Join us for a two-week virtual Lunch-and-Learn series on Function Analysis and related value-improvement techniques. Three sessions will be offered each week, from September 8 through September 18, 2026.
What Is Function Analysis?
Function Analysis is a systematic approach used in value engineering and value management to identify and evaluate what a project, product, system, or process must accomplish. It defines each function using a concise active verb–measurable noun format and examines the relationship among required functions, performance, cost, and available resources.
Function Analysis helps project teams:
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Clarify essential project requirements and objectives.
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Distinguish basic functions from supporting or unnecessary functions.
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Improve communication and alignment among stakeholders.
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Identify unnecessary costs and areas of poor value.
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Encourage creative thinking and the development of alternatives.
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Improve performance, efficiency, constructability, and life-cycle value.
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Support objective and transparent decision-making.
Session Schedule
Session 1 — Fundamentals of Function Analysis
September 9, 2026 from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. ET
An introduction to Function Analysis, its purpose, and its role in Value Engineering and Value Management.
Session 2 — Identifying and Defining Functions
September 10, 2026 from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. ET
Techniques for identifying project, product, and process functions and expressing them using the active verb–measurable noun format.
Session 3 — Classifying and Prioritizing Functions
September 11, 2026 from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. ET
Methods for distinguishing basic, secondary, required, and unwanted functions and determining their relative importance.
Session 4 — Function–Cost and Function–Worth Analysis
September 14, 2026 from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. ET
Approaches for allocating costs to functions, estimating function worth, and identifying areas with the greatest potential for value improvement.
Session 5 — Introduction to FAST Diagramming
September 16, 2026 from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. ET
An introduction to the Function Analysis System Technique (FAST), including the “How–Why” logic used to organize functions and understand their relationships.
Session 6 — Applying Function Analysis to Value Improvement
September 18, 2026 from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. ET
A practical session demonstrating how Function Analysis can support creative problem-solving, alternative evaluation, and improvements in project performance and overall value.
Instructor and Registration
The sessions will be taught by Maryam Mirhadi, Ph.D., VMA, PMP, and conducted virtually through Zoom. Participants may attend individual sessions.
To register, please email info@AdroitProjectConsultants.com no later than the day before each session to ensure that the Zoom link can be sent to you in a timely manner.