SAVE International Updated CVS Exam Questions and Answers by everlyn

Need → Function → Specific Requirement → Product

The correct order is Need → Function → Specific Requirement → Product . This is the exact logic of the Function Performance Specification process. The VM Guide figure for Function Performance Specification shows the sequence as “Need Function Specific Requirement Product” , where a user need is translated into a function, then into measurable requirements, and finally into a product solution.

The sequence is important because Value Methodology begins with the user’s need or desire , not with a predetermined product. After the need is understood, the VM team defines the function that satisfies that need, normally in active verb/measurable noun format. SAVE’s study-guide material explains that work functions are quantitative and stated using an active verb and measurable noun. The next step is the specific requirement , where the function is converted into measurable performance or quality criteria, such as assessment criteria, level, and flexibility. Only after the need, function, and requirement are clear should the team identify the product , which is the solution provided to satisfy the defined need. Starting with “Product” would be a classic VM error because it locks the team into a solution before understanding function.

References/topics: Function Analysis Phase; Function Performance Specification; Need; Function; Specific Requirement; Product; Performance Criteria.

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 A and C . In the Evaluation Phase , the VM team moves from broad creative idea generation into structured judgment. SAVE’s VM guidance identifies the Evaluation Phase as the point where ideas from the Creative Phase are synthesized, sorted, rated, ranked, and selected for development using previously established evaluation criteria. It also identifies fine filter activity as detailed evaluation, not a quick vote or informal reaction. ( courses.washington.edu )

A SWOT analysis for each idea is a fine filter action because it examines strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in a structured way. This supports deeper evaluation of feasibility, risk, benefits, constraints, and implementation exposure. Aligning each idea with the subject study goals is also correct because fine filtering must test whether an idea supports the agreed VM study objectives, user/customer needs, performance expectations, and value targets.

Option B is incorrect because feedback without discussion is closer to simple screening and does not represent detailed evaluation. Option D is too narrow because VM does not rank ideas only by estimated cost; value requires consideration of function, performance, quality, risk, time, and overall benefit.

References/topics: Evaluation Phase; Fine Filter; Evaluation Criteria; Idea Screening; VM Study Goals.

The correct answer is A . Brainwriting is an idea-generation technique in which participants first develop ideas individually and silently in written form before the ideas are shared, reviewed, or expanded by the group. This fits the Creativity Phase because the purpose of that phase is to generate a quantity of ideas related to alternative ways of performing required functions. The SAVE Study Guide identifies the Creative Phase purpose as generating “a quantity of ideas” and asks the fundamental question: “How else may the functions be performed?” It also emphasizes establishing rules that protect the creative environment and using group idea-stimulation techniques. ( )

Option B describes verbal brainstorming, not brainwriting. Option C is incorrect because feasibility screening belongs later in the Evaluation Phase; limiting ideas during creativity suppresses innovation. Option D contains a partial brainwriting concept, because some brainwriting methods allow participants to build on others’ ideas, but the wording “instead of developing their own” is too restrictive and does not represent the core method. Brainwriting begins with silent individual idea capture.

References/topics: Creativity Phase; Idea Generation; Creativity Ground Rules; Group Idea-Stimulation Techniques; Brainwriting.