Operations Methods (DP IB Business Management: HL)

Exam Questions

44 mins14 questions
12 marks

Case Study

Global Technology Inc, a multinational technology company headquartered in Manila, produces both hardware and software outputs for businesses worldwide. In 2024, GTI's board is reviewing their product portfolio.

State two types of output that businesses can produce.

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22 marks

Case Study

Dynamic Electronics Ltd, a British consumer electronics manufacturer, must consider several elements when deciding how to organise their production processes, including production methods, in their new factory.

State two factors that influence a business's choice of production method.

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32 marks

Case Study

Bespoke Furniture Ltd, a high-end Danish furniture manufacturer, produces unique pieces tailored to individual customer specifications. Each item requires skilled craftsmen and specialised techniques, resulting in long lead times.

Define the term 'lead time'.

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42 marks

Case Study

Custom Yachts International, based in Auckland, builds luxury vessels to exact client specifications using job production. Each yacht is crafted individually using specialist materials and techniques.

State two characteristics of job production.

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52 marks

Case Study

Neo Beauty, a Norwegian cosmetics manufacturer, produces skincare products in separate batches.

State two disadvantages of batch production.

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62 marks

Case Study

German Motors AG, a leading automotive manufacturer, uses flow production, operating a continuous production line where vehicles move through a series of workstations. Most processes are carried out by robots.

Define the term 'flow production'.

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72 marks

Case Study

Huntley Strang, a premium bathroom tile manufacturer, has adopted a mass customisation approach which combines standard production processes with personalisation options. Their customers can select from a wide range of pre-designed features.

Define the term 'mass customisation'.

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82 marks

Case Study

TechGadgets, a consumer electronics company, uses mass customisation to offer personalised smartphones. Customers can select colours, storage capacity, and additional features.

Explain one benefit of mass customisation for TechGadgets.

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14 marks

Case Study

Tailor Tech is a high-end tailoring business offering bespoke suits for professionals and special occasions. Each suit is crafted to the specific measurements and design preferences of the customer. The company uses job production to ensure a unique product for every client.

Recently, Tailor Tech introduced an online customisation platform allowing customers to choose fabrics, styles, and details like buttons and lapels. While this approach enhances customer satisfaction, it also presents challenges, such as longer lead times and higher costs compared to mass production methods.

Explain one advantage and one disadvantage of Tailor Tech using job production for its suits.

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24 marks

Case Study

Tailor Tech is a high-end tailoring business offering bespoke suits for professionals and special occasions. Each suit is crafted to the specific measurements and design preferences of the customer. The company uses job production to ensure a unique product for every client.

Recently, Tailor Tech introduced an online customisation platform allowing customers to choose fabrics, styles, and details like buttons and lapels. While this approach enhances customer satisfaction, it also presents challenges, such as longer lead times and higher costs compared to mass production methods.

Describe two challenges Tailor Tech faces with longer lead times in its production process.

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36 marks

Case Study

LuxBake is a premium chocolatier specialising in handcrafted chocolates. The company uses batch production to create small quantities of customised products, such as truffles and bonbons, for special occasions and corporate clients.

While batch production allows for variety and quality control, it also presents challenges, such as higher per-unit costs and potential inefficiencies during equipment changeovers. LuxBake is exploring ways to optimise its production process without compromising its focus on artisanal quality.

Analyse two advantages and one disadvantage of LuxBake investing in more efficient equipment for its batch production process.

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44 marks

Case Study

LuxBake is a premium chocolatier specialising in handcrafted chocolates. The company uses batch production to create small quantities of customised products, such as truffles and bonbons, for special occasions and corporate clients.

While batch production allows for variety and quality control, it also presents challenges, such as higher per-unit costs and potential inefficiencies during equipment changeovers. LuxBake is exploring ways to optimise its production process without compromising its focus on artisanal quality.

Explain one advantage and one disadvantage of LuxBake using batch production for its chocolates.

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56 marks

Case Study

RapidBuild manufactures prefabricated construction materials, including wall panels and roof beams, using flow production. This method ensures consistency and high output to meet the demands of large-scale construction projects.

While flow production is efficient, it relies heavily on machinery, which can lead to significant downtime during breakdowns. RapidBuild is exploring preventive maintenance strategies to reduce risks and improve overall productivity.

Analyse two advantages and one disadvantage of RapidBuild implementing a preventive maintenance strategy for its machinery.

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64 marks

Case Study

RapidBuild manufactures prefabricated construction materials, including panels and beams, using flow production. This method ensures consistency and high output to meet the demands of large-scale construction projects.

While flow production is efficient, it relies heavily on machinery, which can lead to significant downtime during breakdowns. RapidBuild is exploring preventive maintenance strategies to reduce risks and improve overall productivity.

Describe two methods RapidBuild could use to reduce the risk of downtime in its flow production process.

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