SAVE International VMA Exam With Confidence Using Practice Dumps

Function Analysis in Value Methodology involves identifying and classifying functions using verb-noun combinations, as taught in the VMF 1 course (Core Competency #2). The basic function of an item is its primary purpose—what it must do to fulfill its intended use. According to SAVE International’s Value Methodology Standard, “functions should be defined in broad, measurable terms (verb-noun format) to capture the core purpose.” For a pen or pencil, the basic function is the most fundamental action it performs. A pen or pencil mustmark surface, as this captures the essential action of leaving a visible trace (e.g., ink or graphite) on a surface (e.g., paper), which is the core purpose of both tools, regardless of their specific use (writing, drawing, etc.).

Option A (Write documents) is incorrect because writing documents is a specific application, not the basic function; a pen can also draw or mark without writing a document.

Option B (Color surface) is incorrect because coloring implies adding color, which is not the primary function of a standard pen or pencil (e.g., a pencil typically uses graphite, not color).

Option C (Mark surface) is correct, as it defines the basic function of a pen or pencil in the broadest, most fundamental terms, encompassing all uses (writing, drawing, marking).

Option D (Convey message) is incorrect because conveying a message is a higher-level outcome, not the basic function; a pen can mark a surface without conveying a message (e.g., a random scribble).

The Function Analysis System Technique (FAST) diagram is a key tool in Value Methodology’s Function Analysis phase, as taught in the VMF 1 course (Core Competency #2). FAST diagrams map the relationships between functions, with the horizontal axis showing the “how-why” logic (critical path) and vertical lines called scope lines defining the study’s boundaries. According to SAVE International’s Value Methodology Standard, “the left vertical line in a FAST diagram is a scope line, and the function immediately to its right is typically the higher-order function, which represents the overarching goal or need for the system.” The functionto the leftof the left scope line is outside the study’s scope and often represents an even broader objective or external assumption that drives the higher-order function. However, in standard FAST diagramming, thehigher-order functionis the closest function to the left scope line within the scope, and functions to the left of the scope line (e.g., P in the diagram from Question 30) are external.

In the context of the VMA exam and VMF 1, the question likely tests the understanding of the higher-order function’s position relative to the scope line. As established in Question 18, Function E (just inside the left scope line B) is the higher-order function. Functions to the left of the left scope line (e.g., P) are typically external assumptions or broader objectives, but the options provided (A, B, C, D) refer to standard function classifications within the FAST framework. Thehigher-order function(C) is the most relevant choice, as it is the function closest to the left scope line within the study’s scope, and the question may be interpreted as asking for the function type associated with that position.

Option A (Basic Function) is incorrect because the basic function is typically more central on the critical path, not at the far left.

Option B (Secondary Function) is incorrect because secondary functions are vertical (supporting the critical path), not on the main path near the left scope line.

Option C (Higher Order Function) is correct, as the higher-order function is located just to the right of the left scope line (e.g., Function E), and the question may be interpreted in this context based on standard FAST conventions.

Option D (Lower Order Function) is incorrect because lower-order functions are to the right of the basic function, representing more specific outcomes, not near the left scope line.

The Information Phase of the Value Methodology (VM) Job Plan involves gathering and transforming data to understand the subject of the study, as taught in the VMF 1 course (Core Competency #3: Value Methodology Job Plan). According to SAVE International’s Value Methodology Standard, “key data for a product value study typically includes design objectives, cost estimates, drawings, specifications, and resource models, which are transformed to define functions, costs, and constraints.” These data types are essential for a product-focused study (as opposed to a process or construction project), enabling the VM team to:

Understand the product’s purpose (design objectives).

Analyze costs (original cost estimate, before optimization).

Review technical details (drawings, specifications).

Assess resource use (resource models).Customer demographics may provide context but are not core to transforming information for a product value study.

Option A (Flow diagrams, latest cost estimate, labor reports, drawings, site plan, regulatory requirements): This is more suited for a process or construction project (e.g., flow diagrams, site plan), not a product value study.

Option B (Customer requirements, overhead cost, competitive analysis, sample components, packaging requirements, warranty information): While customer requirements and sample components are relevant, competitive analysis, packaging, and warranty are secondary; overhead cost is too specific and not a core data type for transformation.

Option C (Design objectives, original cost estimate, drawings, specifications, resource models, customer demographics): This is correct, as it includes the core data types for a product value study (design objectives, cost estimate, drawings, specifications, resource models), though customer demographics are less critical but acceptable as context.

Option D (Customer demographics, overhead cost, drawings, competitive analysis, sample components, labor reports): This includes less relevant data (customer demographics, competitive analysis, labor reports) and misses key items like design objectives and specifications.

Option C (Design objectives, original cost estimate, drawings, specifications, resource models, customer demographics) is correct, as it best aligns with the key data needed for a product value study.