Thursday, February 2, 2017

Strategic Management - Southwest Airlines - Leadership and Decision Making




Operations Management, 12e (Heizer/Render/Munson)
Supplement 7  Capacity and Constraint Management


Section 1   Capacity

1) Utilization is the number of units a facility can hold, receive, store, or produce in a period of time.
Answer:  FALSE
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Utilization
Objective:  LO S7.2 Determine design capacity, effective capacity, and utilization
Learning Outcome:  Explain options for managing bottlenecks and managing capacity in service and manufacturing processes

2) Design capacity is the theoretical maximum output of a system in a given period under ideal conditions.
Answer:  TRUE
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Design capacity
Objective:  LO S7.2 Determine design capacity, effective capacity, and utilization
Learning Outcome:  Explain options for managing bottlenecks and managing capacity in service and manufacturing processes

3) Capacity decisions are based on technological concerns, not demand forecasts.
Answer:  FALSE
Diff: 1
Key Term:  Capacity
Objective:  LO S7.1 Define capacity
Learning Outcome:  Explain options for managing bottlenecks and managing capacity in service and manufacturing processes

4) Effective capacity is typically larger than design capacity.
Answer:  FALSE
Diff: 2
Objective:  LO S7.2 Determine design capacity, effective capacity, and utilization
Learning Outcome:  Explain options for managing bottlenecks and managing capacity in service and manufacturing processes

5) Price changes are useful for matching the level of demand to the capacity of a facility.
Answer:  TRUE
Diff: 2



Objective:  LO S7.1 Define capacity
Learning Outcome:  Explain options for managing bottlenecks and managing capacity in service and manufacturing processes

6) A useful tactic for increasing capacity is to redesign a product in order to facilitate more throughput.
Answer:  TRUE
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Capacity
Objective:  LO S7.1 Define capacity
Learning Outcome:  Explain options for managing bottlenecks and managing capacity in service and manufacturing processes

7) Effective capacity × Efficiency equals:
  1. A) efficient capacity.
  2. B) utilization.
  3. C) actual capacity.
  4. D) expected output.
  5. E) design capacity.
Answer:  D
Diff: 2
Objective:  LO S7.2 Determine design capacity, effective capacity, and utilization
Learning Outcome:  Explain options for managing bottlenecks and managing capacity in service and manufacturing processes

8) Effective capacity is the:
  1. A) maximum output of a system in a given period.
  2. B) capacity a firm expects to achieve given the current operating constraints.
  3. C) average output that can be achieved under ideal conditions.
  4. D) minimum usable capacity of a particular facility.
  5. E) sum of all of the organization's inputs.
Answer:  B
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Effective capacity
Objective:  LO S7.2 Determine design capacity, effective capacity, and utilization
Learning Outcome:  Explain options for managing bottlenecks and managing capacity in service and manufacturing processes

9) Which of the following represents an aggressive approach to demand management in the service sector when demand and capacity are not particularly well matched?
  1. A) lower resort hotel room prices on Wednesdays
  2. B) appointments
  3. C) reservations
  4. D) first-come, first-served rule
  5. E) none of the above
Answer:  A
Diff: 3
Objective:  LO S7.1 Define capacity
Learning Outcome:  Explain options for managing bottlenecks and managing capacity in service and manufacturing processes


10) Utilization will always be lower than efficiency because:
  1. A) effective capacity is less than design capacity.
  2. B) effective capacity is greater than design capacity.
  3. C) effective capacity equals design capacity.
  4. D) expected output is less than actual output.
  5. E) expected output is less than rated capacity.
Answer:  A
Diff: 2
AACSB:  Analytical thinking
Objective:  LO S7.2 Determine design capacity, effective capacity, and utilization
Learning Outcome:  Explain options for managing bottlenecks and managing capacity in service and manufacturing processes
11) The Academic Computing Center has five trainers available in its computer labs to provide training sessions to students. Assume that the design capacity of the system is 1900 students per semester and that effective capacity equals 90% of design capacity. If the number of students who actually got their orientation session is 1500, what is the efficiency of the system?
  1. A) 1350 students
  2. B) 1710 students
  3. C) 78.9%
  4. D) 87.7%
  5. E) 90%
Answer:  D
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Efficiency
AACSB:  Analytical thinking
Objective:  LO S7.2 Determine design capacity, effective capacity, and utilization
Learning Outcome:  Explain options for managing bottlenecks and managing capacity in service and manufacturing processes

12) Christopher's Cranks uses a machine that can produce 100 cranks per hour. The firm operates 12 hours per day, five days per week. Due to regularly scheduled preventive maintenance, the firm expects the machine to be running during approximately 95% of the available time. Based on experience with other products, the firm expects to achieve an efficiency level for the cranks of 85%. What is the expected weekly output of cranks for this company?
  1. A) 5100
  2. B) 5700
  3. C) 4845
  4. D) 969
  5. E) 6783
Answer:  C
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Efficiency
AACSB:  Analytical thinking
Objective:  LO S7.2 Determine design capacity, effective capacity, and utilization
Learning Outcome:  Explain options for managing bottlenecks and managing capacity in service and manufacturing processes


13) The staff training center at a large regional hospital provides training sessions in CPR to all employees. Assume that the capacity of this training system was designed to be 1200 employees per year. Since the training center was first put into use, the program has become more complex, so that 1050 now represents the most employees that can be trained per year. In the past year, 950 employees were trained. The efficiency of this system is approximately ________ and its utilization is approximately ________.
  1. A) 79.2 percent; 90.5 percent
  2. B) 90.5 percent; 79.2 percent
  3. C) 87.5 percent; 950 employees
  4. D) 950 employees; 1050 employees
  5. E) 110.5 percent; 114.3 percent
Answer:  B
Diff: 2
AACSB:  Analytical thinking
Objective:  LO S7.2 Determine design capacity, effective capacity, and utilization
Learning Outcome:  Explain options for managing bottlenecks and managing capacity in service and manufacturing processes
14) Which of the following represents a common way to manage capacity in the service sector?
  1. A) appointments
  2. B) reservations
  3. C) changes in staffing levels
  4. D) first-come, first-served service rule
  5. E) "early bird" specials in restaurants
Answer:  C
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Capacity
Objective:  LO S7.1 Define capacity
Learning Outcome:  Explain options for managing bottlenecks and managing capacity in service and manufacturing processes

15) Adding a complementary product to what is currently being produced is a demand management strategy used when:
  1. A) demand exceeds capacity.
  2. B) capacity exceeds demand for a product that has stable demand.
  3. C) the existing product has seasonal or cyclical demand.
  4. D) price increases have failed to bring about demand management.
  5. E) efficiency exceeds 100 percent.
Answer:  C
Diff: 2
Learning Outcome:  Explain options for managing bottlenecks and managing capacity in service and manufacturing processes


16) An organization whose capacity is on that portion of the average unit cost curve that falls as output rises:
  1. A) has a facility that is below optimum operating level and should build a larger facility.
  2. B) has a facility that is above optimum operating level and should reduce facility size.
  3. C) is suffering from diseconomies of scale.
  4. D) has utilization higher than efficiency.
  5. E) has expected output higher than rated capacity.
Answer:  A
Diff: 2
AACSB:  Reflective thinking
Learning Outcome:  Explain options for managing bottlenecks and managing capacity in service and manufacturing processes

17) ________ is the number of units a facility can hold, store, receive, or produce in a period of time.
Answer:  Throughput or Capacity
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Capacity
Objective:  LO S7.1 Define capacity
Learning Outcome:  Explain options for managing bottlenecks and managing capacity in service and manufacturing processes
18) ________ is actual output as a percent of design capacity.
Answer:  Utilization
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Utilization
Objective:  LO S7.2 Determine design capacity, effective capacity, and utilization
Learning Outcome:  Explain options for managing bottlenecks and managing capacity in service and manufacturing processes

19) ________ is actual output as a percent of effective capacity.
Answer:  Efficiency
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Efficiency
Objective:  LO S7.2 Determine design capacity, effective capacity, and utilization
Learning Outcome:  Explain options for managing bottlenecks and managing capacity in service and manufacturing processes

20) In the service sector, scheduling customers is a type of ________ management, while scheduling the workforce is a type of ________.
Answer:  demand; capacity
Diff: 2
Learning Outcome:  Explain options for managing bottlenecks and managing capacity in service and manufacturing processes


21) What is the fundamental distinction between design capacity and effective capacity? Provide a brief example.
Answer:  Design capacity is the theoretical maximum output of a system in a given period under ideal conditions. Effective capacity, on the other hand, is the capacity that a firm expects to achieve given the current operating constraints. Effective capacity is often lower than design capacity because the facility may have been designed for an earlier version of the product or a different product mix than is currently being produced. Most firms operate at less than design capacity because they don't want to be stretching their resources to the limit. As an example, a restaurant might have 100 seats, but it only opens up 60 every night because it cannot find enough qualified servers.
Diff: 2
Objective:  LO S7.2 Determine design capacity, effective capacity, and utilization
Learning Outcome:  Explain options for managing bottlenecks and managing capacity in service and manufacturing processes

22) Distinguish between utilization and efficiency.
Answer:  Both are ratios, not item counts. Both use actual output in the ratio numerator. Utilization is the ratio of actual output to design capacity, so it measures output as a fraction of ideal facility usage. Efficiency is the ratio of actual output to effective capacity, so it measures output as a fraction of the practical or current limits of the facility. Utilization will be lower than efficiency.
Diff: 2
Objective:  LO S7.2 Determine design capacity, effective capacity, and utilization
Learning Outcome:  Explain options for managing bottlenecks and managing capacity in service and manufacturing processes
23) Why is the capacity decision important?
Answer:  The capacity decision is important for several reasons. First, capacity costs represent a large portion of fixed costs. Second, a facility of the wrong size means that costs are not as low as they could be. If a facility is too large, and portions of it remain idle, the firm's costs are too high because of the higher fixed costs. If a plant is too small, costs are again higher than they might be due to inefficiencies of working in cramped and crowded spaces. Further, a facility too small may lead to lost sales, perhaps even lost markets.
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Capacity
AACSB:  Reflective thinking
Objective:  LO S7.1 Define capacity
Learning Outcome:  Explain options for managing bottlenecks and managing capacity in service and manufacturing processes

24) A good capacity decision requires that it be tightly integrated with the organization's strategy and investments. But there are four other special "considerations" to making a good capacity decision. Identify them.
Answer:  (1) Forecast demand accurately. (2) Match technology increments and sales volume. (3) Find the optimum operating size (volume). (4) Build for change.
Diff: 3
Key Term:  Capacity
Learning Outcome:  Explain options for managing bottlenecks and managing capacity in service and manufacturing processes


25) Identify the six tactics for matching capacity to demand.
Answer:
  1. Making staffing changes (increasing or decreasing the number of employees or shifts),
  2. Adjusting equipment (purchasing additional machinery or selling or leasing out existing equipment),
  3. Improving processes to increase throughput,
  4. Redesigning products to facilitate more throughput,
  5. Adding process flexibility to better meet changing product preferences, and
  6. Closing facilities.
Diff: 3
Learning Outcome:  Explain options for managing bottlenecks and managing capacity in service and manufacturing processes

26) The staff training center at a large regional hospital provides training sessions in CPR to all employees. Assume that the capacity of this training system was designed to be 1800 employees per year. Since the training center was first put in use, the program has become more complex, so that 1400 now represents the most employees that can be trained per year. In the past year, 1350 employees were trained. Calculate the efficiency and the utilization of this system.
Answer:  Efficiency = 1350 / 1400 = .964 or 96.4 percent; utilization = 1350 / 1800 = .75 or 75 percent
Diff: 2
AACSB:  Analytical thinking
Objective:  LO S7.2 Determine design capacity, effective capacity, and utilization
Learning Outcome:  Explain options for managing bottlenecks and managing capacity in service and manufacturing processes
27) An executive conference center has the physical ability to handle 1,100 participants. However, conference management personnel believe that only 1,000 participants can be handled effectively for most events. The last event, although forecasted to have 1,000 participants, resulted in the attendance of only 950 participants. What are the utilization and efficiency of the conference facility?
Answer:  Design Capacity = 1,100 participants
Effective Capacity = 1,000 participants
Actual Output = 950 participants

Utilization =  =  = 86.4%

Efficiency =  =  = 95.0%
Diff: 2
AACSB:  Analytical thinking
Objective:  LO S7.2 Determine design capacity, effective capacity, and utilization
Learning Outcome:  Explain options for managing bottlenecks and managing capacity in service and manufacturing processes


28) A fleet repair facility has the capacity to repair 800 trucks per month. However, due to scheduled maintenance of their equipment, management feels that they can repair no more than 600 trucks per month. Last month, two of the employees were absent several days each, and only 400 trucks were repaired. What are the utilization and efficiency of the repair shop?
Answer:  Design Capacity = 800 trucks
Effective Capacity = 600 trucks
Actual Output = 400 trucks

Utilization =  =  = 50.0%

Efficiency =  =  = 66.7%
Diff: 2
AACSB:  Analytical thinking
Objective:  LO S7.2 Determine design capacity, effective capacity, and utilization
Learning Outcome:  Explain options for managing bottlenecks and managing capacity in service and manufacturing processes

