WHAT MAKES VALUE METHODOLOGY WORK? (AN ANALYSIS OF FUNCTION ANALYSIS

WHAT MAKES VALUE METHODOLOGY

WORK?

(AN ANALYSIS OF FUNCTION ANALYSIS)

BY: GEZA E. KMETTY, PE, CVS

AND ALFRED I. PALEY, CVS, FELLOW

Topic Overview• Problem Solving • The Inventions• From Reasoning to Function Analysis• Creating a FAST Diagram of Function Analysis• Reading the FAST Diagram• Function Engineering• Example• Reasons of Poor Quality and Wrong Decisions• The VE Job Plan • Conclusions

Problem Solving

Wet Floor

Identify Correct Problem

Apply Pet Solution

Repair Leaky Roof

The Inventions

WWII

General Electric

Lawrence D. Miles Charles W. Bytheway

Function Analysis F.A.S.T. Diagram

Value Methodology

Reasoning

• How and Why things happen?

• How and Why things work?

• Theories and Stories + Logic = Understanding

• Understanding = Winning Arguments

Winning Arguments Solve Problem

Words Sentences Stories

Stories Understanding Winning Arguments

Functions F.A.S.T. Diagram Understanding

Understanding Find Problem Solve Problem

Functions

• The Language of Functions = Verb + Noun

• The Story of Functions = F.A.S.T. Diagram

Definition of Function

An

and a

Function Examples

• A Pencil’s Functions: Make Mark, Contain Graphite, Protect Garment, Carry Advertising, Carry Eraser

• A Flood Control Channel’s Functions: Contain Flows, Support Vegetation, Reduce Damage, Allow Recreation, Maintain Open Space

• Etc., etc., etc………

F.A.S.T. Diagram of

Function Analysis

The Value Methodology

F.A.S.T. Diagram of the Function Analysis Discipline

FAST (Function Analysis System Technique) is used to illustrate the relationships of functions within the Function Analysis Discipline, by utilizing a How-Why logic pattern.

Improve: Product, Process, Procedure, Regulations, Laws

Accomplish Goals

Make Proper Decisions

Select Best Solution(s)

Maintain Quality

Brainstorm Solutions

Generate Creative Discontent

Identify Correct Problem

Perform Function Analysis

Apply Standards

Obtain Consensus

Develop Understanding

Changing Attitudes

Measure Performance

Expose Unnecessary Functions

Identify Required Functions

Estimate Costs and/or Consequences

Obey Laws

Obtain Public Support and Cooperation

Obtain Approvals

Provide Audit Trail

Use Verb-Noun Description

Apply Job Plan

Assemble Expert VE Team

Reading the F.A.S.T.

• What is the F.A.S.T. “Story” telling us?

• Why we perform Function Analysis?

• Basic Required Function = Accomplish Goal

Function Engineering

• Identify Functions• Arrange Functions• Manipulate Functions• Identify Correct Problem • Generate Creative Discontent• Brainstorm Solutions• Select Best Solution

Example: Railroad Lift Bridge

Complete Construction-

Project

Replace Bridge

FAST Diagram

ProvideWater-Traffic

RailroadLift Bridge

Needs Repair

Provide Water and Rail Traffic Provide

Rail-Traffic

HOW? WHY?

Higher Order Function

Specifications

MaintainRail & Water

Traffic

60yr old Railroad Lift BridgeMaintenance/Remodeling

MaintainRail-Traffic

Provide Rail-

By-Pass

Environmental Impact Study

Baseline Solution

Result: Use Second Bridge

Complete Construction-

Project

Replace

Bridges

FAST Diagram

ProvideWater-Traffic

RailroadLift Bridges Need Repair

Provide Water and Rail Traffic Provide

Rail-Traffic

HOW? WHY?

Higher Order Function

SpecificationsMaintain

Rail & WaterTraffic

60yr old Railroad Lift BridgeMaintenance/Remodeling

MaintainRail-Traffic Eliminate

By-Pass

Two Parallel Railroad

Lift Bridges

x Change

Results

• Function Analysis->FAST Diagram->Understanding

• Identify Correct Problem

• Creative Discontent->Brainstorming->Best Solution

• Accomplish Goal

• Reduced Cost

Reasons of Poor Quality and Wrong Decisions• Lack of Information

• Honest Wrong beliefs• Habitual Thinking• Risk of Personal Loss • Reluctance to Ask for Advice

• Time Pressures

• Political Pressure

• Negative Attitudes • Rapidly changing technology • Strict Adherence to "Requirements"

• Poor Human Relations

The VE Job Plan

1. Identify the major elements of a project,

2. Analyze the functions these project elements perform,

3. Use brainstorming to develop several design alternatives to perform those functions,

4. Evaluate the alternatives to insure they do not degrade the project,

5. Assign costs (including life-cycle cost) to each of the most promising alternatives

6. Develop the promising alternatives into acceptable recommendations.

Goals

Symptoms,Symptoms,

DiscontentDiscontentExpertise

Process Product Project

Recommendations

VM-Team What? How? Why? What Else?

Management

Implementation

Conclusion

The Value Methodology is the language of reason and logical thinking.

The VE effort will result in identification of the correct problem

and an intimate understanding of the required functions

which leads to the best possible solution the VE team is capable of.

Thank You

Questions?

Contact: Geza E. Kmetty, P.E., C.V.S.E-mail: [email protected]