Unit 3 AOS 3

Question 1

Define Technology

Answer 1

application of science to achieve commercial or industrial objectives

Question 2

Define automation

Answer 2

replacement of human activity with technology

Question 3

What is Computer Aided Design

Answer 3

computer program that streamlines the creation and modification of product design = more accurate, flexible and manageable
Creates 3-D diagrams from given data = more accurate predictions of what final product will look like from all angles  can then adjust

Question 4

How does Computer Aided Design link to efficiency and effectiveness?

Answer 4

3-4 x quicker than manual methods = ↑ productivity = efficient b/c reduce time and labour
Drafts can be sent to client for feedback and then adjusted (e.g. architects) OR produce more prototypes = therefore more flexible for meeting client requirements/enables selection of best option = effective b/c ↑ sales
Reduced errors = efficient (less time spent fixing errors) + effective

Question 5

Advantages of CAD

Answer 5

Greater accuracy in design process = better quality = better reputation
Increases flexibility for customers = allows for customisation = more sales
Quicker design process

Question 6

Disadvantages of CAD

Answer 6

Expensive in short term due to cost of technology
Software needs constant updating
Employees may require extra training

Question 7

Describe Computer Aided Manufacturing

Answer 7

software used to control and direct the production process by controlling machinery and equipment through a computer
No need for manual resetting machinery

Question 8

How does CAM lead to efficiency and effectiveness?

Answer 8

Reduction in lost time b/c no need for humans to reset machinery = efficient
Reduction in labour costs = efficient
Fewer errors = less waste + higher quality = efficient and effective

Question 9

Advantages of CAM

Answer 9

Greater accuracy in manufacturing process = better quality = better reputation
Quicker manufacturing process
Reduces need for employees = lower costs

Question 10

Disadvantages of CAM

Answer 10

Expensive in short term due to cost of technology
Software needs constant updating
Employees may require extra training
Repairs can be expensive
Sudden breakdowns can halt production altogether = risk to productivity

Question 11

Description of Automated Production Line

Answer 11

machinery and equipment arranged in a sequence, product is developed as it proceeds through each step
Each station performs a specific operation  product processed step by step as it moves along the line in a predefined production sequence
Timing and sequencing of all equipment is controlled by computers

Question 12

APL link to efficiency and effectiveness

Answer 12

Less humans required = ↑ productivity = efficient
Quicker = ↑ productivity = efficient
Less human error = ↑ quality + ↓ waste = efficient + effective
↑ safety (less dangerous tasks + no need to handle toxic materials = effective

Question 13

Advantages of APL

Answer 13

Greater accuracy in manufacturing process = better quality = better reputation
Reduced waste due to errors
Quicker manufacturing process
Production can run 24/7
Reduces need for employees = lower costs

Question 14

Disadvantages of APL

Answer 14

Expensive in short term due to cost of technology
Software needs constant updating
Employees may require extra training
Repairs can be expensive
Sudden breakdowns can halt production altogether = risk to productivity

Question 15

Describe Website Development

Answer 15

• the creation of a outward facing interface that allows the public to interact with the business. Varies from business to business from providing product information to eabling transactions to occur via web (e.g. ecommerce or internet banking).

Question 16

Link b/w website development and efficiency and effectiveness

Answer 16

↑ service to customers = 24 hours  effectiveness (e.g. banks)
Takes out need for physical stores = ↓ costs  efficiency
Integration with production = ↑ speed  ↑ service to customers = effective
Increased flexibility for both business and customer  effective = better customer service

Question 17

Define operations management

Answer 17

Refers to the task of managing the processes that transform inputs into finished goods and/or services (outputs).

Question 18

What are the elements of the operations system

Answer 18

Inputs
Processes
Outputs

Question 19

What is the aim of operations management?

Answer 19

max productivity and quality by minimising costs and maximising quality of output

Question 20

What are the links b/w effective operations management and business objectives?

Answer 20

Effective operations management  meeting customer needs  ↑ profit, ↑ meeting social needs, ↑ market share

Effective operations management  ↓inputs + ↓waste  ↓ costs  ↑ profit OR ability to do more  ↑ meeting social needs

Effective operations management  ↑ quality  ↑ profit, ↑ meeting social needs, ↑ market share

Question 21

What are the responsibilities of an Operations Manager?

Answer 21

Inventory management = physical inputs – how much, when, how stored Manufacturing = processes  what processes, how often/how much  meet requirements w/o wastage (e.g. defects, labour costs or product that is never sold) Quality  determine standards, determine procedures for managing quality + oversee enactment Maintenance/engineering  ensure equipment is reliable, control maintenance costs, keep records

Question 22

What are the elements of the operations system?

