In-House Training on Value Engineering at L&T, Mumbai
Trainer: Dr. Gopal Sivakumar
Larsen & Toubro (L&T), Mumbai, recently hosted an intensive in-house training program on Value Engineering, delivered by Dr. Gopal Sivakumar, Six Sigma Master Black Belt and Lean & Operational Excellence Expert.
Objective of the Program
The session was designed to help engineering and project teams:
- Improve product and process value without compromising quality
- Optimize cost across the value chain
- Enhance functional performance using structured VE methodology
- Apply value analysis in real-time project scenarios
The focus was not theoretical discussion alone. The program emphasized practical application within L&T’s project environment.
Key Topics Covered
1. Fundamentals of Value Engineering
- Concept of Value = Function / Cost
- Function analysis and classification
- Identifying value-added vs non-value-added elements
2. FAST (Function Analysis System Technique)
Participants learned how to break down complex systems into functional blocks and identify improvement opportunities systematically.
3. Cost-Worth Analysis
- Determining the actual worth of functions
- Eliminating unnecessary cost drivers
- Structured brainstorming for alternative solutions
4. VE Job Plan (6-Phase Approach)
- Information Phase
- Function Analysis Phase
- Creative Phase
- Evaluation Phase
- Development Phase
- Presentation Phase
Real project examples from engineering and infrastructure domains were used for hands-on exercises.
Methodology Adopted
Dr. Gopal Sivakumar used:
- Case-based discussions
- Group activities with real L&T project references
- Practical worksheets for function-cost mapping
- Live problem-solving sessions
Participants worked in teams to apply VE tools to ongoing or past project challenges, making the learning directly applicable.
Outcomes Achieved
By the end of the program, participants were able to:
- Identify cost-saving opportunities without affecting performance
- Apply structured brainstorming for engineering optimization
- Use FAST diagrams confidently
- Evaluate alternatives based on functionality and cost effectiveness
The session strengthened L&T’s internal capability to drive cost leadership through systematic value improvement rather than cost cutting.
Closing Note
The training concluded with interactive discussions on how Value Engineering can be integrated into L&T’s project lifecycle from design to execution.
Dr. Gopal Sivakumar emphasized that Value Engineering is not about reducing cost — it is about maximizing value. When applied correctly, it enhances performance, innovation, and profitability simultaneously.
