Unit 5.2 Operations Methods Quiz

Specialization is one of the three main methods of production or operations methods.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Specialization is not one of the three main methods of production; the main methods typically include job production, batch production, and mass production. Therefore, the statement is false.

Mass production allows limited flexibility as large quantities of identical products are manufactured.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

True. Mass production focuses on creating large quantities of identical products, which limits the ability to customize or adapt to different needs, resulting in limited flexibility.

Job production involves the production of a special or ‘one off’ or bespoke product suited to the specific requirements of an individual customer.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

True. Job production is characterized by creating unique, custom products tailored to the specific needs of individual customers, making the statement accurate.

The average cost (AC) of production is lower with mass production than other operations methods due to firms being able to bulk order materials and components needed for production.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

True. Mass production allows firms to order materials in bulk, reducing the average cost of production compared to other methods, which often involve smaller, less efficient orders.

An advantage of job production is that products are made to a customer’s specific requirements, so clients get exactly what they want.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

True. Job production allows for customization, ensuring that products meet the specific requirements of clients, resulting in exactly what they want.

A light bulb manufacturer is likely to use job production.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

The statement is false because a light bulb manufacturer typically uses mass production methods to produce large quantities efficiently, rather than job production, which is suited for custom, one-off items.

An advantage of batch production compared with job production is the reduced average costs due to economies of scale.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

True. Batch production allows for the production of goods in groups, leading to lower average costs per unit due to economies of scale, unlike job production which is typically more costly per unit.

A professional portrait photographer would use job production.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

True. A professional portrait photographer typically engages in job production, creating custom portraits for individual clients rather than mass-producing identical images.

Mass production uses relatively unskilled workers because many stages of the production process can be automated.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

True. Mass production often relies on automation, which reduces the need for skilled labor. This allows relatively unskilled workers to perform tasks that are repetitive and easily taught.

Labour costs may be relatively low with mass production because automation means a lower level of human resources is required in the production process.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

True. Mass production often utilizes automation, which reduces the need for human labor, leading to lower overall labour costs.