operations process Flashcards
what are the two types of inputs
transformed resources and transforming resources
what is transformed resources and what r the 3 types
The inputs are changed during the production process. There are three types of transformed resources
1. Materials
2. Information
3. Customers
explain in depth the three types of transformed resources
materials - the raw materials, components, parts and supplies used in operations. there are raw materials and intermediate goods
Information- the knowledge gained from research, investigation and instructions, which results in an increase in understanding. there are two types of info, external and internal data sources
Customers- they become transformed resources when their choices shape inputs. Their desires and preferences act as a transformed resource. businesses try to implement Customer Relationship Management (CRM), The systems that businesses use to maintain customer contact.
What are transforming resources and the two types
Inputs that perform the transformation process (Materials)
- Human resources
- Facilities
what are the two types of transforming resources in depth
human resources are the skills, knowledge, capabilities and labour of people are applied to materials to convert them into goods and services.
two types of facilities - plants, machinery
plants= factory or office
machinery = technology and equipment and the type, amount
what is the transformation process?
The transformation process is the conversion of inputs (resources) into outputs (goods or services). Its processes are those activities that determine how value will be added through the combination of inputs.
what are the types of production?
-job production
-batch production
-flow production
what is job production? and what categorises it
Suits those products and services that require much higher quality and customisation than the standard product.
-more time-consuming because there is greater consultation between the business and the customer.
what is batch production? and what categorises it
Products are made in groups or batches. A good example is a bakery that makes a number of slightly different breads, using the same process and produced in batches of 50 to 200.
what is flow production and what categorises it?
Involves a continuous flow of inputs and outputs through the operations and is often associated with assembly lines. Products tend to have little variation
* high-volume output of a standardised product.
* Labour will be used to supervise equipment.
what are the 4 v’s?
-volume
-variety
-variation in demand
-visibility
4 v’s
what is volume and wat r two types
Volume is the number of products or services produced by the operation.
Mass Production has a high volume and a standardised product and tends to use flow production to achieve economies of scale and lower average costs.
Low-Volume operations, producing only a small number of items, will use much less equipment with the emphasis on multi skilled labour.?
what is a benefit that comes along with higher volumes of products
the ability to use economies of scale. however, this is also a sign to be wary of diseconomies of scale
what is variety and the three types
Variety refers to the number of different models and variations offered by a business in its products or services.
1.Standard products with no variety
2.Standard products with small variety
3.Standard products with wide variety
characterise the three types of variety with aspects
no varierty = mass production, economies of scale
variety a lil = batch production
variety alot = human resources> machinery, highly skilled workers
what is Variation in Demand and the three types
Businesses need to be able to react quickly to an increase in demand. Materials may need to be stocked, and businesses need to maintain good relationships with suppliers so that new materials can be quickly acquired.
-constant demand
-seasonal demand
-unpredictable demand
4 v’s
what is Visibility
Service based businesses will have a higher level of visibility compared to manufacturing businesses.
- Operations will need to have well trained, highly skilled, adaptable staff who are able to handle the individual needs of customers (human resources function is essential)
- Speed of operations will also be essential as customers usually have a low tolerance for waiting. If customer ordering and delivery is delayed it may cause the customer to change to a competitor
4 v’s
what characterises the establishment stage for a business
slow growth in demand and volume
-higher level of customisation or changes in design.
4 v’s
what characterises the growth stage
can expect demand to increase
increasing the volume the business must produce.
4 v’s
what characterises the maturity stage of a business
low variations in demand
may offer more variety to attract different target markets.
what characterises the post maturity stage of a business
demand and volume will fall
variations on the standard product will be deleted from production.
what is the difference between scheduling and sequencing
Sequencing: the order in which activities occur.
Scheduling: the length of time activities take and when each task will occur.
why are both scheduling and sequencing important?
Scheduling and sequencing tools are used to identify all steps in the operations process and organise them into the most efficient order to complete.
Relevance =
-provides sense of organisation and direction
-makes sure runs smoothly
-if errors occur it can be fixed with accordance to time
-adjustments when there are hold-ups
whats a key role of the operations manager when sequencing and scheduling ?
to perform a detailed task analysis.
