Operations management

Table of Contents

1. Topic pack - Operations management - introduction
2. Operations Management (OM) - Introduction
3. 5.1 Production methods notes
   1. Production methods
   2. Job production
   3. Batch production
   4. Flow/mass production
   5. Halo Custom Guitars
   6. Summary of production methods
   7. Advantages and disadvantages of production methods
   8. Continuous production
   9. Cost structure of firms
   10. Cell production and teamwork
   11. Cell production - examples and illustrations
   12. Changing the production system
   13. Selecting the most appropriate method of production
   14. Combining methods of production
4. 5.1 Production methods - questions
5. 5.2 Costs and revenues - notes
6. 5.2 Costs and revenues - questions
7. 5.3 Break-even analysis - notes
8. 5.3 Break-even analysis - questions
9. 5.3 Break-even analysis - simulations and activities
10. 5.4 Quality assurance - notes
11. 5.4 Quality assurance - questions and activities
12. 5.5 Location - notes
13. Innovation - notes (HL only)
14. 5.6 Innovation - questions
15. 5.7 Production planning - notes
16. 5.7 Production planning - questions
17. 5.8 Project management - notes (HL only)
18. 5.8 Project management - questions (HL only)
19. Print View

Batch production

Batch production involves the production of identical products made in groups (batches). The group remains together as it passes through each stage of production until all processes are complete. Changes may be made between batches. For example, clothing may be produced in batches of different sizes and colours. The process, therefore, includes a delay between batches while equipment is changed or recalibrated; this is known as downtime.

Production is less personal in that products are not individualised to customer requirement; the focus is on making high quality products at an affordable price. Workers specialise and are less likely to be highly skilled or multi-skilled. Specialised equipment is probably used since it is possible to get higher capital utilisation. Products are cheaper, but capital cost is significantly higher than for job production.

Typical products produced in batches include bakery products, clothing, 'fast-food', shoes and pharmaceuticals.