Publications

Author : Makael Kakakhel, Senior Project Manager, MTO

Description :

It can be difficult to challenge tried and true design approaches and accepted wisdom with new ideas. A Value Analysis workshop provides a structured approach to problem identification and the development of alternative solutions. The VA process leverages creativity and can introduce new ideas that once accepted in a VE study can then be introduced on other projects. A Value Analysis and Risk Analysis (CRAVE) study of a proposed interchange upgrade to facilitate the planned rebuild of a nuclear plant complex resulted in new approach to the utilization of roundabouts at freeway ramp terminals. The new treatment for roundabouts was then considered for use on subsequent projects, leveraging the creativity from one project to other projects.

Author : Jim Rains

Description :

This paper will address how to select the best  functions for the Creative Phase. There are three essential elements:

• Specific and agreed upon project objectives,

• A complete function analysis phase that results in a FAST diagram with the measured resources (cost, time, weight) for each function,

• Function selection for the Creative Phase, which means functions are used for creativity.

VA/VE gets its strength by using function oriented thinking to divert the team member’s minds away from specifics.  Ideas taken to the Evaluation Phase should also be evaluated by function. Teams need to implement the best ideas that reliably perform the function.

Author : Jean-François Chénier

Description :

The use of the VA Methodology led the multidisciplinary team of the LRT Pie-IX construction project, in Montreal, to review the prototype of the entrance building provided for in the project. The main challenge of this project is the large number of stakeholders with different interests and fields of expertise. First, the use of a functional model allowed the multidisciplinary team to see the project in a different way and to define in simple and concise language the objectives and needs to be met. This approach, which favored creativity, made it possible to separate essential needs from wishes or desires.
 
The rigorous application of the method made it possible to question several of the needs of the project. It was at the heart of the discussions of the multidisciplinary team and made it possible to identify alternatives and avenues of savings totaling nearly 30% of the direct costs, of the thirty entrance buildings still to be built on the project for the Montreal portion of SRB Pie-IX.
 
The presentation explains the value analysis methodology, how it is done and when it can be used to identify alternatives in a project. The LRT Pie-IX project results give a good example of the power of the methodology.
 

Author : Eric Meng, AIA, CVS

Description : What aspect of the Value management process consistently produces the most substantial results?Function analysis is the tool traditionally used to set the stage for the creative speculative phase; and it is a reliable driver for producing useful alternative concepts. But often other elements of the process, outside of the functional model should receive credit for the breakthrough concepts. This presentation highlights a half dozen Value Management studies that produced considerable project impacts ; and explores where those breakthrough concepts actually occurred in the Value management process. Highlighted projects include major water infrastructure, buildings, industrial plants, energy, and transportation projects. All of them produced ideas that were unexpected; and these ideas came from unpredictable components of the process. Team structure, risk, criteria, cost modeling, and historic reference are all elements that typically play supporting roles in function-driven VM; but in these examples they were used for creative drivers, rather than merely supporting components. VM, with a strong rigid work plan claims to produce creativity on demand – right on time during the speculative stage of the process. But many creative people outside of VM will claim that the process is often serendipitous, and cannot be controlled. These examples, however, illustrate how serendipitous creativity can in fact be recognized and used in the VM process to enhance productivity outside of the limited time often available for pure speculation in the traditional VM work plan.

Author : Arnaud Rogiez

Description : Collaboration is all the rage these days, especially in the construction industry. However, it doesn't come easily and often requires sustained effort. With telecommuting on the rise and set to remain a reality for years to come, the challenge of bringing collaboration to remote teams is growing.

To meet this challenge, a number of digital platforms and tools have been developed, but existing tools and processes must not be sidelined.

Value analysis is a powerful tool that not only optimizes projects, but also greatly enhances collaboration within work teams. And as projects become increasingly complex, a structured approach like VA helps optimize these large-scale projects.