Operations

Question 1

job production

Answer 1

the process of production where products are made individually

Question 2

batch production

Answer 2

the process where one type of product is made and then production is switched to make a different product

Question 3

flow production

Answer 3

production of one product that takes place continuously using a production or assembly line

Question 4

automation

Answer 4

a production process involving machinery that is not controlled by a person but usually controlled by a computer

Question 5

advantages of job production

Answer 5

• products are usually high quality
• products can be made to meet the needs of individual customers
• workers often get more satisfaction from working on something until it is finished

Question 6

disadvantages of job production

Answer 6

• production will be expensive
• labour costs may be high because job production often requires skilled labour

Question 7

advantages of batch production

Answer 7

• the needs of different customers can be met by making batches of different good
• batches are made to meet specific orders from customers, and this may reduce costs because the goods do not need storing
• it may be possible to use specialist machines and to automate production so that costs are saved

Question 8

disadvantages of batch production

Answer 8

• the needs of different customers can be met by making batches of different goods
• batches are made to meet specific orders from customers and this may reduce costs because the goods do not need storing
• it may be possible to use specialist machines and to automate production so that costs are saved

Question 9

advantages of flow production

Answer 9

• large amounts can be made
• the cost of production for each unit made are low because the firm benefits from economies of large scale production
• machinery can be used, helping to keep costs low

Question 10

disadvantages of flow production

Answer 10

• goods are mass produced and may not be of good quality, although this is not always true
• it is very expensive to set up a production line
• jobs on an assembly line can be repetitive and boring
• large stocks of materials may have to be kept to keep the production line supplied and this may be expensive
• if the production stops at any point on the assembly line there may be a complete shutdown of production

Question 11

advantages of technology in the production process

Answer 11

• the machinery is never absent from work
• machines can work 24 hours per day, 7 days per week
• machines can do dangerous and boring jobs that human workers may be reluctant or unable to do
• new technology can lead to new products creating demand
• costs are reduced as the number of workers required is reduced. goods/services can be produced faster, increasing the productivity of workers. fewer workers are needed so the costs of production will fall and this will help the business to keep prices down and to compete
• machines can be more accurate, improving quality and reducing waste which helps cut costs

Question 12

disadvantages of technology in the production process