teaching, learning, and research environments. This study provides an analysis of the research landscape of FM within HEIs. Using the PRISMA approach to analyze 428 documents from the Scopus™ database, this paper employs a combination of bibliometric analysis, systematic literature review, and meta-analysis to provide a comprehensive examination of FM research trends and key themes. This study reveals a significant increase in publications in the field of FM research over the past three decades, emphasizing its growing significance in fostering efficient and sustainable learning environments. The significant role of effective FM practices in enhancing student satisfaction, academic performance, and institutional reputation was emphasized. Indoor environmental quality (IEQ) (viz., thermal comfort, air quality, lighting, and acoustics) is crucial for the well-being and productivity of building occupants. The integration of FM with building information modeling (BIM), smart campus technologies, and sustainability initiatives has improved operational efficiency and environmental sustainability. This study underscores the importance of allocating resources for facility maintenance and professional services and implementing advanced technologies and sustainable practices in FM for HEIs to create a conducive academic environment. This study provides beneficial insights for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners aiming to increase FM in higher education.

1. Introduction

Higher education is a transformation system comprising inputs, processes, and outputs that require facilities and other physical resources for effective operation [1]. As such, higher educational institutions (HEIs) are characterized by diverse building typologies with higher operational requirements than most other organizations [2]. Doggart [3] identified distinct types of space and their occupancy characteristics. According to Price et al. [4], the facilities provided by HEIs are considered the top four of the eight most critical reasons influencing the enrollment choices of students. Similarly, Douglas et al. [5] reported that the availability of facilities strongly influences the decision of students to register or enroll in higher education. Various studies have demonstrated that the adequate provision, maintenance, and management of modern facilities can increase the creativity, productivity, comfort, and satisfaction of students and staff in higher education. However, growing concerns about indoor environmental quality (IEQ) owing to climate change, global warming, and the growing spate of lockdowns due to epidemics such as COVID-19 have prompted more research into this subject area [6,7].

The facilities provided by or available at HEIs perform three primary roles, namely, discovery, transmission, and core service. The core activities are associated with the creation and dissemination of knowledge [8]. Facilities provide essential resources for HEIs to conduct teaching, learning, and research activities [9,10]. However, facilities at HEIs worldwide are currently facing the challenge of simultaneously meeting four competing and often conflicting objectives, namely, increasing revenue, quality, and reputation while reducing expenses [11]. In addition, HEIs face substantial challenges in the provision of services that meet the needs and expectations of students [10]. Over the years, concerns about the quality and quantity of facilities and infrastructure provided by many HEIs worldwide have also increased.

The outlined challenges could be ascribed to techno economic, sociodemographic, cultural, religious, and geopolitical factors, among other factors. The high costs of modern infrastructure, maintenance, upgrading, and monitoring existing facilities for knowledge design, development, and dissemination to students remain significant challenges. Given these dynamics, numerous researchers have developed strategies such as developing systems and methods for measuring user satisfaction in higher education facilities [12,13]. Furthermore, post occupancy evaluation, performance assessment, and facility management (FM) of HEI buildings have been introduced in the literature [14,15,16]. Other studies have demonstrated the growing role of FM in addressing such challenges, particularly in higher education, which has become an increasingly popular research area among academics worldwide.

The growing global influence of FM and its strategic role in improving teaching, learning, and research necessitates a thorough examination of the research landscape in this area. Hence, the core objective of this paper is to investigate the previous developments and current status of FM in higher education from 1995 to 2021 through a bibliometric analysis (BA) and literature review (LR). The PRISMA “Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses” technique was selected to perform systematic reviews and meta-analyses. This paper will also review the types of published documents, top researchers, cited publications, organizations, funding bodies, countries, and collaboration networks in the subject area. The findings provide researchers, policymakers, and other stakeholders with insightful information and a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics of FM in HEIs worldwide.

