SEMI FINALS TOPIC Flashcards
What is forecasting?
A process of making predictions about future business trends based on trend analysis and present data.
It helps in business planning by analyzing past and present data to forecast future scenarios.
Who typically performs forecasting?
Managers, statisticians, experts, economists, and consultants.
They collect and analyze data to create forecasts.
What are the features of forecasting?
- Involves future events
- Based on past and present events
- Uses forecasting techniques
These features highlight the predictive nature of forecasting and its reliance on data.
What are the primary sources of data forecasting?
- Primary sources: First-hand information like interviews and questionnaires
- Secondary sources: Information already collected by others, such as industry reports.
Primary sources are often more reliable but time-consuming to gather.
What are the two main methods of forecasting?
- Qualitative methods: Subjective, relying on human judgment
- Quantitative methods: Use mathematical and statistical tools based on past data.
Qualitative methods are useful when historical data is lacking.
Fill in the blank: The _______ method is the easiest forecasting method, used to determine future revenues based on past trends.
[Straight-line]
What is the first step in the forecasting process?
Develop the basis of forecasting by investigating the company’s current market position.
This step is crucial for accurate forecasting.
What are the applications of forecasting in operations management?
- Demand forecasting
- Inventory management
- Production planning
- Scheduling
- Supply chain management
Each of these applications helps in resource allocation and operational efficiency.
What is inventory forecasting?
A method used to predict future inventory levels and manage purchase orders effectively.
It helps increase revenue and decrease unnecessary costs.
What are the types of inventory forecasting?
- Trend forecasting
- Graphical forecasting
- Qualitative forecasting
- Quantitative forecasting
Each type uses different methods to predict inventory needs.
What is the benefit of inventory forecasting?
- Minimizes stockouts
- Reduces inventory holding costs
- Reduces product waste
- Improves customer & supplier satisfaction
These benefits lead to better inventory management and customer satisfaction.
What is production system design?
The process of planning, architecting, and building a software system to reliably handle real-world usage and demands.
It ensures systems can handle increasing workloads effectively.
What are the key components of production system design?
- Reliability
- Scalability
- Performance
- Security
- Maintainability
These components are crucial for a well-functioning production system.
What is product design?
The process of ideating, developing, and refining products to meet market needs and solve user problems.
It involves collaboration between product managers and product designers.
Why is product design important?
- Creates innovative products
- Improves user experience
- Increases brand awareness
- Maintains competitiveness
Effective product design is critical for business success.
What is process design in manufacturing?
The planning and development of a sequence of operations, procedures, and resources required to produce a product efficiently.
It is essential for managing a company’s operations effectively.
What are the five factors of process design?
- Product variety
- Output volume
- Technology
- Employees
- Production lifespan
These factors influence the efficiency and effectiveness of manufacturing processes.
What does ‘Employees’ refer to in an organization?
Individuals who work in various roles and capacities within an organization.
Define ‘Production Lifespan’.
The duration from the initial design and development of a product through its production, usage, and eventual discontinuation.
What are the benefits of implementing process design?
- Identify and eliminate bottlenecks in activities
- Lay out new workflows and rebuild existing ones
- Reduce costs and time on training new employees
- Increase business professionalism
- Expand knowledge base
- Encourage team members
- Enhance clients’ loyalty
What is Process Selection?
The decision on how production of goods or services will be organized.
How does Process Selection influence an organization?
It affects the choice of technology, processing, and social activities, impacting the organization’s ability to achieve its mission.
List the basic processing types.
- Job Shop
- Batch
- Repetitive
- Continuous
- Project
Describe a Job Shop processing type.
Operates on a small scale, used for low volume of high variety goods or services, requiring high flexibility and skilled workers.
What is Continuous processing?
Used for high volume of nondiscrete, highly standardized output with almost no variety and no equipment flexibility.
What are the three types of automation?
- Fixed Automation
- Programmable Automation
- Flexible Automation
Define ‘Service Delivery’.
A system or framework that provides products or services to customers, including communication channels between consumers and service providers.
Why is service delivery important?
It establishes a relationship with customers and connects them with providers, enhancing customer experience.
What is a Service Delivery System Design?
The planning and organizing of internal factors that make up service delivery to the end customer.
What is the Service Delivery System Continuum?
It includes all contributors within an organization that help create and deliver a service.
How does an effective Service Delivery System impact customer satisfaction?
It meets customer service expectations, leading to increased loyalty and satisfaction.
What is ‘Capacity’ in operations management?
The maximum amount of work or production that a facility, process, or equipment can handle over a specified time.
What is the goal of Capacity Planning?
To ensure an organization can produce enough output to meet customer demand without overproduction or underproduction.
List the three time horizons in capacity planning.
- Long-range / Long-term Capacity Decisions
- Intermediate-range Capacity Decisions
- Short-range / Short-term Capacity Decisions
What are Economies of Scale?
Achieved when the average unit cost decreases as capacity and/or volume of throughput increases.
What is the Theory of Constraints (TOC)?
A philosophy suggesting that any system has at least one constraint that limits it from achieving its goal.
What is a bottleneck in the context of TOC?
The work activity that limits the throughput of the entire process.
Identify the causes of Capacity Constraints.
- Demand Fluctuations
- Lack of resources
- Inefficient processes
- External factors (e.g., regulations, natural disasters)
How can organizations overcome Capacity Constraints?
- Staff Training
- Technology Investments
- Ensuring Materials Availability
True or False: Capacity decisions can affect competitiveness.
True
Fill in the blank: Capacity planning is the act of balancing available resources to satisfy customer _______.
[demand]
What is the impact of capacity on future demand?
Capacity impacts the ability to meet future demand and limits output.
How do capacity decisions affect operating costs?
Capacity decisions affect operating costs.
What is the relationship between capacity and initial cost?
Capacity is usually a major determinant of initial cost.
What is a significant characteristic of capacity decisions?
Capacity decisions involve long-term commitments and can be costly to change.