Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Value engineering (VE) techniques play a crucial role in the successful development of new products by ensuring that the final product meets customer expectations while also optimizing costs and resources. This research aims to explore the relevance and impact of value engineering techniques in the new product development process. Through a comprehensive review of existing literature on value engineering, this study identifies key methodologies and strategies that can be employed to enhance the value of new products. The research emphasizes the importance of early integration of value engineering in the product development cycle to maximize its benefits. By utilizing techniques such as functional analysis, cost optimization, and value management, companies can streamline their product development processes and improve the overall quality of the final product. Value engineering not only helps in cost reduction but also contributes to enhancing product performance, reliability, and customer satisfaction. Furthermore, this study investigates the challenges and barriers that organizations may face in implementing value engineering techniques in new product development. Factors such as lack of awareness, resistance to change, and limited resources can hinder the effective application of value engineering principles. By addressing these challenges and promoting a culture of value consciousness within the organization, companies can overcome barriers and leverage the full potential of value engineering. The research also highlights the role of cross-functional collaboration and communication in successful value engineering implementation. By fostering a collaborative environment where different departments work together towards a common goal, companies can enhance creativity, innovation, and problem-solving capabilities in the product development process. Effective communication and knowledge sharing are essential for aligning stakeholders' interests and ensuring that value engineering goals are met. In conclusion, this research underscores the significance of value engineering techniques in optimizing new product development processes and achieving competitive advantage in the market. By embracing value engineering principles and methodologies, companies can create innovative products that deliver superior value to customers while also maximizing profitability and sustainability. Overall, the findings of this study provide valuable insights for organizations seeking to enhance their product development practices through the application of value engineering techniques.

Thesis Overview

1.0 INTRODUCTION1.1 GENERAL OVERVIEWThe need to produce quality goods and services at a minimum cost possible so as to maximize profit has been a major goal of manufacturers and producers of goods, at this instance, it means that there should be a systematic and scientific approach. In doing this, this is the need for value engineering techniques. Value engineering techniques is a systematic effort aimed in improving the value of a product, project or system and optimize availability performance and other critical factors to meet the customers expectations.According to Andrew (2001), value engineering has two primary elements (i) To deliver function at a minimum cost (ii) To use group brainstorming and consensus to broaden the solution space and avoid narrow thinking value which can improve by reduction in the life cycle cost (LCC) and by an increase in customers worth or customer acceptance, the action of value Engineering require studies in the calculation of a product (LCC) where focused on the product total cost.

1.2 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDYUnilever Nigeria Plc, was incorporated on the 4th of December 1948 under the name of P.B Nicholas Company Limited to take over the soap making activities of Mr. P.B Nicholas who had some years prior to that established a factor for that purpose. In the company was formally incorporated in England and became a public company.Following the merger of the company in 1976 the company’s name was changed form Lever Brothers Nigeria Plc to Unilever Nigeria Plc, it is pertinent to note that after the 1st incorporation in 1948, new factory buildings were constructed and modern soap making equipments installed at Aba thereby creating one of the earlier major industries in Nigeria. They produce series of products ranging form Omo detergent soap, close-up, Lux soap, venus pomade, canoe soap, sunlight soap etcAlso, the increasing population indicate by market surveys and close and use of the company’s products gave rise to a decision to extend the range of products to include a detergent premises at Illupeju in 1975. The company has factories and depot in some major cities in Nigeria and West Africa.

1.3 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEMThere is certain problems faced most manufacturing company which the researcher must highlight some in order to make her research work a complete one.However, this research work on the relevance of value engineering techniques in a new product development. Using Unilever Nigeria Plc, Aba factory as the case study. Some of the problems are stated as follows:1. Reluctance to abandon old method and to consider new methods of developing design the company resist to abandon old habits with the development technology. New materials and new technology are now available and are far better than the old ones. 2. Unwillingness of most companys management to listen to an implement creative ideas that could lead to improvement in materials and process.3. Lack of time to examine fully all the possible alternative materials process4. Over creation on the part of designers who might specify too high level of quality

1.4 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDYThe following are the main objective of the research1. To investigate those factors that is responsible for unnecessary cost in a manufacturing industry.2. To investigate the benefit that can be derived form the application of value engineering in the production of a product.3. To investigate the type of materials to be used the product development4. The need to produce quality goods and services at a minimum cost as to maximize profit.5. To assess the appropriate product management techniques used to carryout the cost of the product.

1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDYIn view of the huge expenditure on purchase of material used, due to the less attention given to the relevance of value engineering in new product development. It is the significant of this research work to make a variable and significant rectification sp as to determine alternative way of obtaining some quality material or item at a reduced cost. It is also the significant of this study to review the way cost is being reduced with the value engineering techniques in Unilever Nigeria Plc Aba. This study is also undertaken as a partial fulfillment of national board for technical education and the Federal Polytechnic Nekede for the award of Higher National Diploma (HND) in purchasing and supply management. Also it will serve as an empowerment for the acquaintance of skills and knowledge for future research works.

1.6 RESEARCH QUESTIONTo achieve the research objective, the following research question are necessary notable among them are;1. Does value engineering have a good techniques in respect of cost reduction programme.2. Does value engineering lead to a drastic cost reduction in products3. Does value engineering play a major role in new product development.4. Does those in product design have enough time to fully examine possible alternative materials and processes.

1.7 STATEMENT OF HYPOTHESISThe following hypothesis have been forwarded in order to carryout this research workHo: New product development cannot be effective without value engineering techniquesHi: New product development can be effective without value engineering techniquesHo: View product development cannot do without value engineering techniquesHi: View product development can do without value engineering techniques

1.8 SCOPE OF THE STUDYFor proper appreciation of the relevance of value engineering techniques in new product development, this research would have covered all forms involved in product development. This is not possible due to the fact that the researcher is a student and may not have resources required to carryout such a wide research.To this effect, the researcher decided to concentrate on the relevance of value engineering techniques in new product development. Unilever Nigeria Plc, Aba. With the believe that whatever the situation is in Unilever Nigeria Plc will be used to generalized the situation all the firms that engage in new product development with the purchasing unit; production unit, design unit, and quality control unit.

1.9 LIMITATION OF THE STUDYIn the cause of carrying out this research work, the researcher noticed some limiting factors which constraints and elaborate work on the activities of Unilever Nigeria Plc, Aba, with respect to new product development.Some of the restricting factors are;FINANCE: This is yet a limiting factor to this research because the researcher as a student who is dependent is not financially strong to meet all financial requirements in gather information for this research work.TIME: It took the researcher time to source for books to which references were made as well as time in visiting the firm under study. ADEQUATE INFORMATION: Most of the information needed for this research work was not made available to the researcher as the company under study considers them as secretes to the business operation.

1.10 OPERATIONAL DEFINITION OF TERMS

1. Value engineering techniques is a systematic efforts to improve the value of a product, projects or systems and optimize the life cycle costs.2. The functional cost approach: This approach tries to find out the reasons for spending so much in achieving certain services from the item under revise.3. Brain storming: This is a process design to stimulation creative thinking, this approach bring together individual with different background to meet the purpose of generating ideas useful in solving a particular problem.4. The value engineering checklist: The checklist as similar to a questionnaire, it enables the analysis to get information about the item in consideration when the function of the item is property determined.5. Narrow thinking: This is a contrary to wide measuring little across in comparison with length thinking to work things out and reasons to form ideas in mind.