Question 1

The selection of a proper site for a business facility is important in the production and operations management processes. Identify and discuss three factors that influence the selection of a site.

Accepted Answer

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Question 2

How has the emphasis of quality control changed in recent years? Describe some of the modern quality control techniques that illustrate this change in emphasis.

Accepted Answer

The answer of How has the emphasis of quality control...

Question 3

Arturo is a production and operations manager and he loves details. He likes to keep track of how his projects are moving along. One of Arturo's favorite tools is a bar graph that shows how much work has been completed on the projects that are currently under way and which processes are behind schedule. Arturo likes to use a(n)
A) CAD/CAM diagram.
B) input-output graph.
C) Gantt chart.
D) Targeted Completion Date (TCD) graph.

Accepted Answer

A Gantt chart is a bar graph that shows what projects are being worked on and how much work has been completed on each project.

Question 4

Sparky knows that installing the new equipment and training workers to use it efficiently will be a long and complex process consisting of many different tasks. Which of the following methods would help him determine how long this project is likely to take?
A) TPSM (task priority scheduling method)
B) DA (dependency analysis)
C) TRSS (task and resource scheduling system)
D) PERT (program evaluation and review technique)

Accepted Answer

PERT enables managers to estimate how long it will take to complete a project by identifying the project's critical path, which is the sequence of tasks in a project that takes the longest to complete.

Question 5

Both PERT diagrams and Gantt charts are useful to managers concerned with
A) calculating the rate of profit earned in a particular market.
B) making sure that projects are completed on time.
C) estimating the cost of completing a project.
D) establishing formal lines of authority and responsibility within an organization.

Accepted Answer

PERT diagrams and Gantt charts are tools used by managers to help ensure that projects are carried out in a timely manner. PERT diagrams help managers sequence the various tasks needed to complete a project, and identify the critical path, which is the sequence of tasks that takes the longest to complete. This information helps the manager focus on completing the tasks that have the greatest potential for delaying the overall project. A Gantt chart is simpler, but this bar graph provides a visual way for managers to track progress on a project and identify which tasks are on time and which are behind schedule.

Question 6

PERT is a popular control method used by organizations. Explain the purpose of PERT analysis, and describe the steps involved in constructing a PERT network. Your explanation should include a discussion of the significance of the critical path in a PERT network.

Accepted Answer

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Question 7

What are the ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 standards? Why are they important?

Accepted Answer

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Question 8

How are MRP and ERP similar? How do they differ?

Accepted Answer

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Question 9

A PERT network consists of activities linked by arrows. Suppose two of the activities on the network are labeled "A" and "B." An arrow from "A" to "B" indicates that
A) the same resources used to complete "A" are also used to complete "B."
B) "A" and "B" can be completed at the same time.
C) "A" takes longer to complete than "B."
D) "A" must be completed before "B" can begin.

Accepted Answer

The arrows in a PERT network indicate the sequence in which activities must be performed. An arrow from "A" to "B" means "A" must be completed before "B" can begin.

Question 10

One of Sparky's goals is to expand globally. He is most interested in doing business with the nations of the EU. In order to do business with the European Union, Sparky's company should
A) gain ISO 9001 certification.
B) make sure his production workers all belong to an international union.
C) put more emphasis on low cost rather than product quality.
D) buy at least 50 percent of its supplies from countries belonging to the European Union.

Accepted Answer

ISO 9001 refers to quality management and assurance standards. These standards provide a common denominator of business quality that is accepted around the world. The EU is demanding that firms wanting to do business with it must be certified as meeting the ISO 9001 standards.

Question 11

While planning a new product launch, Cassandra knew that the art department was ready to work on the promotional pieces right away. But they are not able to start until the strategy group established the price point and the purchasing group obtained the paper needed to make the promotional piece. Establishing price points would take about a week and was dependent on manufacturing getting the costs to the strategy group. This was expected a week from today. The purchasing group indicated the paper could be obtained locally the same day it was requested. Based on this information and assuming things go according to plan, when will the art department be able to begin work on the promotional pieces?
A) 1 day
B) 1 week
C) 2 weeks
D) 1 month

Accepted Answer

A PERT chart could be used to determine the critical path. The art department is dependent on the strategy group for information that will take 1 week to obtain. The strategy group is dependent on manufacturing for cost information that will take an additional week. The purchasing department is not part of the critical path as the paper can be obtained on the same day. The art department will be able to begin in 2 weeks.

Question 12

The purpose of determining the critical path on a PERT network is to
A) identify the sequence of tasks that takes the longest to complete.
B) estimate a payment schedule so that a budget can be established.
C) find the sequence of events that is the most expensive to complete.
D) establish a delivery schedule for a just-in-time inventory control program.

Accepted Answer

The critical path is the sequence of tasks in a project that takes the longest to complete.

Question 13

The first step in the development of a PERT chart is
A) assigning an estimated cost to each task.
B) analyzing the tasks and determining the sequence in which they must be performed.
C) estimating the time needed to complete each task.
D) identifying the probabilities that each step in the project can be successfully completed without exceeding the estimated cost.

Accepted Answer

PERT consists of four steps: (1) analyzing and sequencing the tasks that need to be done, (2) estimating the time needed to complete each task, (3) drawing a PERT network to illustrate the information from the first 2 steps, and (4) identifying the critical path.

Question 14

The arrangements Minimotors has worked out with its suppliers to reduce the amount of inventory the company holds at any one time show that it is committed to a(n)
A) priority inventory scheduling system.
B) first in, first out inventory processing system.
C) just-in-time inventory control system.
D) ABC inventory system.

Accepted Answer

In a just-in-time inventory control system, suppliers deliver just enough supplies just in time for their use in a production process. While this requires frequent deliveries, it also allows the producer to greatly reduce the amount of parts and materials held in inventory.

Question 15

Cassandra was planning a new product launch. She knew that the art department was ready to work on the promotional pieces now, but they couldn't start until the marketing strategy group established the price point and the purchasing department obtained the paper needed to design the promotional piece. Establishing price points would take about a week and was dependent on manufacturing getting the costs to the marketing strategy group. This was expected a week from today. The purchasing group indicated the paper could be obtained locally the same day it was requested. Assuming things go as planned and based on this information, which of the following tasks could be as much as a week late without jeopardizing the deadline for the entire project?
A) marketing strategy's determination of the price point
B) manufacturing's determination of the costs
C) obtaining the paper
D) the art department taking a month-long vacation

Accepted Answer

A PERT chart could be used to determine the critical path. The art department is dependent on the strategy group for information that will take 1 week to obtain. The strategy group is dependent on manufacturing for cost information that will take an additional week. The purchasing task is not on the critical path of the project and thus is the only one that would not jeopardize the deadline for the entire project.

Question 16

Sparky sees quality control in terms of detecting potential problems to prevent their occurrence and thus save Minimotors money. The quality control process that is most closely linked to Sparky's goal is known as
A) Six Sigma.
B) Quality function deployment.
C) ERP.
D) PERT analysis.

Accepted Answer

Quality control concepts such as Six Sigma tend to focus on detecting potential problems to prevent their occurrence.

Question 17

Corie is a development engineer for a company that manufactures solar panels for both residential and commercial purposes. Her company uses PERT network software for all development projects. As she nears the final month of her timeline for completing a new panel, Corie will focus on those activities that are
A) most costly to complete.
B) on the priority bar of the PERT chart.
C) near the end of the PERT network.
D) on the critical path of the PERT network.

Accepted Answer

The critical path is the sequence of tasks that takes the longest to complete. Delays in activities on this path are likely to result in delays in the completion of the project.

Question 18

The equipment and software Sparky wants to purchase will allow the computers used to design motors to be linked directly to the computer-aided equipment on the factory floor. Sparky is proposing to set up a(n)
A) modular manufacturing system.
B) computer-integrated manufacturing system.
C) E-hub that relies on network software to control the production process.
D) first-in, first-out production system.

Accepted Answer

Computer-integrated manufacturing unites CAD (computer-aided design) with CAM (computer-aided manufacturing).

Question 19

In order to schedule deliveries, Minimotors's suppliers need detailed information about when parts are needed. Minimotors will purchase a computer application that will link its operation to sales forecasts to make sure needed parts and supplies are available at the right time to meet customer demands. This planning system is known as
A) materials requirement planning (MRP).
B) program evaluation and review technique (PERT).
C) minimum daily requirements scheduling (MDRS).
D) sales-based requirements forecasting (SBRF).

Accepted Answer

MRP is a computer-based planning system that uses sales forecasts to make sure needed parts and materials are available at the right time and place.

Question 20

Review the PERT Network below: If it takes 1, 2, or 3 weeks for each activity (represented by a box) to be completed, the critical path is represented by:     
A) the path that begins with "Start" and continues with all boxes labeled with No. 1.
B) the path that begins with "Start," continues with all boxes labeled with No. 2, and concludes with "Finish."
C) the path that begins with "Start," continues with one box labeled with No. 2, proceeds with all boxes labeled with No. 3, and concludes with "Finish."
D) the path that begins with "Start," continues with all boxes labeled with No. 1, and concludes with "Finish."

Accepted Answer

The critical path in a PERT Network is the project activity path that takes the longest time to complete. In this diagram, the path of boxes labeled [Start, 2, 3, 3, 3, 3, Finish] make up the critical path.

Quiz 9: Production and Operations Management

The selection of a proper site for a business facility is important in the production and operations management processes. Identify and discuss three factors that influence the selection of a site.

How has the emphasis of quality control changed in recent years? Describe some of the modern quality control techniques that illustrate this change in emphasis.

Sparky knows that installing the new equipment and training workers to use it efficiently will be a long and complex process consisting of many different tasks. Which of the following methods would help him determine how long this project is likely to take?

Both PERT diagrams and Gantt charts are useful to managers concerned with

PERT is a popular control method used by organizations. Explain the purpose of PERT analysis, and describe the steps involved in constructing a PERT network. Your explanation should include a discussion of the significance of the critical path in a PERT network.

What are the ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 standards? Why are they important?

How are MRP and ERP similar? How do they differ?

A PERT network consists of activities linked by arrows. Suppose two of the activities on the network are labeled "A" and "B." An arrow from "A" to "B" indicates that

One of Sparky's goals is to expand globally. He is most interested in doing business with the nations of the EU. In order to do business with the European Union, Sparky's company should

The purpose of determining the critical path on a PERT network is to

The first step in the development of a PERT chart is

The arrangements Minimotors has worked out with its suppliers to reduce the amount of inventory the company holds at any one time show that it is committed to a(n)

Sparky sees quality control in terms of detecting potential problems to prevent their occurrence and thus save Minimotors money. The quality control process that is most closely linked to Sparky's goal is known as

The equipment and software Sparky wants to purchase will allow the computers used to design motors to be linked directly to the computer-aided equipment on the factory floor. Sparky is proposing to set up a(n)

Review the PERT Network below: If it takes 1, 2, or 3 weeks for each activity (represented by a box) to be completed, the critical path is represented by: