IVMS-An interactive system for improving value management studies in construction

Abstract

This chapter provides an introduction to the interactive value management system (IVMS), which is designed to improve the implementation of value management (VM) studies. The IVMS is a web-based application in which software is essentially installed and operated on a server. It supports multiplatforms, including Windows 98, Windows 2000, and Mac OS, and allows users to access the system at any machine, anytime, and anywhere. The web interface is also user-friendly and assists users with varying levels of knowledge regarding computing and decision support. In addition, the system is designed as a set of toolboxes, including a virtual team unit, an information unit, a communication unit, and an analysis unit. This enables facilitators to decide what group decision support systems (GDSS) functions to use, and when, and how to use them, so as to accommodate the various requirements in VM studies. The IVMS is designed as a set of toolboxes comprised of four boxes—a virtual team unit, an information unit, a communication unit, and an analysis unit. The toolboxes are designed to support a group of specific tasks so different toolboxes are applied to different phases of VM studies.