Operations past paper questions

Question 1

Describe the advantages of centralised warehousing.

Answer 1

there is standardised procedures for issuing inventory
there is better security which means less chance of theft
Cheaper for a supplier to deliver to one location.
Bulk purchasing allows for economies of scale
Items can be found quicker as they are in one place.

Question 2

Justify the expense of investing in robotics for mass production.

Answer 2

can work 24/7 without breaks
identical products can be made
less chance of errors and wastage

Question 3

Discuss the use of a just-in-time (JIT) system for inventory management.

Answer 3

money is not tied up in inventory
However, there is little time for quality checks
Also, there is less chance you will be left with unsellable inventory if fashions change.
However, it requires a high reliance on the supplier
production may stop if deliveries are not made on time
delivery and admin costs may increase
wastage is reduced

Question 4

Justify quality control

Answer 4

production is not continuously interrupted for checks
ensures faulty goods do not reach customers

Question 5

Justify quality assurance

Answer 5

keeps waste levels low
picks up problems as soon as possible

Question 6

Justify benchmarking

Answer 6

ensures the product is as good as the market leader
helps to identify how improvements can be made
saves time on developing own method

Question 7

Describe the advantages and disadvantages of using computer-aided design
(CAD).

Answer 7

faster than hand drawing designs
more accurate design process
the software is expensive to purchase
takes time to train staff to use the software

Question 8

Explain the advantages and disadvantages of just in time stock control

Answer 8

Less warehouse space is needed. this means rent costs are reduced
orders must be placed before production starts. this means reduced waste as less stock is stored
dependant on reliable supplier. this means if they deliver late production wont be able to start
increased delivery costs. this means increased admin costs
may lost on out economies of scale. this means profit wont be maximised

Question 9

Explain the advantages of capital intensive method of production

Answer 9

Machines can work 24/7 without breaks. this means production levels will increase
Machines produce a better quality of products as they dont make mistakes. this means there will be less customer complaints
Machines can work faster than humans. this means increased efficiency and productivity
Machines dont get bored of repetitive tasks. this means there will be a consistent standard across all products