Publications

Author : steVE Holmes, P.Eng., CVS-Life, Director Value Analysis Canada

Description : Function analysis is at the heart of Value Management. There are many techniques for graphing the logical relationships between the functions of project, product, service or process to improve understanding of objectives, needs and constraints. Technical fast diagrams are widely used in value studies but a function tree diagram has advantages in the design or redesign of a process, service or products.

 

Author : Value Analysis Canada

Description : Presentation that describes the Functional Performance Specification (based on EU Standard EN 12973:2000). Describes 6 methods of finding functions - Intuitive Research (Brainstorming), Environmental Analysis, Sequential Analysis, Movements and Efforts Analysis, Reference product Analysis (Comparative Study), Rules and Regulation Analysis. 

Author : Andrew Beal

Description :

Author : René Donais, P.E., CVS

Description : This paper establishes the relationship between a company’s strategic development and the Value Management job plan. It proposes an approach and gives concrete examples of its application within a Value Management consulting firm. It shows how to make the connection between the functional business model, the strategic elements, the company’s environmental impact and the scorecard the company uses to implement its strategy. Finally, it presents the advantages and benefits obtained following the strategy’s implementation.

Author : Value Analysis Canada

Description : Presentation provides a brief overview of the main elements of a Functional Performance Specification (FPS). FPS is a process that FPS is a document that describes user needs in terms of functional performance without reference to a specific solution. It specifies the evaluation criteria, levels and tolerance to various functions which are acceptable to the user. Describes 6 methods of finding functions - Intuitive Research (Brainstorming), Environmental Analysis, Sequential Analysis, Movements and Efforts Analysis, Reference product Analysis (Comparative Study), Rules and Regulation Analysis.Functional Performance Specification is based on the European Value Management specification EN 12973:2000 and is described in Value Management Practice, Michel Thiry, ISBN: 1-880410-14-1. Functional Performance Specification is an excellent Value Management technique for product development and for helping stakeholders describe their needs. FPS is useful for architectural programming or architectural briefing, organizational restructuring, business process planning and understanding business I.T. needs.

Author : René Donais, Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton

Description : Presentation defines Functional Performance Specification and shows how FPS can be used in a variety of situations including projects, products, processes and projects. Most of the examples show applications for the public sector. Success stories included in this presentation includes 3 examples of process optimizations or restructuring of a government agency,   product optimization of a fare collection system, a motor, and an aircraft engine, project optimization examples including defining urban streets needs, project optimization of a Montreal Subway Station, project optimization of a highway interchange, and project optimization for the acquisition of subway cars.

Author : Michel Allard

Description : Functional Analysis is at the heart of Value Analysis. The practice has evolved over time to include graphic representations of the need with the objective of fostering better creativity through a better understanding of the intricacies involved in dealing with needs. However this step is often skipped by Value Analysis teams because of the complexity and time involved compared to the perceived benefits. This paper compares the three (3) most popular approaches (Technically-Oriented Fast, Customer-Oriented Fast, FPS Function Tree)  to produce graphic representation of the need in terms of "user friendliness".  The author concludes that the Functional Performance Specification Function Tree diagram is more responsive to identifying the needs of the client and easier for VA teams to develop and understand.

 

Author : Chris Chartrand - 27 Software

Description : Presentation by an IT enterprise software developer discusses how the use of Functional Performance Specification (FPS) helps the software industry understand and satisfy the needs of the business. Suggests that an FPS of a business provides the software developer with a high level understanding of the business. The structured nature of an FPS improves the understanding of the IT professional of the business need and enables the business to express their needs systematically.

Author : Roger Giroux, Assistant Deputy Minister, Government of Quebec

Description : Paper describes the use of value management and Functional Performance Specification in the restructuring of a Ministry in crisis. The Public Curator is responsible for taking care of incapable people and their financial assets. The use of value analysis (Functional Performance Specification) enabled the ministry to develop a vision and a plan for restructuring, to determine their information systems requirements, and to quickly restructure. Mr Giroux has previously used Value Management in restructuring of the Welfare and Correctional Services ministries. See Value Analysis, a Pivot of Change.

Author : Roger Giroux, Director General of Protection for the Public Curator of Quebec

Description : This article presents a synopsis of the redesign process by the Protection Department of the Public Curator of Québec (CPQ). The Value Management (VM) approach was selected to support the project team in their task. During the project, the managers were also trained in VM theory and principles, empowering them to conduct an optimization process as part of the implementation of the chosen solutions.

The innovative aspect of this VM case study is how it transformed the management style of executives by integrating VM principles and Value Analysis tools with the organizations management practices. Examples are:

 

• The FAST diagram was used as a communication tool and a basic reference for the strategic orientation and business planning review;
• The same FAST diagram served as a tool for linking strategic goals with process review and improvement project prioritization;
•  Functional performance specification (FPS) was used to clarify client user needs and upgrade related performance criteria and levels;
• FPS was used to clearly define Protection Department needs (not in terms of solutions) for the computer specialists in designing the best value data systems.
• Involving the operations staff in the task created enthusiasm among the staff for reform and sharply reduced resistance from some skeptics while facilitating change management.