A Systematic Literature Review on the Development of a Systems Engineering Management Model Based on Value Engineering and Multi-Criteria Decision-Making for Material Selection in Roads Fund Infrastructure Projects in Timor-Leste
Keywords:
Systems Engineering Management, Value Engineering, Multi-Criteria Decision-Making, Material Selection, Road Infrastructure, Timor-Leste, Systematic Literature Review.
Abstract
Material selection is a critical decision-making process in road infrastructure projects because it directly affects construction costs, technical performance, sustainability, and long-term maintenance requirements. Existing decision-making practices in many developing countries, including Timor-Leste, primarily focus on initial costs and often neglect functional value, lifecycle performance, and sustainability considerations. This study aims to develop a Systems Engineering Management (SEM) model based on Value Engineering (VE) and Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) for material selection in Roads Fund Infrastructure Projects in Timor-Leste. A Systematic Literature Review (SLR) following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines was conducted using publications indexed in Scopus and Web of Science from 2015 to 2025. The review identified key criteria, decision-making methods, and integration frameworks related to VE, MCDM, and SEM. The findings indicate that integrating VE and MCDM within a systems engineering framework enhances decision transparency, value optimization, and sustainability. The proposed model provides a comprehensive decision-support framework for effective and value-based material selection in road infrastructure projects.
References
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Dell’Isola, A. J. (2017). Value engineering: Practical applications for design, construction, maintenance and operations. RSMeans.
ElMarkaby, A., Elbeltagi, E., & Hosny, O. (2023). Value engineering decision support model for bridge construction systems selection using TOPSIS. Innovative Infrastructure Solutions, 8(245), 1–21. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41062-023-01267-7
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Fang, Y., Ding, L., Luo, H., & Love, P. E. D. (2021). A review of digital technologies for construction project management. Automation in Construction, 132, 103976. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2021.103976
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Gouda, A., Alqahtani, F., Ismail, E. R., & Nabawy, M. (2024). Synergizing BIM and value engineering in the construction of residential projects. Buildings, 14(8), 2515. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14082515
Hasson, F., Keeney, S., & McKenna, H. (2022). Research guidelines for the Delphi survey technique. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 78(3), 906–919.
Heiza, K. M., Mahdi, I. M., & Abo Elenen, N. E. (2016). State-of-the-art review on value engineering in construction projects. International Conference on Civil and Architecture Engineering, 11, 1–15.
Imron, A., & Husin, A. E. (2021). Value engineering and lifecycle cost analysis to improve cost performance in green hospital projects. Archives of Civil Engineering, 67(4), 497–510. https://doi.org/10.24425/ace.2021.138491
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Kumara, I. N. I., Tapa, I. G. F. S., Indrashwara, D. C., Pancane, I. W. D., & Predana, M. A. (2025). Value engineering in enhancing green building innovation. Journal of Geoscience, Engineering, Environment and Technology, 10(1), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.25299/jgeet.2025.10.1.18570
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Mahdi, I. M., Heiza, K. M., & Elenen, N. E. (2015). Value engineering and value analysis of vertical slip form construction systems. International Journal of Application or Innovation in Engineering & Management, 4(6), 200–212.
Miles, L. D. (2015). Techniques of value analysis and engineering (3rd ed.). McGraw-Hill.
Nowell, L. S., Norris, J. M., White, D. E., & Moules, N. J. (2021). Thematic analysis: Striving to meet the trustworthiness criteria. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 20, 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1177/1609406917733847
Opricovic, S., & Tzeng, G. H. (2004). Compromise solution by MCDM methods: A comparative analysis of VIKOR and TOPSIS. European Journal of Operational Research, 156(2), 445–455. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0377-2217(03)00020-1
Page, M. J., McKenzie, J. E., Bossuyt, P. M., Boutron, I., Hoffmann, T. C., Mulrow, C. D., et al. (2021). The PRISMA 2020 statement: An updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews. BMJ, 372, n71. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.n71
Page, M. J., Moher, D., Bossuyt, P. M., Boutron, I., Hoffmann, T. C., Mulrow, C. D., et al. (2021). PRISMA 2020 explanation and elaboration: Updated guidance and exemplars for reporting systematic reviews. BMJ, 372, n160. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.n160
Palinkas, L. A., Horwitz, S. M., Green, C. A., Wisdom, J. P., Duan, N., & Hoagwood, K. (2021). Purposeful sampling for qualitative data collection and analysis in mixed method implementation research. Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research, 48(3), 534–544. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10488-013-0528-y
Roy, B. (1991). The outranking approach and the foundations of ELECTRE methods. Theory and Decision, 31(1), 49–73. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00134132
Saaty, T. L. (2008). Decision making with the analytic hierarchy process. International Journal of Services Sciences, 1(1), 83–98. https://doi.org/10.1504/IJSSCI.2008.017590
SAVE International. (2022). Value methodology standard and body of knowledge. SAVE International.
