Ethical and Environmental Production

Question 1

what should a business do in terms of ethics?

Answer 1

Organisations should try and be ethical during their production process. This means showing moral considerations for others.

Question 2

what are the examples of ethics?

Answer 2

• Not using child labour
• Not testing on animals
• Paying employees, a fair wage
• Using Fairtrade products
• Providing employees with good working condition

Question 3

what are the advantages of being ethical?

Answer 3

• Business that are ethical can attract customers who agree with the principles.
• Ethical standards ensure the safety and welfare of employees and animals if they are needed for production.
• Can improve the organisation’s reputation.
• Awards can be awarded for being ethical.

Question 4

what are the disadvantages of being ethical?

Answer 4

• Decision making can be time consuming as an ethical option must always be used.
• Audits (checks) are needed to ensure standards are met and maintained which can be time consuming.
• More expensive to operate in this way.
• Must ensure that the supply chain is also using the ethical options.

Question 5

what is Fairtrade?

Answer 5

A specific example of ethical operations is Fairtrade. By operating a Fairtrade policy, a business will only use supplier who:
 Have sourced their materials in an ethical manner
 pay producers a fair price
 Treat employee and ensure the welfare, health, and safety.

Question 6

what is environmental operations?

Answer 6

Organisations should do their bit to help the environment during their production process.

Question 7

what are the examples of environmental factors?

Answer 7

• Reducing waste (implementing quality measures)
• Recycling
• Minimising packaging
• Using renewable energies
• Reducing carbon footprint
• Using low emissions for vehicles for deliveries.

Question 8

what are the advantages of environmental operations?

Answer 8

• The business can gain a positive reputation.
• Awards can be granted for being environmentally friendly - can generate publicity.
• Using renewable energies can save money in the long run.
• May lead to higher sales and profits.

Question 9

what are the disadvantages of environmental operations?

Answer 9

• Investment in environmentally friendly measures will be initially expensive e.g. installing solar panels.
• Can be a time-consuming process to change procedures to fit in with standards.

Question 10

what is the technology impact on a business?

Answer 10

Technology plays an important part in the production process. Keeping up to date with the latest innovations is essential to remain competitive while being as efficient as possible.

Question 11

what do method of technology include?

Answer 11

• Barcodes/EPOS can be used with computerised stock control to automatically reorder stock, highlight demand, track deliveries.
• Computerised devices can be used by warehouse staff to check availability of stock.
• Internet can be used to research suppliers and their prices.
• E-mail can be used to contact customers about the progress of their order.
• Databases can keep rack of supplier details and previous orders to compare the costs.
• E-commerce – efficient and easy way to order materials/send products.

Question 12

what are the advantages of technology?

Answer 12

• Increases productivity – technology can work faster than humans.
• Reduces waste – technology makes fewer mistakes than humans.
• Consistent quality and more accuracy.
• Reduces staffing costs.
• Allows e-commerce to be used.
• Valuable information can be gathered – (EPOS – club card vouchers)

Question 13

what are the disadvantages of technology?

Answer 13

• Staff training is costly and will need to be updated regularly.
• • Technology is always advancing, and upgrades will need to happen to complete.
• Initial cost is high.
• New GDPR laws can make storing data difficult.
• Computer viruses/hacking can occur.

Question 14

what is CAD?

Answer 14

CAD – computer aided design
This is the use of computer software to assist in the:
- Creation
- Modifications
- Analysis
…of a product during the design process.
Used predominately in the research and design stage of a new product before it is manufactured.

Question 15

what are the advantages of CAD?

Answer 15

• More accurate than hand-drawings which means less human error.
• Faster to modify on the computer than hand-drawings.
• Images can be saved and edited later.
• Images can be shared by email and viewed in 3-D.

Question 16

what are the costs (disadvantages) of CAD?

Answer 16

• Initial costs software is high and will reduce profits.
• Computers need a large amount of processing power to support the software.
• Staff needed to be trained in how to use software.

Question 17

what is CAM?

Answer 17

CAM – computer aided manufacture
This is using computers during the manufacturing process machinery/robots are controlled using computer program and is used where a large number of identical items needs to be produced.

Question 18

what are the advantages of CAM?

Answer 18

• Improved efficiency because production is 24/7.
• Improved accuracy because human error is eliminated.
• This also leads to a reduction in waste and the costs of waste disposal.
• Speed of production is more predictable because controlled by a computer program. This allows for attainable targets to be set.

Question 19

what are the cost (disadvantages) of CAM?

Answer 19

• High initial cost to purchase machinery and computers which will reduce profits.
• Production will stop if machinery or computers break down which will prevent deadline being met. This could lead to customer complaints.