Integrating risk and value management using IRVM workshops: Case studies in infrastructure projects in UK

In infrastructure projects, even though both value management (VM) and risk management (RM) are widely accepted as tools for effective project management, they have never been synthetically practiced. To combine the two processes within a single project is practical and logical when both methods share the same resources. Both VM and RM are systematic processes and involve a multi-disciplinary team in creative IRVM workshops. This paper attempts to examine the application of IRVM workshop to integrate RM and VM through case studies as a qualitative approach in four infrastructure projects in UK. Results show that even through the application of IRVM workshop is very much dependent on several factors such as time and budget constraint, complexity of project, and client’s requirement , it could effectively quantify the VM and RM approaches to increase the exercisability.


INTRODUCTION
The opportunity of integrating value management (VM) in conjunction with the formal risk assessment and analysis started in 1993 when a city port authority required a value engineering (VE) effort that would be augmented with an application of a risk assessment (Dell"Isola, 1997).In infrastructure projects, both VM (including VE) and RM are well used (Weatherhead, 2006) and widely accepted as the best practice tools for effective project management (Griffin, 2006).Griffin (2006) argues that the issue is no longer about whether they should be used but whether the processes should be integrated.Furthermore, OGC (2003) mentioned that VM and RM are interrelated tasks that should be carried out in parallel.
According to OGC (2003), the application of VM will help client to identify the best way of meeting business need while RM is used to manage the risks associated with the solution that offers the best whole-life value to the business and should not be seen as barrier to innovation.
The main idea for integrating RM and VM (hereinafter referred as IRVM) is to optimise value on a project.Dallas (2006) stated there is little point in going to great lengths to maximise the value of a project if significant risks materialise which impair its delivery, thereby destroying value, and a project in which all risk is avoided is unlikely to maximise value.Meanwhile, Paliokostas (2000) indicated that these techniques appear to be so compatible and complementary, so that continuing to use them separately could mean waste of time and resources.
The OGC (2003) proposed that VM exercises are carried out first, to determine what exactly constitutes value to the business from delivery of a project.After that, the likely risks to occur to the preferred option are identified.This exercise will be repeated to all options in defining value and associated risks until they arrive at optimum balance of value and risk.Focusing on the allocation in integrating risk management and value management (IRVM), this paper intends to give clear direction of the subject to be studied, by discussing the scope and approach of both value and risk management.It provides a clear guideline of where and how to integrate the two kinds of methodologies through case studies of using IRVM workshops in infrastructure projects in the United Kingdom (UK).

RISK MANAGEMENT IN PROJECTS
The concept of risk management (RM) starts with gambling, which is a game of chance, and makes profits based on prediction (Tserng et al., 2009;Dallas, 2006).Risk exists as a consequence of uncertainty (Chen et al., 2010;APM, 2000) while risk management describes the deliberate management of uncertainty or its effects (Ward et al., 1997).The construction industry for instance, is open to risk and uncertainty due to the nature of its business, from the initial investment appraisal of a project up to the physical completion of the project.This industry is prone to danger if no proper measures and precautions are taken into consideration, especially in managing risks and uncertainties.
However, Rogers (2002) argues that attempting to entirely eliminate risk is not a practical exercise because of the associated costs and therefore there has to be a trade-off between any benefits from reducing risk and the cost of doing so.RM ensures that risks are identified, reviewed and mitigated accordingly and key stakeholders are made aware of the risks prior to any decision making.Hence, good risk management, at all levels, is therefore critical to success in achieving goals.A source of risk is any factor that can affect project performance, and risk arises when this effect uncertain and significant in its impact on project performance (Luu et al., 2009;Shehu and Akintoye, 2010).
According to Chapman and Ward (2002), a broad definition of risk, particularly project risk, is the implications of the existence of significant uncertainty about the level of project performance achievable.RM is defined as the systematic process of identifying, analysing and responding to project risk, including maximising the probability and consequences of positive events and minimising the probability and consequences of negative events to the project objectives (PMI, 2000).According to Chapman and Ward (2003), RM is the combination of the probability of an event and its consequences; and an uncertain event or set of circumstances that, should it occur, will have an effect on the achievement on the project"s objectives.
The aims and objectives of RM is to ensure that risks are identified at project inception, their potential impacts allowed for and where possible the risks or their impacts Abd-Karim et al. 2471minimised (OGC, 2003) and; to improve project performance via systematic identification, appraisal and management of project-related risk (Chapman and Ward, 2002;Ward et al., 1997).There are many models used to manage the risks and according to Smith et al. (2006) most practitioners have developed their own methodology suited to the types of projects they are involved in.The standard model is divided into 4 parts namely risk identification, risk analysis, risk response and risk monitoring and review and are explained in Table 2.

