Job Plan

The Federal Highway Administration defines Value Engineering as "the systematic application of recognized techniques by a multi-disciplined team which identifies the function of a product or service; establishes a worth for that function; generates alternatives through the use of creative thinking; and provides the needed functions, reliably, at the lowest overall cost."

The "systematic application of recognized techniques," referred to in the above definition is embodied in the VE Job Plan. The Job Plan is an organized plan of action for accomplishing VE studies and assuring the implementation of the recommended changes. The Job Plan contains eight phases, five of which are performed by the VE team. The other three phases are carried out in accordance with the policies stated in the agency's VE program.

Each phase of the Job Plan includes several tasks. It is the melding of the various tasks and techniques, coupled with finesse in their application that makes the VE process work.

Value Engineering Job Plan
Phase	Objective	Key Questions	Techniques	Tasks
Selection	Select Project	What is to be Studied? Who is Best Able to Study Problem? What Must be Known to Start Study?	Solicit Project Ideas Identify High Cost / Low Value Areas Plan the Project Obtain Authorization to Proceed Allocate Resources	Speculate on Project Sources Develop Plan to Identify Projects Evaluate Projects for Potential Present Projects to Management Select Projects for VE Studies Implement Study Plan
Investigation	Investigate Project	What is the Project? What is the Problem? What is the Cost? What is Accomplished Now? What Must Be Accomplished?	Get Information From Best Sources Get all Facts & Available Costs Work with Specifics Identify the Functions Challenge Everything	Speculate on Data Sources Develop Plans to Gather Data Implement Data Search Plan Investigate Project - Audit Data Speculate on Functions Performed
Investigation	Analyze Function & Cost	What is the Basic Function Worth? What are Secondary Functions Worth? What are the High Cost Areas? Can any Functions be Eliminated?	Evaluate by Comparison Put $ on Specs. & Requirements Put $ on Key Tolerances & Finishes Put $ on Key Standards	Analyze Costs Analyze Functions Evaluate Function Cost / Worth Evaluate Project Potential Select Specific Study Areas
Speculation	Speculate on Alternatives	What Else Will Perform the Function? Where Else may Function be Done? How Else may Function be Done?	List Everything - Be Imaginative Use Creative Techniques Defer Judgement - Do Not Criticize Be Courageous	Select Techniques to be Used Speculate on Alternatives Speculate on Parameters
Evaluation	Evaluate Alternatives	How Might Each Idea Work? What Might Be the Cost? Will Each Idea Perform Basic Function?	Weigh Alternatives Choose Evaluation Criteria Refine Ideas Put $ on Each Main Idea Evaluate by Comparison	Speculate on Evaluation Criteria Evaluate Alternatives Select the Best Alternative
Development	Develop Alternatives	How Will the New Idea Work? How Can Disadvantages be Overcome? What Will Be the Total Cost? Why is the New Way Better? Will it Meet all the Requirements? What are the Life-Cycle Costs?	Get Information from Best Sources, Specialists & Suppliers Consider Specialty Material, Products & Processes Consider Standards Use New Information Compile Costs - Work with Specifics	Speculate on Information Needed Speculate on Information Sources Develop a Plan of Investigation Develop Selected Alternatives Select Preferred Alternatives Develop Implementation Plan Audit Data
Presentation	Present Alternatives	Who Must Be Sold? How Should Idea Be Presented? What was the Problem? What is the New Way? What are the Benefits? / Savings? What is Needed to Implement Idea?	Make Recommendations Use Selling Techniques Be Factual Be Brief Give Credit Provide an Implementation Plan	Develop a Written Proposal Speculate on Roadblocks to Acceptance Present VE Study Alternatives
Implementation	Implement Alternatives	Who is to Implement Change? How will Plans / Contract be Amended? Have all Resources Been Allocated?	Translate Plan into Action Overcome Problems Expedite Action Monitor Project	Develop Change Document Implement Approved Alternatives Evaluate Process
Audit	Audit Results	Did the New Way Work? What did it Cost? What was Saved? Did the Change Meet Expectations? Who is to Receive Recognition?	Verify Accomplishments Make Awards Report to Management	Audit Implementation Results Evaluate Project Results Present Project Results Present Awards

Design

Job Plan

More Information

Contact