Business Operations - operations process

Question 1

what are the categories for input

Answer 1

• transformed resources

- transforming resources

Question 2

what are transforming resources (inputs)

Answer 2

• human resources : staff + organisational structures (the way people work and how it will impact inputs converted)
• facilities : plant + factory + office (things that assist to convert inputs)

Question 3

what are transformed resources (inputs)

Answer 3

• materials + intermediate goods
• information (internal + external)
• customers (needs + feedback)

they are resources that are changed or converted in the operational process

Question 4

what are transformation processes

Answer 4

• influence of the 4 v’s
• sequencing and scheduling
• technology, task design and process layout
• monitoring, control and improvements

Question 5

what are the 4 v’s (transformation processes)

Answer 5

• volume (of output)
• variety (range of outputs)
• variation in demand (how the business responds to variation in demand)
• visibility (how much customer contact)

Question 6

what is volume (influence of the 4 v’s)

Answer 6

how much product is made

• marketing managers need to predict how much product is needed
• -> if they don’t have enough product it could result in a lost sale

Question 7

what is variety (influence of the 4 v’s)

Answer 7

mix flexibility - mix of products made or services delivered

- the more variety of products, the more production process

Question 8

what is variation in demand (influence of the 4 v’s)

Answer 8

all businesses try to forecast how many products or staff members they need to keep up with sales
E.g. during seasonal times (Christmas trees + sunscreen + fashion)

Question 9

what is visibility (influence of the 4 v’s)

Answer 9

customer feedback can shape a product

• feedback can be received through surveys, interviews, warranty claims
• -> social media platforms

Question 10

what are sequencing and scheduling (transformation processes)

Answer 10

they are aspects that assist with structuring and ordering transformation processes

sequencing : refers to the order in which activities in operations occurs

scheduling : refers to the length of time activities take within the operations

Question 11

what are two forms of sequencing and scheduling (transformation processes)

Answer 11

• critical path analysis

- gantt charts

Question 12

what is technology (transformation processes)

Answer 12

it allows a business to do things more accurately + quickly + efficiently

businesses may achieve competitive advantage using leading-edge-technology
–> CAM + CAD
technology can reduce time on processes and allow further utilisation of raw materials
–> cost effective (cost-leadership)

Question 13

what are task designs (transformation processes)

Answer 13

where job activities are organised in a way that makes it more efficient for an employee to successfully complete
- individual tasks are analysed and broken down with appropriate skills + knowledge + capabilities

Question 14

what are skill audit (transformation processes)

Answer 14

businesses needs to make sure that the right staff are in the right jobs and right qualifications

Question 15

what are workplace layout (transformation processes)

Answer 15

organisation of the physical layout so that they would have an impact on the efficiency of a workplace. they include;

• process layout
• product layout
• fixed position-layout

Question 16

what are process layout (transformation processes)

Answer 16

the arrangement of machines and equipments so that they are grouped together by function they perform

Question 17

what are product layout (transformation processes)

Answer 17

where equipment arrangement relates to the sequence of tasks performed in manufacturing a product

Question 18

what are fixed position layout (transformation processes)

Answer 18

where the employees and equipments come to the product

Question 19

what is monitoring (transformation processes)

Answer 19

the process of measuring acting performance against planned performance

Question 20

what are control (transformation processes)

Answer 20

occurs when the KPI’s are assessed against predetermined targets and corrective action is taken if required

Question 21

what are improvements (transformation processes)

Answer 21

refers to the systematic reduction of inefficiencies and wastage, poor work processes and bottlenecks

Question 22

what are outputs

Answer 22

purpose of operations is to produce an output that have a value to customers that is greater than costs of its inputs
they include;
- customer services
- warranties

Question 23

what are customer services (outputs)

Answer 23

refers to how the business communicates and interacts with consumer at all stages of the transaction

Question 24

what is good customer service (transformation processes)

Answer 24

• handling customer returns promptly
• answering questions + providing information
• anticipating customer needs
• following up customer enquiries
• using technology to offer 24 hour service

Question 25

what are warranties (outputs)

Answer 25

is a legally binding guarantee provided by the business that the product meets certain standards
this may refer to;
- quality is comparable to the price of the product
- are suitable for the purpose
- match the description in any advertising
- what the good can do and for how long

Question 26

what are example of warranties (outputs)

Answer 26

fair trading act 1987
–> gives consumers legal protection

competition and consumer act 2010 (Cth)