The diagram provided is a Function Analysis System Technique (FAST) diagram, a key tool in Value Methodology’s Function Analysis phase, as taught in the VMF 1 course (Core Competency #2). In FAST diagramming, the “Subject Objective” refers to the overarching goal or need that the system addresses, often aligned with the higher-order function or an external objective outside the study’s scope. According to SAVE International’s Value Methodology Standard, “the Subject Objective is typically the highest-level objective for which the subject scope exists, often located to the left of the left scope line, representing an external goal or assumption.” This aligns with the definition of a higher-order function but extends to the external context.
In the FAST diagram:
The scope lines are labeled B (left) and D (right), as identified in Question 30.
The critical path (horizontal) runs from E to F to G to J to L to M to N to O, with E being the higher-order function just inside the left scope line.
Functions P, Q, and R are to the left of the left scope line (B), indicating they are outside the study’s scope and represent external objectives or assumptions.
Function O is the rightmost function on the critical path, inside the scope, representing a specific outcome, not the Subject Objective.
The Subject Objective is the broadest external goal, often the “why” behind the higher-order function (E). Among P, Q, and R,Function Pis the leftmost, directly to the left of the left scope line (B), making it the most likely candidate for the Subject Objective, as it represents the ultimate external goal driving the system (e.g., a customer need like “enhance security” for a door system).
Option A (Function P) is correct, as it is to the left of the left scope line, aligning with the definition of a Subject Objective.
Option B (Function Q) is incorrect because Q is further to the left but not as directly tied to the scope line as P, which is the primary external objective.
Option C (Function R) is incorrect for the same reason as Q; it is external but not the primary Subject Objective.
Option D (Function O) is incorrect because O is inside the scope, on the critical path, representing a specific outcome, not the Subject Objective.
[:, SAVE International, VMF 1 Core Competency #2 (Function Analysis), defining the Subject Objective as the external goal to the left of the scope line in FAST diagrams., SAVE International, “Value Methodology Standard,” section on Function Analysis, describing FAST diagramming conventions, including the role of external objectives (consistent with Questions 18 and 30)., ]