29) The efficiency of a factory is 75% and its utilization 50%. If effective capacity is 1000 find design capacity.
Answer:  Output = Efficiency ∗ Effective Capacity = Utilization ∗ Design Capacity. Solving gives .75(1000) = .50 (Design Capacity), Design Capacity = 1500
Diff: 2
AACSB:  Analytical thinking
Objective:  LO S7.2 Determine design capacity, effective capacity, and utilization
Learning Outcome:  Explain options for managing bottlenecks and managing capacity in service and manufacturing processes
30) A factory produces 1000 units a month. If design capacity is 3000 and efficiency is 50% find utilization and effective capacity.
Answer:  Output = Utilization ∗ Design Capacity gives 1000 = utilization ∗ 3000, utilization = 33.33%. Next use output = efficiency ∗ effective capacity to get 1000 = .5(effective capacity), effective capacity = 2000 units.
Diff: 2
AACSB:  Analytical thinking
Objective:  LO S7.2 Determine design capacity, effective capacity, and utilization
Learning Outcome:  Explain options for managing bottlenecks and managing capacity in service and manufacturing processes

Section 2   Bottleneck Analysis and the Theory of Constraints

1) The bottleneck time is always at least as long as the throughput time.
Answer:  FALSE
Diff: 2
AACSB:  Reflective thinking
Objective:  LO S7.3 Perform bottleneck analysis
Learning Outcome:  Explain options for managing bottlenecks and managing capacity in service and manufacturing processes

2) To find the throughput time with simultaneous processes, compute the time over all paths and choose the shortest path through the system.
Answer:  FALSE
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Throughput time
Objective:  LO S7.3 Perform bottleneck analysis
Learning Outcome:  Explain options for managing bottlenecks and managing capacity in service and manufacturing processes

3) The theory of constraints is a body of knowledge that deals with anything that limits an organization's ability to achieve its goals.
Answer:  TRUE
Diff: 1
Key Term:  Theory of constraints (TOC)
Objective:  LO S7.3 Perform bottleneck analysis
Learning Outcome:  Explain options for managing bottlenecks and managing capacity in service and manufacturing processes

4) Substantial research has proved that the only successful method of dealing with bottlenecks is to increase the bottleneck's capacity.
Answer:  FALSE
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Bottleneck
Objective:  LO S7.3 Perform bottleneck analysis
Learning Outcome:  Explain options for managing bottlenecks and managing capacity in service and manufacturing processes
5) Consider a production line with five stations. Station 1 can produce a unit in 9 minutes. Station 2 can produce a unit in 10 minutes. Station 3 has two identical machines, each of which can process a unit in 12 minutes (each unit only needs to be processed on one of the two machines. Station 4 can produce a unit in 5 minutes. Station 5 can produce a unit in 8 minutes. Which station is the bottleneck station?
  1. A) Station 1
  2. B) Station 2
  3. C) Station 3
  4. D) Station 4
  5. E) Station 5
Answer:  B
Diff: 3
Key Term:  Bottleneck
AACSB:  Analytical thinking
Objective:  LO S7.3 Perform bottleneck analysis
Learning Outcome:  Explain options for managing bottlenecks and managing capacity in service and manufacturing processes


6) A tortilla chip workstation produces 1,000 chips in 20 seconds. What is its bottleneck time?
  1. A) .02 seconds per chip
  2. B) 50 chips per second
  3. C) 20 seconds
  4. D) 6000 chips per minute
  5. E) 20,000 seconds
Answer:  A
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Bottleneck time
AACSB:  Analytical thinking
Objective:  LO S7.3 Perform bottleneck analysis
Learning Outcome:  Explain options for managing bottlenecks and managing capacity in service and manufacturing processes

7) A work system has five stations that have process times of 5, 9, 4, 9, and 8. What is the throughput time of the system?
  1. A) 4
  2. B) 9
  3. C) 18
  4. D) 35
  5. E) 7
Answer:  D
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Throughput time
AACSB:  Analytical thinking
Objective:  LO S7.3 Perform bottleneck analysis
Learning Outcome:  Explain options for managing bottlenecks and managing capacity in service and manufacturing processes
8) A work system has five stations that have process times of 5, 9, 4, 9, and 8. What is the bottleneck time?
  1. A) 4
  2. B) 9
  3. C) 18
  4. D) 35
  5. E) 7
Answer:  B
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Bottleneck time
AACSB:  Analytical thinking
Objective:  LO S7.3 Perform bottleneck analysis
Learning Outcome:  Explain options for managing bottlenecks and managing capacity in service and manufacturing processes


9) An assembly line has 10 stations with times of 1, 2, 3, 4, …, 10, respectively. What is the bottleneck time?
  1. A) 18.18% of the throughput time
  2. B) 100% of the throughput time
  3. C) 550% of the throughput time
  4. D) 50% of the throughput time
  5. E) 1.82% of the throughput time
Answer:  A
Diff: 2
AACSB:  Analytical thinking
Objective:  LO S7.3 Perform bottleneck analysis
Learning Outcome:  Explain options for managing bottlenecks and managing capacity in service and manufacturing processes

10) Which of the following is not one of the four principles of bottleneck management?
  1. A) Release work orders to the system at the bottleneck's capacity pace.
  2. B) Lost time at the bottleneck is lost system capacity.
  3. C) Increasing capacity at non-bottleneck stations is a mirage.
  4. D) Increased bottleneck capacity is increased system capacity.
  5. E) Bottlenecks should be moved to the end of the system process.
Answer:  E
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Bottleneck
Objective:  LO S7.3 Perform bottleneck analysis
Learning Outcome:  Explain options for managing bottlenecks and managing capacity in service and manufacturing processes
11) The Theory of Constraints (TOC) was popularized by:
  1. A) Goldratt and Cox.
  2. B) Ford.
  3. C) Taguchi.
  4. D) Deming.
  5. E) Motorola and GE.
Answer:  A
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Theory of constraints (TOC)
Objective:  LO S7.3 Perform bottleneck analysis
Learning Outcome:  Explain options for managing bottlenecks and managing capacity in service and manufacturing processes


12) The Theory of Constraints (TOC) strives to reduce the effect of constraints by:
  1. A) offloading work from constrained workstations.
  2. B) increasing constrained workstation capability.
  3. C) changing workstation order to reduce throughput time.
  4. D) A and B
  5. E) A, B, and C
Answer:  D
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Theory of constraints (TOC)
AACSB:  Reflective thinking
Objective:  LO S7.3 Perform bottleneck analysis
Learning Outcome:  Explain options for managing bottlenecks and managing capacity in service and manufacturing processes

13) The theory of constraints has its origins in:
  1. A) linear programming theory.
  2. B) the theory of economies of scale.
  3. C) material requirements planning.
  4. D) the theory of finite capacity planning.
  5. E) Goldratt and Cox's book, The Goal: A Process of Ongoing Improvement.
Answer:  E
Diff: 1
Key Term:  Theory of constraints (TOC)
Objective:  LO S7.3 Perform bottleneck analysis
Learning Outcome:  Explain options for managing bottlenecks and managing capacity in service and manufacturing processes

14) Which of the following techniques is NOT a technique for dealing with a bottleneck?
  1. A) Schedule throughput to match the capacity of the bottleneck.
  2. B) Increase the capacity of the constraint.
  3. C) Have cross-trained employees available to keep the constraint at full operation.
  4. D) Develop alternate routings.
  5. E) All are techniques for dealing with bottlenecks.
Answer:  E
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Bottleneck
AACSB:  Reflective thinking
Objective:  LO S7.3 Perform bottleneck analysis
Learning Outcome:  Explain options for managing bottlenecks and managing capacity in service and manufacturing processes

15) In "drum, buffer, rope," what provides the schedule, i.e. the pace of production?
  1. A) drum
  2. B) buffer
  3. C) rope
  4. D) all three of the above in combination
  5. E) none of the above
Answer:  A
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Theory of constraints (TOC)
Objective:  LO S7.3 Perform bottleneck analysis
Learning Outcome:  Explain options for managing bottlenecks and managing capacity in service and manufacturing processes

16) Consider the assembly line below. The three fabrication operations run in parallel, such that each batch of 20 units only needs to go through one of the three fabrication operations. After that, each batch needs to go through both assembly operations, which occur simultaneously (specifically, 10 components are made for each unit in the fabrication stage—some components are then assembled in the Assembly 1 area while others are assembled in the Assembly 2 area). The units are packaged and made ready for shipment in the final stage.


What is the throughput time per batch of this operation?
  1. A) 88 min.
  2. B) 8 min.
  3. C) 40 min.
  4. D) 34 min.
  5. E) 33 min.
Answer:  D
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Throughput time
AACSB:  Analytical thinking
Objective:  LO S7.3 Perform bottleneck analysis
Learning Outcome:  Explain options for managing bottlenecks and managing capacity in service and manufacturing processes

17) Consider the assembly line below. The three fabrication operations run in parallel, such that each batch of 20 units only needs to go through one of the three fabrication operations. After that, each batch needs to go through both assembly operations, which occur simultaneously (specifically, 10 components are made for each unit in the fabrication stage—some components are then assembled in the Assembly 1 area while others are assembled in the Assembly 2 area). The units are packaged and made ready for shipment in the final stage.


What is the bottleneck time per batch of this operation?
  1. A) 24 min.
  2. B) 8 min.
  3. C) 88 min.
  4. D) 34 min.
  5. E) 3 min.
Answer:  B
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Bottleneck time
AACSB:  Analytical thinking
Objective:  LO S7.3 Perform bottleneck analysis
Learning Outcome:  Explain options for managing bottlenecks and managing capacity in service and manufacturing processes

18) Consider the simple 3-station assembly line illustrated below, where the 2 machines at Station 1 are parallel, i.e., the product only needs to go through one of the 2 machines before proceeding to Station 2.


What is the bottleneck time of this process?
  1. A) 12 min.
  2. B) 20 min.
  3. C) 38 min.
  4. D) 6 min.
  5. E) 10 min.
Answer:  A
Diff: 3
Key Term:  Bottleneck time
AACSB:  Analytical thinking
Objective:  LO S7.3 Perform bottleneck analysis
Learning Outcome:  Explain options for managing bottlenecks and managing capacity in service and manufacturing processes

19) Consider the simple 3-station assembly line illustrated below, where the 2 machines at Station 1 are parallel, i.e., the product only needs to go through one of the 2 machines before proceeding to Station 2.


What is the throughput time of this process?
  1. A) 12 min.
  2. B) 20 min.
  3. C) 38 min.
  4. D) 18 min.
  5. E) 58 min.
Answer:  C
Diff: 3
Key Term:  Throughput time
AACSB:  Analytical thinking
Objective:  LO S7.3 Perform bottleneck analysis
Learning Outcome:  Explain options for managing bottlenecks and managing capacity in service and manufacturing processes

20) In "drum, buffer, rope," the ________ acts like signals between workstations.
Answer:  rope
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Theory of constraints (TOC)
Objective:  LO S7.3 Perform bottleneck analysis
Learning Outcome:  Explain options for managing bottlenecks and managing capacity in service and manufacturing processes

21) Describe the theory of constraints in a sentence.
Answer:  The theory of constraints is the body of knowledge that deals with anything that limits an organization's ability to achieve its goals.
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Theory of constraints (TOC)
Objective:  LO S7.3 Perform bottleneck analysis
Learning Outcome:  Explain options for managing bottlenecks and managing capacity in service and manufacturing processes

22) Identify, in proper sequence, the steps in the process of recognizing and managing constraints.
Answer:  The five-step process of the theory of constraints includes:
Step 1: Identify the constraints.
Step 2: Develop a plan for overcoming the identified constraints.
Step 3: Focus resources on accomplishing Step 2.
Step 4: Reduce the effects of the constraints by offloading work or by expanding capability. Make sure that the constraints are recognized by all those who can have an impact on them.
Step 5: When one set of constraints is overcome, go back to Step 1 and identify new constraints.
Diff: 3
Key Term:  Theory of constraints (TOC)
Objective:  LO S7.3 Perform bottleneck analysis
Learning Outcome:  Explain options for managing bottlenecks and managing capacity in service and manufacturing processes

23) Explain the importance of a bottleneck operation in a production sequence.
Answer:  A bottleneck operation is the one that limits output in the production sequence. Consequently, to increase throughput of the facility, the bottleneck output must be increased.
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Bottleneck
Objective:  LO S7.3 Perform bottleneck analysis
Learning Outcome:  Explain options for managing bottlenecks and managing capacity in service and manufacturing processes

Section 3   Break-Even Analysis

1) Fixed costs are those costs that continue even if no units are produced.
Answer:  TRUE
Diff: 2
Objective:  LO S7.4 Compute break-even
Learning Outcome:  Explain options for managing bottlenecks and managing capacity in service and manufacturing processes

2) Break-even analysis identifies the volume at which fixed costs and revenue are equal.
Answer:  FALSE
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Break-even analysis
AACSB:  Reflective thinking
Objective:  LO S7.4 Compute break-even
Learning Outcome:  Explain options for managing bottlenecks and managing capacity in service and manufacturing processes

3) Break-even analysis is a powerful analytical tool, but is useful only when the organization produces a single product.
Answer:  FALSE
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Break-even analysis
Objective:  LO S7.4 Compute break-even
Learning Outcome:  Explain options for managing bottlenecks and managing capacity in service and manufacturing processes

4) Break-even is the number of units at which:
  1. A) total revenue equals price times quantity.
  2. B) total revenue equals total variable cost.
  3. C) total revenue equals total fixed cost.
  4. D) total profit equals total cost.
  5. E) total revenue equals total cost.
Answer:  E
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Break-even analysis
Objective:  LO S7.4 Compute break-even
Learning Outcome:  Explain options for managing bottlenecks and managing capacity in service and manufacturing processes

5) Which of the following statements regarding fixed costs is TRUE?
  1. A) Fixed costs rise by a constant amount for every added unit of volume.
  2. B) While fixed costs are ordinarily constant with respect to volume, they can "step" upward if volume increases result in additional fixed costs.
  3. C) Fixed costs are those costs associated with direct labor and materials.
  4. D) Fixed costs equal variable costs at the break-even point.
  5. E) Fixed cost is the difference between selling price and variable cost.
Answer:  B
Diff: 2
AACSB:  Reflective thinking
Objective:  LO S7.4 Compute break-even
Learning Outcome:  Explain options for managing bottlenecks and managing capacity in service and manufacturing processes

