Section 5 - 5.2 production methods

Question 1

Batch production

Answer 1

Involves producing a set of identical products. Work on each batch is fully completed before production switches to another batch. It is used where the demand for a product is frequent and steady

Question 2

Capital intensive

Answer 2

Means that the manufacturing or provision of a product relies heavily on machinery and equipment, such as ultimated production systems. Hence the cost of capital accounts for the largest proportion of a capital intensis firms overall production cost

Question 3

Cellular manufacturing (cell production)

Answer 3

Organizers workers into independent ‘cells’ with each team comprising of multiskilled stuff with responsibility and autonomy for completing a whole unit of work in the production process

Question 4

Flow production (or process production)

Answer 4

Uses continuous and progressive processes, carried out in sequence. When one task is completed, the next stage of production start immediately

Question 5

Mass production

Answer 5

Is the large scale manufacturing of a homogeneous (standardized) product. Unit costs of production a relatively low when using mass production methods

Question 6

Job production

Answer 6

Involves the manufacturing of a unique or one off job. The job can be completed by one person (such as a tailor) or by a team of people (such as architects and engineers)

Question 7

Labor-intensive

Answer 7

Means that production relies heavily on labor input, so the cost of labor accounts for the largest proportion of a firms overall production cost. It is most apparent in the provisions of passion personalized services e.g. private tutors, hairdressers, masseurs and artists

Question 8

Productivity

Answer 8

Measures the level of labor and or capital efficiency of a business by comparing its level of inputs with the level of its output

Question 9

Specialization

Answer 9

Means the division of a large Tasco project into smaller tasks, allowing individuals to concentrate on an area of expertise. It is an essential part of mass and flow production

Question 10

Standardization

Answer 10

Means producing an identical or homogeneous product in large quantities, such as printing a particular magazine, book or newspaper