Methods of production

Question 1

List the 3 types of production

Answer 1

job production, flow/mass production and batch production

Question 2

describe flow production

Answer 2

Large quantities of a product are produced in a continuous process; mostly standardized products e.g. car manufacturers

Question 3

describe batch production

Answer 3

similar products are made in blocks or batches e.g. bakeries

Question 4

describe job production

Answer 4

products are made specifically to order e.g. custom cakes/dishes

Question 5

ads and disads of flow production

Answer 5

-there is high output of the standardized product
-costs of making each item are low hence prices are lower
-it may benefit from economies of scale in purchasing
-low average costs hence low prices resulting in high sales
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-little job satisfaction as it is boring for workers
-there are significant storage requirements
-capital costs of setting it up can be high

Question 6

ads and disads of batch production

Answer 6

-it is a flexible way of working and production can be changed from one product to another
-gives some variety to workers’ jobs
-creates more consumer choice by allowing more variety with the same product
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-machines may have to be reset between production creating a delay in production leading to lost output
-can be expensive as unfinished products will need to be moves to the next production stage

Question 7

ads and disads of job production

Answer 7

-suitable for more personal services
-product meets exact requirement of customers
-workers have varied jobs
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-skilled labour is costly
-production takes a long time
-materials may have to be specially purchased leading to higher costs

Question 8

Factors affecting use of methods of production

Answer 8

1) the nature of the product- unique product/individual service job production; if product can be mass produced then flow production
2) market size- high demand in large quantities will require batch production; niche markets would use job production and international markets use flow production
3) the nature of demand- high demand of a product will need flow production and if demand is less such as furniture then batch or job production is needed
4) the size of the business; large businesses use flow production as they have automated lines and smaller business use job/batch production