6) Which of the following costs would be incurred even if no units were produced?
  1. A) raw material costs
  2. B) direct labor costs
  3. C) transportation costs
  4. D) building rental costs
  5. E) purchasing costs
Answer:  D
Diff: 2
AACSB:  Reflective thinking
Objective:  LO S7.4 Compute break-even
Learning Outcome:  Explain options for managing bottlenecks and managing capacity in service and manufacturing processes

7) Basic break-even analysis typically assumes that:
  1. A) revenues increase in direct proportion to the volume of production, while costs increase at a decreasing rate as production volume increases.
  2. B) variable costs and revenues increase in direct proportion to the volume of production.
  3. C) both costs and revenues are made up of fixed and variable portions.
  4. D) costs increase in direct proportion to the volume of production, while revenues increase at a decreasing rate as production volume increases because of the need to give quantity discounts.
  5. E) All of the above are assumptions in the basic break-even model.
Answer:  B
Diff: 3
Key Term:  Break-even analysis
Objective:  LO S7.4 Compute break-even
Learning Outcome:  Explain options for managing bottlenecks and managing capacity in service and manufacturing processes

8) Fabricators, Inc. wants to increase capacity by adding a new machine. The fixed costs for machine A are $90,000, and its variable cost is $15 per unit. The revenue is $21 per unit. What is the break-even point for machine A?
  1. A) $90,000 dollars
  2. B) 90,000 units
  3. C) $15,000 dollars
  4. D) 15,000 units
  5. E) 4,286 units
Answer:  D
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Break-even analysis
AACSB:  Analytical thinking
Objective:  LO S7.4 Compute break-even
Learning Outcome:  Explain options for managing bottlenecks and managing capacity in service and manufacturing processes

9) Break-even analysis can be used by a firm that produces more than one product, but:
  1. A) the results are estimates, not exact values.
  2. B) the firm must allocate some fixed cost to each of the products.
  3. C) each product has its own break-even point.
  4. D) the break-even point depends upon the proportion of sales generated by each of the products.
  5. E) None of these statements is true.
Answer:  D
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Break-even analysis

10) The basic break-even model can be modified to handle more than one product. This extension of the basic model requires:
  1. A) price and sales volume for each product.
  2. B) price and variable cost for each product, and the percent of sales that each product represents.
  3. C) that the firm have very low fixed costs.
  4. D) that the ratio of variable cost to price be the same for all products.
  5. E) sales volume for each product.
Answer:  B
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Break-even analysis
Objective:  LO S7.4 Compute break-even
Learning Outcome:  Explain options for managing bottlenecks and managing capacity in service and manufacturing processes

11) A product sells for $5, and has unit variable costs of $3. This product accounts for $20,000 in annual sales, out of the firm's total of $60,000. When performing multiproduct break-even analysis, what is the weighted contribution of this product?
  1. A) 0.133
  2. B) 0.200
  3. C) 0.40
  4. D) 0.667
  5. E) $1.667
Answer:  A
Diff: 2
AACSB:  Analytical thinking
Objective:  LO S7.4 Compute break-even
Learning Outcome:  Explain options for managing bottlenecks and managing capacity in service and manufacturing processes

12) ________ analysis finds the point at which costs equal revenues.
Answer:  Break-even
Diff: 1
Key Term:  Break-even analysis
Objective:  LO S7.4 Compute break-even
Learning Outcome:  Explain options for managing bottlenecks and managing capacity in service and manufacturing processes

13) ________ cost is the cost that continues even if no units are produced.
Answer:  Fixed
Diff: 2
Objective:  LO S7.4 Compute break-even
Learning Outcome:  Explain options for managing bottlenecks and managing capacity in service and manufacturing processes


14) Multiproduct break-even analysis calculates the ________ of each product, ________ it in proportion to each product's share of total sales.
Answer:  contribution; weighting
Diff: 3
Key Term:  Break-even analysis
Objective:  LO S7.4 Compute break-even
Learning Outcome:  Explain options for managing bottlenecks and managing capacity in service and manufacturing processes
15) Define fixed costs.
Answer:  Fixed costs are those that continue even if no units are produced.
Diff: 2
Objective:  LO S7.4 Compute break-even
Learning Outcome:  Explain options for managing bottlenecks and managing capacity in service and manufacturing processes

16) Define variable costs. What special assumption is made about variable costs in the textbook?
Answer:  Variable costs are those that vary with the number of units produced. Linearity (or proportionality) is assumed.
Diff: 2
AACSB:  Reflective thinking
Objective:  LO S7.4 Compute break-even
Learning Outcome:  Explain options for managing bottlenecks and managing capacity in service and manufacturing processes

17) How is break-even analysis useful in the study of the capacity decision? What limitations does this analytical tool have in this application?
Answer:  Breakeven is defined as the volume for which costs equal revenue. It is useful to know the break-even point for each capacity alternative under consideration. In reality, costs may not be as linear as they are assumed to be in this model.
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Break-even analysis
AACSB:  Reflective thinking
Objective:  LO S7.4 Compute break-even
Learning Outcome:  Explain options for managing bottlenecks and managing capacity in service and manufacturing processes

18) A product is currently made in a process-focused shop, where fixed costs are $9,000 per year and variable cost is $50 per unit. The firm sells the product for $200 per unit. What is the break-even point for this operation? What is the profit (or loss) on a demand of 200 units per year?
Answer:  BEP = 60 units; TR = $40,000, TC = $19,000, therefore Profit = $21,000.
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Break-even analysis
AACSB:  Analytical thinking
Objective:  LO S7.4 Compute break-even
Learning Outcome:  Explain options for managing bottlenecks and managing capacity in service and manufacturing processes

19) A product is currently made in a process-focused shop, where fixed costs are $8,000 per year and variable cost is $40 per unit. The firm currently sells 200 units of the product at $200 per unit. A manager is considering a repetitive focus to lower costs (and lower prices, thus raising demand). The costs of this proposed shop are fixed costs = $24,000 per year and variable costs = $10 per unit. If a price of $80 will allow 400 units to be sold, what profit (or loss) can this proposed new process expect? Do you anticipate that the manager will want to change the process? Explain.
Answer:  Old: TR = $40,000, TC = $16,000, therefore Profit = $24,000.
New: TR = $80 × 400 = $32,000, TC = $24,000 + $10 × 400 = $28,000, for a profit of $4,000.
Most will say NO; the larger repetitive process is less profitable than the smaller process-focused shop.
Diff: 2
AACSB:  Analytical thinking
Objective:  LO S7.4 Compute break-even
Learning Outcome:  Explain options for managing bottlenecks and managing capacity in service and manufacturing processes

20) A firm sells two products. Product R sells for $20; its variable cost is $6. Product S sells for $50; its variable cost is $30. Product R accounts for 60 percent of the firm's sales, while S accounts for 40 percent. The firm's fixed costs are $4 million annually. Calculate the firm's break-even point in dollars.
Answer:  The contribution for product R is 70 percent of selling price, or 0.70; the contribution for product S is 0.40. The weighted contribution for R is .70 × .60 = .42; the weighted contribution for S is .40 × .40 = .16. The sum of the weighted contributions is 0.58. The break-even point is $4,000,000 / 0.58 = $6,896,552.
Diff: 3
Key Term:  Break-even analysis
AACSB:  Analytical thinking
Objective:  LO S7.4 Compute break-even
Learning Outcome:  Explain options for managing bottlenecks and managing capacity in service and manufacturing processes

21) A graphic design studio is considering three new computers. The first model, A, costs $5000. Model B and C cost $3000 and $1000 respectively. If each customer provides $50 of revenue and variable costs are $20/customer, find the number of customers required for each model to break even.
Answer:  A: BEP = 5000/(50-20) = 166.7 customers
B: BEP = 3000/(50-20) = 100 customers
C: BEP = 1000/(50-20) = 33.3 customers
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Break-even analysis
AACSB:  Analytical thinking
Objective:  LO S7.4 Compute break-even
Learning Outcome:  Explain options for managing bottlenecks and managing capacity in service and manufacturing processes

22) A firm is considering adding a second secretary to answer phone calls and make appointments. The cost of the secretary will be $10/hour and she will work 200 hours each month. If each new client adds $400 of profit to the firm, how many clients must the secretary arrange for the firm to break even?
Answer:  BEP= 10(200)/(400) = 5 clients per month
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Break-even analysis
AACSB:  Analytical thinking
Objective:  LO S7.4 Compute break-even
Learning Outcome:  Explain options for managing bottlenecks and managing capacity in service and manufacturing processes

23) A local business owner is considering adding another employee to his staff in an effort to increase the number of hours that the store is open per day. If the employee will cost the owner $4,000 per month and the store takes in $50/hour in revenue with variable costs of $15/hour, how many hours must the new employee work for the owner to break even?
Answer:  BEP = 4000/(50 - 15) = 114.3 hours
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Break-even analysis
AACSB:  Analytical thinking
Objective:  LO S7.4 Compute break-even
Learning Outcome:  Explain options for managing bottlenecks and managing capacity in service and manufacturing processes

24) A firm produces three products in a repetitive process facility. Product A sells for $60; its variable costs are $20. Product B sells for $200; its variable costs are $80. Product C sells for $25; its variable costs are $15. The firm has annual fixed costs of $320,000. Last year, the firm sold 1000 units of A, 2000 units of B, and 10,000 units of C. Calculate the break-even point of the firm. The firm has some idle capacity at these volumes, and chooses to cut the selling price of A from $60 to $45, believing that its sales volume will rise from 1000 units to 2500 units. What is the revised break-even point?
Answer:  Calculations for the original version of this problem are:

ProductSelling price PVariable cost VV/P1-V/PSalesPercent of salesWeighted contrib.
A$60$20.333.667$60,000.0845.0564
B$200$80.400.600$400,000.5634.3380
C$25$15.600.400$250,000.3521.1408
$710,0001.00000.5352
The original break-even for this firm was $320,000/.5352 = $597,907. This is a calculator-based result; Excel reports $597,895

When the price of A is reduced, the revised calculations are:

ProductSelling price PVariable cost VV/P1-V/PSalesPercent of salesWeighted contrib.
A$45$20.444.556$112,500.1475.0820
B$200$80.400.600$400,000.5246.3148
C$25$15.600.400$250,000.3279.1312
$762,5001.00000.5280

The firm's breakeven point has increased to $320,000 /.5280 = $606,061. (Calculator-based; Excel reports $606,211).
Diff: 3
Key Term:  Break-even analysis
AACSB:  Analytical thinking
Objective:  LO S7.4 Compute break-even
Learning Outcome:  Explain options for managing bottlenecks and managing capacity in service and manufacturing processes

25) A firm produces three products. Product A sells for $60; its variable costs are $20. Product B sells for $200; its variable costs are $120. Product C sells for $25; its variable costs are $10. Last year, the firm sold 1000 units of A, 2000 units of B, and 10,000 units of C. The firm has fixed costs of $320,000 per year. Calculate the break-even point of the firm.
Answer:  Calculations for this problem are:

ProductSelling price PVariable cost VV/P1-V/PSalesPercent of salesWeighted contrib.
A$60$20.333.667$60,000.0845.0564
B$200$120.600.400$400,000.5634.2254
C$25$10.400.600$250,000.3521.2113
$710,0001.0000.4931

Break-even for this firm is $320,000/.4931 = $648,956. Note: this result reflects calculator rounding, as students might experience at exam time. Excel reports $649,143.
Diff: 3
Key Term:  Break-even analysis
AACSB:  Analytical thinking
Objective:  LO S7.4 Compute break-even
Learning Outcome:  Explain options for managing bottlenecks and managing capacity in service and manufacturing processes

Section 4   Reducing Risk with Incremental Changes

1) Changes in capacity may lead, lag, or straddle the demand.
Answer:  TRUE
Diff: 2
Objective:  LO S7.1 Define capacity
Learning Outcome:  Explain options for managing bottlenecks and managing capacity in service and manufacturing processes

2) Of the four approaches to capacity expansion, the approach that "straddles" demand:
  1. A) uses incremental expansion.
  2. B) uses one-step expansion.
  3. C) at some times leads demand, and at other times lags.
  4. D) works best when demand is not growing but is stable.
  5. E) Choices A and C are both correct.
Answer:  E
Diff: 2
Objective:  LO S7.1 Define capacity
Learning Outcome:  Explain options for managing bottlenecks and managing capacity in service and manufacturing processes

3) Which of the following is FALSE regarding capacity expansion?
  1. A) "Average" capacity sometimes leads demand, sometimes lags it.
  2. B) If "lagging" capacity is chosen, excess demand can be met with overtime or subcontracting.
  3. C) Total cost comparisons are a rather direct method of comparing capacity alternatives.
  4. D) Capacity may only be added in large chunks.
  5. E) In manufacturing, excess capacity can be used to do more setups, shorten production runs, and drive down inventory costs.
Answer:  D
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Capacity

4) Lag and straddle strategies for increasing capacity have what main advantage over a leading strategy?
  1. A) They are cheaper.
  2. B) They are more accurate.
  3. C) They delay capital expenditure.
  4. D) They increase demand.
  5. E) All of the above are advantages.
Answer:  C
Diff: 2
Objective:  LO S7.1 Define capacity
Learning Outcome:  Explain options for managing bottlenecks and managing capacity in service and manufacturing processes

5) What is a common method used to increase capacity with a lag strategy?
  1. A) overtime
  2. B) subcontracting
  3. C) new facilities
  4. D) new machinery
  5. E) A and B
Answer:  E
Diff: 2
Objective:  LO S7.1 Define capacity
Learning Outcome:  Explain options for managing bottlenecks and managing capacity in service and manufacturing processes

