Question 1

The benefits of flexible manufacturing systems (FMS) include:
A) reduced labor costs
B) higher flexibility than automation
C) quick changeover from part to part
D) significantly lower unit costs
E) all of the above

Accepted Answer

The answer of The benefits of flexible manufacturing systems (FMS)...

Question 2

Which of the following is not a process commonly considered in making products or delivering services?
A)continuous
B)batch
C)repetitive
D)job shop
E)subcontracting

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following is not a...

Question 3

Numerically controlled (N/C) machine and some robots are applications of programmable automation.

Accepted Answer

Numerically controlled (N/C) machines and robots are both examples of programmable automation, as they can be programmed to perform specific tasks without the need for constant human intervention.

Question 4

The goal in line balancing is to obtain a reasonable allocation of work to each station.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The goal in line balancing is to...

Question 5

Layout planning is required because of: (I) Efficient operations
(II) Accidents or safety hazards
(III) New products or services
(IV) Morale problems
A)I and II
B)II and IV
C)I and III
D)II, III, and IV
E)I, II, III, and IV

Accepted Answer

The answer of Layout planning is required because of: (I)...

Question 6

Process layouts allow greater flexibility in processing than product layouts.

Accepted Answer

Process layouts are designed to handle a variety of products or services, which allows for flexibility in processing. This is in contrast to product layouts, which are designed for a specific product and tend to be less flexible.

Question 7

An operations strategy for process selection should recognize that:
A)process selection seldom requires technical expertise
B)engineering "white elephants" are uncommon
C)there is little need to manage technology
D)flexibility is not always the best choice
E)most technical skills can be contracted out to consultants

Accepted Answer

Flexibility is not always the best choice when selecting a process strategy. Each process strategy has its advantages and disadvantages. A flexible process may be more expensive and complex than a dedicated process, and may not always be necessary. Therefore, it is important to consider the specific needs and requirements of the operation when selecting a process strategy.

Question 8

Poor layouts are found in both manufacturing and service organizations.

Accepted Answer

Poor layouts can be found in both manufacturing and service organizations, as both types of organizations have different layouts suited for their specific processes and operations. However, if the layout is not well planned or poorly executed, it can negatively impact productivity, efficiency, and customer satisfaction in both types of organizations.

Question 9

Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) refers to the use of computers in:
A)product design
B)decision making
C)data analysis
D)quality control
E)process control

Accepted Answer

CAM specifically refers to the use of computers in process control, which can include tasks such as controlling machines, monitoring production, and adjusting settings as needed. While computers can certainly be used for other tasks in manufacturing, such as product design, decision making, data analysis, and quality control, these tasks fall under different categories and are not considered part of CAM.

Question 10

The process of assigning tasks to workstations in such a way that the workstations have approximately equal time requirements is called:
A)fair employment practices
B)idle time analysis
C)line balancing
D)cycle time optimization
E)none of the above

Accepted Answer

Line balancing involves the process of dividing tasks among workstations in a manner that ensures that workstations have nearly equal time requirements. This helps to avoid the problem of some workstations being idle while others are overburdened with work. Options A, B, and D are not relevant to the concept of line balancing.

Question 11

Cycle time is the maximum time allowed for each workstation to complete its work on each unit.

Accepted Answer

Cycle time is defined as the maximum time allowed for each workstation to complete its work on each unit. It is calculated by dividing the available production time by the number of units to be produced. The cycle time helps in determining the capacity of the production system and identifying potential bottlenecks.

Question 12

Process layouts tend to have low in-process inventories.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Process layouts tend to have low in-process...

Question 13

In which type of operations are you likely to see, at most, only minor variations in the product or service being produced using the same process and the same equipment?
A)a project
B)a job shop
C)repetitive production
D)batch processing
E)continuous production

Accepted Answer

Repetitive production involves producing the same product or service using the same process and equipment repeatedly. Therefore, it is likely to have only minor variations in the product or service being produced. In contrast, job shops and projects involve producing customized or unique products, while batch processing and continuous production may involve producing different products or batches of products, which can result in more significant variations in the production process and equipment.