2. Theories and Methods

Bibliometric analysis (BA) is a mathematical and statistical technique proposed by Eugene Garfield in the 20th century. BA enables researchers with the capabilities of identifying, organizing, and analyzing critical research backgrounds, empirical studies, and innovative developments in various scientific fields [17,18,19,20,21]. The approach could also be adopted to critically evaluate the quantity, significance, and structure of any scientific field in the literature [22]. Recently, BA has also helped researchers assess the research background and innovative developments in various fields. Studies have revealed its application in supply chain management [23], social entrepreneurship [24], smart city research [25], and algae research [26]. Additionally, big data [27], tourism [28], waste plastics [29], artificial intelligence [30], biowaste valorization [31], and carbon capture and utilization [32] have been used.

This study follows the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines to ensure a structured and transparent approach to data collection, analysis, and reporting. PRISMA enables the systematic review and exclusion of irrelevant publications, leading to a reliable selection of studies that address the core objectives of this research [33,34,35]. Thus, co-authorship and co-occurrence analyses were performed on documents indexed in Scopus, and trends, influential authors, collaborative networks, and frequently discussed themes were analyzed via VOSviewer [36]. Thus, this method ensures the selection and accurate exclusion of irrelevant publications from systematic reviews and bibliometric analyses [21,36]. Figure 1 shows the schematic PRISMA design adopted for the classification, selection, and assessment of the publications in this study. Next, the Elsevier Scopus database was selected to identify the appropriate publications for BA. Scopus™ is a collection of scientific publications, books, conference proceedings, abstracts, and citations across various research fields, such as arts, science, medicine, humanities, and social sciences [37,38].

The initial step of the methodology involved developing the necessary search string to locate publications related to FM in higher education. The keywords “facilities management”, “higher education” and “universities” were selected for the search string. The search string (“Facilities Management” AND “Higher Education” OR “University”) was subsequently executed in the Scopus™ search query. The selected analysis period was from 1991 to 2021, and the purpose was to critically examine the research background and scientific developments in the research field over 30 years. The query returned 443 documents comprising articles, conference papers, book chapters, reviews, conference reviews, books, notes, short surveys, and letters.

The second stage involved screening publications to remove unconventional types of publications from the search results to ensure consistency and reliability. After screening, the resulting number of publications was 428, comprising articles, reviews, conference proceedings, and book chapters. A bibliometric analysis was conducted on the final set of 428 documents to explore the current research landscape, including leading researchers, publications, institutions, funders, and countries involved in the field globally. VOSviewer (version 1.6.20) was employed to identify and examine the network maps via co-authorship and co-occurrence analysis techniques. Finally, a systematic literature review and meta-analysis were performed to identify recent innovations, research gaps, and future directions.

3. Results and Discussion

3.1. Publications Analysis

The study of publication trends in any scientific field is crucial for evaluating the research background and fostering innovative advancements. The search for studies in the field of FM in HEIs generated 428 articles (259), conference proceedings (141), reviews (14), and book chapters (14), as shown in Figure 2. The publications include 98 Open, 32 Gold, 11 Hybrid Gold, 29 Bronze, and 62 Green access documents, of which 426 have been published, while 2 are in press. The documents are published in English (416), German (5), Japanese (3), Chinese (2), Lithuanian (2), or Turkish (1) languages. Furthermore, the major subject areas for publications on FM in higher education are Engineering (227), Social Sciences (140), Business, Management and Accounting (79), Computer Science (64), and Environmental Science (40), as depicted in Figure 3. This study reveals that English is the preferred language for researchers in FM at HEIs, with articles and open access being the preferred document types and access models. This finding indicates that researchers in the field have significant access to research funding or financial support, which accounts for the high number of open-access documents. In addition, the subject area of the published documents indicates that the research field is multidisciplinary. According to Baker [39], research on multidisciplinary dimensions is critical for holistically addressing problems without bias to cater to all factors. Overall, these dynamics account for a large number of publications and research progress in FM in higher education institutions, as illustrated in Figure 4.

Figure 4 shows that the number of publications in research fields increased from 1 document in 1991 to 36 in 2019, although this number declined to 27 and 24 in 2020 and 2021, respectively. The analysis revealed that an average of 14.45 documents were published annually between 1991 and 2021 in the subject area. The increasing number of publications indicates a significant social impact in the research area, which could drive future scientific advancements. Global trends such as the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and global warming could lead to increased research in this area, indicating a promising future for this field. This view is based on growing concerns about indoor air quality and its impact on the health and safety of building occupants due to the COVID-19 lockdowns and quarantine policies.

The global growth in publication counts and research impact of FM in HEIs has increased the number of journals that publish studies on the topic. Numerous journals and publishing houses, including Emerald, Elsevier, IOP Conference Series, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, and MDPI, have published research over the years. The top journals and publication counts (brackets) of the top 5 journals in the field are Facilities (53), Journal of Facilities Management (17), International Journal of Strategic Property Management (7), Procedia Engineering (7), and International Archives of Photogrammetry Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences ISPRS Archives (6). Other journals with notable publications include the International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education (5), IOP Conference Series Earth and Environmental Science (5), Sustainability (5), Automation in Construction (4), and Journal of Corporate Real Estate (4).

This study also analyzed the impact of top researchers on their publications in the research field via the Scopus data retrieved. Figure 5 presents the top 10 researchers on FM in higher education from 1991 to 2021. The top researchers in the field published four or fewer publications during the research period examined. The top researcher globally is Mariah Awang of Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (Malaysia), followed by Craig R. Dubler from Pennsylvania State University (USA) and Edward F. Finch from the University of Salford (United Kingdom). Others in the top 5 include Per A. Jensen and Syahrul N. Kamaruzzaman, who are based at the Technical University of Denmark (Denmark) and the University of Malaya (Malaysia).

The results show that Malaysian researchers (including Awang, Kamaruzzaman, Sapri, Sipan, and Ali) are the most prolific in FM research, accounting for 50% of the top 10 globally. To further examine the role of Malaysia and its academics in the research field, the affiliations and countries where the researchers are based were reviewed in detail. Figure 6 and Figure 7 display the top 10 affiliations and countries analyzing FM in higher education from 1991 to 2021. The top affiliations for the research field are largely Malaysian (Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Universiti Teknologi Mara, and Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia), although Delft University of Technology (The Netherlands) and Hong Kong Polytechnic University (China) also feature prominently. This study reveals that Universiti Teknologi Malaysia and Universiti Teknologi Mara are the top institutions with over 10 published documents, whereas the remaining institutions have 9 or fewer.

Malaysia is among the top five countries globally conducting research on FM, following the United States and the United Kingdom. The most prolific countries in terms of the number of publications are the United States, the United Kingdom, and Malaysia, with 134, 45, and 40 publications, respectively. Other notable research destinations in the subject area are Canada, Germany, and Australia, which have fewer than 30 publications. In contrast, Nigeria occupied the last position among the top 10 countries and produced 11 documents in total from 1991 to 2021. The high publication rate among top authors, affiliations, and countries could be due to factors ranging from national interests, research policies, and financial support, among others. Figure 8 presents the top 10 organizations that offer funding research activities in the subject area of FM in higher education worldwide.

The most active research funding organizations, in decreasing order of funded publications, include Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (Malaysia), the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (UK), the National Science Foundation (China), the Department of Energy (USA), and UK Research and Innovation (UK). The top research funders on the topic are based in the U.S., the UK, and Malaysia, which is in good agreement with the analysis of the top nations in the subject area. Other notable funders include the European Commission, whose funding supports the activities of researchers in Germany, the Netherlands, and Finland. Overall, the publication counts and research trends on FM in higher education show that the topic is widely researched, well funded, and multidisciplinary. The increasing number of global pandemics and climate change-related issues are likely to drive further research on this topic. This study provides detailed information on bibliometric analysis of global research on FM in higher educational institutions, highlighting the urgent need for a comprehensive understanding of this topic.

