Helping Hand Questions for CVS

The correct answer is B . FAST stands for Function Analysis System Technique. SAVE defines a FAST diagram as a graphical representation of dependent relationships of functions within a project, product, or process. The diagram uses logical relationships such as “How,” “Why,” and “When” to organize functions. It is a core Function Analysis tool because it forces the team to examine why functions exist, how they are accomplished, and which functions lie on the critical function logic path.

Option A is incorrect because schedule networks belong to project scheduling, not function modeling. Option C is wrong because cost spreadsheets may support resource analysis, but they do not show functional dependency logic. Option D is a procurement management artifact. FAST is valuable because it shifts the team from objects and components to function relationships. This enables better creativity because the team can ask, “How else can we perform this function?” rather than merely asking, “How can we make this component cheaper?”

References/topics: FAST Diagram; Function Analysis System Technique; How-Why Logic.

The correct answer is C . Using the stated formula, Value Index = Function Cost ÷ Function Worth = $120,000 ÷ $80,000 = 1.50 . SAVE’s dictionary defines Function Cost as the directly related resources allocated to a function and Function Worth as the lowest overall cost to perform a function without regard to criteria or code. It also defines Value Index as the monetary relationship of function cost to function worth, expressed as FC ÷ FW, where good value is VI ≤ 1.0.

Option A reverses the formula and calculates FW ÷ FC. Option B would mean cost equals worth, which is not true here. Option D has no mathematical basis from the numbers given. A VI of 1.50 indicates a value mismatch: the current function cost exceeds the function worth. This does not automatically mean the function should be eliminated, but it does identify a strong candidate for creativity and evaluation. CVS candidates must be careful because some older materials express the ratio in reverse; the exam stem controls the formula.

References/topics: Evaluation Phase; Function Cost; Function Worth; Value Index.

The correct answers are B and C . A VM facilitator encourages innovation by moving the team beyond existing assumptions, current habits, and normal organizational boundaries. In the Creativity Phase, SAVE-oriented VM guidance emphasizes generating ideas for all possible ways to accomplish the required functions, rather than defending the existing solution. ( Value Engineering ) The facilitator therefore supports future-focused thinking, where the team imagines an ideal condition and considers long-term potential before judging feasibility. This is consistent with VM practice because creativity must be allowed to expand before evaluation, cost review, or technical screening begins.

Option C is also correct because innovation often comes from cross-disciplinary transfer. Borrowing ideas from other industries, technologies, processes, or disciplines helps the team discover alternative ways to perform the required function. The Creative Phase is specifically described as being unconstrained by habit, tradition, negative attitudes, assumed restrictions, and specific criteria. ( UW Courses )

Option A is incorrect because simply maintaining current systems preserves the baseline and limits breakthrough thinking. Option D is incorrect because avoiding combinations and testing prevents idea development and blocks innovation.

References/topics: VM Facilitation; Team Dynamics; Creativity Phase; Innovation; Divergent Thinking; Long-Term Value Potential.

The correct answers are C and D . In the Presentation Phase, the purpose is not simply to display information, but to communicate the developed VM proposals clearly enough for decision makers to understand the recommendation, its basis, and its value improvement opportunity. SAVE’s Value Methodology Standard states that the Presentation Phase should develop a report and/or presentation that documents and conveys the adequacy of the developed alternatives and their associated value improvement opportunity. ( )

Using baseline and proposed graphics at a similar level of complexity helps the audience compare the current condition against the recommended alternative without distortion. If one graphic is overly detailed and the other is simplified, the comparison may become misleading or difficult to evaluate. Providing clear explanations and context is equally important because graphics alone rarely communicate assumptions, functional trade-offs, cost implications, risks, or implementation constraints.

Option A is incorrect because relying only on graphics removes the technical reasoning needed for acceptance. Option B is also incorrect because excessive graphics can dilute the message and distract from the proposal’s functional and value basis.

References/topics: Presentation Phase; VM Proposal Communication; Baseline vs Proposed Comparison; Decision-Maker Understanding; VM Report and Presentation.