Answer 22

Inputs Processes Outpots

Question 23

What are inputs?

Answer 23

Definition: the resources used in the operations system Six categories: People – e.g. employees Facilities and equipment – e.g. buildings, machinery and technology Materials – e.g. raw materials (wood, steel), parts, components Finance – to be able to purchase initial inputs Information – related to business operations, e.g. doctor’s files or customer feedback Time

Question 24

What are processes?

Answer 24

the activities that convert inputs into the output

Question 25

What are outputs?

Answer 25

the finished product/result of process in the form of goods and services.

Question 26

Describe a Manufacturing Organisation

Answer 26

Organisations that produce outputs that are tangible, i.e. that can be touched

Clear operations system – they convert inputs into a visible product = a good

E.g. a car manufacturer combines human labour, parts and the use of robotics to produce a car

Question 27

Describe a Service Organisation

Answer 27

Organisations that produce outputs that are not visible = intangible

The operations system is not obvious because the business may produce something that is overlooked.

Question 28

What are the key differences b/w the operations of a manufacturing and service organisation

Answer 28

• Nature of product - tangible vs. intangible
• Occurrence of production and consumption - separate vs. together
• Consistency - standardised vs. customised
• Customer contact - minimal vs. high
  
  • Production requirements - capital intensive vs. labour intensive
• Storability - can be stored vs. cannot

Question 29

What are the similarities in operations management in manufacturing and service businesses?

Answer 29

• Utilise technology
• Deal with customers and suppliers
• Plan and develop organisational objectives
• Require decision-making about how to optimise productivity and quality
• Aim to produce the highest-quality outputs at the lowest cost

Question 30

What is forecasting?

Answer 30

predicting demand based on factors such as historical data, seasonal fluctuations, promotions/sales à then planning materials required based on predictions = sets timing for orders (taking into account supplier lead-in times) + informs staff roster

Question 31

How does forecasting link to efficiency and effectiveness?

Answer 31

↑ that there will be sufficient materials on hand to fulfil orders = prevents work stopping or slowdowns while waiting for materials to arrive = effective + efficient
↑ likelihood that there will be enough product on hand to meet customer demand  effective
Prevents overstocking = less waste and less cost for storage = ↑ efficiency
Makes business quicker – order comes in, stock is already on hand rather than waiting for order to then order materials to start production = effective

Question 32

What are the limitations of forecasting?

Answer 32

Historical data and market trends may not be accurate
A business may be unable to meet unexpected increases in customer demand
Time consuming to analyse
Insufficient materials means production is brought to a halt = lost time + lost cost due to wages

Question 33

What is the Master Production Schedule Strategy?

Answer 33

– a plan which details what is to be produced, how much of each product and when = informs what materials will be required to meet the schedule + types and amounts of employees required
Informed by forecasting

Question 34

How does a Master Production Schedule link to efficiency and effectiveness?

Answer 34

Enables business to ensure it has enough materials on hand to meet demand = effective
Enables production to flow continuously = ↑ efficiency b/c time not wasted

Question 35

Disadvantages of a Master Production Schedule

Answer 35

Can lack flexibility
Time consuming to create plan

Question 36

What is Materials Requirement Planning?

Answer 36

process that itemises the types and quantities of materials required to meet production targets sets out in the MPS

Question 37

How does Materials Requirement Planning link to efficiency and effectiveness?

Answer 37

Prevents understocking  effective and efficient (don’t lose time)
Prevents overstocking  capital is not tied up with idle stock  efficient

Question 38

Disadvantages of a Master Production Schedule

Answer 38

Can lack flexibility
Time consuming to create plan

Question 39

Disadvantages of Materials Requirement Planning?

Answer 39

Can lack flexibility
Time consuming to create plan

Question 40

What is Just in Time?

Answer 40

 where materials are delivered just as they are needed in the production process = ↓ storage = ↓ cost = ↓ waste + ↑ freshness or becoming obsolete (new tech)
Leads to the elimination of all idle stock and waste BUT highly reliant on suppliers to deliver the right materials, on time and in the correct quantities

Question 41

How does Just in Tie link to Efficiency and Effectiveness?

Answer 41

↓ storage + cost = ↑ efficiency
↑space for production = ↑ effectiveness
↓ capital tied up in stock = effective
↑ flexibility if tastes change OR new products become available = effective

Question 42

Disadvantages of Just in Time

Answer 42

May fail to meet customer demand from a lack of reserve stock = damage to reputation
Less time to check quality of stock
If suppliers are unreliable can fail to deliver = production halts
Discounts from bulk buying can be lost
Delivery costs can increase due to more frequent deliveries