New & Emerging Technologies Flashcards
(113 cards)
1
Q
What is technology’s impact on the world?
A
Technology is transforming the world, impacting the environment and the way we live, work, and communicate.
2
Q
What is enterprise?
A
Enterprise is the ability to identify business opportunities and take advantage of them.
3
Q
What characterizes successful businesses?
A
Successful businesses are innovative and can adapt quickly to change.
4
Q
How do businesses generate new ideas?
A
Identifying new and emerging technologies helps businesses generate new ideas.
5
Q
What is crowdfunding?
A
Crowdfunding enables individuals or businesses to promote an idea on a platform to a large audience.
6
Q
How do backers benefit from crowdfunding?
A
Backers are generally rewarded for their investment, usually in the form of a gift, discount, or share in the business.
7
Q
What is virtual marketing?
A
Virtual marketing uses the Internet to reach a wider market, including online advertising.
8
Q
What is pay-per-click advertising?
A
Pay-per-click advertising involves businesses paying to appear prominently in search engine results.
9
Q
What is virtual retailing?
A
Virtual retailing allows shoppers to buy products online through businesses’ online stores and websites.
10
Q
What is a cooperative?
A
A cooperative is a business owned and run by its workers or members who make decisions and share profits.
11
Q
Where are cooperatives typically based?
A
Cooperatives are usually based around local communities but can also be large businesses.
12
Q
What is fair trade?
A
Fair trade ensures farmers in lower-income countries get a fair price for their produce.
13
Q
What does fair trade aim to improve?
A
Fair trade aims to improve trade terms and conditions for workers.
14
Q
How are fair trade items labeled?
A
Fair trade items are labelled to help consumers make ethical buying choices.
15
Q
How has the use of new technologies changed manufacturing?
A
It has significantly changed the way goods are manufactured.
16
Q
What is automation in manufacturing?
A
Automation involves the use of automatic equipment in manufacturing.
17
Q
When was automation first developed on a large scale?
A
During the Industrial Revolution.
18
Q
What are the benefits of using automated equipment?
A
It can significantly improve productivity, enabling manufacturers to create high-quality products quickly and cheaply.
19
Q
What tasks can industrial robots perform?
A
They can perform tasks such as welding, assembling parts, painting, labelling, and packaging.
20
Q
What are the advantages of automation and robotics?
A
Increased efficiency and productivity, fewer errors and greater accuracy, limited human input, and the ability to perform dangerous work.
21
Q
What are the disadvantages of automation and robotics?
A
Expensive setup and maintenance, job losses due to replacement of human labour, lack of human judgement, and requirement for high-skilled workers.
22
Q
How have technologies like Wi-Fi and 4G improved workplace efficiency?
A
They enable faster communication, data transfer, and greater workforce mobility.
23
Q
What is Computer-Aided Design (CAD)?
A
CAD allows users to draw, design, and model products using specialist software.
24
Q
What can CAD software create?
A
Both 2D and 3D models.
25
What are examples of CAD software?
AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Autodesk Inventor, and 2D Design.
26
What is Computer-Aided Manufacture (CAM)?
CAM uses computer numerical control (CNC) to create CAD designs.
27
How does CAM work?
The CAD software creates 3D coordinates, which the CAM machine interprets to manufacture the design.
28
What are examples of CAM equipment?
Laser cutters, 3D printers, CNC routers, and CNC lathes.
29
What is one advantage of CAD?
More accurate than hand drawings
## Footnote
CAD stands for Computer-Aided Design, which allows for precise design work.
30
How does CAD enable design testing?
Enables designs to be extensively amended and tested before production
## Footnote
This feature allows for iterative design improvements.
31
What collaborative feature does CAD provide?
Allows several designers to work on the same project simultaneously
## Footnote
This enhances teamwork and productivity.
32
What perspective does CAD offer?
Offers views of 3D models from all angles
## Footnote
This aids in visualizing the final product.
33
What is one advantage of CAM?
High level of accuracy
## Footnote
CAM stands for Computer-Aided Manufacturing.
34
How does CAM affect production speed?
Increases the speed and efficiency of the production process
## Footnote
This is crucial for meeting demand.
35
What is a direct benefit of using CAD files in CAM?
Products can be manufactured directly from CAD files
## Footnote
This streamlines the production workflow.
36
What operational advantage does CAM have?
Can operate 24 hours a day
## Footnote
This maximizes production uptime.
37
What is a disadvantage of CAD?
Can be difficult to learn
## Footnote
This may require training for effective use.
38
What is another disadvantage of CAD?
Can require large amounts of memory
## Footnote
This may necessitate high-performance hardware.
39
What is a cost-related disadvantage of CAD?
Expensive software
## Footnote
This can be a barrier for small businesses.
40
What is a disadvantage of CAM?
Expensive equipment
## Footnote
Initial investment can be significant.
41
What maintenance issue does CAM have?
Requires maintenance
## Footnote
Regular upkeep is necessary to ensure efficiency.
