5.3 Lean production and quality management

Question 1

Lean production

Answer 1

an approach to operations management that focuses on eliminating waste and increasing efficiency without compromising quality

Question 2

Kaizen (continuous improvement)

Answer 2

a lean production method that makes small and continuous improvements rather than large one-off improvements where employees are empowered to make suggestions and contribute

Question 3

Just in Time (JIT)

Answer 3

a stock management system where finished goods dispatched as soon as they have been produced, thereby eliminating storage costs (however, is inflexible for sudden increases in demand)

Question 4

Kanban

Answer 4

a lean production method that ensures stock is based on actual customer orders. each component has an inventory number attached to identify where it is at any given time, and to anticipate bottlenecks (preventing under and over production)

Question 5

Andon

Answer 5

a lean production method that uses visual control systems to indicate the status / alert a problem (to instantly draw attention and resolve problems as they arise)

Question 6

Cradle-to-cradle design

Answer 6

a sustainable, waste-free production model in which all material inputs can be recycled/ reused (use it as a USP and to claim environmental/ social responsibility - however it incurs higher costs)

Question 7

Quality control (QC)

Answer 7

a quality management system that involves detecting faulty/ poor quality output to identify problems before products are sold to customers

Question 8

Quality assurance (QA)

Answer 8

a quality management system that involves preventing poor quality output rather than rectifying problems

Question 9

Quality circle

Answer 9

a quality management method where small groups of people from various departments meet to examine issues related to quality assurance - employee input is empowered

Question 10

Benchmarking

Answer 10

a quality management method where businesses compare their products, operations, and processes with market leaders in the same industry or themselves

Question 11

Total quality management

Answer 11

a general approach/ philosophy to quality management that requires the dedication of everyone in the organization to commit to achieving quality standards

Question 12

National and international quality standards

Answer 12

quality award symbols or logos can be used by businesses to show that certain quality standards have been met