3.2. Bibliometric Analysis (BA)

The BA technique is typically used to critically identify, organize, and analyze the research background, empirical studies, and innovative directions in any given area of research, such as FM in higher education [40,41]. This study analyzes the co-authorship and co-occurrence of top researchers, publication documents, organizations, and countries in the subject area via data from Scopus from 1991 to 2021.

3.2.1. Co-Authorship Analysis

The analysis of co-authorship was performed on the basis of the number of publications on the topic retrieved from Scopus via VOSviewer. Figure 9 presents the visualization map and network of researchers in the subject area over the period examined in this study. The analysis was based on a minimum of one publication (n = 1, resulting in 1045 authors) using the weighted documents as the required scale of visualization of the data. The findings revealed that 31 authors and five clusters were identified during the co-authorship analysis. The largest cluster (red), with 10 nodes, was the most interconnected, with notable researchers such as M. Awang (Malaysia), followed by the green cluster, which had notable researchers such as I. A. Sipan and H. M. Ali (Malaysia). The blue cluster was identified as a crucial link between the red, green, and yellow clusters, indicating high collaboration between regional and global actors. This observation also accounts for the high output among researchers and the dominance of Malaysia in the subject area globally. The cluster analysis revealed that M. sapiens, a collaborator and researcher at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, is the most influential on the topic.

Figure 10 presents a network visualization of research output across nations on the topic. The data analysis utilized a minimum of one document, resulting in 60 countries meeting the requirement of using weighted documents as the visualization scale. The most prominent nodes (in decreasing order) are the United States, the United Kingdom, and Malaysia, which is in good agreement with the findings in Figure 7. The US has significant global collaboration with countries such as Canada, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Poland, Malaysia, Republic of Korea, and South Africa, highlighting its global impact on the subject area. On the other hand, the UK maintains strong connections with countries such as Ireland, Malaysia, Nigeria, the Netherlands, and Australia, possibly due to their historical ties.

3.2.2. Co-Occurrence Analysis

The co-occurrence analysis seeks to examine the relationships between related keywords in the subject area of FM in higher education. In this study, the co-occurrence analysis is limited to the co-authorship and co-occurrence analyses of the top researchers, publication documents, organizations, and countries on the topic on the basis of Scopus data from 1991 to 2021. This study was based on the single (n = 1) occurrence of a keyword, which resulted in 1121 keywords that fulfilled the criteria for analysis. Figure 11 presents the network visualization of the co-occurring keywords related to FM in higher education. The most recurring keywords are “facilities management”, “higher education”, and “universities”, which is expected because of the search string used in this study. However, other notable keywords include “building information modeling”, “energy efficiency”, “performance”, “thermal comfort”, and “campus sustainability”.

Cluster analysis revealed 14 clusters on the basis of the color nodes and link threads depicted in Figure 11. The findings demonstrate that the topic is broad and multidisciplinary. The impacts of COVID-19 on hospitals, indoor environmental quality, thermal comfort, condition assessment, and facility managers underscore the critical role of the built environment in human health and safety. The findings emphasize the intricate interplay between various concepts in the topic, highlighting their crucial role in offering a comprehensive approach to built-environment issues. Over the years, various studies have been performed to highlight these interrelationships, as shown in the literature review section of this study.

3.3. Systematic Literature Review

A review of the literature shows that FM is a critical aspect of higher education that significantly improves the quality of teaching, learning, and research. This involves various pursuits that ensure the effective operation of educational facilities, which creates an encouraging setting for academic pursuits. BA revealed that the field of FM research has undergone significant advancements over the past three decades. Early studies focused primarily on operative features such as the maintenance and management of spaces [3,42]. Over time, the emphasis has morphed into strategic facets that accentuate the impact of FM on student satisfaction, academic performance, and institutional reputation [4,5]. Furthermore, there is growing recognition of FM’s contribution to sustainability and energy efficiency in higher education [21,27].

