Operations - Production

Question 1

What are factors to consider when choosing a method of production ?

Answer 1

• the actual product being made (can it be made by hand ?)
• the required quality of the finished product
• an individual product made to order or standardised
• the quantity of the product to be made high quantity would be required batch or flow

Question 2

What are the features of job production ?

Answer 2

• one product is made from start to finish before another one is made
• customised, one-off job
• hand made, labour intensive

Question 3

What are advantages of Job production ?

Answer 3

1. high prices can be charged
2. workers are more motivated as there is a variety of work and skills
3. Products can be customised for customers one-off orders and needs which increases customers satisfaction

Question 4

What are the disadvantages of job production ?

Answer 4

1. expensive to hire highly skilled staff or specialist tools
2. slower production rate as one-off orders can take months
3. risk of human error can lead to waste

Question 5

What are the features of batch production ?

Answer 5

• when a group of identical products are made at one time
• combination of both capital and labour intensive
• all the products in the batch move onto the next stage of production at the same time

Question 6

What are advantages of Batch production ?

Answer 6

1. everything in the batch will be identical so no mistakes
2. skilled staff are not required as tasks are broken down to repetitive stages which saves costs
3. batch can be customised to meet customers requirement which can increase customer satisfaction

Question 7

What are disadvantages of batch production ?

Answer 7

1. repetition of tasks can demotivate staff
2. a mistake in one item can cause the whole batch to be wasted
3. workers and machines may be idle between batches if there is a fall in demand

Question 8

What are the features of Flow production ?

Answer 8

• when parts are added to a product as it is moving along a production line
• This is often resembles an assembly line
• This is capital intensive

Question 9

What are the advantages of Flow production ?

Answer 9

1. huge quantities can be produced which can make products cheaper for customers
2. machines can work 24/7 without breaks so faster production
3. reduces human error which can lead to fewer complaints and wastage

Question 10

What are disadvantages of Flow production ?

Answer 10

1. Machinery is expensive and must be maintained
2. individual customer requirements cant be met so customers may not pay a premium price
3. workers find jobs repetitive and demotivated

Question 11

What are the methods of production ?

Answer 11

Job production
Batch production
Flow production