Operational Performance: Technology- Unit 4

Question 1

What are the benefits of using technology in operations?

Answer 1

Reduce costs
Improving quality
Improving productivity

Question 2

What are the issues introducing and updating technology?

Answer 2

Cost: for some businesses, the cost of technology can make a business competitive and as a result it threatens survival
Resistance to change: some people fear new technology and the impact this may have, productivity may fall.

Question 3

Why is reducing costs so beneficial for using technology in operations?

Answer 3

• internet businesses are not specific and can locate at the least cost site
• reduction in waste

Question 4

What is lean production?

Answer 4

Doing simple things well, better and as a result avoiding waste, thereby reducing cost

Question 5

What is Time Based Management?

Answer 5

A general approach to reduce the level of wasted time in the production processes of a business

Question 6

What are the requirements for Time Based Management?

Answer 6

-Able to change products quickly
- Trained employees
-Multi- skilled staff

Question 7

What is JIT/ Just In Time

Answer 7

Aims to ensure that inputs into the production processes only arrive when they are needed

Question 8

How does JIT work?

Answer 8

-supplies delivered to production only when needed
- based on “pull” system/ customers order determine what is produced