Certified Facility Manager (CFM) Practice Exam

Which department carries budgetary responsibility for property operation and management (POM) as well as utilities expenditures?

1. Housekeeping

2. Front desk

3. Engineering

4. Sales and marketing

The correct answer is: Engineering

The department responsible for budgetary oversight of property operation and management (POM) as well as utilities expenditures is the engineering department. This department typically encompasses facility management functions, ensuring that the infrastructure, systems, and services are efficiently maintained. Engineering plays a crucial role in managing the facility’s operational budget, committing resources for maintenance, repairs, and utilities, which are essential for the everyday functionality and compliance of the property. This oversight ensures that the facility operates within its financial means while maintaining optimal standards. The engineering department usually collaborates with other departments, such as housekeeping and front desk, to align operational needs with budget constraints. In contrast, departments like housekeeping focus specifically on cleanliness and guest satisfaction, while sales and marketing prioritize revenue generation and customer engagement, making them less involved in direct budgetary management of facility operations.