5.3 key terms

Question 1

Benchmarking

Answer 1

The routine process of an organisation comparing its products, processes (operations) and performance to that of its competitors or its own historical standards or measures.

Question 2

Cradle to cradle (C2C)

Answer 2

This lean approach to waste management involves design and manufacturing that is sustainable and waste-free. All material inputs can be recycled or reused or are consumable or compostable.

Question 3

Efficiency

Answer 3

This means using resources more productively, in order to generate more output.

Question 4

Just-in-case (JIC)

Answer 4

This is a stock control system that requires businesses to have large quantities of stock, in the event that it is needed for an unexpected order or in case there is a problem with the supply chain.

Question 5

Just-in-time (JIT)

Answer 5

This is a lean method of stock control whereby materials and components are scheduled to arrive precisely when they are needed in the production process.

Question 6

Kaizen

Answer 6

The Japanese process and philosophy of lean production that involves making continuous improvements in small, incremental steps to in order to achieve greater efficiency.

Question 7

Lean production

Answer 7

This is a philosophy, approach, or organisational culture about streamlining production processes in order to increase efficiency and reduce waste.

Question 8

Quality

Answer 8

This means that a product is fit for purpose, i.e., the good or service meets or exceeds the needs of its customers.

Question 9

Quality assurance (QA)

Answer 9

This is a lean approach to quality management as it involves all employees in the quality process.

Question 10

Quality circles

Answer 10

Small groups of employees who meet on a regular basis to discuss quality issues and make recommendations to improve quality standards.

Question 11

Quality control (QC)

Answer 11

The most traditional form of quality management in which a supervisor or inspector periodically checks and examines output for possible defects, usually at the end of the production process.

Question 12

Quality standards

Answer 12

These are national and international benchmarks use for certifying quality assurance, verifying that the product has met certain minimum standards to meet the needs of customers.

Question 13

Substandard output

Answer 13

This refers to the production of goods or provision of services that do not meet national or international quality standards.

Question 14

Total quality management (TQM)

Answer 14

An approach to quality management that involves all workers having responsibility for maintaining quality standards throughout the production process.

Question 15

Waste

Answer 15

Anything that prevents an organisation from being efficient or lean, such as defected products, stockpiling, and overproduction.

Question 16

Zero defects

Answer 16

An aspect of lean production that focuses on preventing mistakes being made by getting things done right, first time round.