How does VMN - Valuemanager Ninaus GmbH disseminate Value Engineering from course to practise?

 

The figure illustrates a three-step methodology for implementing Agile Value Management (AVM) in an academic-industry collaboration context. The visual representation uses a vertical flowchart with color-coded blocks and directional arrows to indicate sequential progression.

 

 

Step 1: Basic course Agile Value Management AVM1

This initial phase introduces students to the foundational principles and methods of Value Engineering. The learning process is supported by the specialized software VMCoach, which facilitates practical understanding of AVM concepts.

 

Tools Used:

• VMCoach Software www.vmcoach.org :
  • A specialized digital platform designed to teach and apply Value Engineering principles. It supports structured analysis, function modeling, and cost-benefit evaluation.
• Training Materials:
  • Includes AVM1 course content, case studies, and interactive exercises integrated into VMCoach.
• Collaboration Tools:
  • Online learning environments - Moodle for course delivery and student interaction.

 

Purpose of Tools:

To provide students with a foundational understanding of Value Engineering methods and enable hands-on practice in a controlled, software-supported environment.

 

 

Step 2: Elaborating a strategic Value Engineering study on product portfolio level for 3 participating companies

In this stage, students collaboratively conduct a strategic Value Engineering study at the product portfolio level for three partner companies. The study is executed live by 44 students and culminates in presentations delivered to the companies during the Valuemanagers Summit, ensuring real-world applicability and stakeholder engagement.

 

Tools Used:

• Data Collection Tools:
  • Spreadsheets or ERP data exports from participating companies to analyze product portfolios.
• Presentation Tools:
  • Flipcharts and Pinwalls for preparing and delivering results at the Valuemanagers Summit.

 

 

Purpose of Tools:
To enable real-time, collaborative execution of a strategic study, ensuring transparency and actionable insights for participating companies.

 

 

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Step 3: Working on selected company products in a follow-up course (Transfer project)

The final step focuses on transfer projects, where students apply Value Engineering techniques to specific company products. The objective is to reduce costs and improve functionality. This phase also leverages VMCoach, enabling direct collaboration between company representatives and students, with transparent visibility of the value study results.

 

Tools Used:

• VMCoach Software (Product-Level Analysis):
  • Applied for detailed cost breakdown, function analysis, and redesign proposals for selected products.
  • Direct interaction between students and company representatives, ensuring co-creation and validation of results.
  • For documenting findings and generating value improvement reports.
• CAD/Design PDF exports):
  • For evaluating functional improvements and cost reduction opportunities.

 

 

Purpose of Tools:
To implement Value Engineering principles on real products, achieving measurable cost savings and functional enhancements through collaborative work.