Pass the SAVE International Value Methodology CVS Questions and answers with CertsForce

The correct answer is Customer FAST . In Value Methodology, FAST is used in the Function Analysis Phase to model how functions relate to each other and to clarify what the project must accomplish from a functional perspective. The customer-oriented version of FAST is specifically designed to reflect that the customer determines value in the function analysis process. The SAVE study guide describes the Customer-Oriented FAST model as a variation that adds customer-focused support functions such as “attract users,” “satisfy users,” “assure dependability,” and “assure convenience.” ( )

This makes Customer FAST the best tool when the study team wants to show customer satisfaction as part of the value logic. Quality Function Deployment can capture or translate the voice of the customer, but the question asks for a tool to show customer satisfaction within the VM function structure. A quality management plan is a project quality control document, not a VM function model. A resource model addresses inputs or resource use rather than customer-perceived value. Therefore, Customer FAST is the most technically precise answer.

References/topics: Function Analysis Phase; FAST Diagramming; Customer-Oriented FAST; Customer Attitude; Function Modeling.

The correct answer is A . SAVE’s VM Standard defines the Presentation Phase as the phase where the team leader develops a report and/or presentation that documents and conveys the adequacy of the developed alternatives and the associated value improvement opportunity. The purpose is to communicate recommendations clearly so decision makers can assess whether to accept, modify, defer, or reject them.

Option B belongs to Function Analysis. Option C belongs to Creativity. Option D is wrong because the VM team recommends; it does not take over governance or ownership authority. A strong CVS-level presentation must be technically credible and management-focused. It should explain what is recommended, why the alternative satisfies required functions, how it affects performance and risk, what costs change, what life-cycle benefits are expected, and what implementation actions are required. The Presentation Phase is not a sales pitch based on vague savings claims. It is a disciplined transfer of decision-ready information from the VM team to accountable decision makers.

References/topics: Presentation Phase; VM Report; Decision-Maker Communication.

The correct answers are C, D, E, and F . Selecting an in-person VM workshop room is a Preparation Phase responsibility because the facilitator must create conditions that support team interaction, visible work products, and uninterrupted execution of the Job Plan. The SAVE Study Guide identifies Pre-Workshop activities as planning and organizing the Value Study, including determining “study dates, times, location and other logistical needs.” ( ) It also emphasizes that the VM Job Plan supports team synergy through a structured process, not isolated individual opinions. ( )

A U-shaped table arrangement supports facilitation because participants can see one another, engage in discussion, and view flip charts or projected material. Availability for the full workshop duration is essential because the Study Guide notes that sufficient time must be allotted to apply the VM process and document findings; losing the room interrupts phase continuity. ( ) Windows and wall space matter because VM workshops rely heavily on posted functions, FAST diagrams, idea lists, evaluation matrices, and proposal development materials. Temperature controls are also important because an uncomfortable environment reduces concentration and participation during long workshop sessions. Chair comfort and site proximity may be useful, but they are secondary compared with room layout, uninterrupted access, display/workspace, and environmental control.

References/topics: Preparation Phase; Pre-Workshop Logistics; VM Facilitation; Workshop Environment; Team Dynamics.

The correct answer is C. Higher order and basic functions . In FAST diagramming, the project scope is shown by vertical scope lines that define the portion of the function logic included in the value study. The left project scope line separates the broader reason for the study from the functions that are actually inside the study boundary.

The higher order function is placed outside the left scope line because it answers the “why” question for the basic function. It represents the larger objective or purpose that the basic function supports. FAST guidance states that highest-order functions appear outside the left scope line and to the left of the basic functions. ( )

The basic function is placed immediately to the right of the left scope line. It represents the primary purpose or mission of the subject under study. The FAST reference specifically states that basic functions immediately to the right of the left scope line represent the purpose or mission of the subject. ( )

Therefore, the left project scope line is located between the higher order function and the basic function .

References/topics: Function Analysis Phase; FAST Diagramming; Project Scope Line; Higher Order Function; Basic Function; How/Why Logic.

The correct answers are A, D, and E . A Function Performance Specification is used to define performance requirements in terms of the functions that must be achieved, not in terms of a predetermined design solution. In VM, value is linked to functions measured by the customer’s performance requirements, and the methodology seeks alternate ways to accomplish a function while meeting customer performance expectations. ( )

Therefore, it accurately identifies requirements specific to functions . FPS characterizes each function through criteria, expected performance levels, and flexibility, which makes the requirement measurable and traceable. ( Value Analysis ) It also communicates customer performance wants and needs because it documents what the user or customer expects the solution to accomplish. The FPS approach expresses needs and expected performance without reference to a specific solution, allowing broader innovation while maintaining customer requirements. ( Value Analysis )

It also helps uncover hidden assumptions because vague wants must be translated into explicit criteria, levels, and flexibility. Option B is incorrect because FPS does not evaluate or limit VM team options; it defines functional performance expectations. Option C is incorrect because FPS should avoid constraining designers to a specific design.

References/topics: Function Analysis Phase; Function Performance Specification; Customer Requirements; Performance Criteria; Functional Requirements.

