SAVE International CVS Practice Exam Questions & Answers

The correct answer is C. Coarse, medium, and fine filters. In the VM Job Plan, the Evaluation Phase converts the large number of ideas generated during the Creativity Phase into a smaller, rationally selected group of ideas suitable for Development. SAVE's Value Methodology Standard states that the Evaluation Phase uses a structured evaluation process to select ideas with potential for value improvement while still delivering required functions and respecting performance requirements and resource limits. ()

The SAVE International Core Competencies directly classify Evaluation Phase techniques as coarse filter, medium filter, and fine filter methods. These appear under ''Apply Evaluation Techniques,'' with coarse filters representing simple screening, medium filters supporting intermediate comparison, and fine filters supporting more detailed evaluation before ideas move into development. ()

Option A, weighted evaluation, can be part of a detailed or fine-filter evaluation, but it is not the complete filtering approach named in the CVS/VM Guide framework. Options B and D are more closely associated with idea generation or creative stimulation, not the primary structured filtering process of the Evaluation Phase.

Reference/topics: Evaluation Phase; Apply Evaluation Techniques; Coarse Filter; Medium Filter; Fine Filter; Idea Selection.

The correct answer is C. During the Creativity Phase, the VM facilitator encourages unrestricted idea generation, but the study must still remain aligned with the approved scope, objectives, and sponsor expectations. If the team begins identifying alternatives that appear outside the agreed study boundary, the facilitator should not simply shut down the ideas or allow the team to vote on changing the scope. Scope authority belongs to the study sponsor or client decision structure, not only to the workshop team.

The best action is to discuss and confirm the study scope with the VM Team and study sponsor. This protects both creativity and control. The facilitator can clarify whether the ideas are truly outside scope, whether they should be parked for later consideration, or whether the sponsor wishes to formally expand or adjust the study boundary. This is consistent with VM facilitation practice, where the facilitator manages process discipline while maintaining team participation and sponsor alignment.

Option A is incorrect because scope changes are not decided by team vote. Option B addresses schedule, not scope. Option D is too restrictive and may suppress creative thinking.

Reference/topics: Creativity Phase; VM Facilitation; Study Scope Control; Sponsor Alignment; VM Job Plan Discipline.

The correct inputs are VM study subject information, List of participants, and VM proposals. The Presentation Phase is designed to communicate the VM study results to decision-makers and stakeholders so they can understand, challenge, and act on the team's recommendations. SAVE's VM Standard describes this phase as the point where the VM study team presents its recommendations to the decision-making body and seeks approval or direction for further information. (UW Courses)

VM proposals are essential inputs because they are the developed recommendations carried forward from the Development Phase. VM study subject information is also required because the audience must understand the baseline condition, scope, objectives, cost, schedule, risk, and performance context before judging the proposals. List of participants is an input because the presentation must be planned around the correct stakeholders, decision-makers, technical reviewers, sponsor, facilitator, and team members.

Disposition decision is not an input; it is a decision outcome related to acceptance, rejection, or further action on proposals. The written VM study report is also not the best input here because the Presentation Phase develops or finalizes the report to document alternatives, supporting data, and the accepted implementation direction. (UW Courses)

Reference/topics: Presentation Phase; VM Proposals; VM Study Subject Information; Participant List; VM Study Report.

The correct answers are A, C, and E. In the Function Analysis Phase, FAST diagramming organizes functions by How-Why logic, not by chronological sequence. SAVE's course structure places FAST Diagrams, How-Why and When Logic, and FAST Diagram Structure directly under the Function Analysis Phase, confirming that this is a core function-modeling competency. (SAVE International Online Courses)

On the logic path, moving left to right answers the question, ''How is this function achieved?'' Therefore, the function on the right represents the approach, means, or method used to perform the function on the left. Conversely, moving right to left answers ''Why is this function performed?'' Therefore, the function on the left expresses the goal, purpose, or higher-order reason for the function on the right. FAST guidance also states that higher-order functions are toward the left, while lower-order functions describing how they are accomplished are toward the right. (Value Analysis)

A change to a function or method on the critical logic path affects the functions dependent on it, which are located to its right. ()

Reference/topics: Function Analysis Phase; FAST Diagramming; How-Why Logic; Critical Path Functions.

The correct answer is A. Consider participant access restrictions. In the Presentation Phase, the facilitator's objective is to ensure that the VM results are clearly communicated to the correct decision makers and stakeholders. SAVE's Value Methodology Standard defines the Presentation Phase as the point where the team leader develops a report or presentation that documents and conveys the adequacy of the developed alternatives and their associated value improvement opportunity. ()

In a virtual environment, the facilitator must manage communication barriers that are less prominent in an in-person meeting. This includes participant access limitations, platform permissions, screen-sharing ability, security restrictions, audio/video capability, file access, and whether outside stakeholders can view presentation materials. If key participants cannot access the meeting platform, graphics, proposal write-ups, or shared documents, the presentation may fail even if the technical VM content is strong.

Option B is more related to virtual workshop planning or team exercises, not specifically delivering the final presentation. Option C is too narrow because ''remote access'' is only one part of broader participant access restrictions. Option D is not a required VM presentation adjustment and is not a core Presentation Phase requirement.

Reference/topics: Presentation Phase; VM Results Presentation; Stakeholder Communication; Virtual Facilitation; Participant Access and Engagement.

The correct answer is C. Recommended alternatives, list of information reviewed, and function analysis. A value study report must document the technical basis of the VM study and provide management with enough objective information to make implementation decisions. The Presentation Phase requires the VM team to prepare presentation/supporting documentation, compare conclusions to success requirements from the Information and Function Analysis Phases, ensure management has full objective information, and prepare a formal report. ()

Recommended alternatives belong in the report because the Development Phase converts selected ideas into clearly written value alternatives, supported by assumptions, sketches, calculations, cost comparisons, and implementation considerations. () A list of information reviewed is also appropriate because the Information Phase gathers project data, key documents, cost data, quality data, marketing information, process flow charts, and other baseline material. () Function analysis is essential because it records the functional basis of the study, including identified functions, function models, cost drivers, performance attributes, and value-mismatched functions. ()

Option A is administrative and incomplete. Option B includes a stakeholder survey, which is not a standard core report element. Option D is weakened by ''VM presentation,'' because the presentation is separate from the report deliverable.

Reference/topics: Presentation Phase; Value Study Report; Information Phase; Function Analysis Phase; Development Phase; Recommended Alternatives.

A conditionally accepted VM proposal is not fully approved yet. It means the decision makers see value in the proposal, but acceptance depends on certain changes, clarifications, added data, or further review. Therefore, the facilitator should first identify the modifications required for acceptance. This creates a clear action path and prevents the proposal from being wrongly recorded as fully approved.

The facilitator should also ask decision makers for the timing of the final decision. In VM reporting and implementation follow-up, unresolved proposals must have ownership, required actions, and a decision schedule. Without a timing commitment, conditionally accepted proposals can remain open and lose implementation momentum.

Option B is incorrect because a conditionally accepted proposal is not the same as an accepted proposal. Listing it as accepted would misrepresent the decision status. Option D is weaker because the facilitator should not merely list deficiencies; the correct VM approach is to convert concerns into specific required modifications and next steps.

Reference/topics: Presentation Phase; Decision Documentation; Proposal Disposition; Implementation Planning; VM Facilitator Responsibilities.