2.3

Question 1

Batch production

Answer 1

Producing a limited number of identical products.

Question 2

Flow production

Answer 2

Continuous production of identical products, which gives scope for high levels of automation.

Question 3

Job production

Answer 3

One-off production of a one-off item for a single customer.

Question 4

Productivity

Answer 4

A measure of efficiency, usually output per person per time period (for example, Nissan UK’s 98 cars per worker per year).

Question 5

Automation

Answer 5

Using machines that can operate without people.

Question 6

Flexibility

Answer 6

The ability to switch quickly and easily from one task to another.

Question 7

Robots

Answer 7

Machines that can be programmed to do tasks that can be done by humans, such as welding, spray painting and packing.

Question 8

Bar gate stock graph

Answer 8

A diagram to show changes in the level of stock over time.

Question 9

Buffer (stock)

Answer 9

The minimum stock level held at all times to avoid running out.

Question 10

Just In Time (JIT)

Answer 10

Running the business with so little stock that new supplies have to arrive ‘just in time’ before they run out.

Question 11

Stock(s)

Answer 11

Items held by a firm for use or sale, for example components for manufacturing or sellable products for a retailer.

Question 12

Availability

Answer 12

Knowing how to get the right supplies quickly – just when you need them

Question 13

Logistics

Answer 13

Ensuring that the right supplies will be ordered and delivered on time.

Question 14

Procurement

Answer 14

Obtaining the right supplies from the right supplier.

Question 15

Trust

Answer 15

Building a business relationship in which both sides know that the other won’t let them down.

Question 16

Culture

Answer 16

‘The way we do things round here’; in other words, the accepted attitudes and practices of staff at a workplace.

Question 17

Quality control

Answer 17

Putting measures in place to check that the customer receives an acceptable level of quality.

Question 18

Warranty

Answer 18

The guarantee by the producer that it will repair any faults in a product for a specific period of time – often one year.

Question 19

Customer engagement

Answer 19

The attempt to make a customer feel part of something rather than an outsider.

Question 20

Customer feedback

Answer 20

Comments, praise or criticisms given to the company by its
customers.

Question 21

Post-sales service

Answer 21

Service received after the purchase is completed, perhaps because something has gone wrong or as a way of promoting customer engagement.

Question 22

Product knowledge

Answer 22

How well staff know all the features of the products and the service issues surrounding the products.