The correct answers are B and C . Lessons learned from a VM study are intended to strengthen organizational learning, improve future VM applications, and convert study experience into repeatable management knowledge. SAVE’s study guidance identifies Value Study follow-up as the activity used to follow up on implementation results and improve the application of VM for future studies. It specifically includes preparing reports of study results and lessons learned, identifying missed opportunities, identifying roadblocks to innovation, debriefing and recording lessons learned, and integrating results into the organization’s lessons-learned or program reporting system. ( cdn..com )

Therefore, documenting both successes and challenges is essential because lessons learned must be balanced, factual, and useful for future teams. Capturing only positive outcomes would distort the learning record, while capturing only failures would create blame rather than improvement. Requiring changes based on specific challenges is also appropriate because lessons learned should result in corrective or preventive action where recurring obstacles, process gaps, or implementation barriers are identified.

Option A is incorrect because VM lessons learned should not be a blame exercise focused on design errors and responsible individuals. Option D is incorrect because negative impacts must not be filtered out; they are often the most important source of improvement.

References/topics: VM Programs; Value Study Follow-Up Activities; Lessons Learned; Program Reporting; Implementation Feedback.

The correct indicators are poor results , reluctance to participate in a value study , and lack of management support . These are behavioral and organizational symptoms showing that the Value Methodology is not being understood, accepted, or applied correctly. VM depends on a disciplined Job Plan, qualified facilitation, multidisciplinary participation, and informed decision-making. SAVE describes VM as a systematic process applied by a multidisciplinary team to improve value through function analysis, and SAVE also emphasizes education, training, and certification as part of competent VM practice. ( Value Engineering )

Poor results suggest that participants may be using VM tools mechanically without understanding function analysis, value improvement, or the Job Plan logic. Reluctance to participate usually reflects misunderstanding, fear of criticism, or lack of awareness of the benefits of VM. Lack of management support is especially critical because VM programs require sponsorship, resources, implementation authority, and decision-maker commitment. Lack of technical expertise is not primarily a VM training indicator; it is a team composition issue. Lack of funding is a resource constraint, not direct evidence that VM education is needed.

References/topics: VM Programs; VM Training; Management Support; Program Implementation; Team Participation; Value Study Effectiveness.

The correct answer is B because VM functions are expressed in a two-word format using an active verb and a measurable noun. SAVE’s VM Standard states that the team defines functions using a two-word active verb/measurable noun context. The SAVE dictionary also explains that a function identifies what something does, independent of what it is or how it is accomplished, and is expressed as an active verb plus measurable noun.

Option A is wrong because it describes an object and attribute, not a function. “Strong steel beam” tells what the solution is, not what it does. Option C is too design-specific and sentence-based; it identifies the component and solution rather than abstracting the function. Option D is vague and not measurable. “Support load” is superior because it focuses on the required action without locking the team into a beam, slab, truss, or other specific solution. CVS candidates must be able to distinguish function language from component language.

References/topics: Function Definition; Verb-Noun Format; Function Analysis Phase.

A VM study report is the formal documentation of the value study process, findings, alternatives, and supporting rationale. The correct inclusions are workshop agenda and team members , summary of the VM Job Plan , and the ideas generated with their evaluation . The SAVE VM Standard identifies the Job Plan as the structured framework for a valid study, and the Presentation Phase requires the team leader or facilitator to develop a report and/or presentation that documents and conveys the alternatives and value improvement opportunity. ( cdn..com )

A report should therefore preserve the administrative record of the study, including agenda, attendance, team composition, and study process. It should also summarize how the Job Plan was followed, because the Job Plan is the disciplined sequence that gives the study validity. The creative and evaluation outputs are also reportable because ideas are generated in the Creative Phase and then screened through a structured Evaluation Phase to identify value-improvement potential.

Design plans and specifications are source information used during preparation/information gathering, but they are not normally reproduced as core VM study-report content. The VM presentation may be related to the report, but it is not the best answer as a typical internal report section.

References/topics: Presentation Phase; VM Study Report; VM Job Plan; Creative Phase; Evaluation Phase; Study Documentation.

The correct answer is B. Thorough understanding of the study subject . The Information Phase is designed to ensure that the VM study team understands the project, product, process, or service before performing function analysis or generating alternatives. SAVE’s Value Methodology Standard states that the objective of the Information Phase is to complete the value study data package started during Pre-Study, receive briefings from the project sponsor or designer, ask questions, complete site visitation where needed, confirm improvement targets, and review the scope statement for adjustment.

Therefore, the expected output is not yet a proposal or a final value recommendation; it is a reliable, shared understanding of the study subject, including baseline requirements, constraints, costs, performance expectations, schedule factors, and stakeholder objectives. Option A is more closely related to the Function Analysis Phase , where cost-to-worth comparison identifies value improvement opportunities. Option C is also Function Analysis, because functions are defined after the team understands the subject. Option D belongs to the Development/Presentation Phases , where selected ideas become formal value improvement proposals.

References/topics: Information Phase; VM Job Plan; Study Subject Understanding; Data Package; Scope Review.