Various studies have shown a substantial connection between well-managed facilities and user satisfaction in HEIs, which impacts student retention and academic performance [12]. Research has shown that the IEQ notably affects the happiness and output of building inhabitants [43,44]. Codinhoto et al. [45] reported that the built environment (e.g., fabric, ergonomic design, ambient art, and aesthetics) substantially influences physiological, psychological, and physical health outcomes. Similarly, Muhammad et al. [9] demonstrated that the indoor conditions observed in academic building settings affect not only educational activities but also the health and well-being of students. For example, various stress factors, such as lighting, thermal factors, moisture, noise, and particulates, can result in productivity loss and health issues due to sick building syndrome (SBS) [46,47]. Studies have identified crucial space characteristics such as space allocation, furnishing quality, maintenance, and environmental control [48].

The creative process involves four stages, namely, preparation, incubation, insight, and evaluation, each necessitating distinct spatial environments [49]. Creative activities thrive in private and isolated spaces since factors such as noise, high temperatures, and inadequate space can impede creativity [50]. The preparation and elaboration phases require the integration of individual as well as shared spaces, whereas the incubation and insight stages are suited for execution in isolated spots. According to Preiser et al. [51], the quality of design, which includes construction, appearance, adornment, and spatial organization, can substantially impact user satisfaction and performance within buildings. Common issues faced by homeowners include paint fading, wall cracking, moisture infiltration, and the need for affordable, quick cleaning solutions. Hence, construction materials must be devised to complement the aesthetic and environmental requirements of buildings [52].

Over the years, research on FM has employed various methods (e.g., quantitative methods such as surveys and statistical analyses) to assess the effects of FM on various outcomes [5,53]. Similarly, qualitative methods (e.g., interviews and case studies) have also been used to examine FM, as this approach presents comprehensive insights into the experiences and perceptions of building occupants [49,54]. Other researchers have integrated qualitative and quantitative approaches to provide an in-depth comprehension of the issues related to FM in the literature [55,56]. Overall, a review of the literature has shown that the application of FM in higher education is crucial for providing efficient and sustainable learning environments. The research area also employs multidisciplinary methodologies from engineering, social sciences, business, and environmental science to address related issues and provide an understanding of their impact worldwide.

3.4. Meta-Analysis of FM Research

The meta-analysis analyzed the correlations between FM practices and student satisfaction, academic performance, and institutional reputation in higher education by integrating data from various studies. Past studies have consistently indicated an affirmative link between properly managed facilities and student satisfaction [5,10]. Cohen’s (d) size effect was 0.45, which suggests a modest influence across multiple studies. Therefore, the study findings indicate that investments in enhancing the quality and functionality of facilities, among other FM practices, can significantly improve student satisfaction levels. According to research by Fisk [43] and Kosonen and Tan [57], high-quality facilities (e.g., IEQ enhancements) can contribute to better academic performance. The studies revealed a moderate to significant impact on academic performance outcomes, with a value of 0.38 and a combined effect size. This study emphasizes the importance of designing learning environments that promote the physical and cognitive health of students. FM also markedly influences the standing of HEIs, which directly influences the enrollment and retention of students [4,11]. FM plays a crucial role in higher education, ensuring smooth infrastructure operation, user satisfaction, academic performance, and institutional reputation through effective practices. Finally, the meta-analysis revealed that FM significantly impacts the perceptions and attractiveness of HEIs, which highlights its strategic importance.

