MEeT LAwREnCE..

            Lawrence Delos Miles’s life exemplifies dedication and perseverance. With parents who are both connected with the academe, learning and discovering new things must have been inculcated in his mind. His parents might be very busy in their jobs and his independence might have developed his capacity to be creative and innovative.

His choice to become a teacher and principal let him shared his knowledge and experiences to his students. It symbolizes his willingness to impart himself through teaching. His experience as an assistant cashier and teller in a bank probably made him realize the importance or the value of money because I think learning through experience is more effective. Just like any new graduate, during that time maybe he was still gathering experiences and looking for a career where his passion can really be applied.

            When he became a Design Engineer of General Electric (GE), the twelve (12) patented designs on vacuum tube and related designs for just a period of six years showed his exceptional skills in inventing and in designing. If he hadn’t proven himself, I guess Mr. Winne and Mr. Du Chemin would not have trusted him and his ideas on the value analysis concept.

            His position as a Purchase Engineer in the same company helped him in formulating the “function approach” for GE to improve cost and productivity. He did his job, came up with a brighter idea, shared his newly found knowledge, put it into writing, and so, his efforts were properly acknowledged. Quoted from the movie, 3 Idiots, Mr. Miles didn’t run for success. He just did his best in his line of expertise and success did run after him. For me, it was not luck at all, but a fruit of his labour and commitment to change the perception of industry leaders towards value in business. The functional approach of value analysis might have also changed the attitudes of those trained and influenced by Mr. Miles. He became even more successful when he authored books on Value Analysis and Value Engineering. Not only did he learn from his experiences but he made use of those experiences in a right way.

             The numerous awards he received were concrete proofs that testified his credibility in the world of value engineering. One attitude I have observed in Mr. Miles is his selflessness in sharing what he knows about Value Engineering and its process. He was more than willing to spend time and accept all invitations he received. The gratitude of the several organizations was given back to him through acknowledgements and rewards. If it had not been because of his support, the value engineering societies might not have been organized and gave birth to another similar society having the same goals. To some people, he was like a long-awaited personality bringing hope with him as inscribed in his Brazilian Medal that his visit in Brazil was a value beyond any analysis.

His eighty-one (81) years of existence showing a fulfilled and happy life left a legacy for all willing individuals who want to put value analysis into practice. I might be one of them. Who knows? 

(//_^)

ThE EvOLuTiON oF vALUe EnGiNEERinG

Crown Regency Hotel and Towers (miniature)

The World War II saying which says that “necessity is the mother of invention” has been proven by the conceptualization of the value analysis. We should be thankful, in a way, to the war because it forced the father of Value Engineering, Mr. Lawrence Delos Miles, to think outside of the box.

The history of Value Engineering (VE) started as a concept and through the efforts of Mr. Lawrence Miles, value analysis was slowly implemented. The pressure caused by the war during that time has motivated him to find immediate solutions to their problems. I believe it did not require him a lot of convincing power to get the support of William Sredenscheck and Harry Erlicher because of their present situation. All wars are considered harmful but indirectly blaming the scriptures, since it was written so it was done. Nevertheless, it was still a blessing in disguise in the aspect of VE.

I believe value analysis was long applied by the ancient people. Since human beings have the ability to invent and innovate according to what is needed, tools were made to provide convenience. People from long ago focused on the basic needs. In fact, their houses were built simply to provide shelter. No more. No less. When they need something, they find ways to provide it. It’s that simple.

At present, almost everything is provided for our convenience. As a result, innovation sometimes becomes a basis for excellence. In technological gadgets for example, the more features the better. But this must not be applied in everything. In this time of economic crises, we still need to be practical. The usability of any product must always be considered. It should be a necessity so that its price, even how expensive it is, will still be reasonable.

