Research Activities
  • Measuring the processes and outcomes of value management studies in construction
  • Using group decision support systems in value management studies
  • Systematic identification and precise representation of client's requirements
  • Successful value management applications in China market economy
  • The impact of using group decision support systems on value management studies
  • A study of the development and operation of web-based online programmes
  • Functional representation of clients' requirements for building projects
  • Development of web-based group decision support system for value management workshops
  • Benchmarking the best value management practice in China's construction industry
  • Development of a framework of indicators for sustainable housing in Hong Kong
  • A system dynamics model for the supply and demand of housing development in Hong Kong
  • A system dynamic model for sustainable land use and development in Hong Kong
Consultancy Services
  • Design and facilitation of value management workshops and related services
  • Design and facilitation of partnering workshops and related services
  • Training in value management methodology and implementation

Co-ordinator:

 Prof Geoffrey Q.P. Shen
Researchers: Professor Heng Li
  Prof. L.Y. Shen
  Dr. Derek Drew
  Dr. Paul W. Fox

Selected Projects

Measuring the processes and outcomes of value management studies in construction (RGC Competitive Earmarked Research Grant, 2004-2006, HK$353,537, Prof. Geoffrey Q.P. Shen)

The effect of using group decision support systems on the processes and outcomes of value management studies (RGC Competitive Earmarked Research Grant, 2003-2005, HK$420,400, Prof. Geoffrey Q.P. Shen)

A best practice framework for systematic identification and precise representation of client's requirements in the briefing process (RGC Competitive Earmarked Research Grant, 2002-2004, HK$433,400, Prof. Geoffrey Q.P. Shen)

Successful value management applications in China market economy: development of a framework for implementing the best practice (RGC Competitive Earmarked Research Grant, 1999-2001, HK$380,000, Prof. Geoffrey Q.P. Shen)

A Group Decision Support System for VM Workshops in Construction

GDSS is also known as Group Support Systems or Computer Support Cooperative Work Systems. It is a branch of the information technology that combines communication, computing, and decision support technologies to facilitate the formulation and solution of unstructured problems by a group of people. In short, GDSS is a computer-based system, which consists of (1) hardware, (2) software, (3) people, and (4) procedures. In order to verify the feasibility of using GDSS to improve VM studies in Hong Kong construction industry, a prototype system "interactive Value Management System" (IVMS) is being developed in the Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

Introduction to IVMS
IVMS is a specific GDSS, which facilitates team members to exchange information, make presentations, brainstorm ideas, enables ideas and prioritise ideas in VM studies. HTML-based design enables it running on multi-platforms including Windows 98, Windows 2000 and Mac OS, and users can access the system at any machine, anytime, and anywhere. As no specific installation is required in clients' computers, we can reduce the hardware cost by using members' notebooks as terminals in VM workshops. A typical system setting is shown in Fig. 1.

How Can IVMS Support VM Studies?
The system structure of IVMS is shown in Fig. 2. Major functional components in the system include File Exchange Server in the Project Information Center and Briefing Tool in the Virtual Conference Room.



The File Exchange Server (Fig. 3) of Project Information Center allows members to share and distribute the project information on Internet.


The Briefing Tool of Virtual Conference Room provides members with online presentation in the pre-meeting phase. Fig. 4 is a demonstration of a virtual site visit.


What are the Contributions to VM studies?

  1. Facilitate information management
  2. Improve collaboration between team members in the pre-meeting
  3. Promote active participation and interaction in meetings
  4. Assist the decision analysis in meetings