vALUe EnGiNEERinG in THe CoNsTRuCTioN iNDusTrY

Hotel Construction (Cebu)

            

           The evolution of the value engineering concept can be considered as an answer to most economic problems particularly in building construction. I agree that a number of existing construction projects carry unnecessary components because in reality, a perfect project does not exist. Therefore, it would be more beneficial if value engineering (VE) is considered at the design stage which is also emphasized in its distinction from value analysis which on the other hand, is particularly for existing products. Though most projects are subject to improvement, VE must either improve or eliminate unnecessary costs. If a construction project has already been built and subjected to VE, the application of value analysis might just be minimal.

            Identifying the functions can be done with ease but finding alternatives and/or substitutes at the lowest possible cost requires skills and expertise of a team of decision makers. The best option is the one that gives the most sensible savings yet improves or maintains the performance or the quality of the project.

            Value Engineers always prefer what is readily available and whichever costs less and thus, it avoids baffling situations and reduces stress in the workplace. Mr. Lawrence D. Miles, the father of Value Methodology, developed the concept through research. I believe that the use of a value job plan really requires the team to do research and analysis before coming up with the best decision.

In USA, VE is now employed on a mandatory basis. It’s good that the government did impose such law requiring the different industries and federal agencies to experience the good effects of VE. The inexpensive cost in implementing it and the several stories of success are enough reasons to make it compulsory. Eventually, the public will just accept it once they see the advantages.

The concept of value engineering is carried on and propagated through the professional societies. Since it should also grow with the times, members and practitioners are updated through regular conferences and publications. In this way, the dissemination of the concept and sharing of ideas, opinions and experiences become easier.

In this time of economic crises, value engineering can now be considered as a need. Samples shown in the book of Juan de Vincente illustrates a clear evidence that VE helps a lot in the cost reduction of construction projects after a methodical and rigorous functional analysis. The huge amount of savings after the inexpensive cost of implementation makes another success story worth telling to the world.

ROBINSONs-GenSan (construction phase)

Even if I am not a value analyst, I could still use the “systematic application of recognized techniques” in every decision I make from time to time. For me, as an advocate of VE, this is consistency. I’ll walk the talk and I’ll live what I teach. Someday, these learnings might give me ideas on how to deal with bigger things in the bigger world. (//_^)