Critical success factors of heritage building maintenance management: An ISM-MICMAC analysis

To improve the functionality of heritage buildings, modern facility management (FM) practices have been increasingly adopted in heritage building maintenance management (HBMM). To achieve effective FM operations in HBMM, it is essential to identify the critical success factors (CSFs) and understand their relationships. Since this is an underexplored area, a study was initiated to establish a hierarchical structure of the CSFs and ascertain their influence on each other. Under the study, HBMM experts were invited to assess the interrelationships of the CSFs through an online survey. Then, an interpretative structural modeling (ISM) technique was used to establish the envisaged hierarchical structure. Finally, Matrice d'Impacts Croisés Multiplication Appliqués à un Classement (MICMAC) analysis was used to classify the CSFs into four clusters based on their dependence and driving powers. From the ISM analysis, a hierarchical structure composed of seven levels was resulted, with the CSFs at the bottom of the hierarchy belonging to the independent categories with strong driving power but weak dependence power. Achieving these CSFs, which will drive the realization of other CSFs, warrant particular attention from HBMM practitioners. With an integrated ISM – MICMAC model developed, this study contributes to knowledge by establishing the hierarchy and interactions among the CSFs. The CSFs classification also serves as a guide for HBMM practitioners in understanding the operational dynamics of the CSFs and prioritizing their importance. The approach of this study, which is novel in the HBMM research domain, also forms a fertile foundation for future studies in this field.