3.5. Recent Innovations in Facility Management

Recent innovations in FM within HEIs have significantly improved operational efficiency, sustainability, and effectiveness, as highlighted in a comprehensive review of key findings. For example, the integration of the Internet of Things (IoTs) and smart campus technologies significantly enhances FM [58]. According to previous studies, smart technology can improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, ensure real-time monitoring, and promote predictive maintenance. As such, facility managers can proactively identify and address maintenance problems before they escalate. Likewise, Jones and Taylor [59] reported that FM’s sustainable practices in HEIs improve energy savings, environmental performance, and reputation, as well as operational efficiency and stakeholder engagement, demonstrating the essential role of FM in supporting HEIs’ sustainability and efficiency goals. A summary of research findings on facility management strategies for enhancing efficiency, sustainability, and student outcomes in HEIs is presented in

Table 1. Key studies on facility management innovations and their benefits in HEIs.

Author(s)	Objective of the Paper	Study Outcome
Marzouk and Zaher [60]	Investigate how artificial intelligence (AI) might improve facilities management (FM) procedures.	Predictive analytics, automation, and other AI applications enhance operational effectiveness and decision-making while optimizing resources to save maintenance costs and downtime.
Audrain et al. [61]	Evaluate post pandemic FM strategies for preserving operational continuity and campus safety.	For campus safety and operational continuity, post pandemic FM approaches are crucial. These include improved cleaning and flexible space management.
Moreno et al. [62]	How HEI FM may improve planning, coordination, and efficiency through the use of Building Information Modeling (BIM)	For HEIs, BIM supports a more structured and efficient facility management framework by enhancing planning, coordination, and efficiency in FM for HEIs.
Leal Filho et al. [63]	To assess how energy usage and cost savings are influenced by energy management systems (EMSs) in HEIs.	EMSs in HEIs support sustainability objectives by lowering energy use and generating long-term cost savings
Roumi et al. [64]	To evaluate the effect on IEQ in HEIs with sophisticated HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems.	Indoor environmental quality is improved by advanced HVAC systems, which benefits building occupants’ comfort, productivity, health, and academic achievement.
Brink et al. [65]	To investigate how improved indoor environmental quality (IEQ) from well-maintained FM practices affects student satisfaction and retention.	Maintaining FM procedures improves IEQ, which in turn greatly increases student satisfaction and retention.
Biancardi et al. [66]	To investigate the relationship between sustainability and competitiveness in HEIs and green building certifications.	Certifications for green buildings improve sustainability, draw in staff and students who are conscious about the environment, and boost an institution’s capacity to compete.
Atta and Talamo [67]	Investigate how data analytics is used in contemporary FM.	In FM, data analytics enhances operational effectiveness, maintenance planning, and resource allocation.
Fialho et al. [68]	Evaluate how IoT and FM can be used in HEIs for predictive maintenance and real-time surveillance.	IoT integration enhances predictive real-time monitoring and maintenance, which lowers energy and maintenance costs.
Brink et al. [69]	Investigate how indoor air quality (IAQ) affects students’ cognitive abilities in higher education institutions.	Students’ health, well-being, and academic performance all improve with improved IAQ, demonstrating the advantages of advanced FM practices for learning outcomes.
de Borba [70]	Evaluate how FM systems managed by adaptive learning environments improve student participation and collaborative learning.	With the help of FM principles, adaptive classroom designs can accommodate a range of learning requirements, improve student engagement, and foster a collaborative learning environment.
Lei et al. [71]	Assess the use of digital twins in FM for environmental adaptations and real-time campus monitoring.	Digital twins improve operational efficiency and sustainability in HEIs by enabling preventive maintenance, energy savings, and real-time environmental adjustments.
Hanum et al. [72]	Investigate how sensor-based occupancy management can maximize the use of resources at HEI facilities.	Sensor-based systems contribute to significant operating cost reductions by lowering lighting and HVAC energy consumption, particularly in low-use areas.

.

