Operations processes Flashcards
What are the 3 main processes
- inputs
- transformation process
- outputs
define inputs
inputs can be classified as transformed resources and transforming resources
examples of transformed resources
materials + intermediate goods, information, customers
examples of transforming resources
human resources ( labour )
facilities ( plant, factor + office )
define transformed resources
inputs that are changed or converted in the operations process, they are transformed by the operations processes
define transforming resources
they are those inputs that carry out the transformation process
- enable change and value adding to occur
What is apart of the transformation process
- Influence of volume, variety, variation in demand and visibility
- sequencing and scheduling
- technology, task design and process layout
- monitoring, control and improvement
what are the 4 V’s for the transformation process
- volume
- variety
- variation in demand
- visibility
what are the 4 V’s for the transformation process
- volume
- variety
- variation in demand
- visibility
what is volume
refers to how much of a product is needed to be produced
- more a business can produce using the same production process = greater cost savings
what is variety
the production process must be flexible enough to provide variety
- a basic product is provided it can be adapted to suit individual needs
what is variation in demand
important that volume flexibility is built into the production process so that the amount produced can be adjusted to meet variations in demand
what is visbility
refers to building relationships with the customer –> customer loyaty and enables a business to improve its operations
what is sequencing and scheduling
two aspects that assist with structuring and ordering the transformation process
- used to identity all steps ( task analysis ) required for the operation process+ organise them in the most efficient order
what is sequencing
order in which activities occur / must be performed
what is scheduling
length of time activities will take / must be completed by
what are gantt charts
outline the activities that need to be performed, the order in which they should occur and how long each activity is expected to take
what are gantt charts used for
- scheduling simple routine tasks
- schedule the work activities for one employee or a team
ADVANTAGES of gantt charts
- forces a manager to plan the steps and specify time required
- easy to minor progress against planned activities
- easy to understand
- quick to read
- comparing actual vs planned results
what are critical path analysis
is a scheduling method or technique that shows what tasks need to be done, how long eac takes and the other necessary to complete thoase tasks
- it is the shortest time
BENEFIT of a critical path analysis
enables a business to determine the critical path - shortest length of time it takes to complete all tasks
What are the 2 types of technology
new technology
existing technology
what is new technology
advantage - competitive advantage, add more money / value
disadvantage - expensive, time consuming
what is existing technology
advantage - safer, cheaper, tried and tested
disadvantage - no competitive advantage
