Pass the IFMA Facility Manager CFM Questions and answers with CertsForce

A skills gap analysis (Option C) is the most effective method for developing a succession plan because it identifies competencies needed for leadership roles and helps design training programs.

Why Option C is Correct?

A skills gap analysis evaluates the current capabilities of employees and highlights areas for development.

This process helps align training programs with the competencies required for leadership positions.

IFMA’s Human Factors & Leadership Core Competency emphasizes proactive succession planning to ensure leadership continuity.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect?

Option A (Interviews about promotion interest): Interest alone does not determine readiness or capability for leadership roles.

Option B (Reviewing staff goals and objectives): While useful, this does not provide the full picture of skills deficiencies and training needs.

Performing independent audits (Option B) ensures financial transparency, accountability, and compliance with industry standards.

Why Option B is Correct?

Internal or external audits verify accuracy, compliance, and identify errors.

Maintains credibility and trust with tenants.

IFMA’s Finance & Business Core Competency highlights audits as a best practice in lease accounting.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect?

Option A: Internal checks help but do not provide independent verification.

Option C: Having a tenant’s accountant review internal records creates a conflict of interest.

The Finance and Business competency in IFMA states that effective capital budgeting requires integrated planning with facilities management.

Option C ensures Facilities’ input so that all capital requests account for total installation costs.

Option A (chargebacks) does not proactively address planning.

Option B (markups) could lead to funding discrepancies if costs fluctuate.

Option D (a fixed fund) may not align with fluctuating needs.

Facilities managers should collaborate with finance teams to incorporate these costs into all capital planning.

Capital appreciation is a primary reason to invest in real estate, as property values tend to increase over time due to:

Market demand and location benefits.

Inflation and economic growth.

Improvements and development projects that enhance property value.

Why the other options are incorrect:

(A) Sales tax advantages are not a primary investment driver.

(C) Irregular returns introduce uncertainty, which is not a strategic reason for investment.

(D) Capital depreciation occurs due to asset wear and tear but does not justify investment​.

The first step in developing a strategic facility technology plan is to conduct an assessment of existing technology to establish a baseline. This includes:

Evaluating current systems and infrastructure to identify strengths and weaknesses.

Determining gaps between current and desired capabilities.

Understanding integration challenges with future technologies.

Why the other options are incorrect:

(A) Determining employee skills comes after identifying technological needs.

(B) Reviewing corporate plans for renovations is important but does not directly address technology planning.

(C) Researching new technologies is valuable but should be done after assessing what is currently in place​.

The three Rs of sustainability (Option C) are Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle, which form the foundation of waste reduction and environmental conservation.

Why Option C is Correct?

Reduce: Minimizing resource use to decrease environmental impact.

Reuse: Repurposing items instead of discarding them.

Recycle: Processing waste into new products to prevent landfill accumulation.

IFMA’s Environmental Stewardship & Sustainability competency stresses waste reduction and sustainable facility operations as a critical FM responsibility.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect?

Option A (Reduce, remove, and replace): This does not align with sustainability principles.

Option B (Reduce, reuse, and repurpose): Repurposing is similar to reusing, but recycling is the correct third element.

An Emergency Notification System (ENS) is the best technology for emergency alerts as it:

Delivers real-time notifications via multiple channels (SMS, email, alarms, mobile apps).

Ensures rapid dissemination of critical alerts to all occupants.

Allows automated and pre-configured messaging for various emergency scenarios.

Social media (A) and email (C) lack urgency and reach in critical situations. Incident management systems (D) track incidents but are not primarily designed for mass notification​.

According to Frederick Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory, job enrichment is the most effective way to increase job satisfaction. This strategy involves:

Providing employees with meaningful work and decision-making responsibilities.

Allowing autonomy, skill variety, and opportunities for personal growth.

Why the other options are incorrect:

(A) Job simplification reduces task complexity but may lead to dissatisfaction.

(C) Job rotation increases skill variety but does not necessarily improve satisfaction.

(D) Job enlargement expands duties but may not enhance motivation​.

Adaptive change refers to modifications in policies, procedures, or behaviors in response to evolving needs. The IFMA Change Management framework highlights that policy shifts (e.g., remote work policies) exemplify adaptive change​.

Option B (New policy for working from home) is correct because it adapts organizational culture and work practices.

Option A (New product division) is a business expansion, not an internal adaptation.

Option C (Employee education) is personal growth, not organizational adaptation.

Option D (New head office construction) is a structural change, not an adaptive change.

Adaptive change typically focuses on organizational flexibility and behavioral adjustments​.

A lease with a purchase option is commonly chosen when an organization lacks the initial capital for an outright property purchase. This arrangement allows the organization to secure the use of a facility while deferring the financial burden of full ownership until later. Such an approach provides flexibility, preserves cash flow, and allows time to assess whether the location meets long-term strategic needs. Facility managers must consider factors like lease terms, maintenance obligations, and future financial impact before opting for this strategy​.