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Management of operations (Quality (Quality Assurance (Based on prevention…
Management of operations
Stock management
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Just in time
Just-in-time (JIT) is when the businesses stock arrives just in time for production, meaning the product is produced jus in time.
Advantage
Improves cash flow as capital isn't tied up in stock. Waste is also reduced as there is less damaged and unused stock. Reduces storage costs (space, equipment and staff) and means theirs more factory space available for productive use. Less vulnerable to external ( e.g. fashion) changes
Disadvantage
No time for quality control when stock arrives. Can't bulk buy (economies of scale), therefore making stock more expensive. A close relationship/ faith is required with supplier. Less environmentally friendly as more journeys with less stock will be made, also increasing the delivery costs which will then have an impact upon the businesses profits.
Logistics
Stock control diagram
Minimum stock level
This is the lowest amount of stock the business can have at any one time. If it falls below this level then production will stop.
Re-order level
this is when a repeat order is made. It is set at an exact point by the business so they will still have enough stock for production until the order arrives. Meaning when it does arrive the stock will be at it’s minimum.
Maximum stock level
This is the highest amount of stock the business can have at any one time. Costs will be high as the warehouse will be full.
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Methods of production
Batch
this is when a group of similar products are made together. Each stage can’t move on until that entire batch is complete. E.g. bakery.
Advantage
Batches can be changed to suit the requirements of the customer, which will lead to higher customer satisfaction. Raw materials can be bought in bulk therefore saving capital. Standardised machinery is used which reduces costs on labour. The need for highly skilled workers is reduced.
Disadvantage
Equipment and employees might not have anything to do between batches, which costs money. Any mistakes, in one item can result in the whole batch being wasted , which costs money and waste time. Employees motivation is less than in job production.
Flow
This is when large quantities of standardised good are produced on a production line. As the product moves along the line another part is added as it moves along. Until it is complete.
Advantage
large amounts of identical products can be made. Raw materials can be bought in bulk, saving the business capital. Production often uses lots of machinery that, compared to humans can work for longer and don't need a wage. Quality can be easily checked at different stages of production.
Disadvantage
The individual customer requirements cannot be met as each product is identical. If a fault occurs during production this can cause the whole production line to stop. Large demand for products is needed because they are made in large quantities. Motivation can be low among employees due to repetitive nature of the work they have to do.
Job
This is when one unique product made to the customer’s specific requirements is produced. This means only one product is made at a time therefore it’s made to a high quality as workers are just focused on one product. E.g. wedding cake.
Advantage
The customer gets exactly what they want which in turn increases their satisfaction. High prices can be charged as it is a unique/ one-off product. Designs can be changed to suit each customers requirements, even when production has begun. Employees are more motivated as they are making a range of different products therefore using a range of different skill sets.
Disadvantage
Highly skilled employees are required to make each different product which can be expensive. Specialists tools and equipment might be needed, which can be expensive to buy and maintain (equipment wont be used all the time). Can't always buy raw materials in bulk and might miss out on economies of scale (more expensive). Can take a long time to create a unique product which may lead to employees losing motivation, and customer getting annoyed.
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Mechanisation
Some Labour and Capital intensive involved in production, e.g. people working the machines.
Automation
Capital Intensive has replaced the need for humans to carry out the work required because machines, equipment and technology can do it instead.
Quality
Quality Assurance
Based on prevention is better than cure. This is achieved through the businesses organising every process to get the product right first time, every time and prevent mistakes ever happening.
Benchmarking
comparing a product against the best in the market and trying to match this standard. Therefore allowing the business to be competitive.
Quality Control
When the quality of the product is checked at the end of the production line (end of manufacturing). The checks can either be every product or random sampling; it depends on the product being produced. It allows the business to achieve the quality standard of quality it has set for itself, and it’s cheaper than other quality methods.
Mystery shopper
a person who makes a visit to a shop, buys something and then feeds back to the organisation. Employees won’t know who the mystery shopper is. This means that since it’s an unknown shopper so they will experience the shop and it’s customer service first hand. Accurate representation.
Quality Symbols
An award given to an organisation when it meets a particular specification or set of criteria. The symbol will usually appear on the product. Recognised symbol awarded. This can be a time consuming process to achieve and involves a series of checks to be carried out. The businesses benefits from achieving the symbol; improved image and reputation of the product, proof that they have met specific quality standards, have a competitive advantage over competitors that do not have the symbol, help encourage repeat purchase, and able to charge higher prices.
Importance of quality
Benefits
Customers are more likely to make a repeat purchases. A good reputation can be gained, which will encourage new customers. Profit and sales can be maximised. Easier to recruit staff too work in a business with a good reputation.
Quality Circles
When member of a business meet to discuss quality issues and then attempt to improve these and find solutions. Involves employees at all levels of the hierarchy, which can be motivating.
Ethical and enviromental
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Recycle
Encourage employees to recycle as much as possible, the initially set up of this may be expensive which will affect profits. Also reuse products in the production process as much as possible which may help reduce the businesses energy bill.
Be Sustainable
Replace raw materials used with new ones, e.g. planting new trees.
Minimise waste.
Ensure employees are trained, ensuring machinery is kept in good condition and by not overstocking. However, providing training and maintaining machinery is expensive which in turn will affect the businesses profits.
Technology
Websites
The operations can compare suppliers through looking at their websites on the internet, this will allow the business to get the best supplier for them and may save money (if they find a cheaper supplier).
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Email
The operations department can use email to contact the businesses suppliers, and allow them to keep in contact with customers about the delivery of their product. Email improves communication for the operations department, it’s also cheaper than sending letters or phoning.