Teaching Value Engineering As A Tool For Reinforcing Applied Creativity in A Troubled AEC FM Industry: A Case Of Zambia

Conventional design methods that are taught to Engineers do not always take into account the practical constraints associated with resource availability and costs. For example a proposed community self-help constructed facility in rural Zambia, such as a bridge, could result in a reinforced concrete solution, because concrete and steel have always been associated with such structures. The availability and cost of ‘usual’ materials, in this example, concrete and steel, play a pivotal role in the success and or failure of the delivery of the much needed constructed facilities. Value Engineering takes a component level approach that addresses practical constraints associated with resource availability and cost. This paper describes an educational requirement specification for engineering curriculum in developing countries that incorporate value engineering techniques as a means of addressing practical design constraints related to Architecture, Engineering, Construction and Facilities Management projects. It further points out areas in the building product lifecycle where various disciplines of construction, are expected to create innovative and robust solutions that suit local conditions.