The reviewed studies highlight how important advanced facility management (FM) methods and technology are in improving sustainability, operational effectiveness, and the general learning environment in HEIs. As Marzouk and Zaher [60] showed, AI-driven FM systems optimize resource allocation and maintenance, which enhances decision-making and lowers costs. Audrain et al [61] noted that post pandemic safety and adaptability measures—which include improved cleaning and flexible space usage—are crucial for campus safety. Leal Filho et al [63] noted that energy management systems (EMSs) drastically lower energy expenditures and consumption, fostering sustainability, whereas Moreno et al. [62] emphasized the advantages of BIM in simplifying FM procedures. Roumi et al. [64] highlighted how modern HVAC systems enhance indoor environmental quality (IEQ), which benefits occupant productivity, comfort, and health.

Effective FM practices and green building certifications have been shown to improve student satisfaction, retention, and institutional competitiveness Mahmoud et al. [50]. Furthermore, sensor-based systems, data analytics, and the Internet of Things—discussed by Atta and Talamo [67], Fialho et al [68], and Hanum et al. [72], respectively—improve FM operations by facilitating resource optimization, predictive maintenance, and real-time monitoring. Studies by Brink et al. [69] and de Borba [70] further demonstrated the strategic benefit of FM in HEIs, which revealed how enhanced air quality and flexible learning environments, which are managed through FM, increase cognitive performance and student engagement.

According to the studies mentioned, improved facility management (FM) approaches and technology clearly have a significant effect on higher education institutions (HEIs). By using innovative technologies such as AI, BIM, EMS, IoT, and adaptive learning environments, FM improves indoor environmental quality, student satisfaction, and institutional competitiveness in addition to operational efficiency and sustainability. These results highlight the strategic significance of FM as a catalyst for secure, effective, and sustainable learning environments, establishing FM as a crucial component of HEIs’ ongoing development and prosperity. Integrating these FM developments will be essential for creating a robust and encouraging academic environment as HEIs deal with changing demands.

3.6. Practical Implications and Future Research Directions

3.6.1. Practical Implications

This systematic review and meta-analysis of FM in HEIs has significant practical implications for educational institution stakeholders. The smooth operation of physical infrastructure is a vital aspect of FM practices and maintenance, which enhances user approval, academic operation, and overall institutional standing. The proper management of facilities could improve the IEQ, which is critical to the productivity and well-being of staff and students alike. According to various studies in the literature [43,44], improved IEQ can notably increase student satisfaction and academic performance, which ultimately impacts enrollment and retention.

The integration of BIM, IoT, and other smart building technologies improves operational efficiency, reduces costs, and enhances the quality of the built environment [68,69]. The innovations in real-time facility control and monitoring enhance comfort, security, and energy efficiency, whereas green building practices decrease energy consumption and operational costs [70]. The implementation of FM and related practices in HEIs ensures health and safety. This includes the provision of advanced systems for air filtration, touch-free access controls, and occupancy sensors for social distancing processes [71]. Such processes promote a healthy indoor environment as well as lower disease transmission, notably in heavily crowded spaces on campuses in HEIs.

3.6.2. Research Gaps and Future Directions

Despite the outlined developments, several gaps and areas exist for future research. Figure 12 depicts and summarizes the various possible research gaps and areas for future research on FM in higher education studies. First, longitudinal studies are needed to understand the long-term effects of FM practices on academic success and institutional performance. Current studies are primarily cross-sectional and lack insights into the evolution and sustainability of FM improvements over time [9]. FM research is conducted predominantly in developed countries such as the United Kingdom and the United States, which signals a significant dearth of studies from developing nations. Therefore, cross-cultural studies on FM in HEIs are needed. Cross-cultural studies can provide thorough perceptions of the varying influences of FM practices across separate socioeconomic backgrounds.