VALUE MANAGEMENT IN PROJECTS
Value management (VM) started from a technique developed by Lawrence D. Miles in the United States in 1940s for product improvement, known as value analysis (VA), which then evolved to value engineering (VE) and VM due to the use and application in different industry.
The definitions of VM are found in many literatures and is consistently known to be a rigorous, systematic effort to improve the value and optimise the life cycle cost of a facility, without sacrificing the needed performance level (Zhang et al., 2009;Dell"Isola, 1997); and a proactive, creative, problem-solving or problem seeking service which maximises the functional value (Bowen et al., 2010;Male et al., 1998).Other new definitions could also be found in the British Standard BSEN 12973:2000 as well as the Association for Project Management"s Body of Knowledge (APM, 2000).The collections of definitions from several sources (Barima, 2010;Vorakulpipat et al., 2010;Woodhead et al., 2004;Berawi and Woodhead, 2005a;Berawi and Woodhead, 2005b;Berawi, 2006) shared the key words with general understanding of value management and can be described as follows: a) Methods and tools-Structured techniques or effort, workshop; b) Management style-Team oriented, creativity and innovation, problem solving, skills and motivation; c) Cost and value-Optimise life cycle cost and maximise or improvise value; and d) Competitiveness-Performances, needs and requirements, threats and opportunity.
There are three techniques in conducting VM, recognised and implemented world wide by practitioners, namely: value planning, value engineering and value analysis.These techniques served as guidance in undertaking VM studies and are shown in Figure 1.
The job plan in VM was developed by Miles in 1961, which was popularly known as VE and was further explored and developed to enhance the use of VM.The Society of American Value Engineers International (SAVE International) published its own job plan in 1997 while Male et al. (1998) have their own as well.The similarity between Miles procedure and SAVE International"s procedure is that both have three phases.The "Pre-study Phase" by SAVE International is a development of the orientation and information phases by Miles.The same applies to the Value Study Phase and Post-study Phase, which might be developed from Miles" procedure.On the other hand, Male et al. (1998) proposes six-phase procedures of VM where there are interconnections and similarities of the procedures with SAVE International.Instead of having one value study phase as developed by SAVE International, which comprises of several steps in the procedure, Male et al. has divided the phase into creativity, evaluation, and development phases.The differences of job plan phases and procedures are as shown in Table 1.

INTEGRATING RM AND VM
It is arguable that the integration of RM and VM can be used to reduce the negative impact on projects and to assist value improvement.The issue of integrating risk and value is an observable fact driven by a desire to minimise the time taken to act and to produce results with optimum performance and quality.Furthermore, it is also an issue whether risk and value are isolated.The risks of

Risk identification
Determine what the risks are, Distinguishes between the origin of the risk and its impact (may use risk register)

Risk assessment (or risk analysis)
Determine the probability of occurrence and potential impact or severity.Understand and quantify the likelihood of occurrence and potential impact Divided into Qualitative and Quantitative assessment

Risk response
To contain them within acceptable limit (taking countermeasures) Only when the possible causes and effects have been considered and understood.Divided into Avoidance, Reduction, Transfer and Retention/acceptance

Monitoring
Update and control the risks Ongoing review throughout the project, actions recorded in risk register

