operations process HSC questions

Question 1

Multiple-choice question

A factory manager is deciding the best order in which to complete tasks.

Which operations process is being carried out? (A) Monitoring (B) Scheduling (C) Sequencing
(D) Task design

Source: Q2, 2012 HSC paper

Answer 1

Answer: C

Question 2

Multiple-choice question
If activity EC is delayed and takes 6 days, by how long will the project be delayed? (1 mark)(A) 0 days(B) 3 days(C) 6 days(D) 17 daysSource: Q15, 2015 HSC paper

Answer 2

Answer: A

Question 3

Multiple-choice question
What is the length of the critical path for this project? (1 mark)(A) 9 days(B) 14 days(C) 18 days(D) 27 daysSource: Q14, 2015 HSC paper

Answer 3

Answer: C

Question 4

Business report question
Emu Uniform Manufacturers Pty Ltd are a successful business based in NSW. They currently supply a range of school, sport and work uniforms to a large number of customers throughout Australia. They are known for their outstanding customer service and high quality products.Sales have been increasing for many years and they have recently received a large long-term contract to supply uniforms to a major company.This will require them to significantly expand their output. To do this, the business will have to outsource overseas or spend $5 million to expand its existing factory in NSW.
You have been hired as a consultant to write a report to the management. In your report: (20 marks)
• recommend a source of finance for the factory expansion
• discuss outsourcing overseas compared with the factory expansion
• explain the global factors that need to be considered if they decide to use outsourcing as an operations strategy.
Source: Q25, 2014 HSC paper

Answer 4

Answers could include:
• internal sources of finance
• external sources of finance
• factory expansion vs outsourcing – advantages and disadvantages
• global factors – global sourcing, economies of scale, scanning and learning, research and development.

Question 5

Multiple-choice question
Which of the following combinations would result in the lowest production cost per unit?
(A) Limited customer contact, limited product variety and low volume (B) Limited customer contact, limited product variety and high volume (C) Extensive customer contact, extensive product variety and low volume (D) Extensive customer contact, extensive product variety and high volume
Source: Q17, 2013 HSC paper

Answer 5

Answer: B

Question 6

Multiple-choice question
Which of the following includes two examples of transforming resources? (1 mark)(A) Facilities and customers(B) Materials and customers(C) Facilities and human resources(D) Materials and human resourcesSource: Q5, 2015 HSC paper

Answer 6

Answer: C

Question 7

Short-answer question
North Coast Manufacturing is currently planning a new factory.Recommend a method of monitoring the effectiveness of the process layout. (2 marks)Source: Q23c, 2015 HSC paper

Answer 7

Sample answer: One method of monitoring the effectiveness of the new layout would be to compare the output of the old layout over a given time period, with the output of the new layout, over a similar time period. This would clearly provide managers with comparative information regarding the volume of products produced in a given period.
Answers could include:
• better quality of output
• waste minimisation
• shorter lead times
• greater productivity

Question 8

Multiple-choice question
Which of the following is the correct sequence for an operations process? (A) Facilities – controls – waste (B) Materials – design – product (C) Information – services – improvement (D) Human resources – planning – customers
Source: Q4, 2012 HSC paper

Answer 8

Answer: B

Question 9

Short-answer question
Explain why managers may be resistant to change. (4 marks) Source: Q21a, 2014 HSC paper

Answer 9

Sample answer: Resistance to change is often because of costs involved, such as purchasing new equipment, redundancy payments, retraining and reorganising plant layout. For example, retraining can be considered expensive even though without adequate training workers may not have the skills, knowledge or confidence to perform new tasks. Resistance to change may also be due to inertia. Inertia is a state where stakeholders become comfortable in their present state dueto security and stability. Managers may resist change because it can create risks, uncertainty and fear of job loss or higher workloads.

Question 10

Multiple-choice question
What does a critical path identify? (1 mark)
(A) The lowest cost path to complete all tasks in a project (B) The highest cost path to complete all tasks in a project (C) The longest time required to complete all tasks in a project (D) The shortest time required to complete all tasks in a project
Source: Q8, 2013 HSC paper

Answer 10

Answer: D

Question 11

Multiple-choice question
The diagram below shows a critical path analysis for a project.
What is the minimum number of days needed to complete the project? (A) 10 (B) 12 (C) 17 (D) 33
Source: Q14, HSC paper 2012

Answer 11

Answer: C

Question 12

Multiple-choice question
In winter, the number of beach lifeguards employed by a local council is reduced.
What has influenced the transformation process in this situation? (A) Variation in demand (B) Variation in visibility (C) Variety (D) Volume
Source: Q7, 2012 HSC paper

Answer 12

Answer: A

Question 13

Multiple-choice question
Which of the following combinations would result in the lowest production cost per unit? (1 mark) (A) Limited customer contact, limited product variety and low volume (B) Limited customer contact, limited product variety and high volume (C) Extensive customer contact, extensive product variety and low volume (D) Extensive customer contact, extensive product variety and high volume
Source: Q17, 2013 HSC paper

Answer 13

Answer: B

Question 14

Multiple-choice question
A Gantt chart for Sam’s Chocolate Shop is shown. What does this Gantt chart show? (1 mark) (A) Selection and training of staff will begin in May.(B) The shop will be open for business at the end of April.(C) Stock purchases and advertising will be done simultaneously.(D) Some stock will be purchased before the shop is completely refitted. Source: Q18, 2014 HSC paper

Answer 14

Answer: D

Question 15

Short-answer question
North Coast Manufacturing is currently planning a new factory.Explain TWO factors that it should consider when designing the process layout. (4 marks)Source: 23b, 2015 HSC paper

Answer 15

Sample answer: North Coast Manufacturing should consider the distribution of the finished product and ensure that it is located close to the transport dock for shipping to customers. This could reduce the opportunity for damage to finished products and improve distribution efficiency. North Coast Manufacturing should design their layout to minimise the movement of components or semi-finished products during manufacture. This could reduce production time and minimise damage and waste of components.

Question 16

Short-answer question
Analyse the use of sequencing and scheduling to improve business operations. (6 marks)Source: Q21b, 2014 HSC paper

Answer 16

Sample answer: Sequencing (order of tasks) and scheduling (time taken to complete tasks) are important in the transformation process. Sequencing and scheduling tools are used to ensure that the transformation process is completed in the most efficient order. A key role of these tools is toperform a detailed task analysis to determine exactly what needs to be completed. Tools such as Gantt charts and critical path analysis assist managers to set the most efficient operations process. Sequencing and scheduling can be used to improve the performance objectives of speed, dependability, flexibility and costs in operations. Monitoring and controlling ofscheduling and sequencing can ensure that managers have the required information to make improvements in processes that allow the operations process to run efficiently and effectively.Without effective monitoring and controlling of scheduling and sequencing the business may operate inefficiently which can lead to decreased profits and decreased long term viability.

Question 17

Multiple-choice question
Which of the following includes two examples of transforming resources? (1 mark) (A) Materials and energy (B) Information and customers (C) Task design and technology (D) Human resources and facilities
Source: Q14, 2013 HSC paper

Answer 17

Answer: D