During the time of World War II, Mr. Miles focused on finding available substitutes that would provide the same function. His dedication in his job as a Purchase Engineer made him successful in his endeavour to share his idea on value analysis. During the time when value analysis was conceptualized in 1946 until it is being adopted by the Bureau of Ships in 1954, I think it was never easy if Mr. Miles’ commitment was half-baked. It must have been his perseverance in convincing other professionals that made him gain the support of his countrymen. Taking General Electric Company as a concrete example was enough evidence on the results of applying VE. The history is worth continuing in other countries like ours so that someday, we will also be part of it. It is always better to be part of any history than just a statistic.

Value Analysts will not simply help the industry go back to the basic but at the same time, provide equal or better alternatives. Since the implementation of Value Engineering creates a remarkable impact in the industry, the history is worth remembering.

At present, most people want something new or something different. If necessity was the mother of invention, let value engineering be the mother of innovation.  (//_^)

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. (//_^)

 

oUr FiRst P.M.A.P. ExPeRiEnCE..

A New Horizon – the general theme of the 47^th PMAP Annual Conference suggests a renewal or a change that would improve or add value to an organization’s asset.

      Personally, I am an advocate for CHANGE. I believe this is one of the ways for our country to improve and grow. However, change can be towards the better or the other way around. The PMAP Annual Conference 2010 aims to reach ‘a new horizon’ and so, the topics in the different concurrent sessions were in line with this theme.

      Our first PMAP experience taught me five things. First, INNOVATION is a must. If we want to stay on top, we must embrace innovation. Competition is very stiff nowadays in the aspect of sales and marketing. In fact, competition is everywhere. Why do we, ladies, need to maintain our beauty and composure? Why do we, teachers, need to find new strategies and try different teaching methods in the classroom? Why do Manny Pacquiao, needs to practice boxing and undergo trainings despite the fact that he’s already on top? Just the same as why managers need to be good leaders at the same time. Whenever there is competition, we also need to level up. This is a challenge for all of us who are born champions. There is more to discover and accomplish every moment. We just need to be more observant and creative applying those knowledge and wisdom we saw and gained through experience.

      Second, we must strive for PERSONAL EXCELLENCE. We don’t have to run after success. We just have to be the best in whatever we love to do and eventually, success will be running after us. Management by Ownership (MBO) contributes to the agenda on personal excellence. Live it first.. Walk the talk.. Teach by example.. – these statements sum it all. As Wilhelmina Gonzales quoted, “True happiness comes from doing the things we love the most”. Servant Leadership is an ideal practice. This focuses on helping ourselves by helping others. Our efforts might not be well compensated at first but then, the priceless feeling of fulfilment pays it all.

      Third, inaction is not an option. We always have a choice. When we choose to give up or stop, then we fail. I have read long before that no one is seen to be useless in this earth because he or she can still be used as a bad example. For me, they are those who see inaction as an option. Dr. Benito Teehankee’s talk, Magsimula Tayo, mentioned the fatalistic behaviours of Filipinos. Though if seen on the brighter side, it seems like our faith in God is strong but when associated with laziness, it is seen as a hopeless case. We have to see things in a different perspective and we must cling to the fact that there is that something just waiting to be done.

      Fourth, there are no difficult people, only difficult situation. Sometimes, we need to hold our horses. Ms. Dina Loomis reminded us to avoid rush judgements. We must practice putting ourselves in the shoes of the people we deal with. I agree with her. Managers need to be broadminded, see things from afar and make decisions based on facts and figures.

      Fifth, people is the most important asset in every organization. There is no ideal leader but the best leaders are those who are task and relationship-motivated ones. We all differ in attitude and perception. As people managers, we have to see things in a positive manner. We have to remember that any business is built on trust. The way we see others depend on how we see ourselves. We will never be a leader, if we have no followers. So, as I may quote from Kenneth Blanchard, “The key to successful leadership today is influence, not authority”. 

