Topics 37-40 (Production) Flashcards
What is job production?
Job production is where items are made one at a time. It is often associated with sole traders who make “one-off” products.
Advantages of job production
- High quality products
- Motivated workers
- Can be custom made
- Unique, to specification
Disadvantages of job production
- High labour costs
- Slow production
- Specialist tools needed
- Expensive - no EoS exploited
What is batch production?
Batch production is when a business makes goods in batches. They can be switched to something else on the same production line. An example would be a bakery. It uses Taylor’s method.
Advantages of batch production
- Workers specialise in one process
- Lower unit costs as outputs are higher
- Production is flexible
- Lower wages can be paid
Disadvantages of batch production
- Planning and coordination needed
- Less motivated workers
- Small batches still have high unit costs
- Money tied in work-in-progress
What is flow production?
Flow production is organised so that items flow round the factory in a continuous process until finished. Large quantities of products are made, and semi-skilled staff are used to operate machinery.
What is cell production?
Cell production is when items are organised into groups and teams and are set up at workstations to see a product through to completion. Workers with different skills work in each cell and work together to create different products within the same product family.
Advantages of flow production
- Very low unit costs due to EoS
- Quickly produced output
- Modern plants can offer flexibility
- Speed of production can be altered with demand
- Workers can be low paid
Disadvantages of flow production
- Products may be too standardised
- Huge set-up costs
- Very low worker motivation due to repetition
- Breaks can be very expensive
Advantages of cell production
- Product flexibility
- Lead times are cut
- Movement of resources is reduced
- Less work-in-progress
- Team-working is encouraged
What is productivity?
Productivity is the amount of output that can be produced with a given amount of resources.
Factors influencing productivity
- Specialisation of the division of labour
- Education and training
- Motivation of workers
- Working practices
- Flexibility
Advantages of capital intensive production
- Cost effective
- Presise and consistent
- 24/7 operation
- Easier to manage than people
Disadvantages of capital intensive production
- Huge set-up costs
- Huge delays if machines break down
- Can be inflexible
- Could reduce morale in workforce
