Project management researcher holds key to housing crisis
As Australia faces growing house costs, rental pressures and infrastructure demands, CQUniversity’s Dr Ahmed Farouk Kineber is drawing on academia to reshape the future of housing affordability and sustainability.
With over a decade of experience in construction management across academia and industry internationally, Dr Kineber is pioneering the use of Value Management (VM) – a strategic project methodology – to improve the affordability, quality, and sustainability of housing nationwide.
“VM is not just another project control tool – it’s a proactive, collaborative, and value-driven methodology,” Dr Kineber said.
“It plays a critical role in addressing the growing housing crisis that can help deliver better homes within budget without compromising essential functions.
Unlike traditional cost-cutting approaches, VM focuses on enhancing value through:
- Function over cost: Prioritising performance and utility while managing costs effectively.
- Collaborative workshops: Engaging stakeholders in structured sessions to align goals and co-create solutions.
- Early intervention: Applying VM during planning and design stages to avoid costly changes later.
- Long-term focus: Emphasising sustainability, performance, and total life cycle value.
Using VM, Dr Kineber has generated over $600 million in validated savings across international infrastructure projects, including a recent United States bridge project that saved $132 million USD without compromising performance.
Now he is advocating for broader adoption of VM in Australia and New Zealand, recommending VM mandates for public procurement in high-value projects, awareness among policymakers and executives, and national guidelines and training pathways aligned with international standards.
“Australia has a unique opportunity to lead in value-driven, sustainable project delivery,” Dr Kineber said.
“Through CQUniversity’s research and consultancy, we’re showing how academic expertise can drive practical solutions to critical social challenges.”
Since joining CQU in 2024, Dr Kineber has brought a wealth of international certifications and research expertise to the institution. He now leads the Sustainable Project and Asset Management Research Group within the School of Engineering and Technology, driving innovation in construction and infrastructure planning.
Recently, Dr Kineber earned the prestigious Certified Value Specialist (CVS) the highest professional credential for facilitating Value Studies under the SAVE methodology, USA. He is currently one of only two professionals holding this certification in Australia and New Zealand.
“Australia has a unique opportunity to lead in value-driven, digital construction. Through CQU’s academic and consulting initiatives, we’re helping to deliver smarter housing, better infrastructure, and more resilient communities
“At CQUniversity we are embedding VM into postgraduate curriculum, conducting industry workshops, and building national capacity through training and consultancy. A new VM consultancy project with a Perth-based consulting firm is currently under discussion, showcasing the University’s real-world impact,” he said.
“As VM gains traction, CQU is committed to leading the conversation and equipping the next generation of professionals with the tools to build smarter, more sustainable communities.”
