Enhancing Value Engineering Process by Incorporating Inventive Problem-Solving Techniques
Publication: Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 135, Issue 5
Abstract
The creativity phase is critical to the success of a value engineering exercise, in which the brainstorming technique is deployed to generate ideas. One shortcoming of the brainstorming technique is its lack of direction in problem solving, and consequently the efficiency is low in generating innovative and useful ideas. To overcome this shortcoming, this paper has explored the possibility of incorporating the theory of inventive problem solving (TRIZ) into the workshop session of the value engineering exercise by initiating three new procedures in this session: (1) an initial design procedure to examine the functions of a proposed project; (2) a function trimming procedure to fully utilize existing resources and ensure low life-cycle cost and sustainability of the proposed project; and (3) an interaction analysis procedure to assess the proposed project in a broad perspective with social, economic, and environmental awareness. A case study has indicated the workability of the modified workshop procedures and the usefulness of TRIZ tools and techniques in efficiently and effectively creating innovative ideas.
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References
Mann, D., and Stratton, R. (2000). “Physical contradictions and evaporating clouds.” TRIZ Journal, ⟨http://www.triz-journal.com/archives/2000/04/b/⟩ (Mar. 17, 2006).
Mao, X., Zhang, X., and AbouRizk, S. M. (2007). “Generalized solutions for Su-Field analysis.” TRIZ Journal, August, ⟨http://www.triz-journal.com/archives/2007/08/03/⟩ (Oct. 23, 2007).
Savransky, S. D. (2000). Engineering of creativity: Introduction to Triz methodology of inventive problem solving, CRC, Boca Raton, Fla.
Souchkov, V. (1999). “TRIZ: a systematic approach to innovative design.” Knowledge base: Articles, ⟨http://www.insytec.com/TRIZApproach.htm⟩ (Jul. 5, 2005).
Younker, D. L. (2003). Value engineering analysis and methodology, Marcel–Dekker, New York.
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© 2009 ASCE.
History
Received: Jun 26, 2008
Accepted: Aug 21, 2008
Published online: May 1, 2009
Published in print: May 2009
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