6) The capacity planning strategy that delays adding capacity until capacity is below demand, then adds a capacity increment so that capacity is above demand, is said to ________ demand.
Answer:  straddle
Diff: 2
Objective:  LO S7.1 Define capacity
Learning Outcome:  Explain options for managing bottlenecks and managing capacity in service and manufacturing processes

Section 5   Applying Expected Monetary Value (EMV) to Capacity Decisions

1) Possible decision alternatives found in capacity EMV problems are future demands or market favorability.
Answer:  FALSE
Diff: 2
Objective:  LO S7.5 Determine expected monetary value of a capacity decision
Learning Outcome:  Explain options for managing bottlenecks and managing capacity in service and manufacturing processes

2) A retailer is considering building a large store. If the local economy experiences expansion, the firm expects the store to earn a $2,000,000 profit next year. If the local economy experiences a contraction, the firm expects the store to lose $400,000 next year. Analysts estimate a 20% chance for the local economy to experience an expansion next year (hence an 80% chance for contraction). What is the expected monetary value (EMV) of building the large store?
  1. A) $1,600,000
  2. B) $720,000
  3. C) $2,000,000
  4. D) $80,000
  5. E) $1,520,000
Answer:  D
Diff: 2
AACSB:  Analytical thinking
Objective:  LO S7.5 Determine expected monetary value of a capacity decision
Learning Outcome:  Explain options for managing bottlenecks and managing capacity in service and manufacturing processes

3) Describe how EMV might be used to analyze a capacity decision.
Answer:  The EMV for each capacity decision (perhaps large, medium, and small plants) can be evaluated for unknown costs/revenue/other conditions. Each possible scenario (perhaps low, medium, and high demand) is given a payoff value and a probability. The weighted results of these various states of nature sum to the EMV for each capacity decision. An operations manager can then choose the highest EMV to maximize profit or the lowest EMV to minimize costs.
Diff: 3
AACSB:  Reflective thinking
Objective:  LO S7.5 Determine expected monetary value of a capacity decision
Learning Outcome:  Explain options for managing bottlenecks and managing capacity in service and manufacturing processes

4) A firm is weighing three capacity alternatives: small, medium, and large job shop. Whatever capacity choice is made, the market for the firm's product can be "moderate" or "strong." The probability of moderate acceptance is estimated to be 40 percent; strong acceptance has a probability of 60 percent. The payoffs are as follows. Small job shop, moderate market = $24,000; Small job shop, strong market = $54,000. Medium job shop, moderate market = $20,000; medium job shop, strong market = $64,000. Large job shop, moderate market = -$2,000; large job shop, strong market = $96,000. Which capacity choice should the firm make?
Answer:  The expected values for the three decision alternatives (capacities) are: small job shop = $42,000; medium job shop = $46,400; and large job shop = $56,800. The firm should choose the large job shop.
Diff: 2
AACSB:  Analytical thinking
Objective:  LO S7.5 Determine expected monetary value of a capacity decision
Learning Outcome:  Explain options for managing bottlenecks and managing capacity in service and manufacturing processes

5) A firm is about to undertake the manufacture of a product, and it is weighing three capacity alternatives: small job shop, large job shop, and repetitive manufacturing. The small job shop has fixed costs of $3,000 per month, and variable costs of $10 per unit. The larger job shop has fixed costs of $12,000 per month and variable costs of $3 per unit. The repetitive manufacturing plant has fixed costs of $30,000 and variable costs of $1 per unit. Demand for the product is expected to be 1,000 units per month with "moderate" market acceptance, but 2,000 under "strong" market acceptance. The probability of moderate acceptance is estimated to be 60 percent; strong acceptance has a probability of 40 percent. The product will sell for $25 per unit regardless of the capacity decision. Which capacity choice should the firm make?
Answer:  The payoffs are as follows: small job shop, moderate acceptance = $12,000; small job shop, strong acceptance = $27,000; large job shop, moderate acceptance = $10,000; large job shop, strong acceptance = $32,000; repetitive manufacturing, moderate acceptance = -$6,000; and repetitive manufacturing, strong acceptance = $18,000. The expected value for the small job shop decision alternative is $18,000. The expected value of the large job shop alternative is $18,800. The expected value for the repetitive manufacturing alternative is $3600. The firm should choose the large job shop capacity alternative.
Diff: 3
AACSB:  Analytical thinking
Objective:  LO S7.5 Determine expected monetary value of a capacity decision
Learning Outcome:  Explain options for managing bottlenecks and managing capacity in service and manufacturing processes

6) Suppose that the market has a 70% chance of being favorable and a 30% chance of being unfavorable. A favorable market will yield a profit of $300,000, while an unfavorable market will yield a profit of $20,000. What is the expected monetary value (EMV) in this situation?
Answer:  EMV = (0.7)($300,000) + (0.3)($20,000) = $210,000 + $6,000 = $216,000
Diff: 2
AACSB:  Analytical thinking
Objective:  LO S7.5 Determine expected monetary value of a capacity decision
Learning Outcome:  Explain options for managing bottlenecks and managing capacity in service and manufacturing processes

Section 6   Applying Investment Analysis to Strategy-Driven Investments

1) One limitation of the net present value approach to investments is that investments with identical net present values may have very different cash flows.
Answer:  TRUE
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Net present value
Objective:  LO S7.6 Compute net present value
Learning Outcome:  Explain options for managing bottlenecks and managing capacity in service and manufacturing processes

2) The net present value of $10,000 to be received in exactly three years is considerably greater than $10,000.
Answer:  FALSE
Diff: 1
Key Term:  Net present value
Objective:  LO S7.6 Compute net present value
Learning Outcome:  Explain options for managing bottlenecks and managing capacity in service and manufacturing processes

3) Net present value:
  1. A) is gross domestic product less depreciation.
  2. B) is sales volume less sales and excise taxes.
  3. C) is profit after taxes.
  4. D) ignores the time value of money.
  5. E) is the discounted value of a series of future cash receipts.
Answer:  E
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Net present value
Objective:  LO S7.6 Compute net present value
Learning Outcome:  Explain options for managing bottlenecks and managing capacity in service and manufacturing processes

4) Net present value will be greater:
  1. A) as a fixed set of cash receipts occurs later rather than earlier.
  2. B) if the future value of a cash flow is smaller.
  3. C) for one end-of-year receipt of $1200 than for twelve monthly receipts of $100 each.
  4. D) for a 4% discount rate than for a 6% discount rate.
  5. E) All of the above are true.
Answer:  D
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Net present value
AACSB:  Analytical thinking
Objective:  LO S7.6 Compute net present value
Learning Outcome:  Explain options for managing bottlenecks and managing capacity in service and manufacturing processes

5) A capacity alternative has an initial cost of $50,000 and cash flow of $20,000 for each of the next four years. If the cost of capital is 5 percent, the net present value of this investment is:
  1. A) greater than $80,000 but less than $130,000.
  2. B) greater than $130,000.
  3. C) less than $30,000.
  4. D) impossible to calculate, because no interest rate is given.
  5. E) impossible to calculate, because variable costs are not known.
Answer:  C
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Net present value
AACSB:  Analytical thinking
Objective:  LO S7.6 Compute net present value
Learning Outcome:  Explain options for managing bottlenecks and managing capacity in service and manufacturing processes

6) A capacity alternative has an initial cost of $50,000 and cash flow of $20,000 for each of the next four years. If the cost of capital is 5 percent, what is the approximate net present value of this investment?
  1. A) $20,920
  2. B) $26,160
  3. C) $49,840
  4. D) $70,920
  5. E) $106,990
Answer:  A
Diff: 3
Key Term:  Net present value
AACSB:  Analytical thinking
Objective:  LO S7.6 Compute net present value
Learning Outcome:  Explain options for managing bottlenecks and managing capacity in service and manufacturing processes

7) ________ is a means of determining the discounted value of a series of future cash receipts.
Answer:  Net present value or NPV
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Net present value
Objective:  LO S7.6 Compute net present value
Learning Outcome:  Explain options for managing bottlenecks and managing capacity in service and manufacturing processes

8) What are the four limitations of the net present value technique?
Answer:  (1) Investments with the same net present value may have significantly different projected lives and different salvage values. (2) Investments with the same net present value may have different cash flows. Different cash flows may make substantial differences in the company's ability to pay its bills.
(3) The assumption is that we know future interest rates, which we do not. (4) Payments are always made at the end of the period (week, month, or year), which is not always the case.
Diff: 3
Key Term:  Net present value
Objective:  LO S7.6 Compute net present value
Learning Outcome:  Explain options for managing bottlenecks and managing capacity in service and manufacturing processes

9) Health Care Systems of the South is about to buy an expensive piece of diagnostic equipment. The company estimates that it will generate uniform revenues of $500,000 for each of the next eight years. What is the present value of this stream of earnings, at an interest rate of 6%? What is the net present value if the machine lasts only six years, not eight? If the equipment cost $2,750,000, should the company purchase it?
Answer:  R × X = 500,000 × 6.210 = $3,105,000; R × X = 500,000 × 4.917 = $2,458,500
The company should purchase the equipment if it believes it will last eight years, but not if it fears that it will last only six.
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Net present value
AACSB:  Analytical thinking
Objective:  LO S7.6 Compute net present value
Learning Outcome:  Explain options for managing bottlenecks and managing capacity in service and manufacturing processes

10) A new machine tool is expected to generate receipts as follows: $5,000 in year one; $3,000 in year two, nothing in the next year, and $2,000 in the fourth year. At an interest rate of 6%, what is the net present value of these receipts? Is this a better net present value than $2,500 each year over four years? Explain.
Answer:  5,000 × .943 + 3,000 × .890 + 2,000 × .792 = $8,969 using Table S7.1 ($8,971.16 using Excel). The steady stream generates an NPV of 2,500 × 3.465 = $8,662.5 ($8,662.76 using Excel). The irregular stream has a higher net present value because the larger receipts come early.
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Net present value
AACSB:  Analytical thinking
Objective:  LO S7.6 Compute net present value
Learning Outcome:  Explain options for managing bottlenecks and managing capacity in service and manufacturing processes

11) Advantage Milling Devices is preparing to buy a new machine for precision milling of special metal alloys. This device can earn $300 per hour, and can run 3,000 hours per year. The machine is expected to be this productive for four years. If the interest rate is 6%, what is the net present value of the annual cash flows? What is the net present value if the interest rate is not 6%, but 9%? Why does present value fall when interest rates rise?
Answer:  S = R × X = 300 × 3,000 × 3.465 = $3,118,500; S = R × X = 300 × 3,000 × 3.240 = $2,916,000
NPV falls because higher interest rates create a greater discount on future receipts.
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Applying investment analysis to strategy-driven investments
AACSB:  Analytical thinking

----------------------------------



OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT - 2017 - COLLECTION
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Operations Management, 2015, 12th Edition, William J. Stevenson - Free Download Link
Operations Management, Sustainability and Supply Chain Management, 11th Edition, 2014, Jay Heizer, Barry Render - Free Download Link
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Principles of Operations Management: Sustainability and Supply Chain Management, 10th Edition, 2017
Operations Research: An Introduction, 10th Edition, Hamdy A. Taha, 2017
Introduction to Operations and Supply Chain Management, 4th Edition, Cecil B. Bozarth, Robert B. Handfield, 2016 
Operations Management: Processes and Supply Chains, 11th Edition, Lee J. Krajewski, Manoj K. Malhotra, Larry P. Ritzman, 2016
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3. Principles of Operations Management: Sustainability and SCM, 10th Ed, Jay Heizer, 2017
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4. Operations Management, 2017, 12th Edition, William J. Stevenson
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5. Operations Management: Processes and Supply Chains, 11th Edition, Lee J. Krajewski, 2016
6. Operations Research: An Introduction, 10th Edition, Hamdy A. Taha, 2017
7. Introduction to Operations and SCM, 4th Edition, Cecil B. Bozarth, Robert B. Handfield, 2016 
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Sunday, January 29, 2017

MBA Operations Management - Test Bank - Chapter 01

Operations Management, 12e (Heizer/Render/Munson)
Chapter 1  Operations and Productivity 
Section 1   What is Operations Management? 

Operations Management, 12e (Heizer/Render/Munson)
Chapter 1  Operations and Productivity

Section 1   What is Operations Management?

