Question 1

Which type of processing system tends to produce the most product variety?
A) assembly
B) job shop
C) batch
D) continuous
E) project

Accepted Answer

Job shops are designed for custom manufacturing with low volume and high product variety. They are capable of producing a wide range of products with different specifications and requirements, making them the most suitable processing system for producing the most product variety. On the other hand, assembly and continuous processing systems are suited for high-volume, low-variety production, while batch processing systems are suited for medium-volume, medium-variety production. Project processing systems are one-time, custom-designed systems built to meet specific project requirements.

Question 2

The key questions in the process selection task are:
(I) How will the product/service be priced?
(II) How much variety will be imposed on the process?
(III) What is the target market for the product/service?
(IV) At what volume will the process need to operate?
A) I and III
B) II and IV
C) II and III
D) I and IV
E) III and IV

Accepted Answer

The key questions in process selection primarily focus on the operational aspects of production, such as the variety of products the process must handle (II) and the volume of production required (IV). Pricing strategies (I) and target market considerations (III) are important for overall business strategy but are not directly related to the selection of the production process itself.

Question 3

As compared to rigid automation, the benefits of flexible manufacturing systems include:
A) reduced labor requirements.
B) higher efficiency.
C) larger batch sizes.
D) significantly lower fixed costs.
E) significantly lower variable costs.

Accepted Answer

The answer of As compared to rigid automation, the benefits...

Question 4

When new products or services are being planned, process selection occurs as a matter of course. Process selection also comes into play as a result of:
(I) technological changes.
(II) competitive pressures.
(III) fundamental changes in demand patterns.
A) I only
B) II only
C) III only
D) I and II but not III
E) I, II, and III

Accepted Answer

Process selection is not only important during the planning phase of new products or services, but it is also affected by changes in technology, competitive pressures, and fundamental changes in demand patterns. Therefore, all three options (I, II, and III) are correct, making E the best choice.

Question 5

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) capacity cycling.

Accepted Answer

Line balancing is the process of assigning tasks to workstations in a way that each workstation has a similar time requirement, resulting in balancing the production line. This helps to minimize idle time and maximize production efficiency. A, B, D, and E are not relevant to the given context.

Question 6

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

Continuous processing is used for highly standardized products because it involves a continuous flow of materials and a high degree of automation, which allows for consistent and efficient production of identical products. Examples of products that are often produced using continuous processing include petroleum products, chemicals, and steel.

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) uses computers to control and monitor the manufacturing process, including process control. While computers can also be used in product design, decision making, data analysis, and quality control, CAM specifically refers to process control.

Question 8

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) efficient...

Question 9

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

Cellular layout is associated with part families, where machines are grouped to process similar parts or components, often used in manufacturing to improve efficiency.

Question 10

Computer-integrated manufacturing integrates ______________ with manufacturing.
A) information from across the organization
B) demand forecasts
C) marketing strategy
D) human resources
E) inventory levels

Accepted Answer

Computer-integrated manufacturing integrates information from across the organization with manufacturing, enabling better coordination and decision-making. The other options may be important for managing the manufacturing process, but they are not typically integrated into computer-integrated manufacturing systems.

Question 11

In an environment in which demand is both substantial and stable, __________ technology tends to be the best choice.
A) batch production
B) fixed automation
C) project production
D) programmable automation
E) flexible automation

Accepted Answer

Fixed automation is the best choice in an environment with substantial and stable demand because it is designed for high-volume production of standardized goods. It is efficient and cost-effective for producing large quantities of the same product consistently.

Question 12

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 leads to reduced output variability due to consistent and precise machine operation, reduced variable costs by lowering labor expenses over time, and eliminates issues like strikes or grievances since machines do not require the same considerations as human labor. However, machines are not always less expensive than human labor, as initial setup and maintenance costs can be significant.

Question 13

Job shops tend to be __________ while continuous processes tend to be __________.
A) in services; in manufacturing
B) short-term and capital intensive; long-term and labor intensive
C) small scale and flexible; large-scale and inflexible
D) standardized; customized
E) low cost-per-unit; high cost-per-unit

Accepted Answer

Job shops typically have small-scale operations and offer customized products or services. They are often flexible and able to handle a variety of different orders. Continuous processes, on the other hand, involve large-scale, standardized production of goods. They are often highly automated and optimized for efficiency rather than flexibility.

Question 14

The estimation of costs is generally most difficult when the ___________ process has been chosen.
A) project
B) repetitive
C) continuous
D) batch
E) job shop

Accepted Answer

The job shop process involves handling a variety of products in small quantities, with different requirements, making cost estimation more complex due to the variability and customization involved.

Question 15

In which type of operation 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) intermittent production

Accepted Answer

Repetitive production is characterized by standardized products produced using the same process and equipment. This results in consistent outputs with only minor variations in the product.

Question 16

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

Automation refers to the use of machinery with sensing and control devices to replace human labor in production processes. The other options are related to specific types of automation or manufacturing systems, but only automation encompasses the general concept of replacing human labor with machines.

Question 17

Process choice is _________ driven.
A) demand
B) operations
C) marketing
D) process
E) capacity

Accepted Answer

Process choice is demand driven, meaning it is dependent on the volume of demand for the product or service. The process must be able to handle the demand and produce the necessary output efficiently.

Question 18

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 19

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

Subcontracting is not a process type; it refers to outsourcing work to another company, whereas continuous, batch, repetitive, and job shop are all types of production processes.

Question 20

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 may not always be the best choice when selecting a process. It's important to consider factors such as volume, product variety, and customer demand to determine the optimal level of flexibility for the process. Too much flexibility can lead to inefficiencies and increased costs, while too little flexibility can result in missed opportunities and decreased customer satisfaction. A balance must be struck, and this requires careful consideration and analysis.

Quiz 6: Process Selection and Facility Layout

Which type of processing system tends to produce the most product variety?

The key questions in the process selection task are: (I) How will the product/service be priced? (II) How much variety will be imposed on the process? (III) What is the target market for the product/service? (IV) At what volume will the process need to operate?

As compared to rigid automation, the benefits of flexible manufacturing systems include:

When new products or services are being planned, process selection occurs as a matter of course. Process selection also comes into play as a result of: (I) technological changes. (II) competitive pressures. (III) fundamental changes in demand patterns.

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

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

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

Layout planning is required because of: (I) efficient operations. (II) accidents or safety hazards. (III) new products or services. (IV) morale problems.

Cellular layout is a term associated with:

Computer-integrated manufacturing integrates ______________ with manufacturing.

In an environment in which demand is both substantial and stable, __________ technology tends to be the best choice.

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.

Job shops tend to be while continuous processes tend to be .

The estimation of costs is generally most difficult when the ___________ process has been chosen.

In which type of operation 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 substitution of machinery that has sensing and control devices for human labor is best described by the term:

Process choice is _________ driven.

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

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

An operations strategy for process selection should recognize that: