Question 1

The advantages of converting both analytic and synthetic processes into flow shop form include cost per unit reduction.

Accepted Answer

Flow shop form helps to streamline and standardize processes, leading to higher efficiency and therefore lower costs per unit.

Question 2

The relationship depicted by the Hayes and Wheelwright matrix indicates that as products move from low volume and high variety to high volume and commodity products with no variety,the process type moves from the job shop to the continuous flow system.

Accepted Answer

This is true based on the Hayes and Wheelwright matrix, which shows the relationship between product volume and variety and process type. As the product moves from low volume and high variety to high volume and commodity products with no variety, the process type moves from the job shop to the continuous flow system.

Question 3

Adam Smith recognized that repetitive tasks could be done more efficiently if people specialized in particular aspects of the sequential work process,and he successfully applied the theory to sequenced assembly of automobiles.

Accepted Answer

This statement accurately reflects Adam Smith's recognition of the benefits of specialization and his influence on the assembly line process in the automobile industry.

Question 4

Demand is affected by the variety,price,and the quality of product.

Accepted Answer

The variety, price, and quality of a product are factors that affect the demand for that product. If the product has a variety of options, competitive prices, and a good quality, it is likely to have higher demand than a product that lacks these factors.

Question 5

There is ample evidence that the use of optical scanning methods and voice-activated request systems has increased reliance on old-style record keeping.

Accepted Answer

The use of optical scanning methods and voice-activated request systems has actually decreased reliance on old-style record keeping by streamlining and automating the process of record keeping.

Question 6

It is possible,but necessary to justify,using a flow shop configuration for large batch-type (lower-volume and higher-variety) products.

Accepted Answer

While flow shop configurations are typically used for high-volume and low-variety products, there may be cases where it could be justified even for large batch-type products with lower volumes and higher variety. For instance, the production process may involve a standard set of operations with occasional variations to accommodate the differences in product variants. In such a scenario, a flow shop configuration with some degree of flexibility can be useful in achieving a better level of efficiency and reducing lead times. However, this decision would require careful analysis and consideration of factors like cost, complexity, and customer demand patterns.

Question 7

Customized process abilities are associated with the highest level of variety and the most unique products.

Accepted Answer

Customized process abilities allow for customization and flexibility in production, which can result in a wide variety of unique products.

Question 8

It is necessary to calculate the demand level at which the total costs are about the same for batch production or the intermittent flow shop.

Accepted Answer

It is necessary to calculate the demand level at which the total costs are about the same for batch production or the intermittent flow shop. This is because different production methods have different costs and efficiencies depending on the demand level. For example, batch production may have lower setup costs but higher inventory costs, while the intermittent flow shop may have higher setup costs but lower inventory costs. By calculating the demand level at which the total costs are approximately equal, a company can make an informed decision about which method to use for their production process.

Question 9

The systems approach rarely uncovers relationships in one part of the production chain that affect relationships in other parts of the chain.

Accepted Answer

The systems approach emphasizes on the interdependence and interconnected relationships within a system, including the production chain. Therefore, it is designed to uncover relationships in one part of the production chain that affect relationships in other parts of the chain.

Question 10

In the systems viewpoint,each process is composed of various subprocesses.

Accepted Answer

In the systems viewpoint, processes are seen as composed of various interconnected subprocesses.

Question 11

Henry Ford believed the Model T could be improved but the process of making it could not.

Accepted Answer

Henry Ford was a strong advocate for continuous improvement in both the product and the production process, famously innovating with the moving assembly line to make the process of manufacturing the Model T more efficient.

Question 12

Processes are often identified by what they make and they are similarly named for what they produce,like swiss-cheese,truck or auto assembly,and market research reports.

Accepted Answer

Processes are commonly named after the product or output they create. Examples include swiss-cheese production, truck assembly, and market research report creation.

Question 13

The negative press that the flow shop gets because repetitious work is boring and mind-numbing cannot be overcome with proper job design and the rotation of jobs.

Accepted Answer

Proper job design and the rotation of jobs can actually help overcome the negative aspects of repetitious work in a flow shop. By varying tasks and responsibilities, employees can stay more engaged and motivated. Additionally, implementing automation and technology can reduce the amount of manual labor required and free up employees to focus on more challenging tasks.

Question 14

The Hayes and Wheelwright matrix defines product life cycles in terms of increasing volume and decreasing variety.

Accepted Answer

The Hayes and Wheelwright matrix defines product life cycles in four stages: low volume, high variety; high volume, low variety; high volume, high variety; and low volume, low variety. It does not state that volume necessarily increases and variety necessarily decreases along the product life cycle, as each product may follow a unique pattern of demand and variety.

Question 15

Economies of scope are realized when setup cost reductions allow more frequent setups and,thereby smaller lot sizes can be run.

Accepted Answer

Economies of scope refer to the cost savings that result from producing multiple products or services through the shared utilization of resources. One aspect of economies of scope is setup cost reduction, which can enable more frequent setups and the ability to run smaller batch sizes. Therefore, the statement in the question is true.

Question 16

The FMS-type process is used most effectively when it acts like a custom shop or a job shop or even the flow shop.

Accepted Answer

The FMS-type process can be used effectively in different types of manufacturing environments such as custom shops, job shops, and flow shops depending on the specific needs and requirements of the production system. Therefore, the statement is true.

Question 17

The systems view of relationships between service products and processes is similar to the systems view of relationships between goods and processes for manufacturing.

Accepted Answer

The systems view applies to both service and manufacturing industries and focuses on understanding the relationships and interdependencies between products and processes within a broader organizational context. Therefore, the statement is true.

Question 18

When sufficient demand exists,the job shop is the preferred process.

Accepted Answer

Job shops are designed for custom, small-batch production, not for meeting high demand efficiently. High demand is better served by continuous or mass production processes.

Question 19

A flow shop that can be shut down and dismantled has the same high level of special-purpose equipment as a full-time dedicated flow shop.

Accepted Answer

A flow shop that can be shut down and dismantled typically has more flexible, less specialized equipment compared to a full-time dedicated flow shop, which relies on high levels of special-purpose equipment for efficiency in producing large volumes of similar products.

Question 20

IFSs are not efficient as permanent flow shops because they need to be turned on and off as required.

Accepted Answer

IFSs, or Intermittent Flow Shops, are designed to handle fluctuating demand and production levels, but they are not as efficient as permanent flow shops because they require more setup time and downtime when they need to be turned on and off as needed. Permanent flow shops are more optimized for consistent production levels.

Quiz 5: Process Configuration Strategies