As Australia’s housing costs continue to rise and infrastructure demands deepen, short-term fixes are not enough. The industry is increasingly turning to proven methodologies to navigate these complex economic waters.
At CQUniversity, Dr Ahmed Farouk Kineber is demonstrating how project management principles can be applied to unlock affordability and sustainability in the national housing landscape.
A proven discipline for modern challenges
While Value Management (VM) has been a staple in Australian infrastructure for decades, its application has never been more relevant than in today’s constrained market.
Kineber, with more than a decade of experience in construction management internationally, is championing the evolution of VM to improve the affordability, quality, and sustainability of housing in Australia.
Rather than viewing VM as a simple cost-cutting exercise, the current market demands a sophisticated approach.
“VM is not just another project control tool – it’s a proactive, collaborative, and value-driven methodology,” 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.”
Why value management matters to your career now
For project managers building their careers in 2026, proficiency in Value Management is no longer optional: it is a key differentiator. Government and Tier 1 organisations increasingly mandate VM as gateway requirement for assurance and risk management.
VM’s strength lies in its focus on maximising value rather than simply slashing budgets. It involves regular stakeholder collaboration to ensure alignment on goals, prioritising performance and utility while balancing costs.
When applied in the early project stages, these principles help avoid costly changes later – a skillset highly prized by employers seeking to de-risk major capital investments.
Global impact, local education
The efficacy of this method is undeniable. Using VM has enabled Kineber to generate more than $600 million in validated savings across international infrastructure projects. This impact underscores a broader truth: addressing complex challenges such as housing affordability requires project managers who are trained to maximise value, sustainability, and long-term outcomes.
To meet this industry need, CQUniversity is bridging the gap between established theory and modern application.
“At CQUniversity we are embedding VM into postgraduate curriculum, conducting industry workshops, and building national capacity through training and consultancy,” Kineber said.
Focusing on both technical and human aspects, CQU’s Master of Project Management gives graduates the skills to lead and manage projects within diverse work settings. The qualification is fully accredited by the Project Management Institute – Global Accreditation Centre for Project Management Education Programs (GAC-PMI).
Designed with working professionals in mind, the course is offered online and on campus in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney, with flexible study loads to fit around work and personal commitments.
Applications for 2026 are now open.
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