CE7725: Scenario Project Case for Value Management Workshop
Project Title: Sustainable Urban Development – Green Smart City Initiative
Background: Birmingham, the UK’s second-largest city, has experienced rapid urbanisation,
leading to increasing environmental concerns, traffic congestion, and infrastructure strain. As
part of its commitment to sustainability and smart city development, Birmingham City Council
has initiated the "Green Smart City Initiative". This project aims to integrate smart technology,
green energy solutions, and efficient public services while ensuring economic viability and
social inclusivity.
Birmingham has a population of approximately 1.15 million people, making it the most
populous city outside London. It is one of the most diverse cities in the UK, with over 40% of
its residents belonging to ethnic minority groups. The city has a young demographic, with
nearly 40% of the population under the age of 25, driving a demand for modern infrastructure,
job opportunities, and sustainable living solutions.
Historically known as the “Workshop of the World” during the Industrial Revolution,
Birmingham has transitioned into a service-based economy, with key sectors including finance,
education, healthcare, and digital technology. The city's economic growth is fuelled by major
urban regeneration projects, including the Big City Plan, which aims to reshape the city’s
infrastructure and increase its global competitiveness.
Despite its economic progress, Birmingham faces significant challenges, including high levels
of air pollution, traffic congestion, and pockets of socio-economic deprivation. The city is
ranked among the most congested in the UK, with transport inefficiencies contributing to
environmental degradation. The Green Smart City Initiative is designed to address these issues
by promoting sustainability, improving transportation networks, and ensuring that urban
development is inclusive and future-proof.
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Role-Playing Scenario
Roles & Responsibilities:
1. Client Organisation – Birmingham City Council
o Develops the initial project brief outlining the goals and constraints.
o Engages with stakeholders to understand concerns and expectations.
o Reviews value management recommendations and makes final decisions.
2. Architect & Design Team
o Translates the client’s brief into a concept design and feasibility study.
o Ensures alignment with sustainability, regulatory, and urban planning
principles.
o Refines the design based on value management feedback.
3. Consultant Team (Engineers, Economists, Environmental Specialists, etc.)
o Conducts technical evaluations and cost assessments.
o Assists in the value management process by exploring alternative solutions.
o Ensures solutions are feasible, sustainable, and economically viable.
4. Other Key Stakeholders (Community Representatives, Investors, and
Developers)
o Provide input on social, economic, and financial implications.
o Participate in discussions to align interests and identify trade-offs.
o Influence decision-making through feedback and consensus-building.
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Step-by-Step Role-Playing Process:
1. Client Brief Generation (Led by Birmingham City Council)
• Define project objectives, constraints, and success criteria.
• Identify major urban challenges and strategic priorities.
• Collect preliminary data on demographics, sustainability goals,
and infrastructure needs.
• Issue a formal project brief to the consultant and design team.
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2. Architectural & Concept Development (Led by Architect &
Design Team)
• Interpret the brief and propose an initial master plan.
• Develop preliminary sketches, sustainability strategies, and cost
estimates.
• Assess regulatory compliance and integration with existing
infrastructure.
• Present the draft design to the client and key stakeholders.
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3.
Value Management Workshop (Facilitated by the Consultant
Team)
• Value Identification:
o Identify core values such as sustainability, cost efficiency,
and social impact.
o Engage stakeholders in brainstorming sessions.
• Cost-Benefit & Alternative Evaluation:
o Conduct SWOT analysis on proposed designs.
o Compare traditional vs. innovative solutions.
• Consensus Building & Refinement:
o Discuss trade-offs and agree on value-based priorities.
o Document key value drivers and update project scope.
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4. Refinement & Finalisation of Value Document
• Architect revises design based on value management
recommendations.
• Consultants finalise cost analysis and implementation
feasibility.
• Client reviews the final document and provides
approvals.
• The finalised value document guides the execution
phase.
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Expected Outcomes:
• A clear, value-optimised design that balances
sustainability and cost.
• Stronger stakeholder alignment and reduced project
risks.
• A roadmap for implementation with well-defined
priorities.
• Cost-effective solutions that ensure long-term viability.
This role-playing approach ensures that all parties actively
contribute to the value management process, leading to a well-
informed and successful project outcome.