Shannon, R. E. (2018). Systems simulation: The art and science. Prentice Hall.
Snyder, H. (2019). Literature review as a research methodology: An overview and guidelines. Journal of Business Research, 104, 333–339. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2019.07.039
Spiekermann, S., & Winkler, T. (2022). Value-based engineering with IEEE 7000TM. IEEE Technology and Society Magazine, 41(3), 49–58. https://doi.org/10.1109/MTS.2022.3185630
Stanujkic, D., Magdalinovic, N., Jovanovic, R., & Popovic, G. (2013). A comparative analysis of some prominent MCDM methods. Serbian Journal of Management, 8(2), 213–241.
Tranfield, D., Denyer, D., & Smart, P. (2003). Towards a methodology for developing evidence-informed management knowledge by means of systematic review. British Journal of Management, 14(3), 207–222. https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-8551.00375
Van Dua, T. (2024). Integration of objective weighting methods for criteria and MCDM methods: Application in material selection. European Journal of Engineering Research and Science, 9(3), 105–112.
Wang, Z., Nabavi, S. R., & Rangaiah, G. P. (2024). Multi-criteria decision making in chemical and process engineering: Methods, progress and potential. Computers & Chemical Engineering. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compchemeng.2024.108803
Worku, A., Bekele, E., & Tadesse, G. (2024). Multi-stage decision models for sustainable building material selection using hybrid MCDM approaches. Sustainability, 16(7), 3021. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16073021
Yaghmour, A., Al-Mutairi, M., & Alshammari, S. (2025). Advancing sustainable material selection in construction through decision support systems. Decision Making: Applications in Management and Engineering, 8(2), 663–683.
Zavadskas, E. K., Turskis, Z., & Kildienė, S. (2014). State of the art surveys of overviews on MCDM/MADM methods. Technological and Economic Development of Economy, 20(1), 165–179. https://doi.org/10.3846/20294913.2014.892037
Zhang, Y., Wang, J., Li, X., & Chen, Z. (2023). Systems engineering approaches for sustainable infrastructure development: A review of recent advances. Sustainable Futures, 6, 100142. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sftr.2023.100142
Zhou, X., Wang, L., Ding, L., & Luo, H. (2022). Digital transformation and intelligent decision-making in construction engineering. Automation in Construction, 140, 104365. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2022.104365
Aigbavboa, C., & Thwala, W. (2021). Sustainable construction in developing countries. Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-48482-0
Brauers, W. K. M., & Zavadskas, E. K. (2006). The MOORA method and its application. Control and Cybernetics, 35(2), 445–469.
Collopy, P., & Hollingsworth, P. (2011). Value-driven design. Journal of Aircraft, 48(3), 749–759. https://doi.org/10.2514/1.C031224
Cooper, R., & Slagmulder, R. (1997). Target costing and value engineering. Productivity Press.
Keeney, R. L. (1992). Value-focused thinking: A path to creative decision making. Harvard University Press.
Mendoza, G. A., & Martins, H. (2006). Multi-criteria decision analysis in natural resource management. Forest Ecology and Management, 230(1–3), 1–22. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2006.03.023
Pahl, G., Beitz, W., Feldhusen, J., & Grote, K. H. (2013). Engineering design: A systematic approach (3rd ed.). Springer.
Stewart, R. B. (2012). Value optimization for project and performance management. CRC Press.
Triantaphyllou, E. (2000). Multi-criteria decision making methods: A comparative study. Springer.
Tzeng, G. H., & Huang, J. J. (2011). Multiple attribute decision making: Methods and applications. CRC Press.
Ulrich, K. T., & Eppinger, S. D. (2020). Product design and development (7th ed.). McGraw-Hill.
Zavadskas, E. K., Turskis, Z., Antucheviciene, J., & Zakarevicius, A. (2012). Optimization of weighted aggregated sum product assessment. Electronics and Electrical Engineering, 122(6), 3–6. https://doi.org/10.5755/j01.eee.122.6.1810
Aldrees, A., ElMarkaby, A., & Abd Elrahman, M. (2023). Multi-criteria decision support system for bridge construction system selection using value engineering and TOPSIS. Innovative Infrastructure Solutions, 8(245), 1–21. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41062-023-01267-7
Andelin, M., Karhu, J., & Junnila, S. (2015). Creating shared value in a construction project: A case study. Procedia Economics and Finance, 21, 446–453. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2212-5671(15)00197-3
Avramova, T. (2025). Overview of existing multi-criteria decision-making methods and their applications. Technologies, 13(10), 444. https://doi.org/10.3390/technologies1310444
Bajwa, M. I., Khan, M. S., Ahmed, R., & Hussain, A. (2025). Multi-criteria decision-making approaches for sustainable construction material selection: A systematic review. Environment, Development and Sustainability. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10669-025-10001-w
Blanchard, B. S., & Fabrycky, W. J. (2023). Systems engineering and analysis (6th ed.). Pearson.
Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2021). Thematic analysis: A practical guide. Sage Publications.
Brauers, W. K. M., & Zavadskas, E. K. (2010). Project management by MULTIMOORA as an instrument for transition economies. Technological and Economic Development of Economy, 16(1), 5–24. https://doi.org/10.3846/tede.2010.01
Creswell, J. W., & Plano Clark, V. L. (2023). Designing and conducting mixed methods research (4th ed.). Sage Publications.
Dell’Isola, A. J. (2017). Value engineering: Practical applications for design, construction, maintenance and operations. RSMeans.
ElMarkaby, A., Elbeltagi, E., & Hosny, O. (2023). Value engineering decision support model for bridge construction systems selection using TOPSIS. Innovative Infrastructure Solutions, 8(245), 1–21. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41062-023-01267-7
Elsayed, A. (2024). Integrated value engineering and decision-making framework for construction optimization. International Journal of Construction Management. https://doi.org/10.1080/15623599.2024.2387641
Fang, Y., Ding, L., Luo, H., & Love, P. E. D. (2021). A review of digital technologies for construction project management. Automation in Construction, 132, 103976. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2021.103976
Government of Timor-Leste. (2020). Feasibility Study Guideline (FSG): Final Version. Ministry of Planning and Finance.
Gouda, A., Alqahtani, F., Ismail, E. R., & Nabawy, M. (2024). Synergizing BIM and value engineering in the construction of residential projects. Buildings, 14(8), 2515. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14082515
Hasson, F., Keeney, S., & McKenna, H. (2022). Research guidelines for the Delphi survey technique. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 78(3), 906–919.
Heiza, K. M., Mahdi, I. M., & Abo Elenen, N. E. (2016). State-of-the-art review on value engineering in construction projects. International Conference on Civil and Architecture Engineering, 11, 1–15.
Imron, A., & Husin, A. E. (2021). Value engineering and lifecycle cost analysis to improve cost performance in green hospital projects. Archives of Civil Engineering, 67(4), 497–510. https://doi.org/10.24425/ace.2021.138491
INCOSE. (2023). INCOSE systems engineering handbook: A guide for system life cycle processes and activities (5th ed.). Wiley.
Kitchenham, B., & Charters, S. (2017). Guidelines for performing systematic literature reviews in software engineering. EBSE Technical Report.
Kumara, I. N. I., Tapa, I. G. F. S., Indrashwara, D. C., Pancane, I. W. D., & Predana, M. A. (2025). Value engineering in enhancing green building innovation. Journal of Geoscience, Engineering, Environment and Technology, 10(1), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.25299/jgeet.2025.10.1.18570
La’o Hamutuk. (2022). Infrastructure Fund: Project Summary and Policy Notes. Dili, Timor-Leste.
Mahdi, I. M., Heiza, K. M., & Elenen, N. E. (2015). Value engineering and value analysis of vertical slip form construction systems. International Journal of Application or Innovation in Engineering & Management, 4(6), 200–212.
Miles, L. D. (2015). Techniques of value analysis and engineering (3rd ed.). McGraw-Hill.
Nowell, L. S., Norris, J. M., White, D. E., & Moules, N. J. (2021). Thematic analysis: Striving to meet the trustworthiness criteria. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 20, 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1177/1609406917733847
Opricovic, S., & Tzeng, G. H. (2004). Compromise solution by MCDM methods: A comparative analysis of VIKOR and TOPSIS. European Journal of Operational Research, 156(2), 445–455. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0377-2217(03)00020-1
Page, M. J., McKenzie, J. E., Bossuyt, P. M., Boutron, I., Hoffmann, T. C., Mulrow, C. D., et al. (2021). The PRISMA 2020 statement: An updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews. BMJ, 372, n71. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.n71
Page, M. J., Moher, D., Bossuyt, P. M., Boutron, I., Hoffmann, T. C., Mulrow, C. D., et al. (2021). PRISMA 2020 explanation and elaboration: Updated guidance and exemplars for reporting systematic reviews. BMJ, 372, n160. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.n160
Palinkas, L. A., Horwitz, S. M., Green, C. A., Wisdom, J. P., Duan, N., & Hoagwood, K. (2021). Purposeful sampling for qualitative data collection and analysis in mixed method implementation research. Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research, 48(3), 534–544. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10488-013-0528-y
Roy, B. (1991). The outranking approach and the foundations of ELECTRE methods. Theory and Decision, 31(1), 49–73. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00134132
Saaty, T. L. (2008). Decision making with the analytic hierarchy process. International Journal of Services Sciences, 1(1), 83–98. https://doi.org/10.1504/IJSSCI.2008.017590
SAVE International. (2022). Value methodology standard and body of knowledge. SAVE International.
