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

The correct answer is A . Brainwriting is an idea-generation technique in which participants first develop ideas individually and silently in written form before the ideas are shared, reviewed, or expanded by the group. This fits the Creativity Phase because the purpose of that phase is to generate a quantity of ideas related to alternative ways of performing required functions. The SAVE Study Guide identifies the Creative Phase purpose as generating “a quantity of ideas” and asks the fundamental question: “How else may the functions be performed?” It also emphasizes establishing rules that protect the creative environment and using group idea-stimulation techniques. ( )

Option B describes verbal brainstorming, not brainwriting. Option C is incorrect because feasibility screening belongs later in the Evaluation Phase; limiting ideas during creativity suppresses innovation. Option D contains a partial brainwriting concept, because some brainwriting methods allow participants to build on others’ ideas, but the wording “instead of developing their own” is too restrictive and does not represent the core method. Brainwriting begins with silent individual idea capture.

References/topics: Creativity Phase; Idea Generation; Creativity Ground Rules; Group Idea-Stimulation Techniques; Brainwriting.

The correct answer is A. Intuitive Creativity Method . In the CVS® Value Methodology framework, the Creativity Phase is designed to generate a large quantity of ideas for performing the functions selected during Function Analysis. The SAVE VM Standard describes the Creative Phase as an effort to develop many ideas for “performing each function selected for study,” with judgment suspended and free idea flow encouraged.

The intuitive creativity method is based on considering the overall problem and allowing ideas to emerge freely through association, imagination, and non-linear thinking. The VM Guide states that intuitive creativity methods are based on the “overall problem” and that brainstorming by function is a prime example. This matches the question exactly.

Option C, Discursive Creativity Method , is incorrect because it follows a deliberate, structured, step-by-step procedure by breaking the problem into sub-problems. Option D, Empirical Creativity Method , is more experimental or data-driven. Option B is not the standard classification used here.

References/topics: Creativity Phase; Creativity Techniques; Intuitive Creativity Methods; Brainstorming by Function; Creating by Function

The correct answers are A and C . In the Evaluation Phase , the VM team moves from broad creative idea generation into structured judgment. SAVE’s VM guidance identifies the Evaluation Phase as the point where ideas from the Creative Phase are synthesized, sorted, rated, ranked, and selected for development using previously established evaluation criteria. It also identifies fine filter activity as detailed evaluation, not a quick vote or informal reaction. ( courses.washington.edu )

A SWOT analysis for each idea is a fine filter action because it examines strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in a structured way. This supports deeper evaluation of feasibility, risk, benefits, constraints, and implementation exposure. Aligning each idea with the subject study goals is also correct because fine filtering must test whether an idea supports the agreed VM study objectives, user/customer needs, performance expectations, and value targets.

Option B is incorrect because feedback without discussion is closer to simple screening and does not represent detailed evaluation. Option D is too narrow because VM does not rank ideas only by estimated cost; value requires consideration of function, performance, quality, risk, time, and overall benefit.

References/topics: Evaluation Phase; Fine Filter; Evaluation Criteria; Idea Screening; VM Study Goals.

The correct answers are A. List VM proposals developed and C. Focus the report on the major VM proposals . In the Presentation Phase, the VM study report must document the results of the study in a clear, decision-oriented format. The report should identify the VM proposals developed during the Development Phase, including the recommended change, basis of comparison, cost effect, value improvement, advantages, disadvantages, and implementation considerations. Listing the developed proposals gives decision makers a complete record of the team’s actionable outputs.

However, an effective report should not become a raw archive of every discussion, idea, or technical detail. It should focus attention on the major VM proposals that offer meaningful value improvement and require management review or approval. This aligns with the Presentation Phase purpose: to communicate developed alternatives clearly and obtain concurrence for implementation.

Option B is less appropriate because the methodology may be summarized, but an overly detailed methodology section can distract from the proposals and decisions required. Option D is incorrect because technical terminology should be controlled and audience-appropriate; excessive jargon weakens communication.

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

The correct answer is C because it directly applies both tracking and audit controls during the Implementation Phase. The CVS/SAVE Value Methodology guidance defines Implementation Activities as ensuring that accepted value alternatives are actually implemented and that the projected benefits are realized. It also identifies implementation responsibilities such as establishing action plans, obtaining commitments, setting review timeframes, tracking value achievement, signing off deliverables, validating benefits, and managing the implementation plan. ( )

Regular audits of project documentation are the most effective action because they verify that recorded data is accurate, current, traceable, and compliant with internal procedures while implementation is still active. This supports corrective action in real time rather than after-the-fact discovery. Option A is incomplete because it excludes tracking procedures. Option B monitors milestones but deliberately avoids auditing the process, which weakens compliance assurance. Option D is reactive and delayed; reviewing logs only at project close does not adequately control implementation performance or prevent noncompliance during execution. The SAVE study guide also emphasizes the value tracking process and tracking implementation results as part of VM program discipline. ( )

References/topics: Implementation Phase; Value Tracking Process; Implementation Plan; Follow-Up Activities; VM Program Reporting.

