Improved design decision-making using small group value engineering gaming/simulation.

Abstract

This exploratory research investigates design decision-making in architecture and value engineering and how this decision-making is influenced by group dynamics and gaming/simulation. Its results can be used to enhance the abilities of architects to work effectively in groups and to improve their design decision-making skills in order to better meet today's society needs to design highly complex facilities of greater quality using less resources than ever before. The nature of this research was hypothesis generation. Because of this, a structured observation methodology was utilized to examine the role of value engineering gaming/simulation (G/S) to improve small group performance and result in more effective design decision-making. Four groups of five assisted in this research to gain their reaction and comments to this G/S. They also helped identify the major factors which contribute to improved group performance. Half were selected for their preference to work alone (traditional culture), the other half were selected based on their desire to work in groups (comprehensive culture). These groups were observed to gain a better understanding of how each culture responds to the use of G/S. Three major results are suggested from this research. First, G/S appears to improve small group performance and can result in more effective design decision-making. Participants encouraged further refinement to this approach and that it be applied during the "early stages" for greatest project benefit. Secondly, improved group performance is most significantly influenced by team communication, followed by cohesiveness of the group and leadership. The third finding suggests application of G/S causes a cultural shift from traditional problem-solving in favor of the more comprehensive (team) approach. There also appears to be a cultural shift in favor of "value engineering" by the traditional groups. The ability to quickly generate design alternatives, then test these alternatives, in terms of cost, quality and value using a microcomputer model, was the most significant finding of this research. One of the oldest and largest architectural firms in the United States, Smith, Hinchman & Grylls, is now using this approach to improve its design decision-making.