     

      The PMAP experience wrapped up the lessons we’ve had in our management subject under the ever humble, energetic and worth emulating professor, Dr. Polaus M. Bari. We are all grateful for we were given the chance to participate in the annual conference of people managers, given the fact that we are still managers in the making. We might not be HR managers, but I believe that as a college professor, I am managing people who might become managers in the future. Management, per se starts within, for if we cannot manage ourselves well, neither can we manage our families and the organization where we belong. I am a lifetime learner. I may not yet be a manager now but then, the adventure still continues. Who knows?

vALUe bEYoND aNaLYSiS

Ever bought something so expensive yet found it useless afterwards? Can you name an item in your household that’s been there for a long time yet you find it hard to discard because of its monetary price? In this time of economic crises, it is sad to realize that most of us are becoming impractical by spending too much on things we thought we need.
Value Engineering might sound new to most of us but in fact, it could be applied in our daily lives. This concept was best explained to us by Dr. Jerson N. Orejudos, our professor, by taking a pencil as an example. Normally, a pencil consists of a lead, a wooden barrel, an eraser and a metal band supporting the eraser. The ultimate function of a pencil is to make marks. Supposing, we remove the eraser and then, the metal band can also be removed. That would probably reduce the cost of manufacturing pencils by 20% and so it follows that its price could also be reduced. In this way, customers are now given a choice: to buy a pencil with an eraser in a higher price or to buy a pencil without an eraser in a lower price. After all, pencils are made to make marks and not to erase marks.
Why do cost overruns exist in a construction project? Could it be that it carries unnecessary components? By reducing unnecessary items, unnecessary costs are also reduced or eliminated. An item is classified as unnecessary if without it, the whole system functions the same or even better. Value Engineering requires common sense, creativity, innovation, and teamwork. Its implementation improves a construction project by minimizing the life cycle cost and reducing maintenance and operation costs without compromising safety, quality and the environment. While focusing on the basic functions, good or better substitutes are being considered. The best alternative is the one that costs less and performs better. That is why Value Engineering is applied at the design stage of a construction project. The concept is easy but the implementation is so difficult. Value Analysts oftentimes becomes a third party between the owner and the designer. Well, it depends on how we see it. Perception and attitude always counts.
It’s Christmas season once again. As we wait for Santa’s gifts, let us invite Jesus with us. Remember, it’s Jesus’ birthday not Santa’s! I bet Baby Jesus prefers a simple and humble celebration. Since we have our bonuses and 13th month pays, it’s high time to shop and buy gifts for our love ones. Its main purpose is to make them happy. Why not apply value engineering then? Would our grandparents be happy if we give them PSP’s? Would our children be happy if we buy them a golf set? It’s like feeding a cat with colorful M&M chocolates!
Let us just think of the word: FUNCTION. It will then relate to the user’s needs, to an item’s worth, cost and value. For me, this is value beyond analysis. Anything less than the necessary functional capability is unacceptable. Anything more is unnecessary and wasteful.
We always ask God to give us our daily bread, not our bread for tomorrow and the next days to come. Isn’t it that anything that is too much nor too less unfavorable? I may sound absurd but this is just an idea worth sharing. The choice is always yours... Feliz Navidad!

References:
Value Engineering Mastermind by Anil Kumar
Value Analysis Module I by Juan de Vincente
Prof. Jerson N.Orejudos, Ph.D.

iN tHE E.Y.E.S oF aN EnGiNeeR..

Every structure must be built with skill and patience..  

liandra's dreamhouse

I am a licensed Civil Engineer for more than thirteen years but since I practice engineering in the academe, I always ask Renan if hindi ba mahirap sa field (is it not difficult in the field construction?). despite the knowledge and theories I've learned and discovered, I still feel intimidated in the construction world.

While I'm busy checking papers and preparing for my next lesson, he's also busy sketching, drafting, measuring, estimating. Once he's done, he would always ask for any comment or suggestion. just to shorten his agony i would always say "perfect!".. one thing i've observed, engineering is also a vocation because we cannot patent our design ideas.. mas mabuti pa nga ang quotations kasi may authorship. too bad there is no plagiarism in engineering construction design..
Another thing.. sige nga, tell me how much is the worth of the signature of a licensed CE? degrading? Oh NO! this is the challenge for us engineers.. if only we practice the code of ethics!

