Briefly explain why a business might choose flow production as a method of operation.
CAMBRIDGE
A level and AS level
Year Examined
May/June 2019
Topic
Operations Management
👑Complete Model Essay
Flow Production
Flow production, a prominent method in mass production, involves the continuous movement of goods through a series of pre-defined steps. This essay will explore the reasons why a business might choose flow production as its preferred method of operation.
Advantages of Standardization and Efficiency
One of the primary reasons businesses opt for flow production is its ability to produce large quantities of identical products efficiently. For instance, in car manufacturing, an assembly line exemplifies flow production. Each car moves sequentially through stages where specific components are added, resulting in a standardized product. This method enables businesses to benefit from specialization of labor, where workers become adept at specific tasks, enhancing speed and accuracy.
Technological Integration and Consistency
Flow production readily accommodates advanced technology like robotic arms, further boosting efficiency and precision. Robots can perform repetitive tasks with consistent quality, minimizing errors and variations in the final product. This is particularly advantageous for businesses operating in industries with stringent quality standards, such as electronics manufacturing.
Economies of Scale and Market Reach
Flow production facilitates economies of scale, where the cost per unit decreases as production volume increases. By producing in bulk, businesses can negotiate lower prices for raw materials and spread fixed costs over a larger output. These cost savings can then be passed on to consumers through lower prices, making products more competitive and potentially increasing sales volume.
Flexibility within Standardization
While flow production is often associated with identical products, it can also accommodate variations. For example, a beverage company can utilize the same production line to bottle different flavors of soda, adjusting the flavoring component while maintaining the core production process. This flexibility allows businesses to cater to diverse consumer preferences without completely overhauling their production systems.
Market Demand and Resource Availability
The decision to implement flow production is often influenced by market demand and available resources. If a business faces high demand for a standardized product and has access to sufficient capital and a workforce adaptable to repetitive tasks, flow production becomes a viable option. Conversely, businesses targeting niche markets with customized products might find flow production unsuitable.
Conclusion
In conclusion, flow production presents several compelling advantages for businesses, including increased efficiency, consistent quality, cost savings, and the potential for high-volume sales. Its suitability, however, depends on factors such as product type, market demand, and resource availability. Businesses must carefully evaluate these factors to determine if flow production aligns with their overall operational goals and market positioning.
Briefly explain why a business might choose flow production as a method of operation.
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A-Level Business Studies Essay: Flow Production
This guide will walk you through writing an A-Level Business Studies essay on the reasons why a business might choose flow production as a method of operation. You'll learn how to structure your essay, develop arguments, and incorporate relevant examples.
Understanding Flow Production
Flow production, also known as mass production, is a manufacturing process where products are made in a continuous, standardized, and highly automated fashion. Think of the assembly line for cars, where each worker performs a specific task repeatedly. This method is suitable for businesses producing high volumes of identical products, often with minimal variations.
Reasons for Choosing Flow Production
Here are some compelling reasons why a business might choose flow production:
1. High-Volume Production of Standardized Products
Flow production thrives when a business needs to produce large quantities of identical goods. For example, car manufacturers rely on flow production to churn out thousands of vehicles with standardized features. This method ensures consistency and allows for efficient scaling of production.
2. Automation & High Technology
Flow production is highly adaptable to automation. Robots and machines can perform repetitive tasks with precision and speed, reducing the need for manual labor and increasing productivity. This can lead to substantial cost savings and improved product quality.
3. Economies of Scale & Cost Reduction
Flow production allows for economies of scale, meaning the cost per unit decreases as production volume increases. This is possible because of shared fixed costs across a larger output. Lower production costs often translate to lower selling prices, making the product more competitive and potentially increasing sales.
4. Flexibility for Product Variations
While flow production focuses on standardization, it can still accommodate some product variations. By adjusting the production line, businesses can manufacture different versions of the same product. For instance, a beverage company can produce Coke, Sprite, and other drinks on the same production line with minimal adjustments.
5. Market Demand & Resources
The decision to use flow production is often driven by market demand and available resources. If the market requires high volumes of a particular product, and the business has sufficient capital for automation and a readily available unskilled workforce, flow production becomes a viable option.
Structuring Your Essay
A strong essay on flow production should follow a clear structure:
Introduction:
Introduce flow production, defining it concisely. Briefly outline the key reasons why a business might choose this method. State your main argument clearly.
Main Body:
Develop your argument by exploring the reasons listed above. Provide examples to illustrate how these reasons apply to real-world businesses. You can dedicate a paragraph to each reason, expanding upon the concepts and providing evidence.
Conclusion:
Summarize your main arguments and restate your thesis. Briefly discuss the potential drawbacks of flow production, such as inflexibility in adapting to changing market demands. You can also consider the potential impact of technology on the future of flow production.
Tips for Success
Here are some tips to enhance your essay:
- Research: Gather information about specific businesses that use flow production to support your claims with real-world examples.
- Critical Analysis: Don't just list the advantages of flow production. Critically analyze its limitations, such as inflexibility and potential reliance on capital-intensive investments.
- Clear Language: Use precise terminology and avoid jargon. Explain technical concepts clearly and concisely.
- Evidence & Examples: Back up your claims with relevant data, statistics, and case studies. This will enhance your essay's credibility.
- Proofread Carefully: Check for errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation before submitting your essay.
By following these steps and incorporating the information provided, you can write a compelling and insightful essay on flow production for your A-Level Business Studies course.
Extracts from Mark Schemes
Why Choose Flow Production?
Briefly explain why a business might choose flow production as a method of operation. Answers could include:
- Producing items in a continually moving process might be the best production for the business, e.g. in production of identical standardised cars on an assembly line.
- Can make use of high technology methods – robot arms.
- Can mass produce items to a consistent standard.
- Offers economies of scale and low costs for a one-size-fits-all product – possible price reductions and increased sales can result.
- Can produce different content products on the same production line (e.g. Coke, Sprite).
- The market demands high volume, capital is available, unskilled workforce available might suggest a choice of flow production.