Kashiwagi to present Best Value Construction Seminar on Sept. 13

Kashiwagi to present Best Value Construction Seminar on Sept. 13August 21, 2007Martin Wallsmwalls@syracusecoe.org

Dean Kashiwagi, a professor at Arizona State University’s (ASU) Del E. Webb School of Construction and the director of the Performance Based Studies Research Group (PBSRG), will be the keynote speaker at “Best Value Construction: Moving Forward from Past Project Delivery Methods.” The seminar, presented by the Syracuse Center of Excellence in Environmental and Energy Systems (Syracuse CoE) and the National Energy Management Institute, will be held Thursday, Sept. 13, from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Genesee Grande Hotel in Syracuse.

The seminar will introduce value-based and best practices concepts and strategies in the delivery of construction, maintenance and other services. Most project delivery processes transfer risk from one party to another without reducing or minimizing risk. Facility owners or government agencies cannot predict whether a contractor will provide an on-time, within-budget service, and minimum standards oftentimes force contractors to perform standard, not excellent, work.

“Best Value Construction” will seek to define “best value,” identify how delivery systems impact risk, explain how standards-based specifications increase risk, and teach how to execute “best value” within the law. Many real-world examples will be used, from projects for the state of Hawaii to Harvard University.

As both a professor at ASU and the director of PBSRG, Kashiwagi has developed a hands-off approach to managing contractors and vendors in the construction industry and beyond. His concept contrasts with traditional price-driven construction procurement.

For more information, and to register ($50 registration fee), contact Tamara Rosanio at the Syracuse CoE at (315) 443-3433 or e-mail trosanio@syracusecoe.org.