Name:

Carlos owns a private limited company called BettaBakers Ltd. It produces bread loaves and a
variety of cakes which are sold in local shops. The method of production used by BettaBakers
is batch production. Carlos say, ‘I have been told that lean production techniques in the bakery
would help me to increase productivity and profits.’

a) What is meant by ‘lean production’?

_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

(2)

b) Identify two ways lean production might be achieved.

_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

(2)

c) Outline two ways, other than lean production, that Carlos could increase productivity.

Way 1:
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Way 2:
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

(4)
d) Explain two advantages to Carlos of using batch production.

Advantage 1:
_____________________________________________________________________________
Explanation:
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

Advantage 2:
_____________________________________________________________________________
Explanation:
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

(6)

e) Do you think Carlos should change his production method to flow production in the bakery?
Justify your answer.

_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

(6)
Mr Patel owns a business which manufactures wooden furniture. He uses traditional labout-
intensive methods of production in the factory. Workers measure, cut and shape the wood
needed for each piece of furniture. The furniture is made using job production to the exact
requirements of each customer. Mr Patel is worried about the level of efficiency in his factory
and wants to improve productivity. He is thinking of introducing new technology into his
factory.

a) What is meant by ‘productivity’?

_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

(2)

b) Identify two benefits to Mr Patel of increasing productivity.

_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

(2)

c) Outline two ways technology could change production methods for Mr Patel.

Way 1:
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Way 2:
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

(4)
d) Explain two disadvantages of using job production for Mr Patel.

Disadvantage 1:
_____________________________________________________________________________
Explanation:
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

Disadvantage 2:
_____________________________________________________________________________
Explanation:
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

(6)

e) Do you think Mr Patel should introduce new technology into his factory? Justify your
answer.

_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

(6)