Feedback
How well the risks were managed and lesson learned to improve RM performance for future projects, how well they we managed, how to improve available alternatives will influence the decision about project objectives and preferred outline designs (Connaughton and Green, 1996), which strengthen the idea of combining RM and VM.Furthermore, Othman (2004) supported the idea of integration of VM and RM as two complimentary disciplines, saying that best value could not be achieved unless associated risks have been managed.Scholars and researchers in IRVM (Connaughton and Green, 1996;Paliokostas, 2000;Smith et al., 2006;Thompson, 2004) have provided reasons why there is a need to integrate between VM and RM is as follows: a) Utilisation of the same resources/ multi-disciplinary team hence avoiding duplication of effort; b) Involvement of stakeholders in the workshops; c) Good way of introducing VM and RM into an organisation; d) Maintain and improve future appraisals and assessment of projects; e) Influences the VM proceeds in this case-option appraisal, by allowing the users to consider specific options used in the past similar projects; f) Makes them aware of their weaknesses and strengths; g) Shortening he time taken to develop viable solutions based on the risks facing a project; h) Identifies specific risk allocation structures in association to contract strategies; and i) Provides in-depth assessment process.
Phillips (2002) as cited in Thompson (2004) mentioned that much of the power of IRVM methodology lies in the rigorous, disciplined approach and the ability of team members to focus collectively, both inwardly and outwardly on broad range of topics.This shows that VM and RM shares common structured base and has similarities in undertaking a project.The similarities between VM and RM methodologies are shown in Table 3. Workshops are the useful way of identifying project risk and therefore it possible to combine risk and value management in the same workshop (Connaughton and Green, 1996).In the UK, a general guide in conducting IRVM is provided by the OGC, identified as "The Gateway Process".This process helps to reduce overall project risk by examining the project at critical stages in its life cycle to provide assurance that it can progress successfully to the next stage (OGC, 2003).Meanwhile, Thompson (2004) suggested that VM and RM could be integrated in a workshop through the job plan process with risk considerations in each phases as shown in Table 4.
In undertaking VM workshop, it is beneficial that the aspect of risks are taken into consideration into the phases of job plan, to achieve project objectivesas this allows potential risks to be identified, analysed and appropriate responses to be taken for each items and options.Thompson provides the general risk considerations to the project under study.By integrating both activities, it may become a very strong and useful combination of risk analysis and management in a value studies.The extent to which any risk analysis is carried out during a value study (VS) should be down to the judgement of those involved in the study to achieve the most appropriate results.

RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES
This paper discusses and analyses the potentials in implementing IRVM workshop in project management.The concept of IRVM is examined and enabled through case studies.This paper provides four case studies for the application of IRVM in the UK"s infrastructure projects selected in the rail industry and water industry.All data are of a qualitative type, derived from the interviews.Comparisons of practices in different scenarios were made to study the similarities and differences of RM and VM approaches.Case studies have been conducted in four infrastructure projects in the rail industry and water industry, including a carriage washer renewal project, a station enhancement project, a water treatment project, and a waste water incineration project, as briefed in Table 5.

Value management
Risk management A systematic process, undertaken according to fixed plan and efficient way, reflected in the Job Plan A systematic process, comprising 3 distinct phases that is, risk identification, risk analysis and risk response Multi-disciplinary team in creative workshops, considered as group activities Multi-disciplinary team in creative workshops, considered as group activities Using brainstorming as technique to identify solutions that meet required functions Using brainstorming as technique to identify risks that may affect project performance A mean of defining project objectives A process that ensures that project objectives are not affected by future and uncertain events.

Brings value to a project by defining clear objectives, establishing communication between parties, preventing conflicts and eliminating unnecessary costs
Adds value to the project by ensuring all risks are managed efficiently, preventing or reducing future risk that affect project objectives A means of decision making process and considered as an aid to help clients take informed decision A means of decision making process and considered as an aid to help clients take informed decision Need the involvement of experienced facilitators to lead group members within process Need the involvement of experienced facilitators to lead group members within process Needs creativity to generate alternative solutions and meet required functions

Requires creativity to identify potential risks and responding to risks
Evolved from hard approach to "soft" approach such as problem solving, communication, understanding and team building "Soft" paradigm of risk management such as soft system methodology, places emphasis on human aspect and qualitative issues.
Requires a positive approach Requires negative frame of mind