42
What human factor does CAM replace?
Replaces human workforce
## Footnote
This can lead to job displacement.
43
What do flexible manufacturing systems (FMS) consist of?
Computer numerical control (CNC) machines
## Footnote
These machines adapt to different production tasks.
44
What flexibility do FMS provide?
Machines are easily adaptable and can be programmed for different tasks
## Footnote
This is beneficial for varied product lines.
45
What production strategy is FMS ideal for?
Batch production
## Footnote
It allows for quick adjustments to production needs.
46
What is the goal of lean manufacturing?
Minimise waste in the manufacturing process
## Footnote
This improves overall efficiency.
47
What does Just-in-Time (JIT) production focus on?
Stock is closely monitored and only ordered when needed
## Footnote
This reduces excess inventory.
48
What is an advantage of JIT?
By minimising stock levels, JIT reduces costs
## Footnote
This can significantly improve profitability.
49
What is another advantage of JIT?
Reduces the risk of losing money through stolen or damaged stock
## Footnote
This protects financial investment.
50
What is a benefit related to stock freshness in JIT?
Stock is less likely to go out of date
## Footnote
This is crucial for perishable goods.
51
What is a disadvantage of JIT?
Lost economies of scale due to ordering of small quantities
## Footnote
This can increase per-unit costs.
52
What supply chain risk exists with JIT?
Lack of stock if supplier delays or ordering mistakes occur
## Footnote
This can halt production.
53
What is a logistical disadvantage of JIT?
Increased transport costs due to more frequent deliveries
## Footnote
This can negate some efficiency gains.
54
What production risk is associated with JIT?
Little room for production mistakes because of little to no stock
## Footnote
This requires precise operations.
55
What is a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)?
A life cycle assessment (LCA) is used to assess the environmental impacts of a product at every stage of its life: from obtaining the raw materials to the eventual disposal of the product.
56
What stages are included in a Life Cycle Assessment?
The stages include extraction and processing of raw materials, manufacture, distribution and packaging, use, and disposal.
57
What questions are considered during the extraction and processing stage?
Questions include: How much energy is needed to extract or produce and process the raw materials? Does extraction or production damage the environment? Do raw materials adhere to environmental standards?
58
What questions are considered during the manufacturing stage?
Questions include: How much energy is needed to process materials into the final product? How much waste or pollution will manufacturing produce? What materials are used in packaging?
59
What questions are considered during the distribution and packaging stage?
Questions include: How much pollution will distribution cause? How much packaging is required? Is it unnecessarily bulky?
60
What questions are considered during the use stage?
Questions include: How will using the product affect the environment? Will the product consume a lot of energy? Does the product produce waste or polluting substances?
61
What questions are considered during the disposal stage?
Questions include: How easy will it be to dispose of the product at the end of its life? How much waste or pollution will be produced as a result of disposal?
62
What is a major environmental concern during product manufacturing?
During the manufacture of many new products, fossil fuels are burned for energy production and transportation of materials, releasing greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming.
63
What are the effects of global warming?
Effects include melting glaciers, rising sea levels, increased risk of flooding, extinction of plant and animal species, and severe drought causing famine.
64
What types of pollution can manufacturing cause?
Manufacturing can lead to water, noise, and land pollution, with factories potentially leaking pollutants into the environment.
65
What is continuous improvement?
Continuous improvement is the ongoing effort to make small improvements to products or processes to boost productivity and efficiency.
66
What is Honda's 'Green Path'?
Honda's 'Green Path' is a course of action aimed at making products more recyclable, reducing waste and carbon emissions, and conserving resources during manufacture.
67
What are some examples of Honda's 'Green Path' in action?
Examples include building two onsite wind turbines at Honda's Ohio transmission plant, designing the Auto-Max railcar for better transportation efficiency, and implementing the Honda Environmental Leadership Program to reduce CO2 emissions to zero.
68
What percentage has Honda reduced its energy use per auto over ten years?
Honda has reduced its energy use per auto by 14% over ten years.
69
What is efficient working?
Efficient working involves making the best use of available resources to save energy and money while minimizing environmental damage.
70
How can businesses improve efficiency?
Businesses can improve efficiency through investment in new technology, implementing new working practices, or reducing wastage during manufacture.
71
What technology has Dell invested in?
Dell has invested in specialist technology to monitor and reduce energy consumption at its manufacturing facilities.
72
What questions should be considered when developing new products?
Consider if the product is made from renewable or non-renewable resources, if the manufacturing process causes pollution, how much energy is used, if it can be disposed of easily, how energy efficient it will be, and what the waste products are.
73
What is sustainability?
Sustainability involves meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
74
What must designers consider when developing a new product?
Designers must consider the sustainability of the resources used.
75
What are finite resources?
Finite resources are non-renewable and cannot be replenished as fast as they are consumed, making them unsustainable.
## Footnote
Examples include fossil fuels (oil, gas, coal).
