Value management practice in South Africa: the built environment professions compared

Using an online survey, value management practice by construction professionals in South Africa is investigated. Opinions were sought from architects, engineers, quantity surveyors, and project and construction managers. An objective is to test the UK-based assertion of Kelly et al. (2004) that VM is an established service with commonly understood tools, techniques and styles. While awareness of VM is reasonably prevalent among the professions, it is far less so among architects. Actual practice of VM is considerably less extensive, with the architects reporting the lowest level of usage. Much higher levels of awareness and practice could have been expected. Knowledge of VM techniques appears dated, and membership of VM associations is rare. Usage of VM is invariably founded on a cost-minimization driver. Little attempt is made to benchmark VM activities against international standards nor is a standard methodology employed. Value management is not generally used to facilitate the client briefing process. The findings are important given the increasing globalization of construction services, especially the growth of international ties between built environment professionals. It is recommended that the professional associations that promote the activities of the professions in SA should organize suitable refresher skills and training opportunities in VM.