Operations - Methods of Production

Question 1

Describe Flow production

Answer 1

• Parts are added to a product as it moves along a production line until it is complete
• Capital Intensive

Question 2

Give 2 advantages and disadvantages of Job production

Answer 2

ADVANTAGES
* Customisation is allowed → increased customer satisfaction
* Products are handmade → Unique selling point, high prices can be charged
* Workers get to use a variety of skills → Makes them more motivated

DISADVANTAGES
* Slower production rate → orders can take a while
* Business needs to hire highly skilled staff and purchase tools → Expensive
* Risk of human error → causes waste

Question 3

Give 2 advantages and disadvantages of Batch production

THINK STAGES AND REDUNDANCY

Answer 3

ADVANTAGES
* All products in the batch are identical → no quality differences
* Skilled staff not required for repetitive stages → saves costs
* Customisation avaliable to meet customer requirements → increased customer satisfaction

DISADVANTAGES
* Repetitive → demotivating for staff
* Mistake in one means mistake in all → wastage produced
* Workers and machines are idle if demand falls

Question 4

Give 2 advantages and disadvantages of Flow production

Answer 4

ADVANTAGES
* Huge quantity can be produced → cheaper for customers
* Machines can work 24/7 without breaks → faster production
* Reduces human error → less wastage

DISADVANTAGES
* Machinery has to be bought and maintained → expensive
* No customisation → premium price cannot be charged
* Machines breaking down means production is halted → unhappy customers

Question 5

Describe Job production

Answer 5

• A product is made from start to finish before another one is made
• Labour intensive

Question 6

Describe Batch production

Answer 6

• A group of identical products are made at one time and move on to each stage of production at the same time.
• Labour and capital intensive