1) Some of the operations-related activities of Hard Rock Café include designing meals and analyzing them for ingredient cost and labor requirements.
Answer:  TRUE
Diff: 1
Key Term:  Operations management
Objective:  LO 1.1 Define operations management
Learning Outcome:  Discuss operations and operations management as a competitive advantage for the organization

2) Because Hard Rock Cafés are themed restaurants, operations managers focus their layout design efforts on attractiveness while paying little attention to efficiency.
Answer:  FALSE
Diff: 1
Learning Outcome:  Discuss operations and operations management as a competitive advantage for the organization

3) All organizations, including service firms such as banks and hospitals, have a production function.
Answer:  TRUE
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Production
Objective:  LO 1.1 Define operations management
Learning Outcome:  Discuss operations and operations management as a competitive advantage for the organization


4) Operations management is the set of activities that creates value in the form of goods and services by transforming inputs into outputs.
Answer:  TRUE
Diff: 1
Key Term:  Operations management
Objective:  LO 1.1 Define operations management
Learning Outcome:  Discuss operations and operations management as a competitive advantage for the organization

5) An example of a "hidden" production function is the transfer of funds between accounts at a bank.
Answer:  TRUE
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Production
Objective:  LO 1.1 Define operations management
Learning Outcome:  Discuss operations and operations management as a competitive advantage for the organization

6) At Hard Rock Café, tasks that reflect operations or operations management include:
  1. A) designing efficient layouts.
  2. B) providing meals.
  3. C) receiving ingredients.
  4. D) preparing effective employee schedules.
  5. E) all of the above.
Answer:  E
Diff: 1
Key Term:  Operations management
Objective:  LO 1.1 Define operations management
Learning Outcome:  Discuss operations and operations management as a competitive advantage for the organization

7) An operations task performed at Hard Rock Café is:
  1. A) borrowing funds to build a new restaurant.
  2. B) advertising changes in the restaurant menu.
  3. C) calculating restaurant profit and loss.
  4. D) preparing employee schedules.
  5. E) all of the above.
Answer:  D
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Operations management
AACSB:  Reflective thinking
Objective:  LO 1.1 Define operations management
Learning Outcome:  Discuss operations and operations management as a competitive advantage for the organization

8) Operations management is applicable:
  1. A) mostly to the service sector.
  2. B) to services exclusively.
  3. C) mostly to the manufacturing sector.
  4. D) to all firms, whether manufacturing or service.
  5. E) to the manufacturing sector exclusively.
Answer:  D
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Operations management
Objective:  LO 1.1 Define operations management
Learning Outcome:  Discuss operations and operations management as a competitive advantage for the organization

9) ________ is the set of activities that creates value in the form of goods and services by transforming inputs into outputs.
Answer:  Operations management
Diff: 1
Key Term:  Operations management
Objective:  LO 1.1 Define operations management
Learning Outcome:  Discuss operations and operations management as a competitive advantage for the organization

10) Identify three or more operations-related tasks carried out by Hard Rock Café.
Answer:  Providing custom meals; designing, testing, and costing meals; acquiring, receiving, and storing supplies; recruiting and training employees; preparing employee schedules; designing efficient restaurant layouts.
Diff: 1
Key Term:  Operations management
Objective:  LO 1.1 Define operations management
Learning Outcome:  Discuss operations and operations management as a competitive advantage for the organization

11) Define operations management. Will your definition accommodate both manufacturing and service operations?
Answer:  Operations management can be defined as the management of all activities directly related to the creation of goods and/or services through the transformation of inputs into outputs. Yes.
Diff: 1
Key Term:  Operations management
Objective:  LO 1.1 Define operations management
Learning Outcome:  Discuss operations and operations management as a competitive advantage for the organization

Section 2   Organizing to Produce Goods and Services

1) Which of the following are the primary functions of all organizations?
  1. A) production/operations, marketing, and human resources
  2. B) marketing, human resources, and finance/accounting
  3. C) sales, quality control, and production/operations
  4. D) marketing, production/operations, and finance/accounting
  5. E) research and development, finance/accounting, and purchasing
Answer:  D
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Operations management
Objective:  LO 1.1 Define operations management
Learning Outcome:  Discuss operations and operations management as a competitive advantage for the organization

2) Which of the following pioneers was NOT making a professional impact during the Scientific Management Era?
  1. A) Frank Gilbreth
  2. B) W. Edwards Deming
  3. C) Henry L. Gantt
  4. D) Lillian Gilbreth
  5. E) Frederick W. Taylor
Answer:  B
Diff: 2
Learning Outcome:  Discuss operations and operations management as a competitive advantage for the organization

3) Which of the following would NOT be an operations function in a commercial bank?
  1. A) auditing
  2. B) teller scheduling
  3. C) maintenance
  4. D) collection
  5. E) check clearing
Answer:  A
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Operations management
Objective:  LO 1.1 Define operations management
Learning Outcome:  Discuss operations and operations management as a competitive advantage for the organization

4) The marketing function is concerned with:
  1. A) producing goods or providing services.
  2. B) procuring materials, supplies, and equipment.
  3. C) building and maintaining a positive image.
  4. D) generating the demand for the organization's products or services.
  5. E) securing monetary resources.
Answer:  D
Diff: 2

5) The purchasing function is concerned with:
  1. A) producing goods or providing services.
  2. B) procuring materials, supplies, and equipment.
  3. C) building and maintaining a positive image.
  4. D) generating the demand for the organization's products or services.
  5. E) securing monetary resources.
Answer:  B
Diff: 2

6) The finance function is concerned with:
  1. A) producing goods or providing services.
  2. B) procuring materials, supplies, and equipment.
  3. C) building and maintaining a positive image.
  4. D) generating the demand for the organization's products or services.
  5. E) securing monetary resources.
Answer:  E
Diff: 2

7) Which of the following tasks within an airline company are related to operations?
  1. A) crew scheduling
  2. B) international monetary exchange
  3. C) sales
  4. D) advertising
  5. E) accounts payable
Answer:  A
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Operations management
Objective:  LO 1.1 Define operations management
Learning Outcome:  Discuss operations and operations management as a competitive advantage for the organization

8) Marketing, production/operations, and ________ are the three functions that all organizations must perform to create goods and services.
Answer:  finance/accounting
Diff: 1

Section 3   The Supply Chain

1) Competition in the 21st century is no longer between companies; it is between supply chains.
Answer:  TRUE
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Supply chain

2) An accounting firm that provides tax services for a company would be considered to be part of that company's supply chain.
Answer:  TRUE
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Production
AACSB:  Reflective thinking
Learning Outcome:  Compare and contrast different sourcing strategies including outsourcing and insourcing

3) What is a global network of organizations and activities that supply a firm with goods and services?
  1. A) supply tree
  2. B) provider network
  3. C) supply chain
  4. D) vendor network
  5. E) vendor tree
Answer:  C
Diff: 1
Key Term:  Supply chain
Learning Outcome:  Compare and contrast different sourcing strategies including outsourcing and insourcing

4) Which of the following fosters specialization and worldwide supply chains?
  1. A) more expensive transportation
  2. B) instant communication
  3. C) economies of scope
  4. D) managers with a broad knowledge of many things
  5. E) high trade tariffs
Answer:  B
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Supply chain
Learning Outcome:  Compare and contrast different sourcing strategies including outsourcing and insourcing

5) A(n) ________ is a global network of organizations and activities that supply a firm with goods and services.
Answer:  supply chain
Diff: 1
Key Term:  Supply chain
Learning Outcome:  Compare and contrast different sourcing strategies including outsourcing and insourcing

6) Competition in the 21st century is no longer between companies; it is between ________.
Answer:  supply chains
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Supply chain
Learning Outcome:  Compare and contrast different sourcing strategies including outsourcing and insourcing

7) Identify up to four phenomena that foster specialization and worldwide supply chains.
Answer:  (1) a more technologically oriented society, (2) specialized expert knowledge, (3) instant communication, and (4) cheaper transportation
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Supply chain
Learning Outcome:  Compare and contrast different sourcing strategies including outsourcing and insourcing

Section 4   Why Study OM?

1) One reason to study operations management is to learn how people organize themselves for productive enterprise.
Answer:  TRUE
Diff: 1
Key Term:  Operations management
Objective:  LO 1.1 Define operations management
Learning Outcome:  Discuss operations and operations management as a competitive advantage for the organization

2) Reasons to study operations management include:
  1. A) studying how people organize themselves for productive enterprise.
  2. B) knowing how goods and services are consumed.
  3. C) understanding what human resource managers do.
  4. D) learning about a costly part of the enterprise.
  5. E) A and D
Answer:  E
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Operations management
Objective:  LO 1.1 Define operations management
Learning Outcome:  Discuss operations and operations management as a competitive advantage for the organization

3) Reasons to study operations management include learning about:
  1. A) how people organize themselves for productive enterprise.
  2. B) how goods and services are produced.
  3. C) what operations managers do.
  4. D) a costly part of the enterprise.
  5. E) all of the above.
Answer:  E
Diff: 1
Key Term:  Operations management
Objective:  LO 1.1 Define operations management
Learning Outcome:  Discuss operations and operations management as a competitive advantage for the organization

4) Brandon Production is a small firm focused on the assembly and sale of custom computers. The firm is facing stiff competition from low-priced alternatives, and is looking at various solutions to remain competitive and profitable. Current financials for the firm are shown in the table below. In the first option, marketing will increase sales by 50%. The next option is Vendor (Supplier) changes, which would result in a decrease of 10% in the cost of inputs. Finally, there is an OM option, which would reduce production costs by 25%. Which of the options would you recommend to the firm if it can only pursue one option? In addition, comment on the feasibility of each option.

Business Function                    Current Value
Cost of Inputs                                        $50,000
Production Costs                                   $25,000
Revenue                                                  $80,000
Answer:  Marketing would increase sales to $120,000 ($80,000 ∗ 1.5) but increase cost of inputs and production costs to $112,500 (($50,000 + $25,000) ∗ 1.5). This would net an additional $2500 of profit ($120,000 - $112,500 - current profit of $5000). Vendor (Supplier) Changes would decrease cost of inputs to $45,000 ($50,000 ∗ .9), resulting in $5,000 of additional profit (savings) ($50,000 - $45,000). Finally, the OM option would save $6250 ($25,000 - $25,000 ∗ .75), resulting in an additional $6250 of profit. Thus the OM option is the most profitable. Comments on feasibility should center on the near impossibility of increasing revenue by 50%, while noting the other two options are difficult but not impossible.
Diff: 2
AACSB:  Analytical thinking
Learning Outcome:  Discuss operations and operations management as a competitive advantage for the organization

Section 5   What Operations Managers Do

1) The operations manager performs the management activities of planning, organizing, staffing, leading, and controlling of the OM function.
Answer:  TRUE
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Operations management
Objective:  LO 1.1 Define operations management
Learning Outcome:  Discuss operations and operations management as a competitive advantage for the organization

2) "Considers inventory ordering and holding decisions" is within the strategic operations management decision area of managing quality.
Answer:  FALSE
Diff: 1
Key Term:  10 strategic OM decisions
Objective:  LO 1.1 Define operations management
Learning Outcome:  Discuss operations and operations management as a competitive advantage for the organization
3) In order to have a career in operations management, one must have a degree in statistics or quantitative methods.
Answer:  FALSE
Diff: 1
Key Term:  Operations management
Objective:  LO 1.1 Define operations management
Learning Outcome:  Discuss operations and operations management as a competitive advantage for the organization


4) What are the five elements in the management process?
  1. A) plan, direct, update, lead, and supervise
  2. B) accounting, finance, marketing, operations, and management
  3. C) organize, plan, control, staff, and manage
  4. D) plan, organize, staff, lead, and control
  5. E) plan, lead, organize, manage, and control
Answer:  D
Diff: 2
Learning Outcome:  Discuss operations and operations management as a competitive advantage for the organization

5) Which of the following is NOT an element of the management process?
  1. A) controlling
  2. B) leading
  3. C) planning
  4. D) pricing
  5. E) staffing
Answer:  D
Diff: 2

6) An operations manager is NOT likely to be involved in:
  1. A) the design of goods and services to satisfy customers' wants and needs.
  2. B) the quality of goods and services to satisfy customers' wants and needs.
  3. C) the identification of customers' wants and needs.
  4. D) work scheduling to meet the due dates promised to customers.
  5. E) maintenance schedules.
Answer:  C
Diff: 1
Key Term:  10 strategic OM decisions
Objective:  LO 1.1 Define operations management
Learning Outcome:  Discuss operations and operations management as a competitive advantage for the organization
7) All of the following decisions fall within the scope of operations management EXCEPT for:
  1. A) creating the company income statement.
  2. B) design of goods and services.
  3. C) location strategy.
  4. D) managing quality.
  5. E) human resources and job design.
Answer:  A
Diff: 1
Key Term:  10 strategic OM decisions
Objective:  LO 1.1 Define operations management
Learning Outcome:  Discuss operations and operations management as a competitive advantage for the organization


8) The 10 strategic operations management decisions include:
  1. A) layout strategy.
  2. B) maintenance.
  3. C) process and capacity design.
  4. D) managing quality.
  5. E) all of the above.
Answer:  E
Diff: 1
Key Term:  10 strategic OM decisions
Objective:  LO 1.1 Define operations management
Learning Outcome:  Discuss operations and operations management as a competitive advantage for the organization

9) Which of the following is NOT one of the 10 strategic operations management decisions?
  1. A) layout strategy
  2. B) maintenance
  3. C) process and capacity design
  4. D) mass customization
  5. E) supply chain management
Answer:  D
Diff: 2
Key Term:  10 strategic OM decisions
Objective:  LO 1.1 Define operations management
Learning Outcome:  Discuss operations and operations management as a competitive advantage for the organization

10) Which of the following is one of the 10 strategic operations management decisions?
  1. A) depreciation policy for tax returns
  2. B) advertising
  3. C) process and capacity design
  4. D) pricing
  5. E) debt/equity ratio
Answer:  C
Diff: 1
Key Term:  10 strategic OM decisions
Objective:  LO 1.1 Define operations management
Learning Outcome:  Discuss operations and operations management as a competitive advantage for the organization

11) Which of the following are among the 10 strategic operations management decisions?
  1. design of goods and services
  2. managing quality
III.   layout strategy
  1. marketing
  2. pricing of goods and services
  3. A) I, II, V
  4. B) I, II, IV
  5. C) II, III, V
  6. D) I, II, III
  7. E) I, II, III, IV, V
Answer:  D
Diff: 2
Key Term:  10 strategic OM decisions
Objective:  LO 1.1 Define operations management
Learning Outcome:  Discuss operations and operations management as a competitive advantage for the organization

12) Which of the following influences layout design?
  1. A) inventory requirements
  2. B) capacity needs
  3. C) personnel levels
  4. D) technology
  5. E) All of the above influence layout decisions.
Answer:  E
Diff: 2

