Operations Management-lean production

Question 1

What is lean production?

Answer 1

Whole business approach to management that focuses on reducing waste-whilst ensuring quality
(to reduce costs and become more competitive)

Question 2

What is time-based competition?

Answer 2

An attempt to reduce the time taken between the generation of the idea for a product and it going into production(lead time)

Question 3

What are some advantages of time based management?

Answer 3

Reduced lead times
Reduced waste
Flexible production facilities
Multi skilled staff

Question 4

What is total quality management?

Answer 4

Method considering the efficient usage of all resources used within the production process

Question 5

What is jidoka?

Answer 5

Process for building into the production process an ability to detect and reject faulty goods at the earliest possible moment

Question 6

What are the benefits to jidoka?

Answer 6

Prevents downtime

Andon light system allows for a quick response-keeps line moving

Question 7

What is kaizen?

Answer 7

Continuous improvement as the production process goes along

Question 8

What are some positives and negatives of kaizen?

Answer 8

Pressures employees
Without kaizen the business can become uncompetitive
Motivates staff to take ownership for their work

Question 9

What is quality and quality circles?

Answer 9

Groups (volunteers) specifically brought together to identify potential improvements
-Motivates employees

Question 10

What is JIT?

Answer 10

Levels of stock are kept low in order to reduce the amount of space required for storage
-ordering smaller quantities more frequently=less stock holding

Question 11

What are some disadvantages of JIT?

Answer 11

Reliant on suppliers
Little room for mistakes
No spare capacity

Question 12

What is Kanban?

Answer 12

Helps to organise the flow of components onto the production line at the right time-details on a barcode so a computer can see where the components are needed on production line
(Part of JIT)

Question 13

How does the kanban system work effectively?

Answer 13

All components must have a kanban attached to the parts/container
No parts should be moved without a kanban

Question 14

What is cell production?

Answer 14

Form of teamwork-workforce divided into self-contained teams designed to complete a particular manufacturing process of products
Increases responsibility+productivity

Question 15

What is ergonomics?

Answer 15

Relationship between employee and capital equipment (machines) being used
-min amount of time wasted in using machinery

Question 16

How do all the production methods affect a business?

Answer 16

All help them to become leaner-more cost effective-become more competitive