Learn how to analyse functions and stakeholder needs to improve designs, develop alternatives and create greater value in projects and systems.
Value Management teaches you how to improve the value of projects and systems by critically examining their functions, performance, costs and benefits. Rather than focusing solely on lowering costs, you explore how available resources can be used more effectively to meet the needs of clients and other stakeholders.
During the course, you learn about the principles of Value Management and Value Engineering and their relevance to organisations, projects and society. You then learn to prepare and apply a structured Value Engineering process by following the steps of the recognised job plan. You also work with the core methods and instruments used within this approach. By combining theory with a practical group project, you develop a systematic way to assess designs, explore alternatives and identify opportunities to create greater value.
Projects are becoming increasingly complex, while organisations are expected to balance performance, costs, stakeholder interests and societal objectives. This requires a structured approach to determining what value means within a project and how that value can be improved.
Value Management and Value Engineering are applied internationally across different industries. Within Dutch civil engineering, the approaches are used by organisations such as ProRail and Rijkswaterstaat. They help project teams clarify stakeholder requirements, analyse the functions of a system and develop alternatives that use resources more effectively. These methods are relevant to professionals involved in designing, commissioning, managing and delivering complex projects.
This is a regular master’s course in which both students and professionals can participate. The course is taught through interactive workshops rather than conventional lectures. Each workshop begins with theory, after which you apply the methods and instruments to a practical case. Preparation outside the scheduled sessions is generally not required, but active attendance and participation in the workshops are important.
You work in a group of approximately four participants on a shared civil engineering case. Within this project, you follow the structured steps of the Value Engineering job plan and use the methods introduced during the workshops. The project allows you to practise analysing functions, identifying opportunities for improvement, developing alternatives and supporting a Value Engineering team.
The course generally includes one four-hour workshop at the beginning of each week and a one-hour feedback session later that week, subject to the final timetable.
Details and assessment
Assessment consists of two components:
The course is officially recognised as part of the international Value Management certification programme. After successfully completing both assessment components, you can apply for the internationally recognised QVA certificate. This is the first certificate in the personal development path towards becoming a Professional in Value Management.
This course is intended for professionals involved in the design, development, commissioning or management of complex civil engineering and construction systems. Relevant participants include civil engineers, design managers, project managers, consultants, asset managers, contractors and professionals working for municipalities, provinces and other public-sector organisations.
The course is particularly relevant if you want to evaluate designs more systematically, connect stakeholder expectations with project outcomes or identify opportunities to improve performance and use resources more effectively. Participants are expected to have a university of applied sciences level of thinking and working. Previous experience with Value Management or Value Engineering is not required.
If you successfully complete the course, you will receive a microcredential. This microcredential is a digital record confirming that you have passed the assessment components of the regular master’s course and achieved the corresponding learning outcomes.
You may also participate without completing the assessments. If you choose this option, or do not pass all assessment components, you will receive a digital certificate of participation.
Start date: February (Q1)
Total duration: February until April (excluding resits) (140 hour study load)
Number of teaching days / sessions: Seven four-hour workshops and eight one-hour feedback sessions. Attendance is required, although participants may miss two workshops and two feedback sessions. Passing the examination is required to obtain the QVA certificate.
Total programme fee: € 2.067,15 (5 EC × € 413,43 per EC)
Programme type: master course
Master: This master's course is part of the Civil Engineering and Management programme and is also available to professionals.
Location: University of Twente, Enschede, NL
Language of instruction: English
Admission requirements:
Participants are expected to have a university of applied sciences level of thinking and working. Previous knowledge of Value Management or Value Engineering is not required.
Teachers: