Application of Value engineering in construction Industry in Sudan

Abstract

Motivation for this research stems from the desire to define the role of value engineering in the construction industry and the belief that it can enhance the role of the engineer significantly; also research seeks to explore and study the reasons and problems which prevent the application of value engineering in the construction industry in Sudan. At present customers are not satisfied with the services they receive from consulting engineers, and contractors no longer have the desire to cover up the failures of Engineers and at the same time working to develop stronger relationships with customers and thus there is a weakness in the communication between the parties involved in the construction process. Value Engineering has the ability to bridge this gap and redefine the role of the consultant. This research explores the opportunities that may be available for an engineer to meet the changing needs of clients, focusing on the various stages of construction. The methodology the study provides analytical descriptive method which is based on the study of reality or phenomenon described and collected information about them and then studied and analyzed, using wide-ranging comprehensive questionnaire of a specific firms. This enabled the researcher to know the trends of application of value engineering in Sudan; the research will bring the concept of value engineering into the main stream of the Sudan construction industry. The literature review the extensive review of the literature and concepts of value engineering and its historic development across the world The research sample consisted of a group of consulting firms and contractors registered in the Engineering Council in Sudan . Most of the participants were more than 5 years of experience with (12%) and having 20 years of experience. 12% of the respondent's holding construction manager positions, with 8% of respondents to be the Executive Director of the company, and 30% for both senior and site engineering. The findings hold much significance for consulting engineers: Results represent great importance for engineers: widespread resistance value engineering, unfamiliarity and ignorance value engineering concepts, and the negative impact of competitive tendering and also the ability of engineers to provide better services. The recommendations include: the establishment of a Government taskforce to explore policy and legislative solutions to the problems the research has brought to light; pilot studies should be introduced to investigate the potential of value engineering in an Sudan context; the negative effects of competitive fee tendering on the application of value engineering should be addressed; value engineering should be incorporated in relevant engineering syllabi.