Free Practice Questions for SAVE International CVS Exam

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 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 and D . The Evaluation Phase requires the VM team to apply a structured evaluation process so that ideas are judged against defined requirements rather than informal preference. SAVE’s Value Methodology Standard states that the team selects ideas with potential for value improvement while still delivering the required functions and considering performance requirements and resource limits. ( )

Therefore, setting baseline criteria is essential because impact cannot be measured unless the current or expected performance condition is defined first. Baselines allow future outcomes to be compared against the starting point and help determine whether the selected alternative actually improves value. Defining key performance indicators is also correct because KPIs translate subject objectives into measurable evaluation factors, such as time, quality, productivity, service level, risk reduction, cost effectiveness, or functional performance.

Option A is weak because a one-time opinion survey may provide useful input, but it does not create a disciplined impact-measurement framework. Option C is too narrow because budget review only addresses financial efficiency and does not fully evaluate subject impact. The official SAVE Core Competencies also place “establish evaluation framework” and “establish evaluation criteria” directly within the Evaluation Phase.

References/topics: Evaluation Phase; Evaluation Framework; Evaluation Criteria; KPI Alignment; Baseline Measurement; Subject Impact Analysis.

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 preferable qualities are expertise in their field and availability to attend . In the Preparation or Pre-Workshop stage, the Value Study must be properly planned, organized, staffed, and scheduled before the formal Job Plan begins. The SAVE Study Guide identifies Pre-Workshop activities such as identifying Value Team members , obtaining their commitment to project objectives, and determining study dates, times, location, and other logistical needs. ( )

Technical capability is essential because VM team members must gather and analyze information, identify functions, contribute ideas, evaluate ideas using their experience and expertise, develop alternatives, and present results. The guide specifically describes technical champions as team members selected because of their technical expertise. ( ) Availability is equally important because team members are expected to participate in all meetings, and timely attendance is listed as a responsibility. ( )

Option C is not preferred because VM requires collaborative idea generation, not personal advocacy or forcing individual solutions. Option D is directly contrary to VM team behavior, since the guide stresses open-mindedness and avoiding roadblocks.

References/topics: Preparation Phase; Pre-Workshop Activities; Value Team Member Selection; Team Member Responsibilities; VM Facilitation and Team Dynamics.

The correct answers are B, D, and E . An Implementation Form is used after VM proposals have been developed, presented, reviewed, and moved into disposition or execution tracking. Its purpose is to identify each accepted or pending value alternative clearly enough that management, the project team, and follow-up reviewers can track what proposal is being implemented, who developed or owns it, and how it will be handled.

The SAVE International Study Guide describes Implementation Activities as ensuring accepted value alternatives are implemented and that projected benefits are realized. It further identifies activities such as conducting an implementation meeting, determining the disposition of each value alternative, establishing action plans, obtaining commitments, setting timeframes, tracking value achievement, and validating benefits. ( )

Therefore, an implementation form normally requires traceable proposal identifiers: the VM proposal number , the title of the VM proposal , and the developer or originator/responsible party . These fields allow each proposal to be tracked from study recommendation through acceptance, rejection, modification, and completion. A creative idea list belongs to the Creativity Phase record, not implementation tracking. Risk impacts may support development or recommendation documentation, but they are not as fundamental as proposal identity and responsibility fields on the implementation form.

References/topics: Implementation Phase; VM Proposal Tracking; Action Plans; Follow-Up; Value Study Recommendation Documentation.

The correct answers are C. Break problems into sub-problems and D. Utilize mind-mapping techniques to visualize connections . In the Creativity Phase, the VM team generates alternative ways to perform the selected functions. SAVE’s VM guidance describes this phase as a quantity-focused idea-generation activity where ideas are developed without judgment, habit, assumed restrictions, or premature feasibility screening. ( UW Courses )

Discursive creativity techniques are structured, logical, and systematic. They help the team move through the problem deliberately rather than relying only on spontaneous brainstorming. Breaking problems into sub-problems is appropriate because it allows the facilitator to separate a complex function, process, or constraint into smaller idea-generation targets. This improves coverage and prevents the team from treating the problem too broadly. Mind-mapping is also appropriate because it visually organizes relationships among functions, causes, ideas, constraints, and possible solution paths.

Option A is incorrect because focusing on the most feasible ideas belongs to the Evaluation Phase , not Creativity. Option B is a useful facilitation rule, but it is not specifically a discursive creativity technique.

References/topics: Creativity Phase; Discursive Creativity Techniques; Idea Generation; Function-Based Alternatives; Evaluation Phase Boundary.

The correct answers are A and B . During the Development Phase , the VM team is converting selected ideas into value alternatives, so any new information that affects assumptions, cost, risk, performance, stakeholder impact, or feasibility must be evaluated before the proposal is finalized. SAVE’s Study Guide explains that each Job Plan phase provides information needed for the next phase and that, as the team gains additional knowledge, a previous phase may be revisited. ( ) Therefore, the facilitator should first assess the information with the VM team to determine whether it changes the rationale, calculations, risk profile, or viability of any proposal.

The facilitator should also discuss the information with the study subject program manager because the information may affect scope, owner requirements, baseline assumptions, implementation constraints, or management expectations. In the Development Phase, value alternatives must be clearly written with supporting assumptions, calculations, vendor information, cost comparisons, and other information needed to convey the alternative. ( )

Option C is premature because new information does not automatically require a new proposal. Option D is incorrect because disregarding relevant information undermines proposal credibility and informed decision-making.

References/topics: Development Phase; Value Alternative Development; Facilitator Responsibilities; Proposal Validation; VM Team Coordination.

The correct answer is B. strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats . SWOT is a strategic assessment tool used to examine both internal and external conditions affecting an organization, program, project, or study subject. In the SAVE International certification study context, SWOT is identified as a tool under VM program and organizational assessment practices, specifically as Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats . ( )

The distinction between the four terms is important. Strengths and weaknesses normally describe internal factors, such as organizational capability, resources, skills, process maturity, or limitations. Opportunities and threats normally describe external factors, such as market conditions, stakeholder expectations, regulatory changes, competing priorities, risks, or environmental influences. In a VM program, SWOT can help managers understand where the program is strong, where corrective improvement is needed, where expansion or innovation is possible, and where resistance or risk may affect implementation.

Options A, C, and D are incorrect because “organization,” “standards,” and “thresholds” are not part of the SWOT acronym. They may be relevant management terms, but they do not define SWOT.

References/topics: VM Programs; Strategic Assessment; SWOT Analysis; Program Planning; Organizational Readiness.

The correct answers are A, C, and D . In FAST diagramming, scope lines define the boundary of the subject being studied. They separate what is included in the VM study from functions that explain the larger reason for the study or the initiating input outside the study boundary. SAVE’s VM glossary explains that a FAST diagram includes scope lines and classified functions such as basic, higher-order, and lower-order functions. It also defines subject scope as the portion of the project, product, or process selected for the value study. ( )

Option A is correct because scope lines represent the limits of the VM study subject. Option C is correct because the basic function is placed immediately to the right of the left scope line; it represents the essential purpose of the subject within the study. Option D is correct because the higher-order function is placed to the left of the left scope line and explains the broader need or goal for which the basic function exists. SAVE defines the higher-order function as outside the scope of the subject under study. ( )

Option B is not selected because the key convention is boundary placement, not “solid line” style. Option E is incorrect because the lower-order function is outside the right scope boundary, not immediately left of it.

References/topics: Function Analysis Phase; FAST Diagram; Scope Lines; Basic Function; Higher-Order Function; Lower-Order Function.