Question 1

Lower average inventory is feasible only if setup times are short.

Accepted Answer

Shorter setup times allow for more frequent and efficient production runs, reducing the need for excess inventory to meet demand. Therefore, lower average inventory can be achieved with shorter setup times.

Question 2

A scheduler may find that freezing the portion of the schedule closest to the due dates allows the production system to function and the schedule to be met.

Accepted Answer

Freezing the portion of the schedule closest to the due dates can help ensure timely delivery of products while allowing the production system to function smoothly. This method is commonly used in manufacturing and project management to mitigate the risk of delays and ensure that deadlines are met.

Question 3

Cross-training is a common JIT tactic to improve flexibility.

Accepted Answer

Cross-training allows employees to learn multiple skills and tasks, making them more versatile and able to adapt to changing needs in JIT systems.

Question 4

Product storage is an example of waste,in the sense that no value is added.

Accepted Answer

Product storage is considered waste because it does not add value to the product or improve its quality, therefore it is not something customers are willing to pay for.

Question 5

TPS stands for Total Production Streamlining.

Accepted Answer

TPS actually stands for Toyota Production System.

Question 6

Hidden problems are generally uncovered during the process of reducing inventory.

Accepted Answer

When inventory is reduced, it often exposes underlying issues within the supply chain, such as bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and quality problems. These hidden problems can then be addressed and improved upon, leading to a more streamlined and effective operation.

Question 7

Variability in manufacturing can occur because engineering drawings or specifications are incomplete or inaccurate.

Accepted Answer

Incomplete or inaccurate engineering drawings or specifications can lead to variability in manufacturing as the production process may not be able to accurately replicate the intended design.

Question 8

Reducing distance is a common JIT goal.

Accepted Answer

Just-in-time philosophy aims to reduce waste and improve efficiency by minimizing the distance traveled by parts and materials, thereby reducing lead times and inventory costs.

Question 9

JIT brings about competitive advantage by faster response to the customer regardless of cost.

Accepted Answer

JIT (Just-In-Time) focuses on reducing costs by minimizing inventory levels and increasing efficiency, not just faster response regardless of cost.

Question 10

If setup times and costs can be reduced enough,the JIT ideal of "Lot Size = 1" can be achieved.

Accepted Answer

JIT (Just-in-Time) focuses on reducing waste and increasing efficiency, and one of its goals is to achieve a lot size of one. This means producing products or components in the exact quantities needed, eliminating excess inventory and unused resources. If setup times and costs are minimized, it becomes more feasible to produce smaller batches, ultimately leading to a lot size of one.

Question 11

One goal of JIT partnerships is the removal of in-plant inventory by delivery in small lots directly to the using department as needed.

Accepted Answer

This is one of the goals of JIT partnerships, as it helps reduce waste and inventory costs. Delivery in small lots as needed reduces the need for excess inventory and allows for more efficient use of space in the plant.

Question 12

JIT systems carry inventory just in case something goes wrong.

Accepted Answer

JIT (Just-In-Time) systems aim to minimize inventory and carry only the minimum amount required to meet demand. They rely on quick and efficient delivery of materials and components to avoid keeping excess inventory. The principle of JIT is to produce goods or services exactly when they are needed, eliminating the need for excess inventory or safety stock. Therefore, JIT systems do not carry inventory "just in case".

Question 13

A push system means providing the next station with exactly what is needed when it is needed.

Accepted Answer

A push system involves producing goods based on forecasted demand and pushing them to the next station regardless of the current need, as opposed to a pull system which provides exactly what is needed when it is needed.

Question 14

TPS stands for Toyota Production System.

Accepted Answer

TPS stands for Toyota Production System.

Question 15

Increasing inventory exposes variability in production processes.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Increasing inventory exposes variability in production processes....

Question 16

In a JIT system,product inspection adds value by identifying defective items.

Accepted Answer

In a JIT (Just-In-Time) system, the focus is on preventing defects before they occur rather than identifying them after production, as identifying defects does not add value but rather adds cost and waste to the process.

Question 17

Waste is anything that does not add value,such as storage or inspection of items;waste also includes any activity that does not add value from the consumer's perspective.

Accepted Answer

This statement accurately defines waste in the context of Lean methodology, which is focused on eliminating all forms of waste to improve efficiency and productivity.

Question 18

Many suppliers feel that having a variety of customers is better than being tied to long-term contracts with one customer.

Accepted Answer

Having a variety of customers allows suppliers to diversify their income streams and reduce their risk of relying solely on one customer. This also gives them the opportunity to negotiate better terms and higher prices with multiple customers. Long-term contracts can limit a supplier's flexibility and leave them vulnerable if the customer decides to change their business strategy or switch to a competitor.

Question 19

JIT suppliers have concerns that the JIT firm's demands for small lot sizes are simply a way of transferring holding cost from manufacturer firm to the supplier firm.

Accepted Answer

JIT systems are designed to minimize inventory holding costs for the manufacturing firm, but this can often shift the burden to the suppliers who must provide small lot sizes frequently. This can result in increased setup costs and reduced efficiency for the suppliers. Therefore, it is true that JIT suppliers have concerns about being responsible for holding costs that were previously managed by the manufacturer firm.

Question 20

Customer demand will always remain an unknown,so it is not considered a source of variation.

Accepted Answer

Customer demand is a source of variation because it can fluctuate and impact the production process. It is important for businesses to try to forecast and plan for customer demand in order to manage this source of variation.

Quiz 16: Jit and Lean Operations

Lower average inventory is feasible only if setup times are short.

A scheduler may find that freezing the portion of the schedule closest to the due dates allows the production system to function and the schedule to be met.

Cross-training is a common JIT tactic to improve flexibility.

Product storage is an example of waste,in the sense that no value is added.

TPS stands for Total Production Streamlining.

Hidden problems are generally uncovered during the process of reducing inventory.

Variability in manufacturing can occur because engineering drawings or specifications are incomplete or inaccurate.

Reducing distance is a common JIT goal.

JIT brings about competitive advantage by faster response to the customer regardless of cost.

If setup times and costs can be reduced enough,the JIT ideal of "Lot Size = 1" can be achieved.

One goal of JIT partnerships is the removal of in-plant inventory by delivery in small lots directly to the using department as needed.

JIT systems carry inventory just in case something goes wrong.

A push system means providing the next station with exactly what is needed when it is needed.

TPS stands for Toyota Production System.

Increasing inventory exposes variability in production processes.

In a JIT system,product inspection adds value by identifying defective items.

Waste is anything that does not add value,such as storage or inspection of items;waste also includes any activity that does not add value from the consumer's perspective.

Many suppliers feel that having a variety of customers is better than being tied to long-term contracts with one customer.

JIT suppliers have concerns that the JIT firm's demands for small lot sizes are simply a way of transferring holding cost from manufacturer firm to the supplier firm.

Customer demand will always remain an unknown,so it is not considered a source of variation.