CVS CVS Function Analysis and FAST Diagrams Questions and Answers 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: During a value study of a hospital HVAC system, the team defines a function as "provide comfort." Why would a facilitator reject this definition?
- It uses a noun that is not measurable and violates the two-word verb-noun rule's intent (Correct answer)
- It describes an aesthetic function, which cannot appear in a FAST diagram
- Comfort is a secondary function and must be listed after cost allocation
- Functions for HVAC systems must always begin with the verb "control"
Correct answer: It uses a noun that is not measurable and violates the two-word verb-noun rule's intent
Function definitions should use an active verb and a measurable noun, and "comfort" is subjective and unmeasurable.
Question 2: In a technical FAST diagram, a function that occurs at the same time as another function on the critical path is placed where?
- Directly above or below the function it accompanies, indicating "when" it happens (Correct answer)
- To the left of the higher-order function, outside the scope line
- On the critical path immediately to the right of the basic function
- In a separate diagram reserved for one-time functions
Correct answer: Directly above or below the function it accompanies, indicating "when" it happens
Same-time or caused-by functions are shown vertically above or below the critical-path function they accompany, reflecting the "when" direction.
Question 3: A team performing function-cost analysis finds that 60% of a product's cost is allocated to secondary functions. What does this most strongly suggest?
- There is significant opportunity for value improvement by eliminating or reducing secondary function cost (Correct answer)
- The basic function has been incorrectly identified and must be redefined
- The product is already optimized because secondary functions carry the cost
- The FAST diagram was built in the wrong direction and must be reversed
Correct answer: There is significant opportunity for value improvement by eliminating or reducing secondary function cost
High cost concentrated in secondary functions signals poor value and points to where cost reduction efforts should focus.
Question 4: Which question is used to move to the RIGHT along the critical path when constructing a FAST diagram?
- "How is this function accomplished?" (Correct answer)
- "Why is this function performed?"
- "When does this function occur?"
- "What does this function cost?"
Correct answer: "How is this function accomplished?"
Moving right answers "how," while moving left answers "why" in the How-Why logic of FAST.
Question 5: In a customer-oriented FAST diagram, which of the following is one of the four supporting function categories that supplement the task?
- Assure convenience (Correct answer)
- Transmit torque
- Reduce weight
- Allocate cost
Correct answer: Assure convenience
Customer FAST uses supporting categories such as assure convenience, assure dependability, satisfy user, and attract user.
Question 6: A design change eliminates a required secondary function from a product, but the basic function still works in the lab. What risk must the value team check before accepting the change?
- That the eliminated function was not a required secondary function needed under specific use or environmental conditions (Correct answer)
- That the FAST diagram still has an equal number of functions on each side of the scope lines
- That the basic function can be renamed to absorb the deleted function's verb
- That the change increases the product's total number of functions
Correct answer: That the eliminated function was not a required secondary function needed under specific use or environmental conditions
Required secondary functions support the basic function under real operating conditions, so removing one can cause field failures even if lab performance looks fine.
Question 7: The function "filter particles" for an engine air intake is best classified as which type?
- Required secondary function supporting the basic function "supply air" (Correct answer)
- Basic function of the entire vehicle
- Aesthetic function of the intake assembly
- Higher-order function outside the study scope
Correct answer: Required secondary function supporting the basic function "supply air"
Filtering supports the basic air-supply function by protecting the engine, making it a required secondary function.
CVS CVS Function Analysis and FAST Diagrams Questions and Answers 4
During a value study of a hospital HVAC system, the team defines a function as "provide comfort." Why would a facilitator reject this definition?