Optimizing maintenance budget allocation in higher educational institutions: a systematic review of building condition assessment and service quality

Purpose This systematic study aims to investigate the impact of BCA and SERVQUAL on the distribution of maintenance budgets in higher education institutions with the hope of providing more structured and effective guidance in building maintenance management. Design/methodology/approach This systematic review explores the integration of BCA and SERVQUAL to optimize maintenance budget allocation in HEIs. Using a rigorous PRISMA-based methodology, relevant studies from 2019–2024 were identified, screened and evaluated. Findings The review highlights that combining BCA and SERVQUAL offers a comprehensive approach to maintenance management, ensuring that budget allocations are both data-driven and aligned with technical requirements and user satisfaction. Research limitations/implications Integrating data from BCA and SERVQUAL requires a sophisticated data management system and can pose challenges, especially for organizations with limited resources. Practical implications This integration enhances strategic decision-making, leading to more efficient resource allocation and improved maintenance outcomes in HEIs. Social implications Integrating BCA and SERVQUAL into maintenance management provides building managers with comprehensive data, enabling more effective strategic planning. This ensures that maintenance budgets are allocated based on both the physical condition of the buildings and user satisfaction, leading to more targeted and efficient use of resources. Originality/value This combined assessment helps in making more informed decisions about where to allocate maintenance budgets. The combined use of these assessments helps in justifying maintenance costs more effectively, ensuring that resources are allocated based on both the condition of the facilities and the quality of services provided. The finding showed that by adopting a more structured and integrated approach using BCA and SERVQUAL, institutions can achieve more efficient allocation of maintenance budgets, ensuring that funds are directed to the areas of highest need. Enhanced transparency and systematic assessment methods contribute to better overall maintenance management, improving the safety and usability of educational facilities.