key term definitions 2.4 Flashcards
what is the definition of batch production?
a method that involves completing 1 operation at a time on all units before performing the next
what is the definition of capital intensive?
production methods that make more use of machinery relative to labour
what is the definition of capital productivity?
the amount of output each unit of capital produces
what is the definition of cell production?
involves producing a family of products in a small self-contained unit (a cell) in a factory
what is the definition of division of labour?
specialisation is specific tasks or skills by an individual
what is the definition of downsizing?
the process of reducing capacity usually by laying off staff
what is the definition of efficiency?
producing a level of output where average cost is minimised
what is the definition of flow production?
large scale production of a standard product where each operation on a unit is performed continuously 1 after the other usually on a production line
what is the definition of job production?
a method of production that involves employing all factors to complete 1 unit of output at a time
what is the definition of Kaizen?
a Japanese term that means continuous improvement
what is the definition of labour intensive?
the production method that makes more use of labour relative to machinery
what is the definition of labour productivity?
the amount of output each unit of labour produces
what is the definition of lean production?
an approach to operations that focuses on the reduction of resource use
what is the definition of outsourcing?
giving work to sub-contractors to reduce costs
what is the definition of production?
the transformation of resources into goods or services
what is the definition of productivity?
the output per unit of input per time period
what is the definition of specialisation?
in business the production of a limited range of goods
what is the definition of standardisation?
using uniform resources or activities or producing a uniform product
what is the definition of capacity utilisation?
the use that a business makes of its resources
what is the definition of excess or surplus activity?
when a business has too many resources such as labour and capital to produce its desired level of output
what is the definition of full capacity?
the point where a business cannot produce any more output
what is the definition of mothballing?
leaving machines, equipment or building space unused but maintained so they could be brought back into use if necessary
what is the definition of over-utilisation?
the position where a business is running at full capacity and ‘straining’ resources
what is the definition of rationalisation?
reducing the number of resources particularly labour and capital put into the production process usually undertaken because a business has excess capacity
what is the definition of under-utilisation?
the position where a business is producing at less than full capacity
what is the definition of buffer stocks?
stocks held as a precaution to cope with unforeseen demand
what is the definition of kanban?
a card or an object that acts as a signal to move or provide resources in a factory
what is the definition of lead time?
the time between placing the order and the delivery of goods
what is the definition of re-order level?
the level of current stock when new orders are places
what is the definition of re-order quantity?
the amount of stock ordered when an order is placed
what is the definition of stock rotation?
the flow of stock into and out of storage
what is the definition of work-in-progress?
partly finished goods
what is the definition of quality?
features of a product that allow it to satisfy customers’ needs. it may refer to some standard of excellence
what is the definition of quality assurance?
a method of working for businesses that take into account customers’ wants when standardising quality. it often involves guaranteeing that quality standards are met
what is the definition of quality chains?
when employees from a series of links between customers and suppliers in business both internally and externally
what is the definition of quality circles?
groups of workers meeting regularly to solve problems and discuss work issues
what is the definition of quality control?
making sure that the quality of a product meets specified quality performance criteria
what is the definition of statistical process control?
the collection of data about the performance of a particular process in a business
what is the definition of total quality management?
a managerial approach that focuses on quality and aims to improve the effectiveness, flexibility, and competitiveness of the business
