Key value engineering protocols in marine projects

Abstract

Despite the uniqueness of marine projects, their value engineering (VE) protocols are similar to those used in other projects. Previous research suggests that problems that may be addressed using VE protocols, including cost and schedule overruns, are still prevalent in marine projects. This research was aimed at identifying key VE protocols for marine projects and their relative importance in preventing scheduling issues. Nineteen VE variables identified from the literature were grouped under four themes. Questionnaire surveys administered to participants from Australia, Iran, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Ecuador, South Africa and South Korea generated 126 valid responses. Factor analysis was used to determine the relative importance of VE variables. The findings suggest that marine projects may benefit when VE protocols achieve the following: (a) integration of objective and empirical knowledge into design; (b) use of pilot studies to understand conditions related to ground and seabed conditions; (c) consideration of work breakdown, resource allocation and inhibiting conditions; and (d) determination of alternative design options for resourcing and construction methods. The findings will guide VE stakeholders to improve productivity and reduce design and construction constraints and risk levels. Future studies may build on these findings for further understanding of cost and schedule performance problems in marine projects.