2.4.1 Production, productivity and efficiency

Question 1

Benefits of Job Production

Answer 1

▪ Quality is high because workers are skilled​

▪ Workers are well motivated because work is Varied

▪ Products can be custom made​

▪ Production is easy to organise

Question 2

Drawbacks of Job Production

Answer 2

• High labour costs due to skilled workers​
• Production may be slow – long lead times​
• A wide range of specialist tools may be needed​
• Generally, an expensive method of production

Question 3

Benefits of Batch Production

Answer 3

• Workers are likely to specialise in one process
• Unit costs are lower because output is higher
• Production is flexible so different orders can be met
• More use of machinery is made

Question 4

Benefits of Flow Production

Answer 4

• Very low unit costs due to economies of scale ​
• Output can be produced very quickly ​
• Modern plant and machines can allow some Flexibility​
• Production speed can vary according to demand

Question 5

Drawbacks of Flow Production

Answer 5

• Products may be too standardized​
• High set up costs before production can begin​
• Worker motivation can be very low – repetitive tasks
• Breaks in production can be very expensive​

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Question 6

Cell Production

Answer 6

The flow production line split into a number of self-contained units. Each cell is responsible for a significant part of the finished product.

Question 7

Calculate Productivity

Answer 7

(Output/Workers) x100

Question 8

ways to improve productivity

Answer 8

• Specialisation and the division of labour – allowing workers to concentrate on a limited range of tasks and become proficient​
• Education and training – To improve quality, expertise and skill
• Motivation – using incentives (financial or non-financial) to encourage and by setting goals for staff​
• Working practices – The way labour is organized and managed​
• Labour flexibility – training staff to do more than one job to add flexibility
• Capital productivity – introducing technology and up-to-date equipment​

Question 9

distinction between labor and capital intensive ​

Answer 9

Labour intensive: Makes more use of labour than machinery in production​

Capital intensive: Makes more use of machinery than labour in production​