Analysing the Viability of AHP-Entropy Hybrid Model in Implementing Value Engineering

Abstract

Value engineering is a systematic approach that elevates the functional value over the monetary value by opting to utilise similar or better functional alternatives. It aims to diminish the overall ownership cost of a facility without compromising on the quality of the required function. Many theoretical frameworks evolved from the manufacturing sector can be adopted in the construction industry as well—value engineering is one such concept. Few construction organisations employ a human lead value engineering team to carry on this systematic process, but recent researches align towards integrating automation to facilitate the process. This paper aims to analyse the viability of implementing value engineering for cost reduction in construction by integrating the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Entropy weight determination method. This study uses the AHP judgement matrix based on primary data from the constructional professionals of the field study project. The results show the areas that require improvement and the areas having cost standards higher than the values. In the process, a few limitations are identified in this model associated with members assigning scores, listing of the components and elements in forming the matrix, accuracy of inputs, primary data for entropy, etc. The study concludes that the framework developed by a recent study pursued in 2021 is viable with limitations.