Lean Production (CH 12)

Question 1

Define lean production

Answer 1

Process of minimising waste during the stage of production

• aims of reducing costs
• aims to eliminate waste
• meet customers requirements
• do things correct, first time round
• give power to workers
• create culture of continuous improvement (kaizen)

Question 2

Define quality control

Answer 2

Checking product to ensure they meet a minimum standard, checking for any signs of poor quality/ defects

Question 3

Define quality assurance

Answer 3

Designing the production process to eliminate waste and ensure that defects do not happen at every stage of production process

Question 4

What is total quality management and what occurs during it?

Answer 4

• Aims to create responsibility in both the individual and collective stage of production for quality.
• Each team is encouraged to take on each production as if it was a customer. It encourages every workforce to pay attention to quality issues

Question 5

Define Kaizen (continous improvement)

Answer 5

• Involves introducing small adaptations in a firm with the aim of improving quality and efficiency
• Put’s emphasis on getting things right the first time round
• reduces waste
• increases productivity
• employee ownership of work / quality
• motivates employees

Question 6

Define JIT ( Just in time stock)

Answer 6

Stock control method where a firm only orders and receives raw materials and other components when they are neede

Question 7

JIT + and -

Answer 7

+ Less cost ( rent)
+ Enhanced cash flow
+ Improves efficiency
+ Increased product / quality
+ Reduced waste
+ Flexibility in production
+ Stronger supplier relationship

• High dependence on supplier
• High initial costs
• High transportation costs
• Inflexible in emergencies
• Limited room for error

Question 8

Lean production benefits

Answer 8

• Reduced cost
• Quality improves
• Staff motivation