SAVE International Updated CVS Exam Questions and Answers by klara

The correct answers are B and C . In the Creativity Phase , the VM facilitator’s role is to stimulate open, unrestricted idea generation. The SAVE Value Methodology Standard states that the Creative Phase aims to develop a large quantity of ideas for performing each selected function, and that this effort should be unconstrained by habit, tradition, negative attitudes, assumed restrictions, and specific criteria. It also states that judgment and evaluation are suspended during this phase. ( courses.washington.edu )

Option B is effective because it invites reflection on missed opportunities and encourages participants to identify improvements without immediately judging feasibility. Option C is also effective because it removes normal constraints and encourages broad, imaginative thinking about the study subject. This matches the Creative Phase principle that free flow of thoughts and ideas is required, without criticism or premature evaluation. ( courses.washington.edu )

Option A is not ideal because it introduces authority influence and may cause the team to conform to the project manager’s view. Option D restricts open participation and weakens creative flow.

References/topics: Creativity Phase; VM Facilitation; Divergent Thinking; Idea Generation; Suspending Judgment.

The correct answers are A and D . In a VM study, assumptions must not be accepted automatically as fixed requirements. Many projects begin with assumptions about user needs, design criteria, operating conditions, owner preferences, codes, capacities, materials, schedules, or performance expectations. Over time, these assumptions may become treated as mandatory requirements even when they have not been tested. The VM study team’s responsibility is to examine them objectively.

The team should challenge assumptions with facts because unsupported assumptions can restrict creativity, increase cost, and prevent better value solutions. Challenging does not mean rejecting them blindly; it means asking whether the assumption is true, current, measurable, and necessary to perform the required function.

The team should also verify assumptions through project data, stakeholder input, customer needs, technical criteria, codes, standards, cost information, and performance requirements. Verified assumptions may remain as valid constraints or criteria. Unverified assumptions should not control the study.

Option B is incorrect because assumptions should not simply be replaced without analysis. Option C is incorrect because accepting assumptions as facts can cause the team to preserve unnecessary cost and miss value-improvement opportunities.

References/topics: Information Phase; Assumptions; Criteria and Requirements; Fact-Based Analysis; VM Job Plan.

The correct answers are B and C . When a VM study team has little or no experience with function analysis, the facilitator should introduce the concept through simple demonstration and participative learning. SAVE guidance identifies Function Analysis as the foundation of Value Methodology and explains that functions are expressed in two-word active verb / measurable noun form to describe what work is being performed. ( ) Showing an example of function analysis helps the team see how physical items are translated into functional language before applying the method to the study subject.

Having the team identify functions of items in the room is also effective because it creates a low-risk practice exercise. The SAVE study material provides simple item-based examples such as a table performing “Support Weight” and a screwdriver performing “Transmit Torque,” which directly supports this teaching approach. ( ) This builds confidence before moving to more complex project functions.

Option A is not preferred because preparing the FAST diagram in advance removes team discovery, ownership, and consensus-building. Option D is incorrect because functions must first be identified before they can be classified, analyzed, or evaluated; function analysis is defined as the process of defining, classifying, and evaluating functions. ( )

References/topics: VM Facilitation; Team Learning; Function Analysis Phase; Function Identification; FAST Introduction.

VOC stands for Voice of the Customer . In Value Methodology, VOC is primarily associated with the Information Phase , where the VM team gathers, organizes, reviews, and transforms information before moving into Function Analysis. SAVE International’s Core Competencies specifically place “Voice of the customer” under Information Phase — Apply methods to transform information , tied to VM Guide Section 5.4.1 . ( )

The purpose of VOC is to capture what customers, users, owners, and stakeholders actually need, value, expect, and consider important. This is critical because VM does not define value only from the designer’s, supplier’s, or facilitator’s perspective. Instead, value must be interpreted through customer-required functions, performance expectations, quality needs, constraints, and acceptance criteria. Option C, “voice of the client,” is too narrow because the client may be only one stakeholder, while VOC reflects the broader customer/user value perspective. Options A and D are not recognized VM terms in this context.

References/topics: Information Phase; Voice of the Customer; Transforming Information; Customer Requirements; Value Determination.