CVS Implementation Planning and Follow-up — Questions and Answers
Question 1: According to SAVE International's VM Job Plan, what is the PRIMARY deliverable of the Development Phase?
- A ranked list of all creative ideas generated during brainstorming
- A fully developed alternative proposal including technical backup, cost estimates, and implementation plan (Correct answer)
- A FAST diagram updated to reflect the preferred alternative
- A life cycle cost comparison of at least five competing designs
Correct answer: A fully developed alternative proposal including technical backup, cost estimates, and implementation plan
The Development Phase transforms selected ideas into actionable proposals. Each proposal must include sufficient technical detail, cost data, and an implementation roadmap so that decision-makers can act on it — not just a concept statement.
Question 2: Which element is MOST critical to include in a VM Proposal Summary to maximize the likelihood of implementation approval?
- The facilitator's professional biography
- A list of all ideas that were rejected during evaluation
- A clear before-and-after comparison of function performance and cost impact (Correct answer)
- The number of brainstorming ideas generated by each team member
Correct answer: A clear before-and-after comparison of function performance and cost impact
Decision-makers need to see the tangible difference between the baseline and the proposed alternative. A before-and-after comparison of function performance and cost directly answers 'what do we gain and at what cost,' which is the heart of a VM proposal.
Question 3: After a VM study concludes, what is the purpose of a formal follow-up review conducted 6–12 months later?
- To generate new FAST diagrams for the next project phase
- To verify which approved proposals were actually implemented and quantify realized savings (Correct answer)
- To reassign team members to different functional roles
- To update the VM Job Plan template for future studies
Correct answer: To verify which approved proposals were actually implemented and quantify realized savings
Follow-up reviews close the feedback loop by confirming implementation status and measuring actual versus projected benefits. Without follow-up, there is no accountability or organizational learning from the VM study.
Question 4: A VM team has developed three strong proposals, but the project owner is resistant to change. Which presentation strategy is MOST aligned with VM best practices?
- Present only the proposal with the highest cost savings to avoid overwhelming the owner
- Engage the project owner during the Presentation Phase with data-driven cost/worth comparisons and involve them in evaluating trade-offs (Correct answer)
- Submit proposals in writing only and avoid any live discussion
- Defer all proposals until the next project phase to reduce conflict
Correct answer: Engage the project owner during the Presentation Phase with data-driven cost/worth comparisons and involve them in evaluating trade-offs
VM best practice calls for an interactive presentation that uses objective data (cost vs. worth, function analysis) to engage stakeholders rather than confront them. Involving the owner in evaluating trade-offs builds ownership and increases implementation rates.
Question 5: In a VM implementation plan, what does an 'action register' track?
- The sequence of FAST diagram nodes in priority order
- Each approved proposal with responsible party, action steps, and target completion date (Correct answer)
- The hourly cost of each VM team member during the workshop
- The functional worth of each basic function identified
Correct answer: Each approved proposal with responsible party, action steps, and target completion date
An action register is a living document that assigns ownership, defines steps, and sets deadlines for each approved VM proposal. It is the primary tool for ensuring that workshop outcomes translate into real-world implementation.
Question 6: Which metric BEST measures the return on investment (ROI) of a completed VM study?
- Number of ideas generated during the Creative Phase
- Ratio of implemented savings to total VM study cost (Correct answer)
- Number of FAST diagrams produced
- Duration of the VM workshop in days
Correct answer: Ratio of implemented savings to total VM study cost
VM study ROI is calculated as the ratio of dollar savings realized from implemented proposals to the total cost of conducting the study (team time, facilitator fees, etc.). This metric directly demonstrates the value of investing in VM.
CVS Implementation Planning and Follow-up
According to SAVE International's VM Job Plan, what is the PRIMARY deliverable of the Development Phase?