UNIT 4 MRS C Flashcards
(29 cards)
What are the 7 operational objectives?
costs
quality
speed
flexibility
dependability
environmental objectives
added value
What are operational objectives?
Specific, measurable goals set by a business to improve its operations, such as increasing efficiency or improving quality
What internal factors influence operational objectives?
Corporate objectives
finance
human resources
What external factors influence operational objectives?
Market conditions
competitors
legal/environmental change
What is capacity utilisation?
The percentage of a firm’s total possible production capacity that is actually being used
How is capacity utilization calculated?
(Actual output / Maximum possible output) × 100
What is labour productivity?
Output per worker over a given time period
How is unit cost calculated?
Total production costs divided by the number of units produced
What is the importance of efficiency in operations?
reduce waste
lower costs
improve competitiveness.
What is lean production?
An approach that aims to reduce waste and improve efficiency in the production process
Name three techniques associated with lean production.
Just-in-time (JIT)
Kaizen (continuous improvement)
cell production
What is just-in-time (JIT) inventory management?
A system where materials are ordered and received just as they are needed in the production process
What are the benefits of JIT?
Reduces inventory holding costs and minimizes waste
What are the risks of JIT?
Potential for production delays if supplies are not delivered on time
What is Kaizen?
Kaizen is a Japanese term meaning “continuous improvement” — small, ongoing changes involving all employees
What are the key principles of Kaizen?
Involvement of all employees
small changes
continuous feedback.
What are the advantages of Kaizen?
- Improves efficiency and quality
- boosts employee morale
- encourages a culture of continuous improvement
What are potential drawbacks of Kaizen?
May take time to see results
can meet resistance from staff
may require ongoing management commitment
What is cell production?
A lean production technique where the production process is split into teams (cells), each responsible for a part of the product
What are the benefits of cell production?
Improved teamwork, increased motivation, better quality control, and faster production times
What are the limitations of cell production?
Requires skilled workers
layout changes can be costly
may not suit all types of products
How does cell production differ from traditional production lines?
Traditional lines are linear and repetitive; cells allow for greater flexibility and autonomy within small groups
What is quality control?
Inspecting products at the end of the production process to ensure they meet quality standards.
What is quality assurance?
Ensuring quality is maintained throughout the production process, not just at the end.
