Unit 1 - New And Emerging Technologies

Question 1

What makes automated assembly line manufacture suitable for the production of cars? (3)

Answer 1

1. Identical products are passed through the production line; making it easy to program robots to perform repetitive operations
2. The process can be broken down into stages; each of which can be repeated
3. Precision is required and must be maintained; robots are able to work consistently and indefinitely

Question 2

How can automation affect the physical layout of a parts warehouse? (2)

Answer 2

1. Warehouse shelving may be taller if accessed by robots therefore requiring less floor area
2. Shelving may need to be closer together with precise robots or wider apart to allow room for wheeled viechles or turning areas

Question 3

How may automation change systems and procedures in picking and packaging items from the warehouse? (2)

Answer 3

1. Fully automated picking and packaging may replace manual workers altogether
2. May replace manual checking systems, meaning greater levels of accuracy and continually updated stock levels tracked

Question 4

What methods could a small business use to increase funding or awareness of their product? (2)

Answer 4

1. Funding: Crowdfunding to receive investment from a group of individuals rather than a single bank or investor
2. Awareness: Social media enables mass marketing at a minimal cost and can attract a global market

Question 5

What is meant by a finite resource?

Answer 5

A resource that is limited in supply

Question 6

Give examples of non-finite resources (6)

Answer 6

1. Wind
2. Solar
3. Tidal
4. Geothermal
5. Nuclear
6. Biomass

Question 7

What are the benefits to the environment from using non-finite energy resources? (3)

Answer 7

1. Not using up natural resources that will one day run out
2. Less detrimental to the environment as there is no need to drill for oil or mine for coal which can disrupt ecosystems
3. Doesn’t pollute harmful gases

Question 8

Why is it ethical for companies to use biodegradable packaging? (5)

Answer 8

1. Biodegradable packaging decomposes faster, reducing waste in landfill
2. Requires less energy to process into useable materials
3. Manufactured with fewer finite resources
4. Non-toxic when they decompose
5. Biopolymers reduce our reliance on imported oil

Question 9

Why is it ethical for companies to use/sell fairtrade products? (2)

Answer 9

1. Workers get paid a fair living wage for their produce, rather than the minimum wage
2. Small scale farmers are given access to global markets

Question 10

Why is it ethical for companies to use recycled components? (4)

Answer 10

1. Reduce the manufacture of new products
2. Landfill space is reduced by recycling
3. Reduced consumption of harmful materials in the production of new components
4. Prevents harmful materials from ending up in a landfill

Question 11

The Japanese ‘Kaizen’ culture describes continuous improvement.
What is meant by ‘continuous improvement’?

Answer 11

Constant bettering of products, services and processes in pursuit of perfection

Question 12

How does manufacturing and consumption affect pollution levels? (2)

Answer 12

1. Manufacture can emit harmful gases and smoke particles

2. Consumption of fuels can emit exhaust fumes causing smog; some smoke particles can condense forming acidic rain

Question 13

How does manufacturing and consumption affect global warming?

Answer 13

Greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, are a by-product of burning fossil fuels

Question 14

What is meant by market pull?

Answer 14

Product ideas realised in response to market forces

Question 15

What ethical questions might retailers ask before buying stock? (2)

Answer 15

1. Has a fair price been paid to the labourers in producing the materials?
2. Have any cheap, toxic or banned substances been used in their production?

Question 16

How might automation enable a factory to reduce production costs? (2)

Answer 16

1. Robots may replace human workers and no wages outlay once the machines have been paid for
2. Machines are less liable to make mistakes reducing wastage and saving time spent correcting

Question 17

Give one cost that may rise with an increase in automation

Answer 17

Maintainance of machinery - requires highly skilled staff

Question 18

What are the advantages of using CAD software to produce a drawing? (4)

Answer 18

1. Files can be transferred to the CAM machine
2. Developments to the design can be created, saved and edited easily, saving time
3. Parts of designs can be easily copied or repeated
4. Designs can be worked on by remote teams simultaneously

Question 19

What are the disadvantages of using CAD to produce the design? (4)

Answer 19

1. The software is complex to learn
2. Software is expensive
3. The software may not be compatible with other systems at the company
4. Security issues surrounding the storage and the transmission of digital files

Question 20

What are the advantages of just-in-time (JIT) production? (3)

Answer 20

1. Less material held in stock
2. Staff can be employed on a temporary basis; lowering wage bills
3. Less storage costs as parts are immediately shipped off

Question 21

What things might manufacturers consider when sourcing used parts? (3)

Answer 21

1. Materials will need to be clean, undamaged and acceptable quality and technical standard
2. From a reliable and plentiful source
3. Legally sourced (not stolen)

Question 22

How can a company design a product to improve its recyclability? (3)

Answer 22

1. Use as few materials as possible
2. Using recycled or recyclable materials
3. Avoiding permanent bonding methods

Question 23

What is one advantage and one disadvantage of a company making their products easy to repair by professionals?

Answer 23

Advantage: Manufacturer can sell parts at greater profit margins than complete products

Disadvantage: Consumers are less likely to purchase a new product if it can be fixed