Lecture 5

Question 1

What is value in the context of Value Analysis?

Answer 1

Value is defined as the ratio of function to cost; a product has value if it performs its function at an appropriate or reasonable cost.

Question 2

What is Value Analysis (VA) or Value Engineering (VE)?

Answer 2

VA or VE is a systematic approach to increase a product’s value by enhancing its function or reducing its cost.

Question 3

What is the difference between Value Analysis (VA) and Value Engineering (VE)?

Answer 3

• VA applies to existing products, focusing on improvements.
• VE applies to new products, optimizing them at the design stage.

Question 4

What historical event led to the need for Value Analysis?

Answer 4

During World War II, material shortages led General Electric to find cost-effective substitutes, which sometimes performed better than the originals.

Question 5

What are the phases of Value Analysis?

Answer 5

1. Selection
2. Information Gathering
3. Cost-Function Analysis
4. Creation
5. Evaluation
6. Development
7. Presentation

Question 6

What is the purpose of the Selection phase in Value Analysis?

Answer 6

The Selection phase determines the level of study, deciding if VA will focus on the entire product, functional areas, sub-assemblies, or individual parts.

Question 7

What is the purpose of Information Gathering in Value Analysis?

Answer 7

To collect all relevant data, such as specifications, drawings, costs, and manufacturing methods, for the product being analyzed.

Question 8

What are some key questions in Cost-Function Analysis?

Answer 8

1. What is it?
2. What does it do?
3. What does it cost?
4. What else will do the job?
5. What would an alternative cost be?

Question 9

What are basic functions in Value Analysis?

Answer 9

Basic functions are the essential purposes of a product or part that must be maintained, such as a mobile phone’s ability to make calls.

Question 10

What are secondary functions in Value Analysis?

Answer 10

Secondary functions are additional features that support basic functions and enhance customer appeal, like a phone’s camera or internet access.

Question 11

What is a functional tree in Value Analysis?

Answer 11

A functional tree visually displays the dependencies between functions, helping to understand and organize them.

Question 12

How are functions ranked in Value Analysis?

Answer 12

Functions are ranked using a comparison triangle, which evaluates their relative importance to the product.

Question 13

What is Pareto analysis in cost analysis?

Answer 13

Pareto analysis identifies that around 80% of the effects come from 20% of the causes, often used to prioritize cost items in descending order.

Question 14

What is the Creation phase in Value Analysis?

Answer 14

The Creation phase involves brainstorming alternatives to satisfy functions, especially for high-cost functions.

Question 15

What are the three rules of brainstorming in Value Analysis?

Answer 15

1. No criticism or negative comments.
2. Collect as many ideas as possible.
3. Encourage wild and unusual ideas.

Question 16

What happens in the Evaluation phase of Value Analysis?

Answer 16

Unfeasible concepts are eliminated, and remaining ideas are analyzed for advantages and disadvantages to select the best alternative.

Question 17

What is the focus of the Development phase in Value Analysis?

Answer 17

The Development phase refines selected concepts with detailed sketches, cost estimates, and validation of technical feasibility.

Question 18

What is the purpose of the Presentation phase in Value Analysis?

Answer 18

To present selected alternatives to stakeholders through reports, presentations, and other formats to gain support for implementation.

Question 19

What are some key questions in Value Analysis within the DFMA process?

Answer 19

1. Can we eliminate the part?
2. Does the part perform excess functions?
3. Is there a more cost-effective way to make the part?
4. Can a standard part or supplier be used?

Question 20

What is DFM Concurrent Costing®?

Answer 20

DFM Concurrent Costing® is software that estimates manufacturing costs by allowing users to input details about parts and select processes.

Question 21

What is an example of a secondary function in a centrifugal pump?

Answer 21

Increasing product life through features like wear rings and oilers is a secondary function of a centrifugal pump.

Question 22

What standard cost resource is suggested for Value Analysis?

Answer 22

The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) provides a standard cost resource available through their online documentation.