U.S. Manufacturing
Compared to the past, there are fewer factory jobs but record-high _____.
Productivity
What are the five main inputs in the production process?
Land, labor, capital, entrepreneurship, and knowledge.
What does CAD stand for?
Computer-Aided Design.
What type of layout works best for assembly lines?
Product layout.
What does PERT stand for?
Program Evaluation and Review Technique.
What replaced manual labor in modern factories?
Automation and robotics.
What are outputs in the production process?
Goods, services, or ideas.
What type of manufacturing adapts quickly to changes?
Flexible manufacturing.
What type of layout is best for custom orders?
Process layout.
What does a PERT chart show?
The sequence and timing of project steps using arrows.
What percentage of workers used to be in factories “then” compared to now?
About 30% of workers used to be in factories.
What is the main goal of production management?
To turn raw materials into finished goods efficiently.
What is the goal of lean manufacturing?
Minimize waste and improve efficiency.
What are two main decisions in operations management planning?
Facility location and inventory management.
What does a Gantt chart show?
Project tasks, deadlines, and progress using a bar graph.
What does operations management focus on compared to old-fashioned production?
Managing customer experience (speed, comfort, and reliability.
What are the four key steps in production control?
Planning, routing, scheduling, and follow-up.
What does “mass customization” mean?
Producing customized products at near mass-production speeds.
What does a fixed-position layout mean?
The product stays in one place while workers and equipment move around it.
Why do managers use Gantt charts?
To track progress and keep projects on schedule.
What drives innovation in production today?
Global competition and the need for efficiency.
How does improving productivity help reduce costs?
It increases output and efficiency while maintaining quality.
Name two modern technologies that improve production.
Robotics and 3D printing.
Why is cellular layout useful in factories?
It allows flexibility and faster changes between products.
How do both charts help operations managers?
They help plan, schedule, and control manufacturing processes.