Topic 7

Question 1

Explain what job production is

Answer 1

Job production is when a firm produces a one off product for a particular customer. Firms produce products that meet the specific requirements of the customers. Eg a wedding dress maker.

Question 2

Explain what flow production is

Answer 2

Flow production is when products are produced along an assembly line with components or parts being added at each stage, eg Coca Cola drinks

Question 3

Explain what batch production is

Answer 3

Batch production is the production of batches of similar products in large quantities. Large numbers of identical products will be produced at the same time, in a batch. Eg bread.

Question 4

Explain what cell production is

Answer 4

Cell production is when the flow production is subdivided into a number of self contained units.

Question 5

Explain what lean production is

Answer 5

Lean production is doing more work , but with less labour, less time, less space, less inventory and lower costs. It attempts to eliminate waste while maintaining quality.

Question 6

Give two advantages of job production

Answer 6

Higher quality work
Tailor made for customers

Question 7

Give two disadvantages of job production

Answer 7

Slow production process
Expensive products due to specialist labour

Question 8

Give two advantages of flow production

Answer 8

Machinery used 24/7 meaning production levels are maximised
Minimal human error, no mistakes

Question 9

Give two disadvantages of flow production

Answer 9

Very expensive due to cost of machinery
Boring for employees, reduces motivation

Question 10

Give two advantages of batch production

Answer 10

Benefit from economies of scales
Production is faster

Question 11

Give two disadvantages of batch production

Answer 11

Large storage space required
Boring work for employees

Question 12

Give two advantages of cell production

Answer 12

Job rotation increases motivation
Multi skilled workers can cover for absent employees

Question 13

Give two disadvantages of cell production

Answer 13

Training staff can be time consuming
Some may not work as hard as others

Question 14

Give two advantages of lean production

Answer 14

Reduced waste will reduce costs
Quicker production time

Question 15

Give two disadvantages of lean production

Answer 15

May require additional training
Requires delegation and organisation

Question 16

What is productivity

Answer 16

Productivity describes a measurement of the efficiency of production in a business

Question 17

Explain machinery as a factor affecting productivity

Answer 17

Firms willing to spend money on up to date machinery are most likely to succeed. It improves quality of products, saves money and speeds up the production process.

Question 18

Explain workers as a factor affecting productivity

Answer 18

Ensuring workers are well trained allows productivity levels to increase.

Ensuring workers are highly motivated allows productivity levels to increase.

Question 19

Explain four factors influencing innovation and R&D

Answer 19

Finance - if a business is low on money they will not be able to carry out R&D

Objectives - for eg if a business’s main aim is to survive then they will not bring out new products

Economy - for eg a boom may encourage the business to bring out new products

Market Research - customer reviews on products can influence innovation and R&D