The correct answers are A and B . During the Evaluation Phase , the VM facilitator’s role is to preserve structure, discipline, and decision quality while the team screens creative ideas for value-improvement potential. SAVE’s Value Methodology Standard defines the Evaluation Phase as a structured evaluation process used to select ideas that can improve value while still delivering required functions and respecting performance requirements and resource limits. ( )

Therefore, the facilitator must recognize when discussion becomes off-topic and redirect the group toward the agreed evaluation criteria, study objectives, required functions, and constraints. This prevents the phase from becoming another brainstorming session or an unstructured debate. The facilitator must also establish a clear context for the session , meaning the team understands what is being evaluated, against which criteria, and for what decision purpose.

Option C is incorrect because evaluation may include clarification, combination, or refinement of ideas; useful modifications should not be automatically blocked. Option D is also incorrect because VM allows tailored application of methods, and the facilitator should select techniques appropriate to the study rather than force one universal technique. ( )

References/topics: Evaluation Phase; VM Facilitation; Idea Screening; Evaluation Criteria; Team Focus and Direction.

The correct answer is A . The basic function is the essential purpose for which the project, product, or process exists. SAVE’s dictionary defines the basic function as the specific purpose for which the subject exists and states that it answers, “What must it do?” This is one of the most important concepts in the CVS exam because the basic function anchors function analysis, FAST diagramming, creativity, and evaluation.

Option B is incorrect because cost is a resource measure, not the basic function itself. Cost becomes meaningful only when compared with function, worth, performance, and user need. Option C is irrelevant to function. Option D may matter in procurement or schedule evaluation, but it does not define why the subject exists. A team that fails to identify the basic function often becomes trapped by existing design assumptions. For example, a wall may be assumed necessary, but the basic function might be “separate spaces,” which could be achieved by many alternatives. Function abstraction is the discipline that opens the door to value improvement.

References/topics: Basic Function; Function Classification; Function Analysis Phase.

The correct answer is B. focuses on what a subject does . The key difference between the VM Job Plan and many other problem-solving methods is its deliberate emphasis on function . In Value Methodology, the team does not begin by defending the existing design, component, process, or solution. Instead, it asks what the subject must do to satisfy the required need.

SAVE’s Study Guide states that Value Methodology improves value through the analysis of functions and that Function Analysis is the activity that differentiates VM from other problem-solving or improvement practices. It also explains that functions describe the work being performed within the study scope using active verb and measurable noun pairings. ( )

Option A is incorrect because VM still requires adequate information during the Information Phase. Option C is incorrect because VM does not reduce analysis; it structures analysis through the Job Plan. Option D describes the scientific method more closely because hypothesis development and testing are central to scientific inquiry. The VM Job Plan is function-based: it defines, analyzes, creatively improves, evaluates, develops, and presents alternatives that better perform required functions. SAVE’s VM Standard also confirms that Function Analysis defines project functions and identifies which functions require improvement, elimination, or creation. ( )

References/topics: Value Methodology and Job Plan; Function Analysis Phase; Function-Based Thinking; Active Verb/Measurable Noun; VM vs Scientific Method.

The correct answer is D. Customers . In Value Methodology, value is not judged mainly by the design team, facilitator, or internal decision makers. It is judged from the perspective of the party seeking or acquiring the needed function. The SAVE International Study Guide defines value as a relationship between function and resources , where the function is measured by the performance requirements of the customer , and the resources are the materials, labor, price, time, and other inputs required to accomplish that function. ( cdn..com )

This means customers directly connect value with the functions they want to obtain. They are not buying materials, drawings, specifications, or technical complexity for their own sake; they are acquiring useful functions such as support load, move people, protect asset, reduce risk, or provide comfort. Users may experience the function, and decision makers may approve funding, but the customer is the party whose performance expectations define whether the function provides acceptable value.

Therefore, in CVS® terms, customer requirements are central to value determination because function must satisfy customer expectations while resources are minimized or optimized.

References/topics: Function Analysis Phase; Value Definition; Customer Requirements; Function/Resources Relationship; VM Fundamentals.

The correct answers are A and B . In Function Analysis and FAST diagramming, a higher-order function is positioned to the left of the basic function and answers the question “Why is this function performed?” It represents the broader purpose or need that is satisfied when the basic function is successfully achieved. Therefore, option A is correct because the higher-order function expresses the customer, user, or project need served by the basic function.

Option B is also correct because the higher-order function can be understood as the output or result produced by accomplishing the basic function. In FAST logic, the basic function performs a required action, and the higher-order function explains the reason or outcome of that action. It is not normally the detailed mechanism for achieving the basic function.

Option C is incorrect because the basic function , not the higher-order function, is fundamental to the subject scope. The higher-order function often lies just outside or above the study scope as the reason the basic function is needed. Option D is incorrect because inputs or enabling actions are usually associated with lower-order or “how” functions, not higher-order “why” functions.

References/topics: Function Analysis Phase; FAST Diagramming; Higher-Order Function; Basic Function; How/Why Logic.

