Free Practice Questions for SAVE International CVS Exam

The correct answer is D. Random Function Identification . In the Function Analysis Phase, the team first identifies and defines functions of the product, project, process, or service being studied. The function statement is normally written in the classic VM format: active verb + measurable noun . SAVE-related VM guidance describes this first step as identifying and defining functions using active verbs and measurable nouns, often referred to as Random Function Definition . ( UC Homepages )

This is why Random Function Identification is the best answer. It is the direct technique used to generate the initial list of functions before the team classifies, organizes, models, or evaluates those functions.

FAST is important, but it is not primarily the first technique for identifying individual functions. FAST is mainly used after functions are listed, to show logical How/Why relationships between functions and to build a function model. SAVE material describes FAST as a technique that illustrates relationships among functions. ( cdn..com )

Mind Mapping and Random Words are creativity tools, not the standard VM function-identification method.

References/topics: Function Analysis Phase; Random Function Definition; Function Identification; Verb-Noun Function Format; FAST Diagramming.

A VM study report is the formal documentation of the value study process, findings, alternatives, and supporting rationale. The correct inclusions are workshop agenda and team members , summary of the VM Job Plan , and the ideas generated with their evaluation . The SAVE VM Standard identifies the Job Plan as the structured framework for a valid study, and the Presentation Phase requires the team leader or facilitator to develop a report and/or presentation that documents and conveys the alternatives and value improvement opportunity. ( cdn..com )

A report should therefore preserve the administrative record of the study, including agenda, attendance, team composition, and study process. It should also summarize how the Job Plan was followed, because the Job Plan is the disciplined sequence that gives the study validity. The creative and evaluation outputs are also reportable because ideas are generated in the Creative Phase and then screened through a structured Evaluation Phase to identify value-improvement potential.

Design plans and specifications are source information used during preparation/information gathering, but they are not normally reproduced as core VM study-report content. The VM presentation may be related to the report, but it is not the best answer as a typical internal report section.

References/topics: Presentation Phase; VM Study Report; VM Job Plan; Creative Phase; Evaluation Phase; Study Documentation.

Location 1 — Improve vision

Location 2 — Correct vision

Location 3 — Position lenses

Location 4 — Select eyeglasses and Select contact lenses

The correct sequence is Improve vision → Correct vision → Position lenses and Secure lenses → Select eyeglasses and Select contact lenses . In a FAST diagram, the “How” direction moves from the broader purpose toward the more specific means of accomplishing that purpose. SAVE defines FAST as the Function Analysis System Technique, a diagrammatic representation of the HOW-WHY logic of functions and their interrelationships. It also defines the function logic path as the functions connected to each other in that HOW-WHY logic direction.

Improve vision is the higher-order purpose. Asking “How do we improve vision?” leads to Correct vision , which is the basic function of prescription eyeglasses. Asking “How do we correct vision?” leads to Position lenses and Secure lenses , because the corrective lenses must be properly located and held relative to the eyes. Asking “How do we accomplish that solution approach?” leads to Select eyeglasses and Select contact lenses , representing the lower-order choice of a corrective device or method.

The distractors are secondary/supporting functions. Secure position , Resist damage , and Complement appearance may support performance, durability, or user acceptance, but they are not the primary “How” logic path for correcting vision.

References/topics: Function Analysis Phase; FAST Diagram; HOW-WHY Logic; Function Logic Path; Higher-Order Function; Basic Function; Lower-Order Function.

The correct answers are A. Proposals that provide the greatest benefit and B. The relative risk of each proposal . During the Presentation Phase, the VM team must communicate recommendations that are strong enough to justify management action. SAVE’s VM guidance states that developed alternatives should include cost, performance data, implementation cost, and consideration of risk and uncertainty . It also identifies performance benefit analysis as part of developing alternatives before presentation. ( UW Courses )

When time is limited, the facilitator should guide the team toward proposals with the highest value contribution, not simply the easiest or cheapest ideas. A proposal with the greatest benefit is most aligned with VM’s purpose: improving value by achieving required functions more effectively. Risk is also essential because decision makers must understand whether the recommendation is practical, credible, and acceptable for implementation.

Option C may be attractive, but ease of implementation alone does not prove high value. Option D is incorrect because low cost impact may produce limited value improvement and may not justify presentation priority. The Presentation Phase seeks concurrence and commitment from decision makers to proceed with implementation of recommendations. ( UW Courses )

References/topics: Presentation Phase; Development Phase; VM Proposal Selection; Risk and Uncertainty; Performance Benefit Analysis.

The correct answers are Reverse brainstorming, Hitchhiking, and Mind-mapping . In the Creativity Phase , the VM facilitator leads the team in generating many possible alternatives for performing the required functions identified during Function Analysis. The objective is divergent thinking: produce a broad range of ideas without judging them too early. SAVE’s certification study material identifies creativity as a distinct VM Job Plan area and emphasizes idea generation before moving into Evaluation. ( )

Reverse brainstorming is appropriate because it helps the team approach a function or problem from the opposite direction, often revealing hidden assumptions and new solution paths. Hitchhiking is also a valid creativity technique because one team member builds on another person’s idea, improving participation and expanding idea quantity. Mind-mapping supports creativity by visually organizing related thoughts around a central function or issue, helping the team see connections and generate additional alternatives.

SWOT analysis is not primarily a Creativity Phase tool; it is more commonly used for strategic assessment. RACI matrix is also incorrect because it assigns responsibilities and accountabilities, which fits planning or implementation control, not creative idea generation.

References/topics: Creativity Phase; Idea Generation; Brainstorming Techniques; Divergent Thinking; VM Facilitation.