Hamidpour, E (2025) Title: Risk factors hindering the application of value engineering in Iranian construction projects. International Journal of Construction Management, 25(16), pp. 1998-2006. ISSN 1562-3599
Abstract
Value Engineering (VE) is crucial for maximizing value in construction, but its implementation in developing countries like Iran faces significant challenges. Existing literature does not fully address the specific barriers and risks hindering effective VE application in Iran, especially concerning cultural factors and stakeholder beliefs. This study aims to identify and rank critical barriers and risks to VE implementation in Iran, offering actionable insights for stakeholders. A mixed-methods approach was used: a literature review established the research foundation, followed by qualitative interviews with 14 experts for in-depth understanding. A mixed-methods approach was used, combining a literature review, qualitative interviews with 14 experts and a structured questionnaire administered to 234 professionals. The Friedman ranking test quantified the relative importance of factors identified. The analysis revealed three highest-ranked risks: lack of commitment to VE principles among key stakeholders, conflicting interests among project participants and inadequate planning for incorporating VE-driven changes. These risks, categorized into eight themes, highlight the significant impact of cultural factors and stakeholder beliefs on VE success. The study concludes that addressing these specific, culturally influenced barriers is crucial for successful VE implementation in Iran. Further research with larger, diverse samples is needed to refine these findings and develop tailored strategies.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | construction projects; factor analysis; implementation barriers; risk sources; value engineering |
| Index terms: | factor analysis, risk factor, implementation, questionnaire, construction project, interview, developing country, relative importance, face, value engineering, literature review, strategy, commitment |
| Subjects: | statistical analysis, management, data analysis and analytics, value management, risk assessment, data collection methods, environmental hazards, production management, development economics, contractual arrangements, psychology |
| Topics: | Research Practice, Cost Management, Business Strategy, Organizational Design, International Construction, Sustainability, Procurement, Risk Management, Project Management |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCEA |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here