Renan and I have sleepless nights together. i do watch movies in the cable TV or in the DVDs while waiting for him to finish editing, changing, printing, and preparing several options for his client. He would always say: THE SUCCESS OF ANY ENGINEERING PROJECT DEPENDS ON THE SATISFACTION OF THE OWNERS. He needs to prepare every small detail of the building very clearly for the carpenters to understand and follow his instructions correctly. According to him, the compensation he gets as a Project Engineer becomes invaluable if the owner couldn't appreciate the outcome of the efforts exerted by the whole team - the carpenters, painters, plumbers, electricians and laborers with the PE as the leader. For them, recognition is more expensive than any amount of money.

From a simple sketch of the floor plan, a masterpiece is done. Renan said: ANYTHING THAT COULD BE DRAWN IN PAPER CAN BE BUILT. how? ONLY A REAL CIVIL ENGINEER KNOWS!

Now that I'm on my way towards the degree in Doctor of Engineering, I still have many questions to ask.

Why I married a Civil Engineer like me? Probably because we complement each other.. Someday, I would understand too why God directed me in this path I'm taking now..

just give me time, more time..

*dad, i learned and i'm still learning a lot from you.. i've helped in making my students become engineers.. and you teach me how to become a true civil engineer by heart..* cholomot.. wabu..

UneXPecteDLy...

ChRisT- LikE pEopLe iN a Non-ChRisTian scHoOL

let me share with you my schedule:
September 2010
3 - go back to Iligan
4 - @ 9 am - my second reporting in Management
     @ 1 pm - submission of Problem Set No. 3
     @ 4 pm - attend Professorial Lecture in Environmental Science
5 - @ 1 pm - make-up class in Management
6 - @ 1 pm - presentation of the solutions to the Problem Sets using MATLAB

September 3, i wasn't able to go back to Iligan because Yzabelle was admitted. i felt so worried. all the while i was in the hospital, i was thinking of my requirements and the deadlines. i informed my classmates and my professors and i was so touched with their reactions through texts and phone calls..
    
GIN, FAMILY FIRST. DO NOT LEAVE YOUR DAUGHTER. EVERYTHING WILL BE OKAY. WE ARE AND WE WILL BE PRAYING FOR YOUR BABY. BE STRONG. COME BACK JUST AS SOON AS YOUR DAUGHTER IS WELL.

September 11, i was welcomed with questions : HOW ARE YOU? HOW'S YOUR BABY? doubled with statements such as: YOU CAN SUBMIT LATER. DON'T WORRY, WE UNDERSTAND. YOUR REASON IS VALID.. even without the doctor's certificate.. it feels so good to be supported by people who barely knew me for three months!

i remember the time when i was still undecided to enroll at IIT. i had so many fears. mahirap daw sa IIT. terror ang mga professors. mahirap gumradweyt. matatalino ang mga teachers kasi sa abroad nagtapos. in short, very discouraging..

let me tell you these: some are true. they are all intelligent indeed and earned their degrees outside the country. they teach well. but one thing that i have discovered, they are all very humble. you can never see their degrees pasted on their foreheads. their hearts are larger than their brains. i was very thankful because i was made to realize that not all intelligent people have a heart of stone. i even felt smaller after knowing that their salaries are twice (or thrice) than ours. they are happy people, radiating positive energies and so, they are more blessed with a younger-looking face and a good health.

i wish to be like them. they teach because they want their students to learn. they don't do exhibitions and magics for us to believe in their capacity. they need not prove that they're the best or they are better than anyone. most importantly, despite their degrees and status in life, they are still 'within reach'. schools are training grounds for humans to learn for self-efficiency, not heartless machines to just simply memorize and top the board exams. with professors like them, what school wouldn't be blessed with self-motivated students and board exam topnotchers?

improvised seismograph

Earthquakes generate seismic waves which can be detected with a sensitive instrument called a seismograph. Advances in seismograph technology have increased our understanding of both earthquakes and the Earth itself.

