Function Logic Models

The SAVE-International approved value methodology (VM) workshop is the most common introduction to the value methodology. Typically, they are 40 hours in duration, half theory, and half-practical application. The “live” projects used should have been carefully selected for both potential application and as educational vehicles. Due to the limited time available, they must be small in scope. Rarely do the attendees have the opportunity to participate in the project selection. Too frequently, however, upon completion of the basic workshop, the participants are expected by their management to select new projects representing high rates of return on the VM “investment” and to conduct “full scale” VM studies. The projects thought of by management are not small, easily understood ones but rather from within major systems, products, or entire procedures. In fact, they are often complete products, buildings or highways. SAVE International, through its Value World and international conference proceedings, has published has published a wealth of material about project selection. The starting point is usually assumed to be trying to select the “best” projects from many potential ones. As one very successful company president said, “Find the dogs and make them profitable.” The function hierarchy model can effectively assist in appropriate project selection and offers strong features for project control as well as its more traditional role of developing full project understanding.