How Effectively Value Engineering Practices are Being Implemented in Qatar on Infrastructure Projects

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the effectiveness of Value Engineering (VE) practices being used in Qatar mainly on infrastructure projects. This study will further explore the deficiencies in adopted overall VE processes and subsequently recommend the solutions to overcome current problems or difficulties. To conduct this study a mixed method approach was adopted, which is a combination of quantitative and qualitative date. Survey questionnaire was used to collect the quantitative date and it was sent to 72 professionals belongs to different construction groups currently involved on infrastructure projects in Qatar. Semi structured interviews were conducted to collect the qualitative date. Interviews were conducted with 06 professionals working as value engineer on different infrastructure projects in Qatar to obtain further practical information about VE processes in Qatar and know about the real difficulties they encountered. This research reveals that the value engineering processes being used in Qatar are in line with international standards set by the SAVE International. This study further reveals that only 5 percent to 7 percent cost savings are being achieved on infrastructure projects in Qatar. This is in addition to the improvements in HSE, quality and time of project.  However, where this study has shown cost benefits from VE implementation, it also highlighted that significant improvement is required to extend the cost benefits from 7 percent to maximum 12 percent for which VE is known without compromising on functionality and quality requirements. This is a clear indication that current practices need to be improved. The identified improvements include starting VE process at the end of preliminary design stage, more involvement of clients and by considering whole life cycle costs of the projects by introduction of sustainable, environment friendly and innovative alternatives design solutions and construction materials.