2.4.1. Production, Productivity & Efficiency

Question 1

Production

Answer 1

The process that changes raw materials or components into a finished product

Question 2

Job production

Answer 2

To produce 1 item at a time
(e.g. wedding cakes, helicopter)

It’s a labour intensive method of production that requires skilled workers

Item stays still , workers move around it

Question 3

Advantages & Disadvantages of Job Production

Answer 3

+ high quality
+ workers are motivated because work is varied
+ products can be custom made
+ production is easy to organise

• high labour costs
• production may be slow
• expensive
• wide range of equipment needed

Question 4

Batch Production

Answer 4

Used when a business wants to make more than 1 item at a time as demand for product is regular

Production is divided into no of operations , operations takes place on whole batch before next operation

Makes high volumes of product
Goods are made in batches

Question 5

Advantages and disadvantages of batch production

Answer 5

+ work is done quick and well
+ lower unit costs
+ production is flexible
+ more use of machinery is made

• complex machinery is required
• if batches are small costs are high
• less motivation of workers due to less variety in the job
• planning and coordination is required
• money may be tied up in process