The Value Methodology (VM) Job Plan consists of six phases, as taught in the VMF 1 course (Core Competency #3: Value Methodology Job Plan). According to SAVE International’s Value Methodology Standard, “the Function Analysis Phase is considered the heart of the Value Methodology because it establishes the foundation for value improvement by identifying, classifying, and analyzing the functions of the system, which drives all subsequent phases.” Function Analysis (the second phase) defines what the system does (e.g., using verb-noun combinations, FAST diagrams) and sets the stage for generating ideas (Creativity), evaluating them (Evaluation), and developing solutions (Development). Without understanding functions, the VM process cannot effectively improve value (function/cost), making this phase central to the methodology’s success. This was alluded to in questions like 37 (FAST diagram logic) and 44 (defining functions).

Option A (Implementation) is incorrect because Implementation is a post-study activity, not a formal phase of the VM Job Plan, and not the heart of VM.

Option B (Function Analysis) is correct, as it is the foundational phase that drives the entire VM process, per SAVE International’s standards.

Option C (Creativity) is incorrect because, while important, Creativity relies on the functions identified in Function Analysis to generate ideas.

Option D (Presentation) is incorrect because Presentation is the final phase, focused on communicating results, not the core of the methodology.

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.

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.