Production Methods

Question 1

What are the production methods?

Answer 1

Labour intensive
-large proportion of human input
Capital intensive 
-relies on machinery 
Automation
-machinery completely replaces labour
Mechanisation
-a mix of labour and machine

Question 2

Labour intensive advantages?

Answer 2

Cheaper as they don’t have to buy expensive machinery
Products can be specialised to customer needs
Employees have greater job satisfaction as they can use their own skills

Question 3

Labour intensive disadvantages?

Answer 3

Higher staff wages
Costly to recruit and train employment
Production is harmed if staff member is absent
Accuracy and quality can vary

Question 4

Capital intensive advantages?

Answer 4

Large volume of identical products made t more economical cost
Machinery can work 24/7
Quality and accuracy will be standardised

Question 5

Capital intensive disadvantages?

Answer 5

Individual requirements can’t be made
Breakdowns can be costly
Employees have a lack of motivation

Question 6

Automation advantages?

Answer 6

Production time is quicker
Accuracy is greater and consistent
No workers so saves on staff wages

Question 7

Automation disadvantages?

Answer 7

No flexibility as computer only does what it’s programmed to
Breakdowns are costly
Increase in unemployment

Question 8

Mechanisation advantages?

Answer 8

Machinery improved accuracy and completed difficult tasks
Labour trained in operating machinery
Labour allows production issues to be flagged immediately

Question 9

Mechanisation disadvantages?

Answer 9

Initial set up costs are high
Breakdowns are costly
Expensive to update and upgrade machinery
Costly to train staff

Question 10

What to consider when choosing which production method?

Answer 10

Quantity to be made
Skills of staff 
Equipment required
Type of product
Finance available