13) Which of the following is NOT a strategic operations management decision?
  1. A) maintenance
  2. B) price
  3. C) layout design
  4. D) quality
  5. E) inventory
Answer:  B
Diff: 2
Key Term:  10 strategic OM decisions
Objective:  LO 1.1 Define operations management
Learning Outcome:  Discuss operations and operations management as a competitive advantage for the organization

14) Identify two operations-related tasks carried out by Hard Rock Café. Match each to its related area of the 10 strategic operations management decisions.
Answer:  Providing custom meals: design of goods and services; designing, testing, and costing meals: design of goods and services; acquiring, receiving, and storing supplies: supply chain management; recruiting and training employees: human resources and job design; preparing employee schedules: scheduling; designing efficient restaurant layouts: layout strategy.
Diff: 2
Key Term:  10 strategic OM decisions
AACSB:  Reflective thinking
Objective:  LO 1.1 Define operations management
Learning Outcome:  Discuss operations and operations management as a competitive advantage for the organization

15) Identify the 10 strategic OM decisions.
Answer:  Design of goods and services, managing quality, process strategy, location strategies, layout strategies, human resources, supply chain management, inventory management, scheduling, and maintenance.
Diff: 3
Key Term:  10 strategic OM decisions
Objective:  LO 1.1 Define operations management
Learning Outcome:  Discuss operations and operations management as a competitive advantage for the organization

Section 6   The Heritage of Operations Management

1) Henry Ford is known as the Father of Scientific Management.
Answer:  FALSE
Diff: 1

2) Shewhart's contributions to operations management came during the Scientific Management Era.
Answer:  FALSE
Diff: 2

3) Walter Shewhart is listed among the important people of operations management because of his contributions to:
  1. A) assembly line production.
  2. B) measuring productivity in the service sector.
  3. C) just-in-time inventory methods.
  4. D) statistical quality control.
  5. E) information technology.
Answer:  D
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Operations management
Learning Outcome:  Discuss operations and operations management as a competitive advantage for the organization

4) Walter Shewhart, in the ________, provided the foundations for ________ in operations management.
  1. A) 1920s; statistical sampling
  2. B) United Kingdom; mass production
  3. C) U.S. Army; logistics
  4. D) nineteenth century; interchangeable parts
  5. E) 1900s; queuing theory
Answer:  A
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Operations management
Learning Outcome:  Discuss operations and operations management as a competitive advantage for the organization

5) Eli Whitney, in the ________, provided the foundations for ________ in operations management.
  1. A) 1920s; statistical sampling
  2. B) United Kingdom; mass production
  3. C) U.S. Army; logistics
  4. D) nineteenth century; interchangeable parts
  5. E) 1890s; queuing theory
Answer:  D
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Operations management
Learning Outcome:  Discuss operations and operations management as a competitive advantage for the organization

6) Who was the person most responsible for popularizing interchangeable parts in manufacturing?
  1. A) Frederick Winslow Taylor
  2. B) Henry Ford
  3. C) Eli Whitney
  4. D) Whitney Houston
  5. E) Lillian Gilbreth
Answer:  C
Diff: 2
Learning Outcome:  Discuss operations and operations management as a competitive advantage for the organization

7) The "Father of Scientific Management" is:
  1. A) Henry Ford.
  2. B) Frederick W. Taylor.
  3. C) W. Edwards Deming.
  4. D) Frank Gilbreth.
  5. E) just a figure of speech, not a reference to a person.
Answer:  B
Diff: 2
Learning Outcome:  Discuss operations and operations management as a competitive advantage for the organization

8) Henry Ford is noted for his contributions to:
  1. A) material requirements planning.
  2. B) statistical quality control.
  3. C) assembly line operations.
  4. D) scientific management.
  5. E) time and motion studies.
Answer:  C
Diff: 1
Learning Outcome:  Discuss operations and operations management as a competitive advantage for the organization

9) Who among the following is associated with contributions to quality control in operations management?
  1. A) Charles Babbage
  2. B) Henry Ford
  3. C) Frank Gilbreth
  4. D) W. Edwards Deming
  5. E) Henri Fayol
Answer:  D
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Operations management
Learning Outcome:  Discuss operations and operations management as a competitive advantage for the organization

10) The field of operations management is shaped by advances in which of the following fields?
  1. A) chemistry and physics
  2. B) industrial engineering and management science
  3. C) biology and anatomy
  4. D) information technology
  5. E) all of the above
Answer:  E
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Operations management
Objective:  LO 1.1 Define operations management
Learning Outcome:  Discuss operations and operations management as a competitive advantage for the organization

11) Which of the following statements is TRUE?
  1. A) The person most responsible for initiating the use of interchangeable parts in manufacturing was Eli Whitney.
  2. B) The origins of management by exception are generally credited to Frederick W. Taylor.
  3. C) The person most responsible for initiating the use of interchangeable parts in manufacturing was Walter Shewhart.
  4. D) The origins of the scientific management movement are generally credited to Henry Ford.
  5. E) The person most responsible for initiating the use of interchangeable parts in manufacturing was Henry Ford.
Answer:  A
Diff: 2
Learning Outcome:  Discuss operations and operations management as a competitive advantage for the organization

12) Henry Ford and ________ are credited with the development of the moving assembly line.
Answer:  Charles Sorensen
Diff: 2
Learning Outcome:  Discuss operations and operations management as a competitive advantage for the organization
13) Identify the items that Fredrick W. Taylor believed management should be more responsible for.
Answer:  He believed that management should be more responsible for matching employees to the right job, providing the proper training, providing proper work methods and tools, and establishing legitimate incentives for work to be accomplished.
Diff: 2
Learning Outcome:  Discuss operations and operations management as a competitive advantage for the organization


14) Operations managers should be well versed in what disciplines in order to make good decisions?
Answer:  Management science, information technology, and often one of the biological or physical sciences.
Diff: 2
Objective:  LO 1.1 Define operations management
Learning Outcome:  Discuss operations and operations management as a competitive advantage for the organization

Section 7   Operations for Goods and Services

1) Customer interaction is often high for manufacturing processes, but low for services.
Answer:  FALSE
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Services
Objective:  LO 1.2 Explain the distinction between goods and services

2) Manufacturing now constitutes the largest economic sector in postindustrial societies.
Answer:  FALSE
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Services
Objective:  LO 1.2 Explain the distinction between goods and services

3) Although the number of people employed in manufacturing in the United States has decreased since 1950, each person is now producing almost 20 times more than in 1950.
Answer:  TRUE
Diff: 1
Objective:  LO 1.2 Explain the distinction between goods and services

4) Which of the following is the best example of a pure service?
  1. A) counseling
  2. B) oil change
  3. C) heart transplant
  4. D) electric Co-Op
  5. E) restaurant
Answer:  A
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Services
Objective:  LO 1.2 Explain the distinction between goods and services
5) The service sector makes up approximately what percentage of all jobs in the United States?
  1. A) 12%
  2. B) 40%
  3. C) 66%
  4. D) 85%
  5. E) 94%
Answer:  D
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Service sector
Objective:  LO 1.2 Explain the distinction between goods and services


6) Which is NOT true regarding differences between goods and services?
  1. A) Tangible goods are generally produced and consumed simultaneously; services are not.
  2. B) Most goods are common to many customers; services are often unique to the final customer.
  3. C) Services tend to have a more inconsistent product definition than goods.
  4. D) Services tend to have higher customer interaction than goods.
  5. E) None, i.e., all of the above are true.
Answer:  A
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Services
Objective:  LO 1.2 Explain the distinction between goods and services

7) Which is NOT true regarding differences between goods and services?
  1. A) Services are generally produced and consumed simultaneously; tangible goods are not.
  2. B) Services tend to be more knowledge-based than goods.
  3. C) Services tend to have a more inconsistent product definition than goods.
  4. D) Goods tend to have higher customer interaction than services.
  5. E) Reselling is unusual in services; goods often have some residual value.
Answer:  D
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Services
Objective:  LO 1.2 Explain the distinction between goods and services

8) Which of the following services is LEAST likely to be unique, i.e., customized to a particular individual's needs?
  1. A) dental care
  2. B) hairdressing
  3. C) legal services
  4. D) elementary education
  5. E) computer consulting
Answer:  D
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Services
AACSB:  Reflective thinking
Objective:  LO 1.2 Explain the distinction between goods and services
9) Which of the following is NOT a typical service attribute?
  1. A) intangible product
  2. B) easy to store
  3. C) customer interaction is high
  4. D) simultaneous production and consumption
  5. E) difficult to resell
Answer:  B
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Services
Objective:  LO 1.2 Explain the distinction between goods and services


10) Which of the following attributes is most typical of a service?
  1. A) production and consumption occur simultaneously
  2. B) tangible
  3. C) mass production
  4. D) consistency
  5. E) easy to automate
Answer:  A
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Services
Objective:  LO 1.2 Explain the distinction between goods and services

11) Which of the following is a similarity between goods and services?
  1. A) mass production
  2. B) consistency
  3. C) automation
  4. D) Both have quality standards.
  5. E) Both can usually be kept in inventory.
Answer:  D
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Services
Objective:  LO 1.2 Explain the distinction between goods and services

12) When a tangible component is not included in a service, such as with counseling, it is called a(n) ________.
Answer:  pure service
Diff: 1
Key Term:  Services
Objective:  LO 1.2 Explain the distinction between goods and services

13) How do services differ from goods? Identify five ways.
Answer:  Pick from the following: a service is usually intangible; it is often produced and consumed simultaneously; it is often unique; it involves high customer interaction; product definition is inconsistent; it is often knowledge-based; it is frequently dispersed; quality may be hard to evaluate; and reselling is unusual.
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Services
Objective:  LO 1.2 Explain the distinction between goods and services
Section 8   The Productivity Challenge

1) Productivity is generally more difficult to improve in the service sector than in the manufacturing sector.
Answer:  TRUE
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Productivity
Objective:  LO 1.6 Identify the critical variables in enhancing productivity
Learning Outcome:  Discuss operations and operations management as a competitive advantage for the organization


2) A knowledge society is one that has migrated from work based on knowledge to one based on manual work.
Answer:  FALSE
Diff: 1
Key Term:  Knowledge society
Learning Outcome:  Discuss operations and operations management as a competitive advantage for the organization

3) Productivity is the total value of all inputs to the transformation process divided by the total value of the outputs produced.
Answer:  FALSE
Diff: 1
Key Term:  Productivity

4) Illiteracy and poor diets have been known to cost countries up to what percent of their productivity?
  1. A) 2%
  2. B) 5%
  3. C) 10%
  4. D) 20%
  5. E) 50%
Answer:  D
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Productivity
AACSB:  Diverse and multicultural work environments

5) A foundry produces circular utility access hatches (manhole covers). If 120 covers are produced in a 10-hour shift, the productivity of the line is:
  1. A) 1.2 covers/hr.
  2. B) 2 covers/hr.
  3. C) 12 covers/hr.
  4. D) 1200 covers/hr.
  5. E) 120 covers/hr.
Answer:  C
Diff: 1
Key Term:  Productivity
AACSB:  Analytical thinking
Objective:  LO 1.4 Compute single-factor productivity
6) A foundry produces circular utility access hatches (manhole covers). Currently, 120 covers are produced in a 10-hour shift. If labor productivity can be increased by 20%, it would then be:
  1. A) 14.4 covers/hr.
  2. B) 24 covers/hr.
  3. C) 240 covers/hr.
  4. D) 1200 covers/hr.
  5. E) 10 covers/hr.
Answer:  A
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Productivity
AACSB:  Analytical thinking
Objective:  LO 1.4 Compute single-factor productivity

7) Gibson Valves produces cast bronze valves on an assembly line. If 1600 valves are produced in an 8-hour shift, the productivity of the line is:
  1. A) 2 valves/hr.
  2. B) 40 valves/hr.
  3. C) 80 valves/hr.
  4. D) 200 valves/hr.
  5. E) 1600 valves/hr.
Answer:  D
Diff: 1
Key Term:  Productivity
AACSB:  Analytical thinking
Objective:  LO 1.4 Compute single-factor productivity

8) Gibson Valves produces cast bronze valves on an assembly line, currently producing 1600 valves each 8-hour shift. If the productivity is increased by 10%, it would then be:
  1. A) 180 valves/hr.
  2. B) 200 valves/hr.
  3. C) 220 valves/hr.
  4. D) 880 valves/hr.
  5. E) 1760 valves/hr.
Answer:  C
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Productivity
AACSB:  Analytical thinking
Objective:  LO 1.4 Compute single-factor productivity

9) Gibson Valves produces cast bronze valves on an assembly line, currently producing 1600 valves per shift. If the production is increased to 2000 valves per shift, labor productivity will increase by:
  1. A) 10%.
  2. B) 20%.
  3. C) 25%.
  4. D) 40%.
  5. E) 50%.
Answer:  C
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Productivity
AACSB:  Analytical thinking
Objective:  LO 1.4 Compute single-factor productivity

10) The Dulac Box plant produces 500 cypress packing boxes in two 10-hour shifts. What is the productivity of the plant?
  1. A) 25 boxes/hr.
  2. B) 50 boxes/hr.
  3. C) 5000 boxes/hr.
  4. D) 0.04 boxes/hr.
  5. E) 250 boxes/hr.
Answer:  A
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Productivity
AACSB:  Analytical thinking
Objective:  LO 1.4 Compute single-factor productivity

11) The Dulac Box plant works two 8-hour shifts each day. In the past, 500 cypress packing boxes were produced by the end of each day. The use of new technology has enabled them to increase productivity by 30%. Productivity is now approximately:
  1. A) 32.5 boxes/hr.
  2. B) 40.6 boxes/hr.
  3. C) 62.5 boxes/hr.
  4. D) 81.25 boxes/hr.
  5. E) 300 boxes/hr.
Answer:  B
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Productivity
AACSB:  Analytical thinking
Objective:  LO 1.4 Compute single-factor productivity

