Unit 1 - New and Emerging Technology

Question 1

benefit of new and emerging technology on industry.

Answer 1

Cutting costs to more efficient systems, decrease in human error

Question 2

Describe the effect of new and emerging technology on unemployment.

Answer 2

Reduces the need for manual input so makes lower skilled workers redundant.

Question 3

What is meant by the term workforce skill set?

Answer 3

An increasing need for employees to take responsibility for updating their skills following the introduction of new technologies.

Question 4

How do Science and technology parks support new and emerging technologies?

Answer 4

Science and technology parks enable businesses to associate with a centre of knowledge.

Question 5

What are privately owned businesses?

Answer 5

They tend to be small with limited sales, stock and workforce. The owner makes the strategic decisions.

Question 6

What is government funding?

Answer 6

Government funding is available for new businesses that make the use of new and emerging technology to contribute to the overall economy.
Advantages can be lower rates, can gain a mentor/advisor.

Question 7

What is a not for profit organisation?

Answer 7

An organisation reinvest the money they make in their chosen cause.

Question 8

Solution to reduce transport costs.

Answer 8

Changing from diesel, Lorries to electric vehicles, designing products that are lighter, more compact packaging.

Question 9

How can companies manage the demand on natural resources?

Answer 9

By developing new sustainable materials such as biodegradable materials

Question 10

How does minimising waste with new technologies impact on products?

Answer 10

It makes products more sustainable and generates cost savings.

Question 11

Examples of Assistive technology.

Answer 11

small devices such as pencil grips, larger lifting devices and all-terrain wheelchairs for people with disabilities.

Question 12

What impact does new technology have on wage levels?

Answer 12

Companies may need to pay more to attract staff with specialist technological skills. Learning new skills can lead to higher wages, but as some previously high-paid jobs become automated, associated wages may fall.

Question 13

Name positive impacts new technology has had on society.

Answer 13

Changes in working hours and shift patterns or the internet and mobile apps enable office workers to access systems at convenient times to them and their business. Or this maximises the labour available, increases productivity and improves morale.

Question 14

Internet of Things (IOT)

Answer 14

The system of interrelated devices that are connected via the internet is called the Internet of Things. For example, a home’s heating or washing machine can be programmed remotely via an app.

Question 15

The advantages of remote working to society.

Answer 15

can enable a more flexible work schedule or spend less time commuting

Question 16

Advantages of video conferencing.

Answer 16

travel costs are reduced, meetings can be called instantly at multiple locations.

Question 17

The disadvantages of video conferencing.

Answer 17

confidential documents may need to be viewed and signed in person or there may be a high set up cost.

Question 18

What is demographic movement?

Answer 18

The way in which the population’s structure changes, for example as a result of an ageing community or migration into an area.

Question 19

What is crowd funding?

Answer 19

A method of raising funds from many people for an enterprise via online platforms

Question 20

What does the term sustainability mean?

Answer 20

The ability to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Question 21

What is automation?

Answer 21

Using control systems to operate equipment. The advantages is it speeds up the process and allows for accuracy. Disadvantages are the impact on employment, and if anything goes wrong the whole production line stops.

Question 22

What is meant by the term culture?

Answer 22

The way a group of people behave, dress, eat and live their lives. Culture can be influenced by anything from religion, tradition and history to local food sources, climate and artistic expression.

Question 23

What is a standardised component?

Answer 23

The same components or modular systems are used across many designs.

Question 24

What are the advantages of standardised components?

Answer 24

Consistent safety and quality
• Speeds up product development as parts already exist
• Workforce can be easily trained to deal with standard components
• Cost saving

Question 25

What is Just in Time (JIT)?

Answer 25

Computerised stock control ensures that parts are only received when they are needed in the production process and go straight to the production site rather than being stored.

Question 26

What are the advantages of Just In Time (JIT)?

Answer 26

Can increase efficiency and reduce waste
Enables changes to production runs to meet demand
No need for storage

Question 27

What are the disadvantages of JIT?

Answer 27

• Any break in the supply chain holds up production
• Cost of more frequent deliveries
• Fewer bulk-buying discounts

Question 28

What is Lean manufacture?

Answer 28

Reducing or eliminating waste in design, manufacturing, distribution and customer services.

Question 29

what are the advantages of One off production?

Answer 29

High quality products

Question 30

What are the advantages of batch production?

Answer 30

Could lower capital costs

• Reduces inventory/storage space

Question 31

What are the advantages of continuous or mass production?

Answer 31

• Removes the cost of stopping and starting
the production process
• Materials can be cheaper in high quantities