Aimée L Felton 2012

74 Chapter Eight Maintenance in practice Eight•One Research findings Chapter Eight - Maintenance in practice EIGHT The research objectives were to primarily identify the philosophical and practical approach of non-heritage focused organisations towards the management of their historic buildings and discover whether maintenance formed an essential component of corporate organisational goals.The balance between efficiency (an identified critical measure of performance from both reviewed academic literature and primary research) and effectiveness was also an area of great interest. Investigated through interviews, questionnaires and organisational documents, the research aim was to provide analysis and commentaries regarding the methods used, in order to suggest better practice methodologies- for the enhancement of cultural significance and fiscal efficiency. Interpretation of the questionnaires by the respondent organisations and the implied conservation principles, embedded organisational policies and cultural significance, was received and answered differently by all involved. The format of the questionnaire and breadth of questions asked produced answers for this information to be disseminated. Financial information, as suspected was difficult to access, with the majority of building managers or surveyors, stating that they had no direct involvement with the finances of the department and only used the money provided, without questioning the origins. Organisational documents in some cases discussed to great length the importance of value for money and cost control, showed no connection between financial planning and the conservation management plans. The documents received, in response to asking for a sample of the conservation plan or maintenance management plan varied from individual building reports to long and complex annual conservation plans. The building specific Aimee Felton