DEVELOPMENT OF A VALUB ENGINEERING MANAGEMENTSYSTEM FOR CONSTRUCTIONPROJECTS IN IRAQ

Abstract

The escalating cost of construction projects combined with the competitive nature of the construction
industry requires the constant search for methods to increase the efficiency of such projects through
the elimination of unnecessary costs while maintaining as well as improving levels of quality and
performance desired.
Value Engineering (VE) offers an opportunity to achieve these goals, however, VE utilization by the
construction industry in Iraq remains limited as hypothesized by the researchers. Hence, the reasons
for this condition are worthy of investigation .Based on that, this research work has attempted to
examine the current status of implementation of value engineering methodology 'within the Iraqi
construction industries, well as pinpointing areas of weakness in applying VE,
The validity of the research hypothesis was tested by carrying out both an open and closed
questionnaires, where a sample of Iraqi professional engineers -working in both the public and private
sectors have participated in responding to the questionnaires. Analysis of responses to the
questionnaires has indicated the validity of the research hypothesis as well as identifying significant
slips, which hinder the proper application of VE by the Iraqi construction industry. The researchers
has proposed certain remedial actions to overcome these slips which have initiated the second major
objective of the research work which entails the proposal of a "Value Engineering Management
System" (VEMS) to facilitate the systematic application of VE methodology and techniques by the
Iraqi engineers.
The evaluation process of the s)'stem by a number of experts has demonstrated approval and
possibility pf application in the field.