Unit 4: Operations
Unit 4: Operations management
This section looks at the production processes in any company and investigates different methods of production and the importance of sustainable production. This section also looks at the appropriateness for different businesses and how businesses can improve productivity. The role of technology and the importance of sustainable production is also included, as well as sections on costs, scale of production and break-even analysis are included alongside economies of scale and quality production. This topic concludes with the main factors which influence location decisions. This section includes a number of units which feature in a different order from the new syllabus. These changes are detailed in each individual page. The new Cambridge syllabus also includes a new unit, 4.2 entitled technology and the production of goods and services. This is not covered in the existing syllabus.
Direct links to the pages in this section can be accessed at the following links:
Unit 4.1: Production of goods and services
This lesson focusses on the meaning of the term production, including the difference between production and productivity and the concept of lean production.Lesson time: 95 minutesLesson objectives:
Unit 4.1: The main methods of production
This lesson focusses on the features, benefits and limitations of job, batch and flow production.Lesson time: 70 minutesLesson objectives:This lesson looks at the three different types of production -...
Unit 4.1: How technology has changed and is changing production methods
This lesson focusses on how technology has changed and is changing production methods, e.g. using computers in design and manufacturingLesson time: 50 minutesLesson objectives:This lesson looks at how...
Unit 4.1: Case study
This page includes a paper one style examination question with a case study and short answer questions based on the text. The question is marked out of 20 and includes a mark scheme. This is an ideal...
Unit 4.2: Costs of production
This lesson focusses on identifying and classifying costs e.g. fixed, variable, average, total costs. Lesson time: 45 minutesLesson objectives:In this lesson students will learn to classify different...
Unit 4.2: Scale of production
This lesson focusses on the concepts of economies and diseconomies of scale with examples.Lesson time: 50 minutesLesson objectives:In this lesson students will learn the concept of economies of scale...
Unit 4.2: Breakeven charts - comparing costs and revenue
This lesson focusses on the concept of break even and a comparison of revenue and costs.Lesson time: 85 minutesLesson objectives:1. Beginning activity - Begin with the opening video and questions on break...
Unit 4.3: Worksheet on quality/stock control
This revision sheet can be completed in 40 minutes and makes a good homework or class exercise.Define the following terms:a. JIT – just-in-time stock control: JIT – just-in-time stock control is...
Unit 4.4: Location decisions
The main factors influencing the location and relocation decisions of a businessLesson time: 105 minutesLesson objectives: This lesson focusses' on the factors relevant to the location decision of manufacturing...
Unit 4: Case study
This case study is based on a paper one style examination and can be completed in one hour, making it a perfect homework or class exercise.A few years ago, Toyota announced it was to become the first...
Unit 4: Review terms
This page includes the review terms for unit 4, operations management. The review terms can be accessed as a PDF file at: Review terms
Unit 4 Multiple choice quiz
This page contains a multiple-choice question on unit 4, operations management.The questions are available as a PDF file at: Questions
Unit 4: Multiple choice II
This page contains a multiple-choice question on unit 4, operations management.The questions on this page are available as a PDF file at: Questions
Selected Pages
Unit 4: Operations
Unit 4.2: Breakeven short response questions
Q1Fill in the gapsA business can work out how many units it needs to sell to cover its costs, known as the ________________-______________...
Unit 4: Operations
Unit 4.2: Short response questions on cost
Q1Fill in the gapsIt is important for any business to understand and be able to calculate its __________________, ____________________...
Unit 4: Operations
Unit 4.1: Efficiency in production revision
Q1Fill in the gaps______________ production aims to reduce _______________ within business operations in an attempt to increase...
Unit 4: Operations
Unit 4.2: Company size questions
Q1Fill in the gaps______________________ is a common business aim that many businesses set. One reason for this is that...
Unit 4: Operations
Unit 4.4: Location revision questions
Q1Fill in the gapsThere are many _____________________a business needs to consider when deciding where to locate. It is...
Unit 4: Operations
Unit 4.1: Methods of production questions
Q1Fill in the gaps_______________ and flow production are two different types of production methods. Job production is used...