Carriage washer renewal project: Application of IRVM in the rail industry
This case study aimed at looking for VM opportunities and identifying potential risks for the carrier washer renewal project in the rail industry.An IRVM workshop was conducted to look into aspects such as the type of the machine, effluent discharging, control machines, and cleaning methods.The project team came out with a full list of characteristics of the proposed new carriage washing machine to be included in the project such as capability of cleaning per day, body sides and eaves, dedicated plant room, bulk storage tanks of water, able to achieve required efficiency as well as means of monitoring and dosing of effluent from machine.The study was conducted in a manner that suits to study on both VM and RM.The project risks were identified through the quantified risk assessment process which assists in demonstrating that submissions have a robust risk element attached to them.Risks were described using a three-part method including: cause of the risk in a given circumstance, the risk"s effects, and risk prevention.The quantified risk assessment involved generating quantitative estimates on the likelihood and the cost impact of each risk including assessment of the impact of the risk.A risk register is prepared to allocate and monitor the list of risk and ownership of risk, and the data was modelled using risk analysis software.The sensitivity of the overall outcome of quantitative risk assessment indicated the chance and frequency the risk occurs and the variation in its impact when the risk occurs.

Station enhancement project: Application of IRVM in the rail industry
The project understudy involves an IRVM workshop conducted for general improvements involving the replacement of the surface car park with a new on-site multi-storey car-park building.It also includes the improvement works to the station, the transport interchange, and the sale of the residual car park area for residential development.Interchange and highway improvement works are to be procured separately to the station enhancement works and lift installations.
The IRVM workshop agreed to adopt brainstorming techniques and information captured either on flipcharts or live on the computer, lead by a workshop facilitator.The primary activities of the IRVM workshop were to review the scheme and to recommend the preferred elements for the particular station enhancements project and to clarify and to confirm costs to ensure the proposals to be affordable.Meanwhile, several other activities for the IRVM workshop were also implemented such as to identify key stakeholders, constraints and assumptions with the project; to identify key functional elements of the project; to review scheme elements and options and identify any new ones; to work on the elements and options and identify advantages and disadvantages associated with the options; to identify key risks; to propose timescale for implementation; to identify indicative costs and VE opportunities; and also to allocate the owners, timescales and final action plans.

Water treatment project: Application of IRVM in water industry
The studied project which has no sewage treatment works prior to the initiation of the project comprises of two sewered areas: one located by an airfield and the other is further along the coast.Both sewerage systems discharged into a designated catchment area which is classified as recreational water.Meanwhile, the designated catchment area is at the entrance of a lake and therefore, there were two options to be considered in the IRVM workshop; crossing the existing bridge, the largest cantilever bridge in the world; or treating the flow at the project site.The IRVM workshop was conducted

RM
QRA involved generating quantitative estimates on the likelihood and cost impact of each risk including assessment of the impact of the risk.
QRA involved generating quantitative estimates on the likelihood and cost impact of each risk including assessment of the impact of the risk.
No information on specific RM workshop as risk aspects was considered in the VM workshops.
No information on specific RM workshop as risk aspects was considered in the VM workshops.

