Facility life cycles

In this paper a conceptual model for facility life cycles is developed. The model suggests that facilities exhibit a life cycle comprised of stages, each stage of a facility life cycle being characterized by several dimensions. These include throughput, costs and utilization. The factors that influence a facility’s progression through its life, controllable or uncontrollable as well as internal or external factors are discussed. Finally, a stages model is proposed and directions for future research are identified.