Integrating the end-user’s voice in the target value setting process during the project definition phase: challenges and potential solutions

Abstract

The construction industry, one of the largest sectors in the global economy, continues to face challenges such as inefficiency, fragmentation, and lack of transparency, leading to cost overruns, delays, and low productivity. To address these issues, methodologies from manufacturing, particularly Target Value Delivery (TVD), have been adapted to promote collaboration and value creation for stakeholders. However, despite its potential, TVD adoption remains limited due to challenges such as the clear definition of value in complex projects. This thesis explores the application of TVD in the construction sector, focusing on value definition through user participation during the initial project phases. The chosen constructive research methodology is based on two case studies in Quebec: a campus expansion project and a high school modernization project, both incorporating Lean approaches and tools to foster collaboration and value creation. The researcher collected data through document analysis, workshop observations, and semistructured interviews with project stakeholders, including architects, engineers, users, and government representatives. Qualitative techniques helped identify how participatory design and Lean methodologies supported decision-making and value definition. The case studies were supplemented by expert interviews to enrich the analysis of the practical challenges and benefits of TVD implementation. The findings highlight the importance of early stakeholder engagement, particularly end-user participation, to align project outcomes with functional requirements and stakeholder values. However, challenges persist, such as difficulty in defining value, managing expectations, and coordinating multidisciplinary teams. This thesis proposes recommendations to strengthen the integration of participatory workshops and user inclusion tools, enabling more effective and value-aligned project delivery. This thesis contributes to value-focused construction practices by proposing strategies for enhancing the use of participatory design and Lean methodologies in construction projects. Recommendations include the structured use of participatory design workshops and tools that support improved user inclusion in decision-making processes, leading to more effective and value-aligned project delivery.

Date	4 Feb 2025
Original language	American English
Awarding Institution	École de technologie supérieure
Supervisor	Erik Andrew Poirier (Supervisor) & Daniel Forgues (Co-supervisor)