The correct selection is D because it provides the strongest balance of study readiness, timing, and probability of return . A VM program manager must allocate limited study resources to the candidate most likely to produce measurable value improvement. SAVE guidance states that VM produces the greatest benefit early in development when basic project information is established but major design resources have not yet been fully committed. ( cdn..com ) It also notes that later studies are more likely to increase implementation cost. ( cdn..com )

Option D is therefore superior because a 30% design with a detailed estimate gives the VM team enough factual information for function, cost, worth, and alternative analysis, while the project is still early enough for recommendations to be implemented economically. The fact that the previous similar project achieved the target ROI further supports selection because it indicates a credible return pattern. Option A is too late because the design is complete and ROI is already doubtful. Options B and C are too immature because design has not started; C is additionally weak because the similar previous project failed to meet ROI.

References/topics: VM Programs; Value Program Management; Study Selection; ROI; Timing of VM Studies; Preparation Phase.

The correct answer is A. Guide disposition . During the Implementation Phase, the VM facilitator’s role is not to make the final decision, sell the recommendations, or personally perform management’s implementation duties. The facilitator guides the structured process so that each value alternative is reviewed, assigned a disposition, and moved toward an appropriate decision. SAVE guidance states that, after delivery of the preliminary report, management and the project team should consider and agree on which value alternatives will be implemented and determine how and when implementation will occur. It also identifies a common implementation activity as conducting an implementation meeting to determine the disposition of each value alternative . ( )

Option B is incorrect because assessment and approval of VM proposals belong primarily to management and responsible project stakeholders. Option C is not the facilitator’s primary role; implementation planning is established and managed by those responsible for executing accepted changes. Option D is incorrect because VM facilitation requires objectivity. The facilitator supports informed decision-making, not advocacy or salesmanship. The facilitator keeps the process disciplined, ensures proposals receive fair consideration, and helps document acceptance, rejection, action responsibility, and follow-up.

References/topics: Implementation Phase; VM Facilitator Role; Disposition of Value Alternatives; Post-Workshop Activities; Implementation Meeting.

Step 1 — Identify the major deliverables

Step 2 — Identify major supporting activities and tasks

Step 3 — Organize and structure the deliverables

Step 4 — Assign responsibility for deliverables

Step 5 — Verify the work breakdown structure

The correct sequence begins with identifying the major deliverables because a Work Breakdown Structure is deliverable-oriented. The team must first define what must be produced before it can break the work into manageable parts. After the major deliverables are clear, the next step is to identify the major supporting activities and tasks required to complete each deliverable.

The third step is to organize and structure the deliverables into a logical hierarchy. This converts the project scope into a structured framework that can be planned, estimated, tracked, and controlled. The fourth step is to assign responsibility for deliverables , because the WBS must support accountability. Each work element should have clear ownership so that implementation actions do not remain vague or unmanaged.

The final step is to verify the work breakdown structure . Verification confirms that the WBS is complete, logical, non-duplicative, and aligned with the intended scope. In VM practice, this supports implementation planning by connecting proposals, deliverables, responsibilities, and follow-up control.

References/topics: VM Programs; Implementation Planning; Work Breakdown Structure; Deliverable Breakdown; Responsibility Assignment; Project Control.

The correct answers are A and C . A fine evaluation filter is used in the Evaluation Phase when the VM team needs a more disciplined and defensible method for screening ideas before selecting them for development. SAVE’s VM Job Plan states that evaluation factors and their relative importance should be agreed upon before ideas are evaluated, and that ideas are then ranked and rated against the most important evaluation criteria.

Option A is correct because the fine filter applies weighted relative importance to evaluation criteria. This prevents all criteria from being treated equally when some factors, such as cost, performance, risk, schedule, or customer impact, are more important than others. Option C is correct because this method increases rigor by moving the team from informal opinion to structured comparison. It supports rational selection of ideas for development and reduces bias, popularity-based decisions, and premature rejection of valuable alternatives.

Option B is incorrect because the purpose is not to slow the process or promote initial ideas. Option D may be a result of scoring, but it is not the primary distinguishing reason for using the fine filter.

References/topics: Evaluation Phase; Fine Evaluation Filter; Weighted Criteria; Ranking and Rating Ideas; Selection for Development.

The correct answers are C and D . The end-of-workshop presentation is part of the Presentation Phase , whose objective is to obtain concurrence and commitment from the designer, project sponsor, and management to proceed with implementation. SAVE’s VM Job Plan identifies Presentation Phase activities as presenting an oral report, preparing the written report, and obtaining implementation commitments. ( UW Courses )

Therefore, the level of management involvement directly affects scheduling because the presentation must be arranged when the decision-making body, sponsor, designer, and appropriate managers are available. The standard states that the VM team presents recommendations to the decision-making body and uses interactive discussion to obtain approval or direction for more information. ( UW Courses )

The number of VM proposals developed also affects scheduling because more proposals require more time for explanation, supporting data, benefit analysis, cost/schedule impacts, risks, and implementation requirements. The Development Phase requires each proposed alternative to include technical data, cost and performance data, schedule impact, and implementation planning before presentation. ( UW Courses )

Team size and general participant count may affect logistics, but they are not the primary scheduling drivers for the formal final presentation.

References/topics: Presentation Phase; Development Phase; VM Proposals; Management Commitment; Implementation Planning.