Exam 16: Operations Management: Putting It All Together

Because customers often participate in the provision of services, service providers have less control over how the process is carried out and whether the result is satisfactory.

In operations management, which of the following refers to completing a task or producing a product at the lowest cost?

Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) is software that enables users to test, analyze, and optimize their designs. This type of software frequently allows engineers to catch design flaws before production.

The critical path method is a project management tool that illustrates the relationships among the activities involved in completing a project and enables managers to identify those activities that are most likely to create delays in the completion of the overall project.

Which of the following is a drawback (disadvantage) to enterprise resource planning systems (ERPs)?

Factors that contribute to the cost and challenge of implementing ERP systems include the complexity of the software itself, the need to transfer data and information into the new system, and the challenge of training employees to use the system.

Define efficiency and effectiveness as operations managers use these terms. Which of these goals is more important? Why?

The design of servicescapes centres on three types of factors: ambience; type of customers; and signs, symbols, and artifacts.

Services are activities that yield benefits but do not directly result in a physical product.

Describe the purpose of enterprise resource planning (ERP) software. Discuss two advantages and two disadvantages of using ERP software.

Billie Raney is in charge of a major construction project for her company. She has been informed that the plumbing installation has hit a snag and could be delayed. Billie is very concerned about this because she knows that any delay in the plumbing is likely to hold up the completion of the entire project. Which of the following does this suggests about the plumbing installation?

An example of lean production systems is WestJet's self-serve kiosks and paperless boarding passes that keep customers moving through the airport.

Marcus is a self-employed marketing consultant. He is good at helping his clients with their marketing challenges; however, he is not keeping up with billing his clients regularly or keeping track of his hours. He feels like the time he spends on these functions is taking him away from activities where he has more talent and ability. His small business needs to bill clients quickly to keep the business running. What would you recommend that Marcus do?

Which of the following is concerned with all of the activities involved in creating goods and services and the distribution of those goods and services to customers?

What is the term for a firm's strategy to gain more control over the supply chain by performing the activities itself or by acquiring the organizations that perform the activities?

Six Sigma shares some characteristics with TQM, such as an organization-wide focus on quality and a long-term commitment to continuous quality improvement.

John Stevens is a design engineer who uses powerful software to test and analyze his designs before the company goes to the expense of producing any real prototypes. The kind of software John is using is called computer-integrated manufacturing software.

Anne Miles owns a small business that produces gourmet candies that are popular with local households during the holiday party season-from Halloween through New Years. Although it is only mid-September, Anne's storage pantries are beginning to fill with boxes of her special candies. Given the nature of her business, which of the following is the most likely explanation for Anne's large inventory of sweets?

The goal of one of the newest sets of ISO standards focuses on environmental management. It encourages firms to minimize harm to the natural environment and improve environmental practices. What is this known as?

Lean production emphasizes the elimination of waste in all aspects of production processes.