12) The Dulac Box plant produces 500 cypress packing boxes in two 10-hour shifts. Due to higher demand, they have decided to operate three 8-hour shifts instead. They are now able to produce 600 boxes per day. What has happened to productivity?
  1. A) It has not changed.
  2. B) It has increased by 37.5 boxes/hr.
  3. C) It has increased by 20%.
  4. D) It has decreased by 8.3%.
  5. E) It has decreased by 9.1%.
Answer:  A
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Production
AACSB:  Analytical thinking
Objective:  LO 1.3 Explain the difference between production and productivity

13) Productivity measurement is complicated by:
  1. A) the competition's output.
  2. B) the fact that precise units of measure are often unavailable.
  3. C) stable quality.
  4. D) the workforce size.
  5. E) the type of equipment used.
Answer:  B
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Productivity

14) The total of all outputs produced by the transformation process divided by the total of the inputs is:
  1. A) utilization.
  2. B) greater in manufacturing than in services.
  3. C) defined only for manufacturing firms.
  4. D) multifactor productivity.
  5. E) single-factor productivity.
Answer:  D
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Multifactor productivity
Objective:  LO 1.5 Compute multifactor productivity

15) Which productivity variable has the greatest potential to increase productivity?
  1. A) labor
  2. B) globalization
  3. C) management
  4. D) capital
  5. E) energy
Answer:  C
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Productivity variables
Objective:  LO 1.6 Identify the critical variables in enhancing productivity

16) Which of the following nets the largest productivity improvement?
  1. A) increase output 15%
  2. B) decrease input 15%
  3. C) increase both output and input by 5%
  4. D) increase output 10%, decrease input 3%
  5. E) decrease input 10%, increase output 3%
Answer:  B
Diff: 3
Key Term:  Productivity
AACSB:  Analytical thinking
Objective:  LO 1.4 Compute single-factor productivity

17) Productivity can be improved by:
  1. A) increasing inputs while holding outputs steady.
  2. B) decreasing outputs while holding inputs steady.
  3. C) increasing inputs and outputs in the same proportion.
  4. D) decreasing inputs while holding outputs steady.
  5. E) none of the above.
Answer:  D
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Productivity
AACSB:  Analytical thinking
Objective:  LO 1.4 Compute single-factor productivity

18) The largest contributor to productivity increases is ________, estimated to be responsible for ________ of the annual increase.
  1. A) management; over one-half
  2. B) Mr. Deming; one-half
  3. C) marketing and sales; two-thirds
  4. D) capital; 90%
  5. E) technology; over one-half
Answer:  A
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Productivity variables
Objective:  LO 1.6 Identify the critical variables in enhancing productivity

19) The factor responsible for the largest portion of productivity increase in the United States is:
  1. A) labor.
  2. B) management.
  3. C) capital.
  4. D) All three combined; it is impossible to determine the contribution of individual factors.
  5. E) none of these.
Answer:  B
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Productivity variables
Objective:  LO 1.6 Identify the critical variables in enhancing productivity

20) Which of the following is NOT true when explaining why productivity tends to be lower in the service sector than in the manufacturing sector?
  1. A) Services are typically labor-intensive.
  2. B) Services are often difficult to evaluate for quality.
  3. C) Services are often an intellectual task performed by professionals.
  4. D) Services are difficult to automate.
  5. E) Service operations are typically capital intensive.
Answer:  E
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Productivity
Objective:  LO 1.2 Explain the distinction between goods and services

21) Three commonly used productivity variables are:
  1. A) quality, external elements, and precise units of measure.
  2. B) labor, capital, and management.
  3. C) technology, raw materials, and labor.
  4. D) education, diet, and social overhead.
  5. E) quality, efficiency, and low cost.
Answer:  B
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Productivity variables
Objective:  LO 1.6 Identify the critical variables in enhancing productivity

22) The service sector has lower productivity improvements than the manufacturing sector because:
  1. A) the service sector uses less skilled labor than manufacturing.
  2. B) the quality of output is lower in services than manufacturing.
  3. C) services usually are labor-intensive.
  4. D) service sector productivity is hard to measure.
  5. E) the service sector is often easy to mechanize and automate.
Answer:  C
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Service sector
Objective:  LO 1.2 Explain the distinction between goods and services

23) Productivity tends to be more difficult to improve in the service sector because the work is:
  1. A) often difficult to automate.
  2. B) typically labor-intensive.
  3. C) frequently processed individually.
  4. D) often an intellectual task performed by professionals.
  5. E) All of the above make service productivity more difficult.
Answer:  E
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Service sector
Objective:  LO 1.2 Explain the distinction between goods and services

24) A small metal shop operates 10 hours each day, producing 100 parts/hour. If productivity were increased 20%, how many hours would the plant have to work to produce 1000 parts?
  1. A) less than 2 hours
  2. B) between 9 and 10 hours
  3. C) between 2 and 6 hours
  4. D) between 6 and 8 hours
  5. E) between 8 and 9 hours
Answer:  E
Diff: 3
Key Term:  Productivity
AACSB:  Analytical thinking
Objective:  LO 1.4 Compute single-factor productivity

25) A cleaning company uses 10 lbs each of chemicals A, B and C for each house it cleans. After some quality complaints, the company has decided to increase its use of chemical A by an additional 10 lbs for each house. By what % has productivity (houses per pound of chemical) fallen?
  1. A) 0%
  2. B) 10%
  3. C) 15%
  4. D) 25%
  5. E) 33%
Answer:  D
Diff: 3
Key Term:  Productivity
AACSB:  Analytical thinking
Objective:  LO 1.4 Compute single-factor productivity

26) A cleaning company uses $10 of chemicals, $40 of labor, and $5 of misc. expenses for each house it cleans. After some quality complaints, the company has decided to increase its use of chemicals by 50%. By what percentage has multifactor productivity fallen?
  1. A) 0%
  2. B) 8.3%
  3. C) 25%
  4. D) 50%
  5. E) 16.7%
Answer:  B
Diff: 3
Key Term:  Multifactor productivity
AACSB:  Analytical thinking
Objective:  LO 1.5 Compute multifactor productivity

27) Starbucks stopped requiring signatures on credit-card purchases under $25 in an attempt to reduce ________.
Answer:             transaction time (or service time)
Diff: 1
Key Term:  Productivity
Learning Outcome:  Discuss operations and operations management as a competitive advantage for the organization

28) ________ is the total of all outputs produced by the transformation process divided by the total of the inputs.
Answer:  Multifactor productivity
Diff: 1
Key Term:  Multifactor productivity
Objective:  LO 1.5 Compute multifactor productivity

29) Productivity is the ratio of ________ to ________. Using this relationship, productivity can be improved by ________ or ________.
Answer:  outputs; inputs; reducing inputs while holding outputs constant; increasing outputs while holding inputs constant.
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Productivity
Objective:  LO 1.4 Compute single-factor productivity

30) Identify the three productivity variables used in the text.
Answer:  The three common variables are labor, capital, and management.
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Productivity variables
Objective:  LO 1.6 Identify the critical variables in enhancing productivity

31) What is a knowledge society?
Answer:  A knowledge society is one in which much of the labor force has migrated from manual work to work based on knowledge.
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Knowledge society
Objective:  LO 1.6 Identify the critical variables in enhancing productivity

32) As the administrative manager in a law office, you have been asked to develop a system for evaluating the productivity of the 15 lawyers in the office. What difficulties are you going to have in doing this, and how are you going to overcome them?
Answer:  Productivity measures for a law office are difficult. Simple criteria, like number of cases processed, fail to consider complexity of the case. Even counting wins is difficult, as many cases are settled with some sort of compromise. External elements such as the quality of the opposing counsel and the tenacity of the opposition also make counting look rather silly.

Categories of cases can help (i.e., uncontested divorce, no personal injury auto case, etc.). However, many firms end up counting hours billed. This in turn leads to other problems, as noted by the number of false billing cases.
Diff: 3
Key Term:  Productivity
AACSB:  Reflective thinking

33) Susan has a part-time business producing seasonal plywood yard ornaments for resale at local craft fairs and bazaars. She currently works 8 hours per day to produce 16 ornaments.
  1. What is her productivity?
  2. She thinks that by redesigning the ornaments and switching from use of a wood glue to a hot-glue gun she can increase her total production to 20 ornaments per day. What is her new productivity?
  3. What is her percentage increase in productivity?
Answer: 
  1. 16 ornaments/8 hours = 2 ornaments/hour
  2. 20 ornaments/8 hours = 2.5 ornaments/hour
  3. Change in productivity = 0.5 ornaments/hour; percent change = 0.5/2 = 25%
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Productivity
AACSB:  Analytical thinking
Objective:  LO 1.4 Compute single-factor productivity

34) A firm cleans chemical tank cars in the Bay St. Louis area. With standard equipment, the firm typically cleaned 70 chemical tank cars per month. They utilized 10 gallons of solvent, and two employees worked 20 days per month, 8 hours a day. The company decided to switch to a larger cleaning machine. Last April, they cleaned 60 tank cars in only 15 days. They utilized 12 gallons of solvent, and the two employees worked 6 hours a day.
(a) What was their raw material and their labor productivity with the standard equipment?
(b) What is their raw material and their labor productivity with the larger machine?
(c) What is the change in each productivity measure?
Answer: 
Resource (a) Standard Equipment (b) Larger Machine (c) Percent Change
Solvent  = 7  = 5  = -28.57%
Labor  = 0.22  = .33  = 50%
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Productivity
AACSB:  Analytical thinking
Objective:  LO 1.4 Compute single-factor productivity

35) The Dulac Box plant produces wooden packing boxes to be used in the local seafood industry. Current operations allow the company to make 500 boxes per day, in two 8-hour shifts (250 boxes per shift). The company has introduced some small changes in equipment, and conducted appropriate job training, so that production levels have risen to 300 boxes per shift. These changes did not require any change in the amount of capital spending or energy use. What is the firm's new labor productivity?
Answer:  600 boxes per day / 16 hours = 37.5 boxes per hour
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Productivity
AACSB:  Analytical thinking
Objective:  LO 1.4 Compute single-factor productivity

36) Mark's Ceramics spent $4000 on a new kiln last year in the belief that it would cut annual energy usage 25% over the old kiln. This kiln is an oven that turns "greenware" into finished pottery. Mark is concerned that the new kiln requires extra labor hours for its operation. Mark wants to check the energy savings of the new oven, and also to look over other measures of their productivity to see if the change really was beneficial. Mark has the following data to work with:

Last Year This Year
Production (finished units) 4000 4000
Greenware (pounds) 5000 5000
Labor (hrs) 350 375
Capital ($) 15000 19000
Energy (kWh) 3000 2600

Were the modifications beneficial?
Answer:  The energy modifications did not generate the expected energy savings; also, labor and capital productivity decreased.

Resource Last Year This Year Change Pct. Change
Labor 4000 / 350 = 11.43 4000 / 375 = 10.67 -0.76 -6.65%
Capital 4000 / 15000 = 0.27 4000 / 19000 = .21 -0.060 -22.22%
Energy 4000 / 3000 = 1.33 4000 / 2600 = 1.54 0.21 15.79%

Diff: 2
Key Term:  Productivity
AACSB:  Analytical thinking
Objective:  LO 1.4 Compute single-factor productivity

37) Martin Manufacturing has implemented several programs to improve its productivity. They have asked you to evaluate the firm's productivity by comparing this year's performance with last year's. The following data are available:

Last Year This Year
Output 10,500 units 12,100 units
Labor Hours 12,000 13,200
Utilities $7,600 $8,250
Capital $83,000 $88,000

Has Martin Manufacturing improved its productivity during the past year?
Answer:  Productivity improved in all three categories this year; utilities showed the greatest increase, and labor the least.

Resource Last Year This Year Change Pct. Change
Labor 10500 / 12000 = 0.88 12100 / 13200 = 0.92 0.04 4.55%
Utilities 10500 / 83000 = 0.13 12100 / 88000 = 0.14 0.01 7.69%
Capital 10500 / 7600 = 1.38 12100 / 8250 = 1.47 0.09 6.52%

Diff: 2
Key Term:  Productivity
AACSB:  Analytical thinking
Objective:  LO 1.4 Compute single-factor productivity

38) Felicien grows mirlitons (that's Cajun for Chayote squash) in his 100 by 100-foot garden. He then sells the crop at the local farmers' market. Two summers ago, he was able to produce and sell 1200 pounds of mirlitons. Last summer, he tried a new fertilizer that promised a 50% increase in yield. He harvested 1900 pounds. Did the fertilizer live up to its promise?
Answer:  Since the productivity gain was 58.3%, not 50%, the fertilizer was at least as good as advertised.

Two Summers ago Last Summer Change
1200 ÷ 10,000 = .12 1bs/sq. ft 1900 ÷ 10,000 = .19 lbs/sq. ft (.19 - .12) ÷ .12 = 58.3%

Diff: 2
Key Term:  Productivity
AACSB:  Analytical thinking
Objective:  LO 1.4 Compute single-factor productivity

39) The Dulac Box plant produces wooden packing boxes to be used in the local seafood industry. Current operations allow the company to make 500 boxes per day, in two 8-hour shifts (250 boxes per shift). The company has introduced some moderate changes in equipment, and conducted appropriate job training, so that production levels have risen to 300 boxes per shift. Labor costs average $10 per hour for each of the 5 full-time workers on each shift. Capital costs were previously $3,000 per day, and rose to $3,200 per day with the equipment modifications. Energy costs were unchanged by the modifications, at $400 per day. What is the firm's multifactor productivity before and after the changes?
Answer: 
MFP before: 500 boxes / ($10 × 5 × 16 + $3000 + $400) = 500 / 4200 = 0.119 boxes/dollar
MFP after: 600 boxes / ($10 × 5 × 16 + $3200 + $400) = 600 / 4400 = 0.136 boxes/dollar
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Multifactor productivity
AACSB:  Analytical thinking
Objective:  LO 1.5 Compute multifactor productivity

40) Gibson Products produces cast bronze valves for use in offshore oil platforms. Currently, Gibson
produces 1600 valves per day. The 20 workers at Gibson work from 7 a.m. until 4 p.m., with 30 minutes off for lunch and a 15-minute break during the morning work session and another at the afternoon work session. Gibson is in a competitive industry, and needs to increase productivity to stay competitive. They feel that a 20 percent increase is needed.