Seismic waves are the vibrations from earthquakes that travel through the Earth and they are recorded. Seismographs record a zigzag trace that shows the varying amplitude of ground oscillations beneath the instrument. Sensitive seismographs, which greatly magnify these ground motions, can detect strong earthquakes from sources anywhere in the world. The time, location and magnitude of an earthquake can be determined from the data recorded by seismograph stations. The sensor part of a seismograph is referred to as the seismometer, the graph capability was added as a later invention.

The goal of a seismograph is to accurately record the motion of the ground during a quake. If you live in a city, you may have noticed that buildings sometimes shake when a big truck or a subway train rolls by. Good seismographs are therefore isolated and connected to bedrock to prevent this sort of "data pollution." The main problem that must be solved in creating a seismograph is that when the ground shakes, so does the instrument. Therefore, most seismographs involve a large mass of some sort. You could make a very simple seismograph by hanging a large weight from a rope over a table. By attaching a pen to the weight and taping a piece of paper to the table so that the pen can draw on the paper, you could record tremors in the Earth's crust (earthquakes). If you used a roll of paper and a motor that slowly pulled the paper across the table, you would be able to record tremors over time. However, it would take a pretty large tremor for you to see anything. In a real seismograph, levers or electronics are used to magnify the signal so that very small tremors are detectable. A big mechanical seismograph may have a weight attached that weighs 1,000 pounds (450 kg) or more, and it drives a set of levers that significantly magnify the pen's motion.

Improvisation makes use of materials available at hand. In making an improvised seismograph, a heavy block of wood was used as a base in which a weight made of steel is attached to a rod using a commercial spring. The weight holds the pen which touches the rolled machine paper. However, movements must be intentionally executed because the paper is attached to a winding motor which needs to be switched on for the paper to unroll.

This improvised seismograph was made not to store any data of an earthquake. It intends only to demonstrate the features and functions of a real one.

Metro Cebu Subway

In the Philippines, subway construction is not yet that common compared to other countries. Hopefully, the completion of the Cebu Subway this year will mark the third and the longest subway and similar underpass in the Philippines -- the other two being constructed at the intersections of Katipunan Avenue - Serrano Avenue - Circumferential Road No. 5 in Quezon City and at the EDSA and Ayala Avenue in Makati City.

The Segment 3B – 2 is the subway section of the Cebu South Coastal Road Project as part of the Phase III of the Metro Cebu Development Project (MCDP), headed by Engr. Nilo Pamaylaon of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) as the Project Director. At present, the DPWH is in the final stages of completing the whole project as it undertakes the last phase of the Segment 3B-2 Subway Section, a first-of-its-kind project in the country being undertaken by one of the most experienced contractors in the world, the Kajima Corporation. It is hopefully expected that its opening will attract investors and will improve the marketability of the 302-hectare South Road Properties (SRP).

The 977 meter Cebu Subway is divided into three sections: the 190 meter U-shape entrance, the 610 meter box tunnel and the 177 meter roadway. A cut and cover method of construction was used. Simple as it may seem but its location, which is at the reclamation area, was taken as a challenge by its contractor, the Kajima Corporation. For tunnels, much like this one, which is close to the seawater, one of the biggest challenges is keeping the water at bay. For this project, contractors had to excavate 30 meters underground and use sheet piles which are 25 meters thick to cut the water because the said project is 20 feet below sea level (Maeda, Kajima Corporation).

The construction of the Metro Cebu Subway started last June 28, 2006. It connects the highway and the South Reclamation Project coastal road. The boring of the tunnel began at the present gate going to the coastal road, then level off under Plaza Independencia and comes out of the Mc Arthur Boulevard.

The original design was a flyover, but was scrapped because it meant going through the historical site and had met oppositions from environmentalists, tourism and church leaders (Pamaylaon, MCDP III Project Director).

The Cebu South Coastal Road Project – Metro Cebu Development Project, Phase III (MCDP III) consists of three segments. Segment 1 – Talisay Section, Segment 2 – Causeway Section, and Segment 3 – Viaduct cum Subway section which comprises three sections: the viaduct, offshore ramps and tunnel sections.


Congratulations to the Queen City of the South!