Shannon, R. E. (2018). Systems simulation: The art and science. Prentice Hall.
Snyder, H. (2019). Literature review as a research methodology: An overview and guidelines. Journal of Business Research, 104, 333–339. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2019.07.039
Spiekermann, S., & Winkler, T. (2022). Value-based engineering with IEEE 7000TM. IEEE Technology and Society Magazine, 41(3), 49–58. https://doi.org/10.1109/MTS.2022.3185630
Stanujkic, D., Magdalinovic, N., Jovanovic, R., & Popovic, G. (2013). A comparative analysis of some prominent MCDM methods. Serbian Journal of Management, 8(2), 213–241.
Tranfield, D., Denyer, D., & Smart, P. (2003). Towards a methodology for developing evidence-informed management knowledge by means of systematic review. British Journal of Management, 14(3), 207–222. https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-8551.00375
Van Dua, T. (2024). Integration of objective weighting methods for criteria and MCDM methods: Application in material selection. European Journal of Engineering Research and Science, 9(3), 105–112.
Wang, Z., Nabavi, S. R., & Rangaiah, G. P. (2024). Multi-criteria decision making in chemical and process engineering: Methods, progress and potential. Computers & Chemical Engineering. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compchemeng.2024.108803
Worku, A., Bekele, E., & Tadesse, G. (2024). Multi-stage decision models for sustainable building material selection using hybrid MCDM approaches. Sustainability, 16(7), 3021. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16073021
Yaghmour, A., Al-Mutairi, M., & Alshammari, S. (2025). Advancing sustainable material selection in construction through decision support systems. Decision Making: Applications in Management and Engineering, 8(2), 663–683.
Zavadskas, E. K., Turskis, Z., & Kildienė, S. (2014). State of the art surveys of overviews on MCDM/MADM methods. Technological and Economic Development of Economy, 20(1), 165–179. https://doi.org/10.3846/20294913.2014.892037
Zhang, Y., Wang, J., Li, X., & Chen, Z. (2023). Systems engineering approaches for sustainable infrastructure development: A review of recent advances. Sustainable Futures, 6, 100142. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sftr.2023.100142
Zhou, X., Wang, L., Ding, L., & Luo, H. (2022). Digital transformation and intelligent decision-making in construction engineering. Automation in Construction, 140, 104365. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2022.104365
Aigbavboa, C., & Thwala, W. (2021). Sustainable construction in developing countries. Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-48482-0
Brauers, W. K. M., & Zavadskas, E. K. (2006). The MOORA method and its application. Control and Cybernetics, 35(2), 445–469.
Collopy, P., & Hollingsworth, P. (2011). Value-driven design. Journal of Aircraft, 48(3), 749–759. https://doi.org/10.2514/1.C031224
Cooper, R., & Slagmulder, R. (1997). Target costing and value engineering. Productivity Press.
Keeney, R. L. (1992). Value-focused thinking: A path to creative decision making. Harvard University Press.
Mendoza, G. A., & Martins, H. (2006). Multi-criteria decision analysis in natural resource management. Forest Ecology and Management, 230(1–3), 1–22. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2006.03.023
Pahl, G., Beitz, W., Feldhusen, J., & Grote, K. H. (2013). Engineering design: A systematic approach (3rd ed.). Springer.
Stewart, R. B. (2012). Value optimization for project and performance management. CRC Press.
Triantaphyllou, E. (2000). Multi-criteria decision making methods: A comparative study. Springer.
Tzeng, G. H., & Huang, J. J. (2011). Multiple attribute decision making: Methods and applications. CRC Press.
Ulrich, K. T., & Eppinger, S. D. (2020). Product design and development (7th ed.). McGraw-Hill.
Zavadskas, E. K., Turskis, Z., Antucheviciene, J., & Zakarevicius, A. (2012). Optimization of weighted aggregated sum product assessment. Electronics and Electrical Engineering, 122(6), 3–6. https://doi.org/10.5755/j01.eee.122.6.1810
Published
2026-05-24
How to Cite
Jony Rodrigues Varela, Lalu Mulyadi, Awan Krismanto, & Nanta Sigit. (2026). A Systematic Literature Review on the Development of a Systems Engineering Management Model Based on Value Engineering and Multi-Criteria Decision-Making for Material Selection in Roads Fund Infrastructure Projects in Timor-Leste. International Journal of Education, Vocational and Social Science , 5(02), 2536-2561. https://doi.org/10.63922/ijevss.v5i02.3857
Contact Person +6282139474255
Email : ijevss@citakonsultindo.or.id / editor.ijevss@gmail.com
