CVS CVS Function Analysis and FAST Diagrams Questions and Answers 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: While validating a FAST diagram, the team tests a pair of functions and finds the "why" answer to the right-hand function does not lead back to the left-hand function. What should the team do?
- Rework the function placement because the How-Why logic must hold in both directions (Correct answer)
- Accept the diagram because only the "how" direction requires validation
- Move both functions above the critical path as same-time functions
- Delete the right-hand function since it failed the test
Correct answer: Rework the function placement because the How-Why logic must hold in both directions
A valid FAST diagram must satisfy the How-Why logic test in both directions, so a failed test means functions are misplaced or misdefined.
Question 2: Which function pair correctly represents a higher-order function versus a basic function for a flashlight?
- Higher-order: "illuminate area"; Basic: "emit light" (Correct answer)
- Higher-order: "hold batteries"; Basic: "emit light"
- Higher-order: "emit light"; Basic: "illuminate area"
- Higher-order: "conduct current"; Basic: "resist impact"
Correct answer: Higher-order: "illuminate area"; Basic: "emit light"
The higher-order function is the user's ultimate need (illuminate area) lying left of the scope line, while emitting light is what the flashlight itself must do.
Question 3: A value team is comparing two design concepts. Concept A performs the basic function at $12 with all required secondary functions; Concept B performs it at $8 but degrades reliability below the specification. Under value methodology, which choice is correct?
- Concept A, because value requires meeting all required functions and performance levels, not merely the lowest cost (Correct answer)
- Concept B, because value is always maximized by the lowest-cost alternative
- Concept B, because reliability is an unnecessary secondary function
- Neither, because function cost cannot be compared across concepts
Correct answer: Concept A, because value requires meeting all required functions and performance levels, not merely the lowest cost
Value is function and performance delivered relative to cost, so an alternative that fails required performance cannot be the better value regardless of cost.
Question 4: In FAST diagramming, "design objectives" or "specifications" such as "meet UL standard" are typically shown how?
- In dashed or distinct boxes above the diagram, since they constrain the design but are not functions (Correct answer)
- On the critical path between the basic function and the higher-order function
- As required secondary functions on the far right of the diagram
- They are excluded entirely because standards never influence function analysis
Correct answer: In dashed or distinct boxes above the diagram, since they constrain the design but are not functions
Objectives and specifications are constraints, not functions, so they are shown apart from the critical path, typically in distinct boxes at the top of the diagram.
Question 5: During function definition for a smartphone case, the team lists "attract customer" for its styling. This function is best categorized as what?
- An aesthetic (sell) secondary function that adds value through appeal rather than work performance (Correct answer)
- The basic function, because customers buy the case for its look
- A higher-order function outside the study scope
- A required secondary work function enabling protection
Correct answer: An aesthetic (sell) secondary function that adds value through appeal rather than work performance
Functions that create appeal or desirability are aesthetic (sell) functions, distinct from work functions that accomplish physical tasks.
Question 6: A team randomly listed 40 functions for an assembly. What is the primary purpose of building the FAST diagram from this random function list?
- To organize the functions logically, expose missing or misdefined functions, and reach team consensus on the problem (Correct answer)
- To rank the functions by cost so the cheapest can be deleted first
- To assign each function to a specific team member for redesign
- To convert every function into a design specification
Correct answer: To organize the functions logically, expose missing or misdefined functions, and reach team consensus on the problem
FAST structures random functions into a logic diagram that reveals gaps, clarifies relationships, and builds shared understanding of the problem.
Question 7: In function-cost-worth analysis, the "worth" of a function is defined as what?
- The lowest cost at which the function could be reliably performed (Correct answer)
- The current cost of all components performing the function
- The market price the customer pays for the whole product
- The cost of the function plus a standard profit margin
Correct answer: The lowest cost at which the function could be reliably performed
Worth is the least cost to perform the function, and comparing it to actual cost yields the value index that flags improvement targets.
CVS CVS Function Analysis and FAST Diagrams Questions and Answers 5
While validating a FAST diagram, the team tests a pair of functions and finds the "why" answer to the right-hand function does not lead back to the left-hand function.
What should the team do?