ABSTRACT
A group support system (GSS) is an interactive computer-based information system which combines the capabilities of communication technologies, database technologies, computer technologies and decision technologies to support the identification, analysis, formulation, evaluation and solution of semi-structured or unstructured problems by a group in a user-friendly computing environment. This chapter introduces a research that has been conducted to explore the potential of using GSS in value management (VM) workshops and to investigate the effect of the application. It begins with an introduction to the problems of implementing VM in the construction industry in Hong Kong. It then proceeds to an illustration of the features of the GSS prototype, named Interactive Value Management System (IVMS). Two validation studies designed to validate the support of IVMS to collaborative working are described and the results are discussed. Findings from this research indicate that IVMS is an effective tool to overcome the major problems and difficulties of collaborative working by multiple stakeholders in VM workshops.
