2.4 resource management Flashcards
what is production?
when raw materials or components are changed into products
what is job production?
-production of single unique units
-this could be bespoke for the customer
what type of business often utilises job production?
small specialist businesses
what type of workforce would be needed for job production?
a highly skilled workforce
examples of businesses that use job production:
-architects
-plumbers
advantages of job production:
-specific to customer requirements
-associated with higher quality
-better motivation for employees
-flexible production method
(changes can be handled)
-high profit margins
disadvantages of job production:
-high unit costs
-labour intensive (high labour costs)
-requires close consultation with client
-usually need high skills (training)
what is batch production?
-standardised products are mass produced
-each batch goes through one stage of production process together before moving onto next stage
how can batch production be flexible?
the system can be modified to adjust the specification
(e.g. changing the size, colour and features)
examples of businesses that use batch production:
baking
advantages of batch production:
-cost savings through purchasing economies of scale
-still allows customers some choice
disadvantages of batch production:
-the business must maintain higher stocks of raw materials
-tasks may become boring
(reduced motivation)
what is flow production?
-continuous manufacturing of standardised products, usually on a production line
-when one task is finished next task must start immediately
-high levels of automation
advantages of flow production:
-very low unit costs due to economies of scale
-high levels of productivity
-capital intensive which means it can work constantly (automated)
-less need for training & skills
disadvantages of flow production:
-high set-up costs
-low motivation of workers
-customisation is difficult
-production stops if flow stops
what is process production?
a series of processes which raw materials go through
examples of process production
-oil refining
-cement
advantages of process production:
-processes can be automated
(reduce unit cost)
-large quantities can be produced
disadvantages of process production:
-expensive
(equipment / facilities)
what is cell production?
-workers are organised into multi-skilled teams, with each team responsible for a particular part of the production process
(produce an entire product or part of a products)
advantages of cell production:
-workers are more motivated (teamwork)
-production is more flexible
-more efficient (workers share their skills and expertise)
disadvantages of cell production:
-requires extensive reorganisation of production processes
-teams efficiency may be reduced by weaker workers
factors that affect choice of production method:
-the level of output required
-whether the product is standardised or customised
-the level of automation used in production (amount of capital)
what is a production process?
the steps followed to convert raw materials / components into products