ABSTRACT
Value Engineering (VE) and Lean Six Sigma (LSS) have limitations, but synergizing the two methodologies optimizes similarities and provides the potential to overcome their unique limitations. The literature identified two primary areas for improvement of LSS: scope and the creative toolkit. Based on the literature, the Function Analysis System Technique (FAST) diagram is one of the strongest elements in the VE toolkit and has the greatest potential to contribute to LSS. FAST is the primary tool for gaining a broad perspective and identifying areas of improvement within an LSS project. The VE methodology can more readily identify creative problem-solving approaches than LSS, especially in government contracts. The VE methodology can develop additional alternatives, and the contractual use of Value Engineering Change Proposals with the government can create incentives for the contractor to develop new ideas, thereby creating further opportunities for synergy.
