4.1 Production Processes

• What is JOB production?


  Producing one of an item for a specific customer e.g. painters, wedding dress business
• What are the advantages of job production?

  • good for start ups
  • production is organised
  • products are unique and high quality
  • increased customer satisfaction
  • motivated workers
• What are the disadvantages of job production?

  • number produced is too small
  • labour intensive
  • time consuming
• What is BATCH production?

  Production of a group of identical products at the same time
• What are the advantages of batch productions?

  • needs of different customers can be met
  • lower unit cost since output is higher
  • workers are likely to develop a level of experience
• What are the disadvantages of Batch production?

  • unmotived staff
  • takes time to switch between different batches
  • less flexibility
• What is FLOW production?

  Continuous production of identical standard products
• What are the advantages of Flow production?

  • Large amounts of products can be made
  • machines and tech is able to be used
  • lower skilled workers can be recruited (cheaper)
• What are the disadvantages of Flow Production?

  • high set up costs
  • jobs are repetitive
  • less motivation for staff
  • large amounts of material needed at once
• What is Productivity?


  Output per worker, measures how much each worker produces over a period of time
• Methods to improve productivity

  1. recruit the correct staff
  2. staff training
  3. motivation (fringe benefit)
  4. machinery
  5. improving efficiency of working practices
• Reasons why technology is beneficial for a business

  1. consistency on the quality of products
  2. reduction on waste/ mistakes
  3. increased productivity
  4. higher customer satisfaction
  5. cost efficient (lower unit cost)
  6. safer work environment
  7. flexibility in products