VMA Exam Dumps : Value Methodology Associate

The original Value Methodology (VM) Job Plan, developed by Lawrence D. Miles in the 1940s, was rooted in a problem-solving approach inspired by the scientific method. As outlined in the VMF 1 course (Core Competency #1: Value Methodology Overview), Miles adapted a systematic problem-solving framework to create the VM Job Plan, which later evolved into the six-phase process used today (Information, Function Analysis, Creative, Evaluation, Development, Presentation). The original problem-solving approach, as described in SAVE International’s historical documentation of VM, follows the scientific method’s four steps: Observation, Hypothesis, Experimentation, and Conclusion.

Observation: Observe the problem or system (e.g., high costs, inefficiencies) to understand the current state, aligning with the Information Phase.

Hypothesis: Form a hypothesis about how to improve value (e.g., identifying key functions or alternatives), similar to Function Analysis and Creative Phases.

Experimentation: Test the hypothesis by developing and evaluating alternatives, akin to the Evaluation and Development Phases.

Conclusion: Draw conclusions and implement solutions, corresponding to the Presentation Phase.

This order—Observation, Hypothesis, Experimentation, Conclusion—is the standard sequence of the scientific method, which Miles used as the foundation for VM’s systematic approach to problem-solving.

Option A (Hypothesis, Observation, Experimentation, Conclusion) is incorrect because observation must come first to identify the problem.

Option B (Observation, Experimentation, Hypothesis, Conclusion) is incorrect because hypothesizing should precede experimentation.

Option C (Hypothesis, Experimentation, Observation, Conclusion) is incorrect because observation must come before forming a hypothesis.

Option D (Observation, Hypothesis, Experimentation, Conclusion) is correct, as it matches the scientific method’s order, which underpins the original VM Job Plan.

In Value Methodology’s Function Analysis, functions are classified based on their characteristics, as taught in the VMF 1 course (Core Competency #2: Function Analysis). According to SAVE International’s Value Methodology Standard, “all-the-time functions are those that occur continuously or are always active during the operation of the system.” In a FAST diagram, all-the-time functions are often shown vertically (e.g., “when” direction) alongside the critical path, indicating they are ongoing while the main functions are performed. For example, in a car, “provide safety” (e.g., through seatbelts) is an all-the-time function because it is always active when the car is in use. This aligns with the FAST diagramming convention of showing simultaneous functions.

Option A (Outside the study scope) is incorrect because all-the-time functions are within the scope if they are part of the system’s operation, though they may be supporting functions.

Option B (A drain on resources) is incorrect because all-the-time functions are not necessarily resource-intensive; they are simply continuous.

Option C (Continuous) is correct, as it matches the definition of all-the-time functions in VM.

Option D (Undesirable) is incorrect because all-the-time functions are not inherently undesirable; they may be essential (e.g., “provide safety”).

Function Analysis in Value Methodology involves identifying and classifying functions of a product, process, or system using verb-noun combinations, as taught in the VMF 1 course (Core Competency #2). Functions are categorized as basic (essential to the purpose), secondary (supporting), or unwanted (undesirable outcomes). For a hammer, the basic function is to “deliver force” to drive a nail, while secondary functions like “swing arm” or “apply force” support this purpose. An unwanted function is an unintended or negative outcome of the hammer’s use.

Option A (Swing arm) is a supporting function, describing the action of the user’s arm to generate momentum, and is not unwanted.

Option B (Apply force) is a secondary function, as it describes the action leading to delivering force, and is not unwanted.

Option C (Deliver force) is the basic function of a hammer, essential to its purpose, and not unwanted.

Option D (Transmit vibration) is correct because it represents an unintended and undesirable outcome—vibration transmitted to the user’s hand can cause discomfort or fatigue, making it an unwanted function.

The VMF 1 course emphasizes identifying unwanted functions to target areas for value improvement, such as redesigning the hammer to reduce vibration.