Fundamentals and Methods of Value Engineering

        This course focuses on the theories, methods, and practical applications of Value Engineering (VE) in engineering projects and product development. Centered on the core principle of achieving required functions at the lowest life-cycle cost, the course aims to cultivate value-oriented thinking and systematic decision-making skills among students, enabling them to balance functionality, cost, quality, and overall project performance.

The course begins with an introduction to the background, development, and fundamental concepts of value engineering. It explains the intrinsic relationships among value, function, and cost, helping students establish a clear understanding of value as a ratio between function and cost rather than cost reduction alone. Emphasis is placed on developing an engineering mindset that prioritizes functional performance and economic efficiency throughout the entire life cycle of a project.

        A major part of the course is devoted to functional analysis methods. Students will learn how to define and classify functions, describe functions using standardized verb–noun expressions, and evaluate function importance. Techniques such as function system diagrams and function–cost analysis are introduced to support the identification of high-cost, low-value components, providing a solid analytical foundation for value improvement.

In terms of methods and tools, the course systematically presents the standard Value Engineering job plan and commonly used analytical techniques, including function–cost analysis, the value coefficient method, the 0–1 and 0–4 scoring methods, brainstorming, and alternative evaluation and selection methods. By integrating both qualitative and quantitative approaches, students develop the ability to generate, compare, and optimize improvement proposals in a structured and objective manner.

       The course places strong emphasis on practical applications. Through case studies drawn from construction engineering, equipment selection and replacement, construction method optimization, and material and structural alternatives, students learn how value engineering is applied during the design, construction, and operation stages of engineering projects. Case discussions and exercises help students understand the practical role of value engineering in improving economic efficiency, controlling costs, and optimizing resource allocation.

        Upon completion of the course, students will have a systematic understanding of value engineering theory and methods. They will be able to analyze engineering problems from both functional and economic perspectives, propose feasible value improvement solutions, and support engineering decisions that achieve optimal technical and economic performance. This course provides a solid foundation for future work in engineering management, project evaluation, and techno-economic analysis.