Chapter 2 Flashcards
Finite resource
Resources limited in supply, and will run out soon
Non-finite resource
Resource in abundance, and is unlikely to run out based on the rate of usage
Life Cycle Assessment
A method for companies to assess the environmental impact of a product during different stages of its ‘life’
Product Life Cycle
Extraction: the amount of energy used to extract raw materials, or produce raw materials ready for manufacturing
Production: the amount of energy needed to manipulate the raw materials into a product (a lot of energy lost here)
Distribution: the packaging and transportation of the product to the end user
In use: the energy that the product, and other related consumables, use during its working life with the end user
End of life: the energy needed to dispose of any waste, or the energy saved via recycling
Kaizen
Japanese term meaning ‘change for the better’.
It supports continuous improvement; an employee that discovers a potential improvement will be rewarded
Just in Time Manufacturing
A method of production where items are made just as they are demanded. This means no surplus stock
Lean Manufacturing
A method of production where products are made just before they’re needed to reduce waste
Advantages of JIT manufacturing
Products are made to order, so no products need storing
No money is spent on unsold stock
Stock doesn’t become obsolete
Almost all waste is reused or recycled
Disadvantages of JIT manufacturing
Relies on high quality, fast, and reliable supply chains for raw materials
All production could stop if the supply chain breaks down
Discounts from suppliers for bulk purchasing may not be possible
