Operations - methods of production

Question 1

Mechanisation - advantages

Answer 1

• improves accuracy as handmade error lessened
• speeds up production
• retains human creativity

Question 2

Mechanisation - disadvantages

Answer 2

• still some human error
• cannot be 24/7 production
• machinery breakdown leaves workers idle

Question 3

Automated - advantages

Answer 3

• CAM has absolute consistency
• robots can do jobs dangerous for humans
• robots can work 24/7
• wage costs reduced

Question 4

Automated - disadvantages

Answer 4

• huge initial investments
• breakdowns catastrophic, production times
• replacing labour with robots demotivate retained employees
• absence of ‘human touch’ leads to lack of creativity

Question 5

Labour intensive - advantages

Answer 5

• can be less expensive
• human creativity lacking in automated systems
• constant supply of labour
• employees not ‘giving up’ tasks to machinery so motivated
• customised

Question 6

Labour intensive - disadvantages

Answer 6

• high risk of human error
• breaks, holidays limits production time
• paid overtime
• recruitment, training and wage costs

Question 7

Reason for production choices

Answer 7

• quality of goods required - if large qualities required then capital
• skills of workforce - if labour skilled then labour
• cost of labour - if increased minimum wage then capital
• finance available - massive initial outlay for capital
• technology available - if business doesn’t have tech then labour