Operations Content Flashcards
Define operations
Operations is the business processes that involve transformation or, more generally, ‘production’
Define value adding
Value Adding is the creation of extra or added value as inputs are transformed into outputs
Define Lean Production
Lean Production is the elimination of waste at every stage of production, involving analysing each stage of the production process, detecting where inefficiencies are, and correcting them; minimising waste
Identify the features of lean production
Features:
- Reflect fair value for any labour used in processes
- Operate at low cost so as to maximise affordability
- Operations processes adjust to shifting needs
Define profit centres
Profit Centres are those aspects of a business that directly derive revenue and profits
Define cost centres
Cost Centres are particular areas, departments or sections of a business to which costs can be directly attributed
Define cost leadership
Cost Leadership involves aiming to have the lowest costs or to be the most price-competitive in the market
Define economies of scale
Economies of scale are cost advantages that can be created as a result of an increase in scale of business operations
Define good/service differentiation
Good/ Service Differentiation is when products (goods or services) are distinguished in some way from those of competitors
Recall the characteristics that distinguish goods and services
The characteristics are:
- Tangibility and Perishability
- Customisation
- Ownership
- Time between production and consumption
- Determination of Value
Recall how goods are differentiated
Variation in:
- Features
- Product Quality
- Augmented Features
Recall how services are differentiated
Variation in:
- Time spent on a service
- Level of expertise
- Providing self-service options
- Flexibility
- No ‘fuss’
- Qualifications and experience
- Quality of materials/ technology
Define globalisation
Globalisation refers to the removal of barriers of trade between nations. Globalisation is characterised by an increasing integration between national economies
Define fixed costs
Fixed Costs are ones that are not dependent on the level of operating activity in a business
Define variable costs
Variable Costs are ones that vary in direct relationship to the levels of operating activity or production in a business
Define compliance costs
Compliance Costs are the expenses associated with meeting the requirements of legal regulations, i.e. abiding by all laws
Define environmental sustainability
Environmental Sustainability (ecological sustainability) shapes business operations around practices that consume resources today without compromising access to those resources for future generations
Define precaution principle
Precautionary Principle requires that, where environmental impacts are uncertain, a business undertakes actions that are most likely to cause the least environmental impact
Define triple bottom line
Triple Bottom Line refers to the financial profitability, social impact and the environmental impact of a business
Define sustainability report
A sustainability report provides a comprehensive account of a business’ commitment to areas of ethical decision making, beyond legal requirements
Recall the types of outsourcing
The type of outsourcing includes:
- Onshore outsourcing
- Offshore outsourcing
Define capital-labour substitution
Capital-labour substitution is when machinery and technology displace people by doing the work they do, thus making labour redundant
Define intermediate goods
Intermediate Goods are manufactured and used in further manufacturing or processing
Define customer relationship management
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) are the systems that businesses use to maintain customer contact
Define lead time
Lead Time is the time it takes for an order to be filled from the moment it is made
Define volume flexibility
Volume Flexibility refers to how quickly the transformation process can adjust to increases or decreases in demand
Define mix flexibility
Mix Flexibility is the costs a business incurs when implementing changes within its product range
Define Gantt Charts
Gantt Chart is a type of bar chart that shows both the scheduled and completed work over a period of time. It is often used in planning and tracking a project
Define critical path analysis
Critical Path Analysis (CPA) is a scheduling method or technique that shows what tasks need to be done, how long they take and what order is necessary to complete those tasks
Define monitoring
Monitoring is the process of measuring actual performance against planned performance
Define control
Control occurs when KPIs are assessed against predetermined targets and corrective action is taken if required
Define warranty
Warranty is a promise made by a business that they will correct any defect in the goods that they produce or in the services that they deliver
Define performance objectives
Performance Objectives are goals related to particular aspects of the transformation process
Recall the types of performance objectives in regard to quality
- Quality of design
- Quality of conformance
- Quality of service
Define quality of design
Quality of Design is the effectiveness of the business in designing a product that meets the preferences of consumers
Define quality of conformance
Quality of Conformance is the focus on how well the product meets the standard of a prescribed design with certain specifications
Define mass customisation
Mass Customisation is a process that allows a standard, mass-produced item to be personally modified to specific customer requirements