IRVM Workshop results
The project should be allocated contingency level of 10% addition to the base estimate.
Main critical risks played around the issue of sufficient water supplies and drainage for successful project delivery.
Able to identify the overall cost savings based on the review and the VE study Workshop recorded some savings base on the original estimate.
The total exclusions as a result of VE savings at 40% from the total base estimate.
Additional costs incurred due to the additions of several items to the project.
22% of overall savings from the VE workshop of the total base estimate.
Both VM 1 and VM 2 were very beneficial and members of the workshop agreed in choosing one best solution.
Able to provide the best solution to the client, in terms of risk and cost whereby the options selected for the treatment works provides the client with low risk at low cost.
No information to investigate the possibility of pumping the flow from project site across the bridge to the catchment.There were two separate IRVM workshops conducted for the project.
The first IRVM workshop aimed to gain a better understanding of the business risks and other issues associated with the water treatment, and to challenge the business need in order to deliver appropriate solution.Led by a VM facilitator and attended by a team of various background professionals, the members of the IRVM workshop have agreed to use the VM Job Plan study format with an additional stage associated with business risk was brought in.During the information phase, the IRVM workshop discussed the background and history surrounding the project site.The IRVM workshop then studied on the business case issues including aim of the project, drivers, scope, constraints, output, and assumptions.Other issues such as planning consent, land acquisition, future expansion, time and cost were also discussed.It also managed to identify the current business risks associated with the project which were scored in terms of their probability and impact.In creative phase, the IRVM workshop has identified options addressing the business risks for the project.Ideas generated during this phase were evaluated further for considerations.
The second IRVM workshop aimed to agree the preferred options in dealing with the treatment issues for the project, and to identify the next steps in order to progress the project.The IRVM workshop presented a summary of current options and costs that need to be analysed and following the discussion.Several options were discarded due to their high costs.The remaining options were assessed in terms of business risk remaining post solution using a probability-impact matrix for each option.Meanwhile, secondary risks associated with the options were identified and plotted for further studies.The project team recommended that one of the options which represent a low cost and low business risk solution be taken forward as preferred option in dealing with treatment issues.During the creative phase, the IRVM workshop has identified options addressing the business risks for the project and all ideas generated during this phase were evaluated further for considerations.

Waste water incineration project: Application of IRVM in water industry
This case study is related to the waste product in the water industry, provided by one of the water and waste water company in the UK.The project aimed to ensure the existing incinerators comply with waste incineration directive (WID) as the key driver, and to ensure that older incinerators operated until certain period, subject to maintenance.
The IRVM workshop started with identifying the scope of works for the said project.There was a major constraint to be taken into consideration by the IRVM workshop, which was to achieve 25% savings as indicated by the client.At the end of the IRVM workshop, the project team was able to identify the preferred option with its associated risks, to establish the need for the design and cost, and to establish any additional design requirements for WID.
During the creative phase, several options were identified by the team members and were further evaluated for their benefits and concerns including recommendation for further actions associated with the options.Apart from evaluating the options, the IRVM workshop also evaluated on failure scenarios which involve business risk assessment and management for the preferred option and presented with a probability-impact tables.The next steps were the development of the preferred option that studied the future design requirements and meeting the key dates.

DISCUSSION AND LIMITATIONS OF RESEARCH
The case studies provide four projects that have undergone IRVM processes, undertaken by different organisations.Although there are different approaches in using IRVM approaches in the four projects, this research found out similarities among them.The first similarity is that all projects have clear and specified goals to be achieved after the IRVM workshops, which could effectively quantify the IRVM outcome.Secondly, the IRVM workshops were conducted according to the basic principles which consist of techniques like job plan and brainstorming.Job plan and brainstorming played vital part in conducting RM and VM studies to generate, evaluate, and develop ideas, and to prevent risks during the IRVM workshops.
One limitations of this study is that the elected case studies are only chosen concerning the development and implementation of value management and risk management of infrastructure projects that have undergone the IRVM methodology.Further, the research covers only the water industry and the rail industry.

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATION FOR FUTURE RESEARCH
This paper studied the application of IRVM workshop to integrate value and risk management in the rail industry and the water industry.It found that the application of VM, RM and their integration such as IRVM workshop varies from one project to another and from one organisation to the other.However, even though the application of IRVM workshop is very much dependent on several factors such as time and budget constraint, complexity of project, and client"s requirement, it could effectively quantify the RM and VM approaches to increase the exercisability.Being a relatively new process that could effectively quantify the VM and RM approaches, the authors strongly recommended that a comprehensive studies to be conducted to establish how to deal with IRVM in a common and structured manner.Indeed, supports from both VM and RM practitioners" point of view are very much welcomed to maximise chances for project success.
Lawrence D. Miles (1961) SAVE International (1997) Male et al. (1998) Orientation Information Pre-study Phase: Data collection Pre-study Phase: Information gathering and synthesis, produce agenda, presentation and team building