Process View to Innovate the Management of the Social Housing System: A Multiple Case Study

The document discusses a critical evaluation of the social housing system in Italy, focusing on its management and the need for innovation. The authors, Giovanna Mangialardi, Angelo Corallo, Mariangela Lazoi, and Barbara Scozzi, are affiliated with notable institutions, including the Polytechnic University of Bari and the University of Salento. The research is part of a special issue on Sustainable Construction Engineering and Management, published by MDPI, a publisher known for its open-access academic journals.

Social housing is recognized as a fundamental right across many countries, yet many systems face significant challenges. In Italy, a substantial portion of the public housing stock was built before modern standards for safety and energy efficiency were established, with over 60% constructed prior to 1971. The document notes that approximately 40% of public houses managed by regional agencies are over 40 years old, indicating a pressing need for restoration and improved services.

The research highlights the difficulties faced by regional public agencies in managing social housing effectively. A key issue is the lack of standardization across different agencies, which results in variations in workflows, terminologies, and technologies. Moreover, the fragmented nature of information regarding buildings complicates management and maintenance efforts. The study identifies that maintenance costs account for over 65% of total building expenses throughout their lifecycle, yet many agencies operate reactively rather than proactively due to inadequate planning.

The authors employ process theory and ambidextrous business process management to analyze the current situation. They conducted a multiple case study involving five regional agencies in Italy, where they mapped existing processes and identified critical issues. The study advocates for a shift towards a more integrated and standardized approach to managing social housing, which includes the development of a Social Housing Process Reference Model.

To address the identified issues, the study proposes the adoption of innovative solutions like Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Case-Based Reasoning (CBR). BIM facilitates the centralization of asset information, enhancing coordination among various stakeholders. Meanwhile, CBR allows agencies to leverage past experiences to inform future maintenance decisions. The proposed redesign of the maintenance process incorporates both preventive and corrective measures, aiming to streamline operations and improve overall efficiency.

The findings indicate that the adoption of process management methodologies can significantly enhance the management of social housing systems. The authors suggest that their approach, while focused on Italian agencies, has the potential to be applicable in other Mediterranean countries facing similar challenges. They call for further research to extend these findings and develop best practices that can be shared across different contexts, promoting sustainable housing solutions throughout Europe.