Purpose and Background

The objective of this webinar is to acquaint participants with the methodology of Value Engineering (VE) and its decision-making process. It will familiarize participants with procedures that provide standards for VE applications. VE methodology has been developed for more than 40 years to assist management and engineering professionals to obtain optimum value for each dollar spent. Typical savings range from 5 to 15% for most projects. This webinar teaches VE in a practical, project-based manner. During the webinar participants will engage in decision-making using VE tools to ensure quality and value while reducing the cost of projects. Participants will hear about a number of case study applications of the VE to gain practical experience. Whether involved in the design, construction, renovation, maintenance, operation, or management of buildings, participants will find it in their interest to understand the principles of the Value Engineering methodology, and its value as a tool to analyze and lower their total cost of ownership of facilities.  

Primary Discussion Topics

The Speaker will discuss:

• Function analysis and FAST diagramming
• Cost modeling
• Quality modeling
• Risk modeling
• Group creativity
• Life cycle costing
• Case study applications

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:

• Determine the basics of Value Engineering (VE) to ensure that a standardized method is used for VE applications to projects
• Perform “function analysis” for buildings and civil projects
• Recognize the appropriate time to apply VE for building design projects

Webinar Benefits

• Gain an understanding of the total decision-making methodology of value engineering
• Learn of the “SAVE International Value Methodology Standard” and the convention to be followed for application of VE to projects
• Learn how to perform “function analysis” for buildings and civil projects
• Understand the appropriate time to apply VE for building design projects
• From examples and case histories provided, come to realize that the value methodology is universal and applicable by all disciplines to most construction projects, including civil works such as bridges and highways
• Acquire the necessary information on VE to recognize the benefits resulting from their adoption as a standard practice within an organization
• Be able to engage clients in a meaningful discussion on VE as well as demonstrate a commitment to optimize the value for facilities

Assessment of Learning Outcomes

Students' achievement of the learning outcomes will be assessed via a short post-assessment (true-false, multiple choice and fill in the blank questions).

Intended Audience

This webinar will benefit those who can directly or indirectly, from a supervisory or managerial position, affect the economic viability of new and retrofit building construction projects during the planning, design, and operational phases. It will also be of interest to management personnel who recognize the benefits of standardizing VE practices within their organization.

• Design architects
• Design engineers
• Technicians
• Facility managers
• Projects and program managers
• Owners and developers
• Green building and sustainability practitioners
• General and design-build contractors
• Cost managers/consultants and educators

Webinar Outline

• The definition and methodology of Value Engineering
• SAVE International Value Methodology Standard
• Laws requiring VE in government projects 
• Techniques of VE such as:
  – Function Analysis
  – Value Models such as Cost, Quality, Risk
  – Group Creativity
  – Life Cycle Costing Technique (Another ASCE webinar offers an overview of this topic)
• Case histories: buildings, roads, etc.
• Certification Requirements
• VE References