A VM study team struggles to reach consensus while evaluating an idea during the Evaluation...

The correct approaches are A, B, and D because the facilitator’s role in the Evaluation Phase is to keep the team in a structured, objective decision process rather than prematurely discarding ideas or resetting the workshop. SAVE’s Value Methodology Standard defines the Evaluation Phase as the point where the team uses a structured process to select ideas with value-improvement potential while considering project functions, performance requirements, and resource limits. ( ) When consensus is difficult, the facilitator should first clarify the idea. Modifying the idea title can remove ambiguity, improve shared understanding, and ensure the team is evaluating the same concept. Asking for more information is also appropriate because disagreement often reflects insufficient technical, cost, risk, or implementation detail.

The facilitator must also ensure that every team member has provided input, since VM relies on multidisciplinary team judgment and stakeholder expertise. The Standard identifies the team as a multidisciplinary group chosen for relevant expertise and experience, including different points of view. ( ) Removing the idea is premature unless it clearly fails criteria, and restarting the evaluation process is unnecessary unless the entire evaluation basis is invalid.

References/topics: Evaluation Phase; VM Facilitation; Team Consensus; Structured Evaluation; Idea Clarification.