Development of a Training Curriculum in Asset and Facility Management for University Staff in China: A Needs Assessment Approach

ABSTRACT

The purposes of this research were to: (1) develop a training curriculum in asset and facility management for university staff in China, and (2) evaluate the appropriateness of the developed training curriculum. The sample for this research consisted of two phases: Phase 1 included 30 university staff members in China, and Phase 2 included 5 experts comprising 2 specialists in curriculum and instruction, 2 in measurement and evaluation, and 1 administrator in China. The research instruments consisted of: (1) a needs assessment questionnaire, (2) a draft training curriculum in asset and facility management for university staff, and (3) an evaluation form for assessing the appropriateness of the training curriculum. The data were analyzed using mean, standard deviation, and Modified Priority Needs Index (PNI_Modified) analysis. The research results revealed the following findings: (1) From the ranking of essential needs, the Priority Needs Index analysis found that the necessary competencies for Process Skills and Techniques for Asset and Facility Management include life cycle cost analysis skills, preventive maintenance planning skills, asset valuation skills, strategic asset management planning skills, and asset registry system management skills, with PNI_Modified values of 0.92, 0.74, 0.64, 0.55, and 0.53, respectively. The Basic Knowledge and Concepts of Asset and Facility Management include knowledge of trends and developments in asset management, knowledge of asset life cycle, understanding of types and classification of university assets, knowledge of principles and concepts in asset management, and understanding of facility management in universities, with PNI_Modified values of 0.92, 0.68, 0.50, 0.44, and 0.42, respectively. Both competency areas require further development through systematic training interventions. (2) The training curriculum in asset and facility management for university staff contains five essential curriculum components: principles and rationale, training objectives, content scope and training time, training approach and training activities, and measurement and evaluation. (3) The evaluation of the appropriateness of the training curriculum in asset and facility management for university staff found that the curriculum elements across seven evaluation areas were rated as "Most Appropriate," with an overall average score also rated as "Most Appropriate."