Methods Of Production

Question 1

3 methods of production

Answer 1

Job production
Batch production
Flow production

Question 2

What is job production?

Answer 2

Used to produce one off products 
E.g. 
Construction projects 
1. Building new wembley stadium 
2. Designing a house extension 
Made to measure clothing 
1. Wedding dresses 
2. Suits 
Marketing projects 
1. Advertising

Question 3

Advantages of job production

Answer 3

1. Products can be customised to match customer requirements
2. staff are highly skilled so quality should be high
3. production is highly flexible and varied, so staff are motivated

Question 4

Disadvantages of job production

Answer 4

1. Production is time consuming
2. costs are high as production is very labour intensive
3. expensive machinery may be idle for much of the time

Question 5

What is batch production

Answer 5

Used to produce similar projects 
Examples 
Bread 
> same machinery will be used to produce different types of bread 
1. White 2. Crusty 3. Whole meal

Question 6

Advantages of batch production

Answer 6

1. Production is flexible and can be tailored to meet specific customer needs
2. Quicker than job production since groups of products are made
3. Unit costs are lower than job production since economies of scale can be obtained

Question 7

Disadvantages of batch production

Answer 7

1. Downtime between batches is needed to adjust machinery
2. higher stock levels are needed as there are more ‘works in process’
3. work is likely to be less skilled than job production so staff motivation may be lower

Question 8

What is flow production

Answer 8

Used to produce identical results 
E.g. 
Cars
Electrical products 
Ready meals

Question 9

Advantages of flow production

Answer 9

1. Unit costs are low since fixed costs are spread over a large number of units
2. Products are standardised with consistent quality
3. Use of automation means that production can take place continuously

Question 10

High quality products lead too

Answer 10

1. Increased customer loyalty
2. Fewer complaints
3. Longer product life cycle
4. Reduced promotional costs
5. The ability to charge a higher price

Question 11

Low quality products lead too

Answer 11

1. Poor reputation
2. Having to reduce prices
3. Shorter product life cycle

Question 12

What is cell production

Answer 12

Is a form of team working and has to ensure workers commitment as each cell is responsible for a complete unit of work, which Herzberg would view as job enrichment