Digital Twin in Enabling Lean Strategic Facility Management: A Preliminary Research

1.      Preliminary Research Project Title

Digital Twin in Enabling Lean Strategic Facility Management: A Framework to Lean Strategic Facility Management in Healthcare Operations in the UK

2.      Invitation

I, Alex Mbabu, a PhD researcher at the University of Salford, UK, invite you to participate in this preliminary survey. Please read the following information carefully and let me know if anything is unclear or if you require additional information. The information explains how you can contribute to the study and makes you aware of your rights as a research participant.

3.      What is the purpose of the research?

This preliminary research survey aims to test the research proposition, assess the potential of the research solution, and establish key performance measures and criteria that describe the effectiveness of the proposed framework in the main study.

4.      Why have you been chosen?

You have been chosen as a research participant as a built environment professional who has knowledge of built asset lifecycle phases and information management and can share their experiences.

5.     Do I have to participate?

Participation is completely optional. It is entirely up to you whether to participate. If you choose to participate, you will be requested to click “Agree”, which indicates that you have read and understood the information about the project and consent to participate.

If you decide to participate, you may withdraw at any time and without explanation, and your data will be erased and will not be included in the final research findings.

If you decide not to participate in the research study, please decline by clicking the “Disagree” button.

6.   What are the benefits of your participation?

By participating in this project, you are enabling us to obtain answers to assess the value of the research work and evaluate the potential of the research solution through a proposed framework in the main study.

7.     What are the possible risks of taking part?

The project proposal has been examined and approved by the University of Salford Research Governance and Ethics Committee and endorsed by the ethics procedures. A copy of the ethical approval is provided to you if you wish. There is no risk or discomfort in participating in this study. Please feel free to participate.

8.     What will happen if you participate?

You will be required to complete an approximate 10-15-minute online questionnaire with 20 main questions. You can also select to skip questions.

The survey is open until the 15th of September 2023.

You could also agree to access the preliminary research results or/and participate in the main study; please include your email address at the bottom of the questionnaire.

9.    What happens if you have any concerns?

If you have any concerns about the research or questionnaire procedure, don't hesitate to contact any research team member (see below).

10.   Will my participation in this study be treated with confidentiality?

If you agree to participate in this study, we assure you that all your information will be anonymised and securely stored, with access limited to study researchers. All information gathered will be kept confidential.

11.   What information will I be asked to provide, and why is gathering this information necessary for attaining the study project's objectives?

The questionnaire will primarily seek your input on your personal experience and perspective on facility management practice or information management. Your views and experiences are exactly what the research is looking into.

12.   What will happen to the preliminary research project's research results?

The study results will be analysed to develop a problem, justification for the main study, and recommendations for building the proposed framework. The preliminary survey results will be presented as research papers and a doctoral thesis.

13.  Contacts for further information