The correct answers are A and B because both are facilitator responsibilities performed during the Pre-Workshop / Preparation Phase . The SAVE study guide defines this stage as the point where the team must “Plan and organize the Value Study” and asks the fundamental question: “What has to be done to prepare for a Value Study?” Its listed activities include obtaining project data, collecting key documents such as scope definitions, drawings, specifications, reports, estimates, gathering customer/user information, distributing information to team members, developing the study schedule, and determining dates, times, location, and logistical needs. ( cdn..com )

Therefore, compiling information for use in the Information Phase is a proper facilitator task. Likewise, developing a high-level agenda or schedule and reviewing it with the client for concurrence is consistent with the preparation requirement to establish scope, objectives, timing, logistics, roles, responsibilities, and management expectations before the workshop begins.

Option C is incorrect because Implementation occurs after the workshop when accepted alternatives are reviewed, action plans are assigned, and changes are tracked. ( cdn..com ) Option D is incorrect because identifying project functions is principally a Function Analysis Phase team activity, not a facilitator pre-workshop decision. ( cdn..com )

References/topics: Preparation Phase; Pre-Workshop Activities; Information Phase Readiness; VM Facilitation and Team Dynamics.

The correct answer is D. Align focus . In Function Analysis, the team defines what the subject must do, not what its parts are. SAVE’s study guidance states that functions are described using two-word active verb/measurable noun pairings, and FAST is used to show how project functions relate to each other. ( )

For prescription eyeglasses, the basic function is correct vision . On the Function Logic Path, the “how” question asks: How do eyeglasses correct vision? The best functional answer is align focus because prescription lenses bend and direct light so the image focuses correctly for the user. This directly supports the basic function.

The other choices are supporting or secondary functions. Secure position helps hold the glasses properly on the face, but it does not itself correct vision. Minimize weight improves comfort, and improve durability supports dependability, but neither explains the direct functional mechanism of vision correction. FAST logic is specifically used to map these function relationships through How/Why reasoning, making align focus the correct lower-order function linked to “correct vision.” ( )

References/topics: Function Analysis Phase; FAST Diagramming; Function Logic Path; Basic Function; Lower-Order Function.

The correct answers are B and D . A RACI matrix is most appropriate when the VM facilitator needs to clarify involvement, responsibility, accountability, consultation, and communication among participants or stakeholders. In the SAVE International Value Methodology Core Competencies, the RACI matrix is listed under the Information Phase as a method used to transform information, while process flowcharts are listed separately as a different technique. This distinction is important because a RACI matrix does not map process sequence; it clarifies roles and involvement.

A RACI chart defines who is Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, and Informed for project tasks, and it is used to reduce confusion, improve communication pathways, and establish clear ownership. ( Atlassian ) Therefore, it directly addresses communication gaps and misunderstood concepts related to who should act, decide, advise, or be kept informed.

Option A is incorrect because process-flow issues are better handled with a process flowchart. Option C is incorrect because validated assumptions do not require role clarification; they are already confirmed information.

References/topics: Information Phase; RACI Matrix; Methods to Transform Information; VM Facilitation; Stakeholder Communication.

The correct answer is C. Position lenses . In FAST diagramming, functions are expressed in a disciplined active verb / measurable noun format, and the purpose of the diagram is to show how project, product, or process functions logically relate to each other. The SAVE certification study material identifies FAST as a graphical mapping tool that helps team members understand how functions relate, while preserving the basic function and analyzing supporting functions. ( )

An “all-the-time” function is a supporting or simultaneous function that must occur continuously while the product performs its basic function. FAST construction tests this by asking: when this function is being performed, what other function must also occur? This “when” relationship identifies functions that occur together, not necessarily functions timed by a clock.

For prescription eyeglasses, the lenses must be held in the correct optical position relative to the wearer’s eyes at all times. Therefore, Position lenses is the best all-the-time function. Improve focus and Access vision describe higher-order or basic-path purposes, while Display information is not a normal function of prescription eyeglasses.

References/topics: Function Analysis Phase; FAST Diagramming; All-the-Time Functions; Basic and Secondary Functions; Function Logic.

The correct answer is C. Before the VM study begins . Customer information must be acquired during the Preparation Phase , also called the pre-study effort, because the VM facilitator needs accurate project knowledge before the formal study session starts. This includes the customer’s objectives, needs, constraints, priorities, budget concerns, schedule requirements, performance expectations, risk issues, and definition of success. Without this information, the VM team may begin the study with an unclear scope, incomplete data, or incorrect assumptions.

The customer’s input also helps the facilitator select the right team members, prepare the agenda, identify required documents, define study boundaries, and confirm the decision-making framework. By the time the team enters the Information Phase, the study should already be organized and supported by relevant background data.

Option A is weaker because waiting until the study begins reduces efficiency and may waste team time. Option B is incorrect because the final presentation is for communicating recommendations, not collecting basic customer requirements. Option D is incorrect because conceptual development occurs after functions and ideas have already been analyzed.

References/topics: Preparation Phase; Pre-Study Activities; Customer Requirements; Study Scope; VM Job Plan; Information Readiness.