SAVE International VMA Practice Test Questions Answers

The Pareto Principle, often referred to as the 80/20 rule, is a concept used in Value Methodology to focus efforts on the most impactful areas during cost analysis. In the context of VM, as taught in the VMF 1 course (Core Competency #4: Cost Analysis), the Pareto Principle is applied to identify high-cost areas that offer the greatest potential for value improvement. According to SAVE International’s Value Methodology Standard, “the Pareto Principle in VM states that approximately 20% of the elements (components, functions, or items) typically account for 80% of the total cost.” This allows the VM team to prioritize their efforts on the small number of elements that drive the majority of the cost, thereby maximizing value improvement (function/cost). For example, in a project, a few components (like a specialized motor in a machine) might represent the bulk of the cost, and optimizing those components can yield significant savings.

Option A (20% of risks impact 80% of elements) is incorrect because the Pareto Principle in VM focuses on cost distribution, not risk impact.

Option B (20% of elements represent 80% of the cost) is correct, as it directly aligns with the application of the Pareto Principle in VM cost analysis.

Option C (80% of functions represent 20% of components) is incorrect because it reverses the principle and does not reflect the cost-focused application in VM.

Option D (80% of the whole includes 20% of the resources) is incorrect because it misapplies the principle and is too vague for VM’s specific use of Pareto in cost analysis.

The Miles Value Foundation, established to honor Lawrence D. Miles (the founder of Value Engineering/Value Methodology), focuses on advancing the field of Value Methodology. According to SAVE International’s documentation, the Miles Value Foundation’s primary purpose is to “promote education and research in Value Methodology to expand its application and understanding globally.” The Foundation supports initiatives like scholarships, educational resources, and outreach to increase awareness and knowledge of VM, aligning with its mission to promote VM education.

Option A (Improve VM programs) is incorrect because the Foundation’s focus is on education and research, not directly improving specific VM programs, which is more the role of organizations like SAVE International.

Option B (Manage VM certification) is incorrect because VM certification is managed by SAVE International, not the Miles Value Foundation.

Option C (Promote VM education) is correct, as it directly aligns with the Foundation’s mission to advance VM through education and research.

Option D (Conduct VM training) is incorrect because, while the Foundation may support training indirectly, its primary role is promoting education, not directly conducting training programs.

Function Analysis in Value Methodology involves identifying and classifying functions of a product, process, or system using verb-noun combinations, as taught in the VMF 1 course (Core Competency #2). Functions are categorized as basic (essential to the purpose), secondary (supporting), or unwanted (undesirable outcomes). For a hammer, the basic function is to “deliver force” to drive a nail, while secondary functions like “swing arm” or “apply force” support this purpose. An unwanted function is an unintended or negative outcome of the hammer’s use.

Option A (Swing arm) is a supporting function, describing the action of the user’s arm to generate momentum, and is not unwanted.

Option B (Apply force) is a secondary function, as it describes the action leading to delivering force, and is not unwanted.

Option C (Deliver force) is the basic function of a hammer, essential to its purpose, and not unwanted.

Option D (Transmit vibration) is correct because it represents an unintended and undesirable outcome—vibration transmitted to the user’s hand can cause discomfort or fatigue, making it an unwanted function.

The VMF 1 course emphasizes identifying unwanted functions to target areas for value improvement, such as redesigning the hammer to reduce vibration.

The Development Phase of the Value Methodology (VM) Job Plan involves refining selected ideas into actionable proposals, as taught in the VMF 1 course (Core Competency #3: Value Methodology Job Plan). According to SAVE International’s Value Methodology Standard, “during the Development Phase, the VM team develops proposals by addressing technical feasibility, assessing time and schedule impacts, determining costs, identifying risks, and providing implementation plans.” These tasks ensure that proposals are practical, cost-effective, and ready for presentation to stakeholders.

A. Address technical feasibility: Correct, as the team must ensure the proposal can be implemented technically (e.g., does the design work?).

B. Assess time and schedule impacts: Correct, as the team evaluates how the proposal affects the project timeline (e.g., delays or accelerations).

D. Determine costs: Correct, as cost modeling is a key task (as noted in Question 9), providing stakeholders with financial impacts of the proposal.

C. State the disposition of the proposal: Incorrect, as stating the disposition (e.g., accepted, rejected) occurs after the Presentation Phase, when stakeholders decide on the proposal, not during Development.

E. Validate the proposal: Incorrect, as validation (e.g., testing or final confirmation) typically occurs during implementation or post-study, not during Development, which focuses on creating the proposal.

In Value Methodology’s Function Analysis, functions and activities are distinct concepts, as taught in the VMF 1 course (Core Competency #2: Function Analysis). According to SAVE International’s Value Methodology Standard, “functions are what a product, process, or system does, expressed in a verb-noun format (e.g., ‘restrict access’), while activities are tasks, actions, or operations that describe how a function is performed (e.g., ‘install screws’)” (as noted in Question 43). The question asks for the option that does not contain activities, meaning it should only include functions (verb-noun combinations) and no activities (specific tasks).

For a residential door:

Option A (Restrict access, improve safety, transmit force):

Restrict access (function: the door limits entry).

Improve safety (function: the door enhances security).

Transmit force (function: the handle or hinges transfer force to open/close).All are functions in verb-noun format, with no activities (specific tasks).

Option B (Connect spaces, construct frame, attract user):

Connect spaces (function: the door links rooms).

Construct frame (activity: the task of building the frame).

Attract user (function: the door’s aesthetics draw attention).Contains an activity (construct frame).

Option C (Rotate door, support load, grasp handle):

Rotate door (function: the hinges enable rotation).

Support load (function: the frame bears the door’s weight).

Grasp handle (activity: the action of holding the handle).Contains an activity (grasp handle).

Option D (Install screws, separate spaces, secure space):

Install screws (activity: the task of fastening screws).

Separate spaces (function: the door divides rooms).

Secure space (function: the lock protects the area).Contains an activity (install screws).

Option A (Restrict access, improve safety, transmit force) is correct, as it contains only functions, with no activities.

Option B is incorrect because “construct frame” is an activity.

Option C is incorrect because “grasp handle” is an activity.

Option D is incorrect because “install screws” is an activity.