Question 14

The design of service layouts, e.g., warehouse and supermarket layouts, focuses on cost minimization and product flow.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The design of service layouts, e.g., warehouse...

Question 15

Flexibility can be used as a competitive strategy.

Accepted Answer

Flexibility can provide a company with the ability to quickly adapt to changes in the market and customer preferences, which can give them a competitive advantage over less flexible competitors.

Question 16

A group of machines including supervisory computer control, automatic material handling, and possibly robots is called:
A)computer aided design
B)a manufacturing cell
C)computer-aided manufacturing
D)computer-integrated manufacturing
E)a flexible manufacturing system

Accepted Answer

The answer of A group of machines including supervisory computer...

Question 17

The advantages of automation include: (I) Reduced output variability.
(II) Reduced variable costs.
(III) Machines don't strike or file grievances.
(IV) Machines are always less expensive than human labor.
A)I and IV
B)II and III
C)I, II, and III
D)I and III
E)II and IV

Accepted Answer

Automation can reduce output variability by ensuring consistent quality, reduce variable costs by minimizing labor expenses, and machines do not strike or file grievances, unlike human workers. However, machines are not always less expensive than human labor, especially when considering initial investment and maintenance costs.

Question 18

The substitution of machinery that has sensing and control devices for human labor is best described by the term:
A)automation
B)feedback control
C)computer-aided manufacturing
D)computer-integrated manufacturing
E)flexible manufacturing system

Accepted Answer

The substitution of machinery that has sensing and control devices for human labor is a key feature of automation, which involves the use of technology to perform tasks without human intervention. Feedback control, computer-aided manufacturing, computer-integrated manufacturing, and flexible manufacturing systems all involve varying degrees of automation, but do not specifically refer to the substitution of machinery for labor.

Question 19

Cellular layout is a term associated with:
A)wireless telecommunication
B)part families
C)functional (or process) layouts
D)assembly lines
E)job shops

Accepted Answer

The answer of Cellular layout is a term associated with:
A)wireless...

Question 20

The type of processing system which is used for highly standardized products is:
A)continuous
B)intermittent
C)project
D)batch
E)unit

Accepted Answer

A continuous processing system is best suited for highly standardized products, as it involves a constant flow of materials through the production process, with little to no variation in the output. This type of system is often used in industries such as chemicals, petroleum, and food processing, where the products are homogeneous and require a high degree of consistency.

Quiz 6: Process Selection and Facility Layout

The benefits of flexible manufacturing systems (FMS) include:

Which of the following is not a process commonly considered in making products or delivering services?

Numerically controlled (N/C) machine and some robots are applications of programmable automation.

The goal in line balancing is to obtain a reasonable allocation of work to each station.

Layout planning is required because of: (I) Efficient operations (II) Accidents or safety hazards (III) New products or services (IV) Morale problems

Process layouts allow greater flexibility in processing than product layouts.

An operations strategy for process selection should recognize that:

Poor layouts are found in both manufacturing and service organizations.

Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) refers to the use of computers in:

The process of assigning tasks to workstations in such a way that the workstations have approximately equal time requirements is called:

Cycle time is the maximum time allowed for each workstation to complete its work on each unit.

Process layouts tend to have low in-process inventories.

In which type of operations are you likely to see, at most, only minor variations in the product or service being produced using the same process and the same equipment?

The design of service layouts, e.g., warehouse and supermarket layouts, focuses on cost minimization and product flow.

Flexibility can be used as a competitive strategy.

A group of machines including supervisory computer control, automatic material handling, and possibly robots is called:

The advantages of automation include: (I) Reduced output variability. (II) Reduced variable costs. (III) Machines don't strike or file grievances. (IV) Machines are always less expensive than human labor.

The substitution of machinery that has sensing and control devices for human labor is best described by the term:

Cellular layout is a term associated with:

The type of processing system which is used for highly standardized products is: