Management Notes

Reference Notes for Management

Which of the following characteristics best describes repetitive focus

Which of the following characteristics best describes repetitive focus

 Options:

A. It uses sophisticated scheduling to accommodate custom orders.
B. Its output is a standardized product produced from modules.
C. Operators are broadly skilled.
D. It is widely used for the manufacture of steel.
E. low volume, high variety

The Correct Answer Is:

B. Its output is a standardized product produced from modules.

Correct Answer Explanation:

Let’s delve into the characteristics of repetitive focus, as well as why option B is indeed the correct choice and why the other options don’t align with this particular focus in manufacturing.

Repetitive focus is a strategy employed in manufacturing that emphasizes the production of standardized goods, typically through assembly line or module-based processes. Its primary goal is to produce a large volume of identical or similar products efficiently and consistently. Now, let’s explain why option B accurately encapsulates this characteristic.

B. Its output is a standardized product produced from modules.

This statement aligns perfectly with repetitive focus. When a manufacturing process adopts repetitive focus, it revolves around creating standardized products through the use of modules or standardized components.

The production line is designed to handle high volumes of these standardized modules, allowing for efficient and streamlined manufacturing. This approach ensures consistency and quality across the produced items, as they are based on standardized designs or modules.

Now, let’s break down why the other options do not accurately describe repetitive focus:

A. It uses sophisticated scheduling to accommodate custom orders.

Repetitive focus manufacturing is optimized for high-volume, standardized production. The emphasis here is on efficiency through the repetition of processes and the use of standardized components.

Sophisticated scheduling to accommodate custom orders requires a high degree of flexibility and adaptability, which is contrary to the rigid and standardized nature of repetitive focus manufacturing. This approach aims to minimize changeovers and maximize throughput by focusing on consistent production runs of standardized products.

C. Operators are broadly skilled.

Repetitive focus manufacturing often involves specialized and repetitive tasks performed in a consistent manner. While some level of skill is required, the emphasis is on efficiency through repetition rather than broad skill sets.

In contrast, other manufacturing approaches like flexible or job shop manufacturing might require operators with diverse skills to handle a variety of tasks and adapt to different production needs.

D. It is widely used for the manufacture of steel.

Repetitive focus is a manufacturing strategy that can be applied across various industries and product types, not limited to the manufacture of steel. While repetitive processes can exist in steel manufacturing, this strategy isn’t exclusive to this industry.

It’s commonly seen in industries such as automotive, electronics, consumer goods, and more, where standardized components or assembly line processes lead to high-volume production.

E. Low volume, high variety.

This description aligns more with flexible or job shop manufacturing rather than repetitive focus. Repetitive focus emphasizes high volume and low variety production, where the focus is on producing large quantities of standardized products efficiently.

On the contrary, low volume and high variety suggest a manufacturing setting that handles a wide range of products in smaller quantities, requiring flexibility and customization in production processes.

Repetitive focus manufacturing is centered around the efficient production of standardized products by optimizing processes for consistency, repeatability, and high-volume output. This approach involves less variation in products and processes to maximize efficiency and minimize costs associated with changeovers and customization.

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