Task Analysis : the breakdown of exactly how the manufacture of a good, or activities to provide a service, is to be accomplished.
what is a gantt chart?
a gantt chart is a type of visual representation that records the number of tasks involved in each particular project and the estimated time needed for each task. The business can set specific dates for the completion of each stage of operations.
how is a gantt chart beneficial and what is its one con
- It assists with planning ahead and the allocation of resources.
- It outlines the activities that need to be performed
- the order in which they should be performed and how long each activity is expected to take
con - not suitable for complex projects
what is critical path analysis?
it is an appropriate scheduling tool used in operations that involves a series of repeated tasks.
-A CPA flow diagram shows the interrelationship of tasks.
do u take the shortest or longest path in a critical path analysis
longest -As all tasks need to be completed for the project to be finished, the critical path time period is the longest path taken to complete the whole project.
which is better, critical path analysis or gantt chart
Its timing is more precise than a Gantt chart and distinguishes between critical and non-critical tasks.
-It is useful to identify which tasks are the most important.
what are advantages vs disadvantages of critical path analysis
advantages :
-it shows how each acticity is interrelated
- which activites are able to be done at the same time
-shows which activites are the most important in terms of overall time
disadvantages :
-not suitable for complex projects
-if time estimates are incorrect, there will be major delays
what are the two types of technology businesses tend to employ
- Manufacturing
- Service-based/office
what are types of manufactoring technology
robotics, CAM and CAD
what are service based technology
It’s what allows employees to outdo more tasks in less time – be efficient
-telecommunication
-Phones, excel, internet, printers, etc.
what are advantages of technology
-efficiency
-productivity, producing more at a faster pace (innovates)
-less waste
-improve the competitiveness of operations by giving it more flexibility
- Reduces the cost of production while improving the level of output (economies of scale)
-helps workers do their jobs productively
what r disadvantages of technology?
a cost benefit analysis
-not be able to afford it at the time or funds have been allocated towards something else in the business
-take into consideration additional costs with technology such as maintenance, potential breakdowns, repairs, training
-Risks of associating the latest of technologies as it is largely untested
what is task design?
Task design involves classifying job activities in ways that make it easier for employees to successfully complete their tasks.
It Involves breaking down the overall project into pieces of work for employees to complete, assigning them duties and objectives. This matches the right employee to the right job
what is process layout and the twotypes?
Process layout refers to the arranging of equipment, machinery, and staff within the facility to allow for maximum efficiency.
-facilllities layout planning
Physical layout of business
- a process layout
Where all the machinery is arranged by their functions. - product layout
Where a product moves from station to station such as in a car assembly line.
whats the difference between product and process layout
A process layout requires staff to be specialised and know how to use the equipment and tools in their department.
Product Layout is one in which the machines are set up systematically such that the output of one machine is the input of another
what is monitoring
its the first step, of the three its the implementation
-It allows the operation managers to identify how they’re going and whether they are successfully achieving their goals.
it Involves monitoring all 6 performance objectives and mainly the KPI’s (Key performance indicators)
Examples of KPI’s:
* Warranty claims
* Lead times
* Production volume
* Number of defects
what is controlling
its identifying the issues and recognising it as a prob
Comparing KPI’s against plans or targets and identifying areas that need corrective action.
what is improvement and what should it focus on
-fixing the issue
Making changes (whether short term or long term) to the transformation process to reduce inefficiencies
it should focus on kaizen (continous improvement)
what do outputs have to be responsive to
Output has to be responsive to consumer demands otherwise no one would buy it
why is customer service important?
Meeting and exceeding the expectations of customers in all areas of business operations
-Ensure customers are valued
-Creates long term relationships
-Maintains loyalty and a good reputation upon the business
-Even in situations where customers are dissatisfied
what is the aim of operation managers when it comes to customer service
- Respond to complaints with a solution in a courteous manner
- Review and reshape their processes and output
what is a warranty and whats the act in place
A warranty is an assurance that a business stands by the quality claims of the products they make and provide to the market.
- Businesses have a legal obligation to protect customers by warranties
They must comply by the Fair-Trading Act 1987
what is the purpose of warranties
Warranties can be a good tool for monitoring the effectiveness of operations processes by monitoring the reasons behind each warranty claim and identifying the issues in the operations process.
what is the aim of warranties4 businesses
Implement effective quality management processes that aim to reduce the number of warranties