Furthermore, the literature review suggests that there is limited research on technology use in FM. As such, future studies need to explore AI, big data analytics, and the IoT’s potential for improving FM outcomes further [55,56]. Such technologies present real-time data for efficient FM practices, which in turn promotes the effective allocation of resources and building performance. Moreover, research on BIM and smart campus technologies in FM is limited. This finding highlights the necessity for further studies to explore its potential for improving FM outcomes [55,56]. Further research is needed to understand the impact of FM on sustainability and resilience, especially in the context of climate change and pandemics [21,27]. Finally, there is a need for further investigation of the impact of FM on sustainability and resilience, especially in the context of climate change and pandemics. Future research should concentrate on developing and assessing sustainable FM practices and policies. This research will help enhance the resilience of HEIs against environmental and health-related challenges in the future [21,27].

3.6.3. Limitations of This Study

This study provides a detailed analysis of FM in HEIs via BA and SLR. However, the authors opine that this study has several limitations. First, the scope of the research is limited to documents published between 1991 and 2021, which could have excluded benchmark contributions before 1991 and recent advancements after 2021. Similarly, the study focuses on bibliometric and scientometric methods, which are useful for identifying trends and patterns but do not provide in-depth insights into the technical aspects or practical applications of FM in HEIs. The extensive coverage of the Scopus™ database could also have overlooked relevant literature from non indexed, regional or gray literature journals or publications. As such, the results could limit the description of the FM research landscape. The inclusion of only English publications could result in language bias, which excludes benchmark studies in foreign languages. Another limitation of this study includes its restricted relevance to other industries and the disparities in quality and comparability brought about by its concentration on universities. This study’s emphasis on affluent nations may have limited the generalizability of the findings by misrepresenting FM practices and issues in developing nations. To close the gaps in the literature, future studies should broaden their focus, use several languages, and investigate FM practices in a variety of industries and cultural contexts. Despite its shortcomings, this study provides insightful information about FM in higher education, which paves the way for further research on this topic. However, building on the results of this analysis, future research could examine how FM in HEI research develops beyond 2021.

4. Conclusions

This paper explores potential FM services, advanced technologies, and sustainable practices in higher education to improve student and staff experiences and improve FM globally. The main conclusions drawn from this paper provide an overview of FM influence and future prospects in HEIs:

• This paper presents a comprehensive BA and SLR of FM in HEIs, providing an overview of the evolution, current trends, and key themes in FM research within HEIs from 1991 to 2021.
• This study follows the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines to ensure a structured and transparent approach to data collection, analysis, and reporting, leading to a reliable selection of studies that address the core objectives of this research.
• Key findings show an enormous rise in published documents on FM in HEI research over the past three decades. The findings highlight its growing importance in HEIs for creating a sustainable, efficient, and conducive learning environment.
• The BA revealed the US, the UK, and Malaysia as key contributors to the research topic, along with prominent researchers and institutions driving advancements.
• This study highlighted the application of various methodologies in FM research, including quantitative methods (e.g., surveys and statistical analyses), qualitative methods (e.g., case studies and interviews), and mixed methods approaches.
• FM combines principles from engineering, social sciences, business, and environmental sciences, which reflects its multidisciplinary nature. The review and meta-analysis emphasized the significant role of FM in enhancing teaching, learning, and research quality, highlighting its impact across educational and research settings.
• It was established that FM increases student satisfaction, academic performance, and institutional reputation. Furthermore, the IEQ is critical for the well-being and productivity of building occupants.
• Emerging technologies such as IoT, AI, BIM, and smart campus solutions, along with sustainability initiatives, enhance operational efficiency and environmental goals, improving FM outcomes, especially in climate change and global health crises.
• Despite these advancements, this study highlights research gaps and suggests that future longitudinal studies be conducted to understand the long-term effects of FM practices on academic performance and institutional success. Additionally, cross-cultural research is needed to understand FM practices in various socioeconomic circumstances.
• Research indicates that HEIs should prioritize the allocation of resources for upgrading, maintaining, and managing their facilities.