Operations - Methods of Production

Question 1

List the 3 Methods of Production

Answer 1

• Job
• Batch
• Flow

Question 2

Define Job production

Answer 2

• When a product is made from start to finish before another one is made
• Labour Intensive (usually handmade products, produced by a skilled worker)

Question 3

Define Batch production

Answer 3

• A group of identical products are made at one time. All products in the batch move on to the next stage at the same time.
• Combination of Capital and Labour intensive

Question 4

Define Flow production

Answer 4

• Parts are added to a product as it moves along a production line until the final product is completed
• Resembles an assembly line
• used for large quantities of products
• Capital intensive

Question 5

Give 3 advantages and disadvantages of Job production

Answer 5

ADVANTAGES
* Customisation - increased customer satisfaction
* High prices can be charged
* Workers more motivated - variety of work and skills

DISADVANTAGES
* Slower production rate - orders can take a while
* Expensive - hiring highly skilled staff or tools
* Risk of human error - causes waste

Question 6

Give 3 advantages and disadvantages of Batch production

THINK STAGES AND REDUNDANCY

Answer 6

ADVANTAGES
* All products in the batch are identical - no quality differences
* Skilled staff not required for repetitive stages - saves costs
* Customisation avaliable to meet customer requirements - increased customer satisfaction

DISADVANTAGES
* Repetitive - demotivating for staff
* Mistake in one means mistake in all - wastage produced
* Workers and machines are idle if demand falls

Question 7

Give 3 advantages and disadvantages of Flow production

Answer 7

ADVANTAGES
* Huge quantity can be produced = cheaper for customers
* Machines can work 24/7 without breaks = faster production
* Reduces human error - less wastage

DISADVANTAGES
* Expensive - machinery must be maintained and is costly to buy
* No customisation - premium price cannot be charged
* Machines breaking down means production is halted = unhappy customers

Question 8

Describe 4 factors to consider when choosing a method of production

Answer 8

1. Demand for the product
2. Actual product being made - can it be made by hand
3. Cost of techology/machinery
4. Avaliability of skills and labour

Question 9

Define Labour Intensive production and Capital Intensive production

Answer 9

Labour Intensive - products are mainly produced by human workers
Capital Intensive - products are mainly produced by machines and robots.

Question 10

Give 3 advantages and disadvantages of Labour intensive production methods

THINK ABOUT WORKERS

Answer 10

ADVANTAGES
* Customised products are easier to make
* Less expensive machinery costs
* Humans can use their own initiative and problem solve

DISADVANTAGES
* Quality of products can vary due to expertise of the worker
* Skilled workers take time to train
* Skilled workers will be paid more than unskilled workers

Question 11

Give 3 advantages and disadvantages of Capital intensive production methods

Answer 11

ADVANTAGES
* Less employee wages and costs
* Quality can be standardised, the same every time
* Machines can work continuously, 24/7
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DISADVANTAGES
* More difficult to customise orders
* Breakdowns in production can be costly
* Initial set up costs of machinery are high