Value Analysis Research Articles

Improved design format for doubly symmetric thin-walled structural steel beam-columns

An existing design format for doubly symmetric cold-formed structural steel beam-columns was probabilistically assessed and modified to offer a consistent reliability level. Using the First-Order Reliability Method (FORM) and Value Analysis (VA) a target reliability level for the current design format was established to be 4.265. The proposed format is built on reduced load factors for imposed and dead loads as well as a sectional resistance factor which is related to the slenderness parameter of the structural element in place of the conventional single value. (Botswana Journal of Technology: 2003 12(1): 36-43)

Collaborative Value Analysis: Experiences from the Automotive Industry

SUMMARYAs the nature of competition shifts to a supply chain focus, effectively leveraging suppliers' technical expertise is becoming essential to market success in many industries. Some organizations are using a time‐proven technique, value analysis (VA), to leverage their suppliers' technical expertise. This study reports the benefits and challenges of supplier involvement in VA based on the experiences of four first‐tier automotive suppliers. When suppliers are involved in VA, many ideas can be developed and trust can increase, both of which strengthen buyer‐supplier partnerships. Unfortunately, reluctance to share cost data, lack of engineering resources, and failure to obtain customer approval are barriers to VA implementation. Several practices can be used to overcome these barriers.

Integration of value analysis and total quality management: The way ahead in the next millennium

Total quality management (TQM) has been embraced by many organizations in the last decade. It is argued that TQM can achieve its full potential by the integration of TQM and other performance improvement techniques. Value analysis (VA), which focuses on product's function and cost, is proposed as a potential area for cross-fertilization. This paper seeks to explore the common areas between VA and TQM and suggests some possible ways to apply VA within the TQM process. The basic principles of TQM (customer focus, continuous improvement and teamwork) could be fully addressed by blending VA and various TQM tools and techniques such as quality function deployment and design for manufacturability. VA also serves as a mechanism which glues the TQM principles. Further work should be done to examine the possibility of integrating TQM, VA and other performance improvement principles and tools to assist organizations forging their competitive advantage.

Economic efficiency of glued joints in timber truss systems

The potential losses associated with glue as a jointing material in timber construction is examined when inherent uncertainties in the basic design variables are quantitatively appraised. The Mean First-Order Second Moment Method (MFOSMM) and Value Analysis (VA) are developed to estimate the reliability indices and the associated risk costs of the joints of an example roof truss. The variables which describe the loading, grade stress and geometrical properties applicable to joint analysis are treated as random variables and they are assumed to be normally distributed. The results show indicative trends of the dependence of joint reliability and cost of failure loss on the degree of workmanship.

Exploration methods in business process re-engineering

Understanding the reasons of process variation is recognised as a key to the successful management of business processes. Various exploration methods give the prospective users a chance to tackle such complex problems by means of computer. This paper considers two key methodologies within the domain of exploration methods: simulation modelling and value analysis (VA). With worked-out examples, this paper shows, by using the techniques adopted from traditional manufacturing process control, how this problem can be tackled. For retrospective studies focusing to understand and manage internal process variation, statistical process control (SPC) charts together with the failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA) method is a powerful tool. For prospective studies, focusing to understand and manage the effects due to variability of customer needs, information generated in quality function deployment (QFD) analysis is suggested to be used. All information generated by studies can be used in simulations using Taguchi cross-product redesigns. When the object of VA is a business process instead of a product, the paper also describes how these methods can be applied to business process re-engineering (BPR). The creative problem solving power of VA is especially helpful in BPR. The small improvements can be achieved via the logical analysis and modelling methods but the radical breakthrough improvements require often creative problem solving in addition to modelling. Application of the methods is exposed through a business process example of Neste Advanced Power Systems Finland solar power systems manufacturing, using IDEFO models to be translated for simulation via coloured Petri nets. The conclusion of the paper is that the joined methodology offers a practical advantage for managing simulation studies needed in business process redesign.

Computational model for conceptual design based on extended function logic

AbstractFunction logic methods have been successfully used in Value Analysis (VA) and Value Engineering (VE) for several decades. This functional approach attempts to provide a common language for specialists in multiple domains. This paper describes an extension of function logic that assists in systematic identification of design functions, allocations, and their interrelations. Our approach identifies a three-level function/allocation/component information structure to represent the state of the design. We illustrate new types of links that exist between functions and the effect of these on the representation of the interrelated functions. These linkages provide new pathways for design information and function evaluation through allocation arithmetic and supported functions. A computational model of the conceptual design process is proposed based on the extended function logic design representation. An outline of the inputs, outputs and operations on form and function variables is given as a step prior to the synthesis process. We illustrate, by example, the process of translating functional representations across specialist domains. Finally, a computer-based aid to developing functional models is described.

Value Analysis: Integrating Product‐Process Design

Concerned with the application of a product cost reduction technique known as Value Analysis (VA). Demonstrates that well established companies like Chubb are realizing the importance of VA to increasing their product focus and the benefits achievable through the use of this technique. Centres upon the application of VA: why the technique was seen as appropriate to the needs of Chubb and what comprises VA; the process of establishing the team within Chubb to undertake the VA exercise; the work carried out by the members of the team and their achievements. Gives an overview and lessons learned from the exercise.