Question 1

Computers and robots are only useful in continuous production processes where the same type of product is produced many times.

Accepted Answer

Computers and robots can be programmed and reprogrammed to perform a wide range of tasks in various industries and processes, not only in continuous production processes. They can help increase efficiency, accuracy, and speed in different fields such as healthcare, finance, transportation, and more.

Question 2

Some companies will locate their production facilities near their suppliers.

Accepted Answer

Some companies choose to locate their production facilities near their suppliers to reduce transportation costs and ensure a reliable supply of raw materials.

Question 3

Trace and Tim own a company that rehabs old houses.Prior to buying a house,they use software to create and design the renovation of each room.The program provides them with an estimation of how much of each kind of material is needed,and the orderly progression of tasks that need to be completed.Trace and Tim use computer-aided design.

Accepted Answer

The passage states that Trace and Tim use software to create and design the renovation of each room, and that the program provides them with estimations of materials and the order of tasks. This indicates that they use computer-aided design (CAD) software.

Question 4

Internet-focused strategies don't affect operations managers since it is not progressive for operations managers to negotiate in an interfirm environment.

Accepted Answer

Internet-focused strategies can have a significant impact on operations managers, as they influence various aspects of supply chain management, such as logistics, inventory management, and quality control. By integrating internet technologies into their operations, managers can improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance customer satisfaction. Additionally, operations managers may need to negotiate with suppliers, distributors, and other partners in the interfirm environment to implement these strategies effectively.

Question 5

According to the Making Ethical Decisions box,titled,"Stay or Leave",by law a firm must give employees 60 days notice of a facility or plant closing.

Accepted Answer

According to the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act, a firm with 100 or more employees must give 60 days notice of a facility or plant closing.

Question 6

Frolichstein Fabrics promotes itself as a specialty manufacturer that will produce according to customer specifications.This firm will probably be best served by using an intermittent process in production.

Accepted Answer

An intermittent process is ideal for specialty manufacturing as it allows for flexibility in production according to customer specifications.

Question 7

The Cooldaze Ice Company compresses carbon dioxide and cools it to a very low temperature to make dry ice.The method used by Cooldaze is an example of process manufacturing.

Accepted Answer

Process manufacturing involves the use of a specific process or recipe to create a final product, which is characteristic of the production of dry ice from compressed and cooled carbon dioxide by Cooldaze Ice Company.

Question 8

Featured Furnishings is a company that specializes in producing custom-made furniture.A continuous production process would be the most efficient way for Featured Furnishings to produce its products.

Accepted Answer

As the products of Featured Furnishings are custom-made, a continuous production process would not be the most efficient way. Each product would require different materials, specifications, and designs, which would lead to frequent changes in the production process. A batch production process or a job shop production process can be more suitable for this type of business.

Question 9

When considering the issue of facility location,it is important to find an isolated location so that work can get done without interruption from customers.

Accepted Answer

When considering facility location, it is important to find a location that is accessible and convenient for customers to reach. An isolated location may not attract as many customers and may not be profitable for the business.

Question 10

Operations management planning is concerned with finding the ideal location for a business and also with materials requirement planning.It leaves decisions about purchasing and inventory control to marketing.

Accepted Answer

Operations management planning involves a variety of responsibilities, including purchasing and inventory control. It is also concerned with the design and management of processes, as well as the allocation of resources. Location and materials requirement planning are just two components of operations management planning.

Question 11

For many firms,operations management has become an interfirm process.

Accepted Answer

With the increasing globalization and outsourcing of various activities, operations management has become a process that involves not only the internal operations of a firm but also the coordination and management of external suppliers and partners. This has made operations management an interfirm process.

Question 12

Seat-belts Unlimited,Inc.is located about 8 miles from two major auto assembly plants.The firm delivers seat-belts about every two hours to each of the plants.The assembly plants only accept the number of seat-belts that they will assemble into cars,during the next two hours after delivery.The auto plants embrace lean manufacturing.

Accepted Answer

The fact that the auto plants embrace lean manufacturing suggests that they have adopted a philosophy and set of practices focused on minimizing waste and maximizing efficiency in their production process, which is consistent with the principles of lean manufacturing.

Question 13

When it comes to location decisions,labor costs are no longer an important consideration for most manufacturing firms.

Accepted Answer

Labor costs still play an important role in location decisions for many manufacturing firms, as they impact overall production costs and profitability. However, other factors such as access to markets, infrastructure, and government policies also play a significant role.

Question 14

The Internet is a very popular place to locate your business today.

Accepted Answer

The internet is a global platform that offers businesses the opportunity to reach a vast audience, making it a popular place to locate businesses today.

Question 15

J & R Industries typically produces very large batches of standardized products used by plumbers,such as pipefittings and valves that must be produced in standard sizes.A continuous production process would work well for J & R.

Accepted Answer

Since J & R Industries produces standardized products that must be produced in standard sizes, a continuous production process would work well for them to produce these products in large batches.

Question 16

Facility location is the process of selecting a geographic location for a company's operations.

Accepted Answer

Facility location refers to the process of choosing a suitable geographical location for a company's operations.

Question 17

In making a location decision,businesses seldom consider "quality of life" in various locations,because factors that influence quality of life have little or no impact on profits.

Accepted Answer

Businesses do consider quality of life in various locations because it can impact factors such as employee satisfaction, retention, and productivity. These factors can ultimately affect a company's profits.

Question 18

Alice's Cookie Company makes a variety of cookies for corporate accounts and restaurants.On a good day,the orders can range from 600 - 800 cookies,with a variety of uniqueness,although the company is known for delicate shortbread and butter cookies.Some cookies have round shapes,but others are elongated rectangles,and yet others are triangles.The bakers can quickly change the cookie cutting machine to reflect the orders for the day,while computers program the ovens to make those cookies the light golden color they are known for across town.Refrigeration is also computer controlled.Alice's Cookie Company embraces flexible manufacturing and mass customization.

Accepted Answer

The passage states that Alice's Cookie Company embraces flexible manufacturing and mass customization, which implies that they adapt to varying orders and customer preferences. They are able to quickly change their cookie cutting machine to reflect the orders for the day, and their computers program the ovens and refrigeration to ensure consistent quality across multiple cookie varieties.

Question 19

Manufacturing firms that want to minimize time-to-market are likely to choose facility sites that give them easy access to their preferred modes of transportation.

Accepted Answer

Manufacturing firms that want to minimize time-to-market need to choose facility sites that give them easy access to their preferred modes of transportation. This helps them to transport their products quickly and efficiently to their customers. For example, a company that primarily uses air transportation to ship its products should ideally locate its facility near an airport. Similarly, a company that relies on ground transportation should choose a facility site that has good road connections.

Question 20

Many state and local governments offer tax incentives and government services to attract businesses.

Accepted Answer

Many state and local governments offer tax incentives and government services to attract businesses as a means of promoting economic growth and increasing employment opportunities in their jurisdictions. These incentives can include tax breaks, grants, loans, and assistance with site selection, workforce development, and permit and regulatory compliance.

Quiz 9: Production and Operations Management