Paper 2 Flashcards
Types of technology used in production
Robotics
Automation
Computers
What is automation
Production process using machinery that is controlled by a computer rather than a person
Robotics
The use of robots
Types if production
Batch
Job
Flow
What is job production
Products made individually
Advantages of job production
- more likely to be high quality
- can be designed to meet Individual needs of the customer
- can often charge a high price and make a good profit
What is batch production
Where one type of product is made then switched to make a different product
What is flow production
One making of a product continuously using an assembly line. Sometimes called as mass production
Advantages of batch production
- save costs if use machinery
- needs of different customers can be met
- larger quantities
- staff costs lower to than in job production as employees don’t need to be as skilled
Advantages of flow production
- larger quantities
- use of machinery can reduce costs
- use of computer controlled machinery allows some variation in products
- less labour than others
- workers can specialise and become more efficient
- production lines can operate 24/7 if necessary
- consistent, quick , standard
Disadvantages of flow production
Workers are demotivated due to repetitive tasks
- no unique selling point products are the same or similar
- inflexible can’t change breakdowns waste time
- products are similar to rivals
Disadvantages of job production
- high costs
- high skilled workers
- workers need pay and break
- time consuming
Disadvantages of batch production
- takes time to switch batches
- usually ends in build up of ‘work in process’
- tasks makes become repetitive resulting in poor motivation levels
Benefits of providing quality goods and services
Waste is reduced
Business gain/maintain a good reputation
Methods to ensure quality
- quality control
- quality assurance
Advantages of quality control
Stops poor quality goods and services being sold
Production can continue while being inspected
Improve reputation
Disadvantages of quality control
Does not prevent waste
Inspection can be costly (unless done by machinery)
Doesn’t encourage workers to be responsible for quality
Quality control
Physical inspection by an inspector or by machine to check quality
Quality assurance
Involves the whole business focusing on quality with the aim of preventing quality problems
What is e-commerce
The bringing together of buying and selling electronically
Advantages of face to face selling
- can increase sales
- useful where customers like advice and personal service from assistants
- can help sales in business to business selling
- unavoidable for some services
- Customer can bargain with the seller over the price or the services
Telesales advantages
- Can increase sales as customers can ask questions about products and bargain about the price
- may cost less than selling from a shop
Face to face selling disadvantages
- may not always be convenient for customers
- if the customer bargains with the seller for a better deal profits may therefore be reduced
- retailer costs are high if expensive shops are needed
Telesales disadvantage
- Costs involved such as a warehouse to store goods and payments to telesales workers
- sellers may cold call which can be a nuisance to customers
Advantages of tech and machinery
Saves money long term
Higher quality
Less mistakes reduce waste
Productivity increases - works 24/7
Reduce number of accidents
Robotics advantages
Large amounts produced
Dangerous jobs done by robots
High quality
Disadvantages of robotic
- Breaks down problematic -> results in production time lost
- expensive
- need ‘downtime’ or time for servicing
How to judge quality of good/Services
Design -> looks style features
Function -> it can be used easily
Reliability -> acceptable level of breakdown of failure
Consistency -> products meet same quality standards everytime
Durable -> lasts as long as it should
Service -> staff attitude
Price/value -> price reflects quality
Consequences of poor quality
- financial = cost for replacement
- loss of reputation
- loss of customers
- legal action
How to measure quality
- amount of faulty products
- customer satisfaction rates
- product inspections
- customer loyalty
- customer complaints and reviews
- levels of product returns
- mystery shoppers
What are mystery shoppers
A customer going undercover to follow ceo orders and report back
Quality assurance advantages
- there may be less wastage
- workers may feel valued because they have been given more responsibility
- the business may benefit from an improved reputation for quality
What is e-commerce
The bring together of buying and selling electronically
Advantages of e-commerce (business)
- sell 24/7
- cost of selling Lower as don’t have to pay for workers or rent
- web designers can make more attractive
- can sell around the world, online market increased