2.1 Ways in which businesses can improve productivity

Question 1

What is efficiency?

Answer 1

Efficiency is about producing goods without
wasting any resources such as time, effort and
money.

Question 2

What is productivity?

Answer 2

Productivity is used to measure efficiency.

Question 3

What is the main objective for having efficiency and productivity?

Answer 3

The idea is to:

increase your output (final product) & decrease your input (resources)
without jeopardizing the quality of the output.

Question 4

how does technology assist in manufacturing industries?

Answer 4

Technology assists manufacturing industries to produce products in greater quantity, of
consistent quality and in shorter production time.

Question 5

What are different types of technology?

Answer 5

*Machinery

*Information Technology (computers)

*Manufacturing Technology (robotics)

• Medical Technology (x-ray machines)
• Mining Equipment (hydraulic mining shovels)
• Telecommunication (radio, internet, telephone, etc.)
• Recycling technology (PureCycle Technology – removes
  odor, color and contaminants)

Question 6

What is innovation?

Answer 6

The introduction of new things or
methods; improving the current work
practices, procedures and products.

Question 7

How can efficiency be increased?

Answer 7

• redesigning workstations
• moving equipment to create a more logical
  flow
• assessing the best storage areas for stock

Question 8

What is the just in time inventory system?

Answer 8

An inventory management system that aims to
avoid holding any stock (inputs or finished
products). Supplies arrive just as needed for
production and finished products are
immediately dispatched or sold to customers.

Question 9

what are the benefits of the just in time management system?

Answer 9

No need to pay for storage
No out-of-date stock
No stock loss due to theft

Question 10

what are the potential problems of the just in time management system?

Answer 10

Insufficient stock → Efficient inventory control necessary

Question 11

What are some benefits of training and upskilling your workforce?

Answer 11

Well-trained, motivated and loyal workforce →
More productive and efficient workforce
Multiskilled employees → More flexible,
creative and innovative workforce
Valued employees → More willing to adapt to
change