White (2015) conceptualises FM as the function that oversees, coordinates and facilitates various transport and transport related activities in an organisation.
FM underpins and supports transport related activities through the management of the assets that are used.
Throughout policy and practice, the goal of FM remains unambiguous, reducing and minimizing overall costs through maximum, cost effective utilization of resources such as vehicles, fuel, spare parts, etc.
In essence FM applies a comprehensive Min-Max Philosophy
FM stresses the importance of achieving objectives and the use of metrics to benchmark progress.
FM principles will help an organization to develop a fleet which is fit for purpose
Fleet management plans and practices should be aligned with the organizational strategic plan and objectives
The administration and financial management of fleet is very organisational specific. It largely depends on donor requirements and organisational policies. For example, in some organizations vehicles are restricted to specific projects and others utilize vehicle pools to serve multiple projects.
Driving policies can vary from a strict reliance on a dedicated driver from the organization, to using staff to drive the vehicles.
The administrative policies of the individual organization will dictate which approach will be utilized.
This results in the custodian of the fleet management functionto bevery much dependent on organizational policies and structures.
- Teacher: CLEMENCE JACOB