Question 1

Automation replaces the direct human operation of machinery, but it has no impact on human control.

Accepted Answer

Automation can reduce the level of human control needed for a process and can also increase the efficiency and accuracy of the process. However, it does not completely eliminate the need for human control and oversight, especially when it comes to making important decisions or dealing with unexpected situations.

Question 2

John Stevens is a design engineer who uses powerful software to test and analyze his designs before the company goes to the expense of producing any real prototypes. The kind of software John is using is called computer-integrated manufacturing software.

Accepted Answer

Computer-integrated manufacturing software typically refers to software that integrates various manufacturing processes and systems, whereas John is using software for design analysis and testing, which falls under computer-aided design (CAD) software.

Question 3

The Baldrige National Quality Program is an international program to promote operational procedure guidelines for all business practices.

Accepted Answer

The Baldrige National Quality Program is a United States program designed to promote performance excellence among U.S. organizations, not an international program.

Question 4

One advantage of computer-aided engineering is that it often allows engineers to catch design flaws before production occurs.

Accepted Answer

Computer-aided engineering software allows engineers to simulate and test designs before they are physically produced. This enables them to detect and correct any flaws or errors in the design, which helps to reduce the risk of expensive mistakes during the production process.

Question 5

Lean production emphasizes the elimination of waste in all aspects of production processes.

Accepted Answer

Lean production is a philosophy and management approach that focuses on the continuous elimination of waste in all aspects of production processes, including time, effort, materials, and resources. The goal is to create value for the customer while maximizing efficiency and reducing costs.

Question 6

In order to participate in the Baldrige National Quality Program, firms are required to incorporate the Six Sigma quality program.

Accepted Answer

Participation in the Baldrige National Quality Program does not require firms to incorporate the Six Sigma quality program. While the Baldrige Criteria for Performance Excellence emphasizes the importance of continuous improvement, it does not require any particular quality program or methodology.

Question 7

Computer-aided design (CAD) software provides powerful drawing and drafting tools that enable users to create and edit blueprints and design drawings quickly and easily.

Accepted Answer

CAD software is specifically designed for drafting and 2D/3D design work, providing users with a wide variety of tools and features to create and edit accurate and detailed drawings.

Question 8

Total quality management (TQM) is based on customer focus, building quality throughout the organization, empowering employees, pursuing a strategy of preventing mistakes, and demonstrating a long-term commitment to continuous improvement.

Accepted Answer

Total quality management (TQM) is indeed based on customer focus, building quality throughout the organization, empowering employees, pursuing a strategy of preventing mistakes, and demonstrating a long-term commitment to continuous improvement.

Question 9

ISO 9000 is a set of generic standards for quality management systems established by the International Organization for Standardization.

Accepted Answer

ISO 9000 is indeed a set of generic standards for quality management systems established by the International Organization for Standardization.

Question 10

W. Edwards Deming taught that improving quality was a key to business success.

Accepted Answer

This statement is true. W. Edwards Deming was a management consultant and quality control expert who emphasized the importance of improving product and service quality for long-term business success. He is often credited with helping Japan's post-war economic recovery through his teachings on total quality management.

Question 11

Six Sigma shares some characteristics with TQM, such as an organization-wide focus on quality and a long-term commitment to continuous quality improvement.

Accepted Answer

Six Sigma and TQM both share a focus on quality and continuous improvement throughout the organization, making them similar in some aspects.

Question 12

Total quality management (TQM) relies on a small cadre of quality experts to exert complete control over the organization's quality assurance efforts.

Accepted Answer

TQM is a philosophy and management approach that emphasizes the entire organization's responsibility for ensuring high-quality products and services. It involves empowering employees at all levels to play an active role in continually improving quality, not just relying on a small group of quality experts to control quality assurance efforts.

Question 13

Just-in-time production is called a pull system because actual orders "pull" the goods through the production process.

Accepted Answer

Just-in-time production is based on the concept of producing goods only when they are needed, thus relying on actual orders to "pull" the production process along. This is in contrast to traditional approaches where goods are produced in anticipation of future demand, which is known as a push system.

Question 14

Just-in-time production is a production system that emphasizes the production of goods to meet actual current demand, thus minimizing the need to hold inventories of finished goods and work-in-process at each stage of the supply chain.

Accepted Answer

Just-in-time production is indeed a production system that prioritizes producing goods based on current demand to reduce the need for inventory holding.

Question 15

Just-in-time production may leave producers vulnerable to supply disruptions.

Accepted Answer

Just-in-time production relies on receiving supplies and materials exactly when they are needed in the production process. Any disruption in the supply chain, such as a transportation delay or a shortage of a key component, can lead to significant production delays and potentially lead to lost revenue for the producer. Therefore, just-in-time production does leave producers vulnerable to supply disruptions.

Question 16

Robots are often used to perform tedious, dangerous, or dirty work that otherwise would be performed by reluctant employees.

Accepted Answer

Robots are designed to perform tasks that are repetitive, dangerous, or require a high level of precision or accuracy. By utilizing robotic technology, employers can free their employees from these tasks and allow them to focus on other, more productive activities. Additionally, robots can be used in environments that are hazardous or difficult for humans to work in, such as manufacturing plants, construction sites, and emergency response situations.

Question 17

Japanese firms embraced the ideas of quality experts such as W. Edwards Deming and revolutionized their manufacturing by adopting a strategy of a continuous quality improvement.

Accepted Answer

Japanese firms did indeed embrace the ideas of quality experts like W. Edwards Deming and transformed their manufacturing processes through a focus on continuous quality improvement.

Question 18

TQM attempts to reduce defects by using simple procedures built into the production process that prevent workers from making mistakes or allows them to catch and correct mistakes quickly if they do occur.

Accepted Answer

TQM focuses on implementing procedures to prevent defects and catching them quickly if they do occur.

Question 19

Computer-aided engineering (CAE) software enables users to test, analyze, and optimize their designs.

Accepted Answer

CAE software is specifically designed to aid engineers in testing, analyzing, and optimizing their designs. Therefore, the statement is true.

Question 20

The Deming Chain Reaction refers to the compounding of interest that explains why a dollar today is worth more than a dollar tomorrow.

Accepted Answer

The Deming Chain Reaction refers to the concept that improving quality leads to increased customer satisfaction, which in turn leads to increased business and ultimately increased profits. It does not refer to the compounding of interest.

Quiz 16: Operations Management: Putting It All Together