SAVE International VMA Dumps Questions Answers

The diagram provided is a Function Analysis System Technique (FAST) diagram, a key tool in Value Methodology’s Function Analysis phase, as taught in the VMF 1 course (Core Competency #2). FAST diagrams map the relationships between functions of a system, with the horizontal axis showing the “how-why” logic (critical path) and the vertical axis showing supporting functions. The vertical demarcations on the left and right of a FAST diagram are calledscope lines, which define the boundaries of the study. According to SAVE International’s Value Methodology Standard, “scope lines indicate the limits of the system or project being analyzed, separating the functions within the study’s scope from external functions or assumptions.” This was previously established in Question 15, where scope lines were identified as the correct term for these vertical demarcations.

In the FAST diagram:

The dashed vertical lines on the left and right are labeledB(left) andD(right). These lines define the scope of the study, with functions inside the lines (e.g., E, F, G, J, L, M, N, O) being within the study’s focus, while functions outside (e.g., P, Q, R) are external assumptions or higher-level objectives.

Ais a horizontal line at the bottom, representing the boundary of the diagram but not the scope lines.

Cis an arrow indicating the direction of the “why” axis (left), not a scope line.

Since the question asks for the letter that “represents the scope lines,” and both B and D are scope lines, the correct answer must be one of these. However, the options only allow for one letter to be selected, and in FAST diagramming convention, the left scope line (B) is often emphasized as the primary boundary for defining the study’s starting point (e.g., the higher-order function E, as identified in Question 18). Thus,Bis the most appropriate choice among the options provided.

Option A (A) is incorrect because A is a horizontal line, not a vertical scope line.

Option B (B) is correct, as B is the left vertical scope line, marking the boundary of the study’s scope.

Option C (C) is incorrect because C is an arrow, not a scope line.

Option D (D) is also a scope line (the right boundary), but since only one letter can be selected and B is the left scope line (often the primary focus in FAST diagramming), B is chosen. If the question intended to allow both B and D, the phrasing would need adjustment.

The Value Methodology (VM) Job Plan, as outlined in the VMF 1 course and SAVE International’s Value Methodology Standard, consists of six phases, one of which is the Evaluation Phase, where the VM team selects viable ideas. In the Evaluation Phase, the team assesses ideas generated during the Creative Phase to determine their feasibility, cost impact, and alignment with project goals. According to the VMF 1 Core Competency #3 (Value Methodology Job Plan), the Evaluation Phase involves “evaluating the ideas for their potential to improve value, using criteria such as cost savings, performance, quality, and feasibility, to select the most viable alternatives for further development.” Tools like weighted evaluation matrices may be used to rank ideas systematically.

Option A (Function Analysis) is incorrect because this phase focuses on identifying and analyzing functions, not selecting ideas.

Option B (Presentation) is incorrect because this phase involves communicating recommendations to stakeholders, after ideas have already been selected and developed.

Option C (Evaluation) is correct, as it is the phase where the VM team filters and selects viable ideas based on defined criteria.

Option D (Development) is incorrect because this phase involves refining selected ideas into actionable proposals, which happens after the Evaluation Phase.

Transforming cost information in a Value Methodology (VM) study involves analyzing and optimizing costs to improve value, often through cost models or financial analysis, as taught in the VMF 1 course (Core Competency #1: Value Methodology Overview). According to SAVE International’s Value Methodology Standard, “the potential for achieving major savings is greatest during the early phases of the project lifecycle, such as planning or conceptual design, when decisions about scope, design, and requirements are made.” This principle is based on the “cost influence curve,” which shows that the ability to influence costs is highest early in the project, before costs are locked in by detailed design or implementation. Applying VM early allows the team to make fundamental changes (e.g., rethinking functions or materials) that yield significant savings, whereas later phases (e.g., construction or operation) offer less flexibility and higher change costs.

Option A (Greatest during the early phases of the project lifecycle) is correct, as it aligns with VM’s emphasis on early intervention for maximum cost savings, as seen in Question 21.

Option B (Increased when the VM proposals improve performance) is incorrect because, while performance improvements can enhance value, the greatest potential for savings is tied to timing, not performance.

Option C (Enhanced when outputs are included in calculations) is incorrect because including outputs may improve analysis accuracy, but it does not directly address the timing of savings potential.

Option D (Improved when costs are aligned with scope increases) is incorrect because scope increases often raise costs, whereas VM aims to reduce costs while maintaining or improving function.