76
What are non-finite resources?
Non-finite resources are renewable and can be replenished faster than they are consumed, making them sustainable.
## Footnote
Examples include timber and wind power.
77
What happens to a product at the end of its life?
Once a product comes to the end of its life, it must be disposed of.
78
What are the environmental impacts of landfill waste?
Decaying waste can cause pollution by contaminating local land and water supply and generating greenhouse gases.
79
What is encouraged to reduce landfill waste?
People are being encouraged to recycle their waste.
80
What types of materials can typically be recycled?
Certain materials such as paper, plastic, and metal can be recycled.
81
How can food waste be utilized?
Food waste can be recycled for fertilizer and to generate biofuels.
82
What is one method to reduce waste volume going to landfill?
Waste can be incinerated (burned) to reduce the volume of waste going to landfill.
## Footnote
However, this generates significant greenhouse gas emissions causing more pollution.
83
What are the 6 Rs?
The 6 Rs help designers analyze the potential environmental impact and sustainability of new products and help consumers evaluate their impact on the environment.
84
What does 'Rethink' mean in the context of the 6 Rs?
Consider how the product can be made in a more sustainable way using sustainable resources and be more sustainable itself.
85
What does 'Reduce' mean in the context of the 6 Rs?
We can limit the amount of resources and energy used when creating, using, and disposing of products.
86
What does 'Refuse' mean in the context of the 6 Rs?
We can refuse to use unsustainable and unethical resources, processes, and products.
87
What does 'Recycle' mean in the context of the 6 Rs?
Consider how the product can be made from recyclable materials and whether all or part of it can be recycled at the end of its life.
88
What does 'Repair' mean in the context of the 6 Rs?
We can create products that are easy to repair so that their life cycle can be extended.
89
What does 'Reuse' mean in the context of the 6 Rs?
Consider how the product can be used again or in other ways once it has served its function.
90
What drives new product development?
New product development is driven by new technology or changing consumer demands.
91
What is Technology Push?
Technology Push occurs when new materials or techniques become available through research and development, enabling designers to create new products.
92
What is Market Pull?
Market Pull refers to new product development driven by changing consumer demands and requirements.
## Footnote
Example: People have recently been looking for 'greener' alternatives to plastic.
93
Give examples of products developed due to Market Pull.
Examples include the Apple iPad and reusable coffee cups.
94
How has information technology affected job roles?
The rise in information technology and manufacturing automation has led to a reduction in manufacturing jobs and an increase in skilled and service industry jobs.
95
What are the differing opinions on technology's impact on employment?
Some argue that technology leads to redundancies and unemployment, while others believe it changes the nature of jobs, with more skilled roles becoming available.
96
Why is it important to consider culture and society in product design?
Designers need to consider the values, cultures, customs, and behaviors of different groups to ensure products meet diverse needs and do not cause offense.
97
What role does fashion play in new product development?
Fashion significantly impacts new product development, as products considered 'uncool' are less likely to be purchased.
98
How has the Internet influenced fashion trends?
The Internet allows businesses and celebrities to showcase new fashions and trends instantly, resulting in rapidly changing trends.
99
How can products be adapted for the elderly?
Products can be designed to accommodate elderly individuals with poor vision or reduced mobility, such as weighted cutlery for easier dining.
100
How can products assist those with physical disabilities?
Products can be adapted to help individuals with restricted speech or mobility, such as text-to-speech technology for communication.
101
What is the importance of ethical considerations in design?
Ethical considerations ensure that products do not harm individuals or society and comply with laws such as copyright.
102
What is critical evaluation in product design?
Designers analyse, test, and evaluate new materials and technologies to determine their suitability for use in products.
103
What is planned obsolescence?
Products are designed to have a set lifespan, with some intended for long-term use and others for single use.
104
What is an example of a product designed for a short lifespan?
Coffee pod
## Footnote
Designed for 1 use.
105
What is design for maintenance?
Products are designed so that broken or worn-out components can be repaired or replaced without discarding the entire product.
106
What is design for disassembly?
A design strategy that considers future needs for disassembling a product for repair, recycling, or prolonging its life cycle.
107
What is an example of a product designed for a short lifespan in technology?
Mobile phone
## Footnote
Typically lasts 2-3 years.
108
How does planned obsolescence affect sales?
Some businesses use it to ensure a steady stream of sales, as longer-lasting products can lead to fewer sales.
109
What ethical issues can arise in manufacturing?
Cutting costs may involve unethical practices like using cheaper overseas labor or illegally disposing of waste.
110
What do some customers prefer regarding product sourcing?
Some are willing to pay higher prices for ethically sourced, fair trade products.
111
How should designers consider the environment?
They must consider the environmental impact from manufacture to disposal, using renewable materials and minimizing energy consumption.
112
What does the FSC label indicate?
It ensures that timber has come from a sustainable source.
113
What strategies can reduce environmental impact?
Ensuring products have long lifespans, or can be recycled or reused.
