SAVE International Updated CVS Exam Questions and Answers by giovanna

The correct answers are A and C because the VM Job Plan is a sequential, function-based process. SAVE’s study guide explains that the Job Plan guides the study team through identifying and focusing on key project functions so new ideas can be created for value improvement. It also states that Job Plan phases are performed in sequence because each phase provides the information needed for the next phase. ( )

Therefore, functions must be defined before alternative solutions are generated . This occurs in the Function Analysis Phase , where the team identifies, classifies, and models project functions, then selects value-mismatched functions to focus the Creativity Phase. ( ) The Creative Phase then generates alternative ideas for performing those functions, while the Evaluation Phase later reduces and prioritizes those ideas by considering cost, performance, and other evaluation methods. ( )

Option B is incorrect because idea generation and evaluation are intentionally separated; judgment is suspended during Creativity and applied during Evaluation. Option D is incorrect because functions are not fully defined before the VM study; they are formally developed during the Job Plan.

References/topics: VM Job Plan; Function Analysis Phase; Creativity Phase; Evaluation Phase; Sequential Job Plan Logic.

The correct answer is A. Describe the project . In the Information Phase , the client, project sponsor, designer, or owner representative provides the VM team with the factual background needed to understand the study subject. The SAVE Value Methodology Standard describes this phase as the point where the project sponsor and/or designer brief the value study team and allow the team to ask questions based on its data research. ( courses.washington.edu )

This briefing is essentially the client’s role: to explain what the project is, why it exists, what conditions affect it, what constraints apply, and what information the VM team must understand before moving into Function Analysis. The client may describe project scope, objectives, operational needs, performance requirements, site conditions, budget concerns, schedule issues, and known limitations.

Option B , defining expectations, is more closely tied to study planning and sponsor alignment. Option C , explaining the process, is the facilitator’s responsibility. Option D , defining the agenda, is also normally handled by the VM facilitator during preparation and workshop management.

References/topics: Information Phase; Client Briefing; Project Sponsor Role; Data Package; VM Job Plan.

The correct answers are B. Maintenance, C. Production, and E. Engineering . The question is focused on how adding a new product will affect the current manufacturing process , so input must come from the functions that directly understand equipment capability, production workflow, process design, downtime risk, maintainability, tooling, tolerances, and operational constraints. SAVE’s Value Methodology Standard specifically states that VM can be applied to manufacturing processes , and that the Value Study Team should be a multidisciplinary group of experienced professionals and project stakeholders selected based on their expertise and experience with the project.

Production is essential because it understands line capacity, sequencing, labor flow, bottlenecks, cycle time, quality impact, and daily operating constraints. Maintenance is essential because a new product may require equipment changes, additional preventive maintenance, setup changes, spare parts, downtime planning, or reliability analysis. Engineering is essential because it understands product design, process capability, manufacturing methods, fixtures, tooling, specifications, and technical feasibility.

Marketing may provide market demand or customer preference input, but that is not the best answer when the question narrows the issue to the existing manufacturing process. Human resources may support staffing or training later, but it is not one of the three primary technical process stakeholders.

References/topics: Multidisciplinary Team; Stakeholder Expertise; Manufacturing Process VM; Team Composition.

The correct answer is C. RACI matrix . When stakeholders disagree about their level of involvement, the facilitator needs a tool that clarifies roles, responsibility, authority, consultation, and communication expectations . A RACI matrix directly addresses this issue because it defines who is Responsible , Accountable , Consulted , and Informed for each activity or decision. In VM and VE practice, a RACI matrix is specifically used to identify who is responsible for implementation, who is accountable for costs and outcomes, who needs to be consulted during VM/VE studies, and who needs to be kept informed.

This makes RACI especially useful when involvement levels become controversial. It gives the facilitator a neutral structure to move the group away from personal preference and toward agreed participation logic. It also helps prevent over-involvement, under-involvement, unclear decision authority, and unnecessary stakeholder conflict.

A work breakdown structure defines work packages, not stakeholder engagement levels. SWOT analysis examines strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, but does not assign participation roles. Paired comparison is used for prioritizing options or criteria, not resolving involvement disagreements.

References/topics: VM Facilitation and Team Dynamics; Stakeholder Engagement; Study Scope Alignment; RACI Matrix; VM Program Governance.