Gibson's management believes that the 20 percent increase will not be possible without a change in working conditions, so they change work hours. The new schedule calls on workers to work from 7:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., during which workers can take one hour off at any time of their choosing. Obviously, the number of paid hours is the same as before, but production increases, perhaps because workers are given a bit more control over their workday. After this change, valve production increased to 1800 units per day.

  1. Calculate labor productivity for the initial situation
  2. Calculate labor productivity for the hypothetical 20 percent increase
  3. What is the productivity after the change in work rules?
  4. Write a short paragraph analyzing these results.
Answer: 
(a) Workers are active for eight hours per day; labor productivity is 10 valves/hour
(b) If Productivity rises by 20 percent, to 12 valves/hour; output would be 12 × 8 × 20 = 1920
(c) New productivity is 1800 / (20 × 8) = 11.25 valves/hour
(d) Gibson did not gain the desired 20 percent increase in productivity, but they did gain over 11 percent, without extra equipment or energy, and without increasing the labor cost.
Diff: 3
Key Term:  Productivity
AACSB:  Analytical thinking
Objective:  LO 1.4 Compute single-factor productivity

41) A local university is considering changes to its class structure in an effort to increase professor productivity. The old schedule had each professor teaching 5 classes per week, with each class meeting an hour per day on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Each class contained 20 students. The new schedule has each professor teaching only 3 classes, but each class meets daily (Mon.-Fri.) for an hour. New classes contain 50 students.
  1. Calculate the labor productivity for the initial situation (students/hour).
  2. Calculate the labor productivity for the schedule change (students/hour).
  3. Are there any ethical considerations that should be accounted for?
  4. Suppose that each teacher also is required to have 2 hours of Office Hours each day he/she taught class. Is the schedule change a productivity increase?
Answer: 
(a)  Professors teach 100 students in 15 hours or 6.67 students/hour.
(b)  Professors teach 150 students in 15 hours or 10 students/hour.
(c)   Responses should focus on honoring stakeholder commitment and can include students per professor ratio, class sizes, quality of education, etc.
(d)  Initial productivity is 100 students in 21 hours or 4.76 students/hour. New productivity is 150 students in 25 hours or 6 students/hour, an increase or 1.24 students/hour.
Diff: 3
Key Term:  Productivity
AACSB:  Analytical thinking
Objective:  LO 1.4 Compute single-factor productivity

42) A grocery chain is considering the installation of a set of 4 self-checkout lanes. The new self-checkout lane setup will replace 2 old cashier lanes that were staffed by a cashier and bagger on each lane. One cashier mans all 4 self-checkouts (answering questions, checking for un-scanned items, taking coupons, etc). Checkout on the new lanes takes 2 minutes (customers bag their own orders) while checkout with the old lanes took only 45 seconds. In addition, the electricity costs for both setups are $0.05 per checkout while bagging (material) costs are $0.10 per checkout with the old system and $0.15 for the new system. The new lanes also require $100/shift in capital costs. Assume that the lanes are always in use for 8 hours per day (1 shift) and that a worker makes $10/hour.
(a)  How many checkouts did the old system provide in a shift?
(b)  How many checkouts does the new system provide?
(c)   What is the multifactor productivity for each system?
Answer: 
(a)  (2 lanes)(8 hours)(3600 seconds/hour)(1 checkout/45 seconds) = 1280 checkouts
(b)  (4 lanes)(8 hours)(60 minutes/hour)(1 checkout/2 min) = 960 checkouts
(c)   Cost for the old system = (4 workers)(8 hours)($10/hour) + ($0.10)(1280) + ($0.05)(1280) = $512. Cost for the new system = (1 worker)(8 hours)($10/hour) + ($0.15)(960) + ($0.05)(960) + $100 = $372. Multifactor productivity for old system = 1280 checkouts / $512 = 2.5 checkouts/$. Multifactor productivity for new system = 960 checkouts / $372 = 2.6 checkouts/$.
Diff: 3
Key Term:  Multifactor productivity
AACSB:  Analytical thinking
Objective:  LO 1.5 Compute multifactor productivity

43) A swimming pool company has 100,000 labor hours available per summer and with a labor productivity of 5 pools per 6,000 hours.
  1. How many pools can the company install this summer?
  2. Suppose the multifactor productivity was one pool per $25,000. How much should the company expect to spend this summer constructing the pools?
Answer: 
(a)  100,000 hours ∗ 5 pools/6000 hours = 83.33 or 83 pools
(b)  83 pools ∗ $25,000/pool = $2,075,000
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Productivity
AACSB:  Analytical thinking
Objective:  LO 1.4 Compute single-factor productivity

44) An industrial plant needs to make 100,000 parts per month to meet demand. Each month contains 20 working days, each of which allows for 3 separate 8 hour shifts.
(a)  If a worker can produce 10 parts/hour, how many workers are needed on each shift?
(b)  If each shift has 100 workers, what is the productivity of an individual worker?
(c)   If material costs are $10/part, capital costs are $100,000 and labor costs are $10/hour, what is the multifactor productivity of the plant from part (a)?
Answer: 
(a)  100,000 parts × (1 hour / 10 parts) × (1 shift / 8 hours) × (1 worker/60 shifts) = 20.83 = 21 workers
(b)  100,000 parts / [(60 shifts/worker) × (100 workers) × (8 hours/shift)] = 2.08 parts/hour
(c)   100,000 parts / [($10/part) × (100,000 parts) + $100,000 + (21 workers) × (60 shifts/worker) × (8 hours/shift) × ($10/hour)] = .083 parts/$1
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Productivity
AACSB:  Analytical thinking
Objective:  LO 1.5 Compute multifactor productivity

45) The local fast food store experienced the following number of customers on the night shift:
Hour----------------Customers
12 AM                           23
1 AM                             20
2 AM                             15
3 AM                               5
4 AM                               2
5 AM                               1
If the store was staffed by two workers, what was the average productivity per worker, in customers/hour?
Answer:  (23 + 20 + 15 + 5 + 2 + 1) customers/ (2 workers ∗ 6 hours/worker) = 5.5 customers/hour
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Productivity
AACSB:  Analytical thinking
Objective:  LO 1.4 Compute single-factor productivity

Section 9   Current Challenges in Operations Management

1) Current challenges in operations management include all of the following EXCEPT:
  1. A) just-in-time performance.
  2. B) rapid product development.
  3. C) mass customization.
  4. D) empowered employees.
  5. E) None of the above are exceptions, i.e., all are current challenges.
Answer:  E
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Operations management
Objective:  LO 1.1 Define operations management
Learning Outcome:  Discuss operations and operations management as a competitive advantage for the organization

2) Which of the following statements about challenges in operations management is FALSE?
  1. A) Job specialization is giving way to empowered employees.
  2. B) Local or national focus is giving way to global focus.
  3. C) Sustainable production is giving way to a low-cost focus.
  4. D) Rapid product development is partly the result of shorter product cycles.
  5. E) The goal of mass customization is to produce customized products, whenever and wherever needed.
Answer:  C
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Operations management
Objective:  LO 1.1 Define operations management
Learning Outcome:  Discuss operations and operations management as a competitive advantage for the organization

3) ________ is the ability of the organization to be flexible enough to cater to the individual whims of consumers.
Answer:  Mass customization
Diff: 2
Learning Outcome:  Discuss operations and operations management as a competitive advantage for the organization

4) ________ is the operations management challenge that moves more decision making to the individual worker.
Answer:  Empowered employees
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Operations management
Objective:  LO 1.1 Define operations management
Learning Outcome:  Discuss operations and operations management as a competitive advantage for the organization

5) Why are organizations changing from batch (large) shipments to just-in-time (JIT) shipments?
Answer:  Organizations are switching to JIT shipments because inventory requires a large financial investment, and it impedes the responsiveness to changes in the marketplace.
Diff: 2
Learning Outcome:  Discuss operations and operations management as a competitive advantage for the organization

6) Why are organizations becoming more global?
Answer:  Organizations are becoming more global with the decline in the costs of communication and transportation. Additionally, resources in the form of capital, materials, talent, and labor are also now global.
Diff: 2
Learning Outcome:  Discuss the influences of the global competitive environment on operations management

Section 10   Ethics, Social Responsibility, and Sustainability

1) Ethical and social dilemmas arise because stakeholders of a business have conflicting perspectives.
Answer:  TRUE
Diff: 1
Key Term:  Stakeholders
AACSB:  Ethical understanding and reasoning
Learning Outcome:  Discuss the role of operations management in corporate social responsibility and sustainability

2) Which of the following is NOT among the ethical and social challenges facing operations managers?
  1. A) honoring stakeholder commitments
  2. B) training, retaining, and motivating employees
  3. C) efficiently developing and producing safe high-quality green products
  4. D) increasing executive pay
  5. E) providing a safe workplace
Answer:  D
Diff: 1
AACSB:  Ethical understanding and reasoning
Learning Outcome:  Discuss the role of operations management in corporate social responsibility and sustainability

3) A business's stakeholders, whose conflicting perspectives cause ethical and social dilemmas, include:
  1. A) lenders.
  2. B) suppliers.
  3. C) owners.
  4. D) employees.
  5. E) all of the above.
Answer:  E
Diff: 1
Key Term:  Stakeholders
AACSB:  Ethical understanding and reasoning
Learning Outcome:  Discuss the role of operations management in corporate social responsibility and sustainability

4) What term is given to those individuals with a vested interest in an organization, including customers, distributors, suppliers, owners, lenders, employees, and community members?
  1. A) alumni
  2. B) investors
  3. C) vestors
  4. D) stockholders
  5. E) stakeholders
Answer:  E
Diff: 1
Key Term:  Stakeholders
AACSB:  Ethical understanding and reasoning
Learning Outcome:  Discuss the role of operations management in corporate social responsibility and sustainability

5) Why are operations managers faced with ethical and social challenges?
Answer:  Businesses have diverse stakeholders, which include customers, distributors, suppliers, owners, lenders, employees, and the community. These stakeholders hold conflicting perspectives.
Diff: 2
Key Term:  Stakeholders
AACSB:  Ethical understanding and reasoning
Learning Outcome:  Discuss the role of operations management in corporate social responsibility and sustainability

6) What are some of the ethical and social challenges faced by operations managers?
Answer:  Managers are challenged to develop and produce safe, high-quality green products; train, retain, and motivate employees in a safe workplace; and honor stakeholder commitments.
Diff: 2
AACSB:  Ethical understanding and reasoning
Learning Outcome:  Discuss the role of operations management in corporate social responsibility and sustainability


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OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT - 2017 - COLLECTION
FREE DOWNLOAD
EBOOKS
Operations Management, 2015, 12th Edition, William J. Stevenson - Free Download Link
Operations Management, Sustainability and Supply Chain Management, 11th Edition, 2014, Jay Heizer, Barry Render - Free Download Link
Operations Management: Sustainability and Supply Chain Management, 12th Edition, Jay Heizer, Barry Render, Chuck Munson, 2017
Principles of Operations Management: Sustainability and Supply Chain Management, 10th Edition, 2017
Operations Research: An Introduction, 10th Edition, Hamdy A. Taha, 2017
Introduction to Operations and Supply Chain Management, 4th Edition, Cecil B. Bozarth, Robert B. Handfield, 2016 
Operations Management: Processes and Supply Chains, 11th Edition, Lee J. Krajewski, Manoj K. Malhotra, Larry P. Ritzman, 2016
Free Online Course Materials
1. Operations Management Ebooks - Free Downloads
2. Slides - 11th Edition - Free Downloads
3. Slides - 12nd Edition - Free Downloads
4. Full List of Videos Case Studies - Link
5. All articles about Operations Management
http://top20mba.com/mba-cases/94-mba-operation-management
2017 Updates
6. QUIZ, Multiple choice questions and answers
7. CASE STUDY GUIDES
8. Video Case study guides

For Test Bankz, Quiz Answers and Case study Guides, email to: wincapsimtips@gmail.com
All Free downloads - LINK

Buy All Collections for USD 19.99 – Buy now LINK (Click here)
Any inquiry and support, please email: wincapsimtips@gmail.com
FREE DOWNLOADS:
1. Operations Management: Sustainability and SCM, 12th Edition, Jay Heizer, 2017
2. Operations Management, Sustainability and SCM, 11th Ed, 2014, Jay Heizer
3. Principles of Operations Management: Sustainability and SCM, 10th Ed, Jay Heizer, 2017
Free Download Link
4. Operations Management, 2017, 12th Edition, William J. Stevenson
Free Download Link
5. Operations Management: Processes and Supply Chains, 11th Edition, Lee J. Krajewski, 2016
6. Operations Research: An Introduction, 10th Edition, Hamdy A. Taha, 2017
7. Introduction to Operations and SCM, 4th Edition, Cecil B. Bozarth, Robert B. Handfield, 2016 
8. Hotel Operations Management, 3rd Edition, David K. Hayes, 2017Ebooks – Free Download Links
Videos – Youtube channel links


Good Luck and Success, Enjoy Your Study !