Question 1

The adaptation of mass production to emphasize quality and flexibility, rather than efficiency, is known as lean production.

Accepted Answer

This is correct. The concept of lean production emphasizes on producing products in a cost-effective and efficient manner, while also ensuring that there is no compromise on quality, and a high degree of flexibility is maintained.

Question 2

Globalization requires that firms compete only on cost and not quality, speed or flexibility.

Accepted Answer

Globalization does not necessarily require that firms compete only on cost. While cost competitiveness is an important factor, companies can also compete on the basis of quality, speed, innovation, and flexibility, depending on the needs and demands of different markets. In fact, companies that are able to offer a strong value proposition across multiple dimensions are more likely to succeed in a globalized market.

Question 3

Because of a global recession in the late 2000s ,companies started focusing on the most critical factors to sustain their business during the downturn.

Accepted Answer

This statement is true. During the global recession in the late 2000s, companies focused on the most critical factors to sustain their business during the downturn. This included cost-cutting measures, reducing expenses, and prioritizing investments in areas that would generate revenue and improve efficiency.

Question 4

A supply chain is a series of activities from supplier to customer that adds value to a product or service.

Accepted Answer

A supply chain involves a series of activities that add value to a product or service as it moves from the supplier to the customer.

Question 5

The four primary functional areas of a firm are marketing, finance, operations, and legal.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The four primary functional areas of a...

Question 6

Human resources management provides product demand estimates that are used in production decisions.

Accepted Answer

Human resources management is responsible for managing the organization's workforce, including recruitment, compensation, training, and development. They do not provide product demand estimates, which are typically the responsibility of marketing or operations management.

Question 7

Globalization has affected manufacturing but not service operations.

Accepted Answer

Globalization has affected both manufacturing and service operations. It has led to an increase in outsourcing and offshoring of service operations as well. It has also affected the competitiveness and market share of service firms in the global market.

Question 8

Globalization of the supply chain has many pros and few, if any, cons.

Accepted Answer

While globalization of the supply chain can bring benefits such as cost savings and access to new markets, it also brings risks such as supply chain disruptions, ethical concerns, and increased competition.

Question 9

Operations management is only concerned with the day-to-day operations of a firm's productive systems.

Accepted Answer

Operations management is concerned with not only the day-to-day operations, but also the design, planning, and improvement of the firm's productive systems in order to increase efficiency and productivity.

Question 10

Lean production refers to high-volume production of a standardized product.

Accepted Answer

Lean production is a manufacturing philosophy that focuses on eliminating waste, improving efficiency, and maximizing value for the customer. It does not necessarily relate to the volume or standardization of the product. Lean production can be used for both high- and low-volume production and for custom or standardized products.

Question 11

A retail operation is an example of an exchange transformation process.

Accepted Answer

A retail operation involves the exchange of goods and services between the retailer and the customer, making it an example of an exchange transformation process.

Question 12

The systematic analysis of work methods is known as operations research.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The systematic analysis of work methods is...

Question 13

The European Union requires that strict quality and environmental standards be met before companies can do business with member countries.

Accepted Answer

The EU has strict regulations on quality and environmental standards that companies must comply with in order to do business with member countries.

Question 14

The set of activities that creates and delivers products to the customer is known as the supply chain.

Accepted Answer

The supply chain involves all the interconnected activities involved in creating and delivering products and services to customers.

Question 15

An operations manager benefits from an integrated view of business organizations.

Accepted Answer

An operations manager benefits from an integrated view of business organizations as it allows them to see how different departments and functions within the organization work together and how changes in one area will affect the others. This enables them to make better decisions and improve overall efficiency and effectiveness.

Question 16

Operations management designs, operates, and improves marketing systems.

Accepted Answer

Operations management designs, operates, and improves production and service systems, not marketing systems.

Question 17

Two-thirds of today's businesses operate globally.

Accepted Answer

Two-thirds means 66.67%, which is a majority and indicates that the statement is true.

Question 18

The most current era in the evolution of operations and supply chain management is sustainability.

Accepted Answer

Sustainability has become a crucial aspect in operations and supply chain management, and companies have started to incorporate sustainable practices in their operations to minimize their impact on the environment and society while maintaining efficiency and profitability. This makes sustainability the most current era in the evolution of operations and supply chain management.

Question 19

A warehouse operation is an example of a physical transformation process.

Accepted Answer

The answer of A warehouse operation is an example of...

Question 20

A major challenge and opportunity for many firms is the globalization of the supply chain.

Accepted Answer

With globalization, firms can access new markets and suppliers, but they also face increased competition and potential disruptions in their supply chain.

Quiz 1: Introduction to Operations and Supply Chain Management