Chapter 9

A product requires 24 separate tasks, and the sum of those task times is 14 minutes; if the cycle time is 2 minutes, then at least 12 workstations will be needed.

False

Product-oriented layouts tend to have high levels of work-in-process inventories.

False

The biggest advantage of a product layout is its flexibility to handle a varied product mix.

False

Cross-docking processes items as they are received, rather than placing them in storage; this helps explain why "warehouses" are now called "distribution centers."

True

Cycle time is the maximum time that the product is allowed at each work station.

True

If the schedule calls for the production of 120 units per day and 480 minutes of production time are available per day, the cycle time should be 4 minutes.

True

McDonald's "Made for You" kitchen system represents a strategic layout decision even though an obvious benefit of the system is a dramatic reduction in the inventory of food prepared in advance.

True

One drawback of a product-oriented layout is that work stoppage at any one point ties up the whole operation.

True

One guideline for determining the arrangement and space allocation of a retail store is to place high-impulse and high-margin items such as housewares and beauty aids in prominent locations.

True

Servicescape refers to the physical surrounding in which the service is delivered.

True

Daily capacity of a product layout is determined by a. operating time divided by cycle time b. cycle time divided by operating time c. operating time divided by total task time d. total task time divided by cycle time e. cycle time divided by total task time

a

Which layout type assumes an adequate volume for high equipment utilization? a. product-oriented layout b. process-oriented layout c. fixed-position layout d. retail layout e. warehouse layout

a

Which of the following is not one of McDonald's "seven major innovations"? a. the Happy Meal b. drive-through windows c. breakfast menus d. play areas e. a kitchen system to facilitate mass customization

a

A product-oriented layout would be most appropriate for which one of the following businesses? a. fast food b. steel-making c. insurance sales d. clothing alterations e. a grocery store

b

In assembly line balancing, cycle time (the ratio of available production time to scheduled production) is the a. minimum time that a product is allowed at each workstation b. maximum time that a product is allowed at each workstation c. optimum time that a product is allowed at each workstation d. desired cycle time that a product is allowed at each workstation e. all of the above

b

The assumption of stability of demand is important for justifying which of the following layout types? a. fixed-position layout b. product-oriented layout c. process-oriented layout d. all of the above e. none of the above

b

Which of the following is true for process layouts, but false for product-oriented layouts? a. low in-process inventories b. flexibility in equipment and labor assignments c. low variety of products d. high volume of output e. often solved by assembly line balancing

b

Which of the following layouts generally has the best machine utilization? a. fixed-position layout b. repetitive and product-oriented layout c. process-oriented layout d. office layout e. warehouse layout

b

The assumptions necessary for a successful product layout include all of the following except a. adequate volume for high equipment utilization b. standardized product c. volatile product demand d. All of the above are appropriate assumptions. e. None of the above is an appropriate assumption.

c

Which of the following does not support the retail layout objective of maximizing customer exposure to products? a. locate high-draw items around the periphery of the store b. use prominent locations for high-impulse and high-margin items c. maximize exposure to expensive items d. use end-aisle locations e. convey the store's mission with the careful positioning of the lead-off department

c

Which of the following is not a heuristic rule for assigning tasks to workstations in a product layout? a. longest tasks first b. in order of most number of following tasks c. median tasks first d. shortest tasks first e. in accordance with positional weight

c

Which one of the following is not common to repetitive and product-oriented layouts? a. a high rate of output b. specialization of labor c. ability to adjust to changes in demand d. low unit costs e. All are common to product-oriented layouts.

c

"A special arrangement of machinery and equipment to focus on production of a single product or group of related products" describes what layout type? a. fixed-position layout b. intermittent production c. focused factory d. work cell e. warehouse layout

d

A disadvantage of product-oriented layout is that a. there is a lack of flexibility in handling a variety of products or production rates b. high volume is required because of the large investment needed to set up the process c. work stoppage at any one point ties up the whole operation d. All of the above are disadvantages of product-oriented layouts. e. None of the above is a disadvantage of product-oriented layouts.

d

Ambient conditions, spatial layout and functionality, and signs, symbols, and artifacts are all a. indicators of imbalance on an assembly line b. indicators that cross-docking has been successful c. elements of customization in a warehouse layout d. elements of servicescapes e. elements of successful office layouts

d

In a product-oriented layout, the process of deciding how to assign tasks to workstations is referred to as a. station balancing b. process balancing c. task allocation d. line balancing e. work allocation

d

Which of these layouts is most suitable for processing sugar from sugar beets or sugar cane? a. process-oriented layout b. fixed-position layout c. focused factory d. product-oriented layout e. work cell layout

d

Balancing low-cost storage with low-cost material handling is important in a(n) a. fixed-position layout b. process-oriented layout c. office layout d. repetitive and product-oriented layout e. warehouse layout

e

The central problem in product-oriented layout planning is a. minimizing material handling within workstations b. minimizing labor movement between workstations c. equalizing the space allocated to the different workstations d. maximizing equipment utilization e. minimizing the imbalance in the work loads among workstations

e

The layout strategy that deals with low-volume, high-variety production is a. fixed-position layout b. retail layout c. warehouse layout d. office layout e. none of the above

e

The main advantage of a product-oriented layout is typically a. low raw material cost b. employability of highly skilled labor c. high flexibility d. low capital cost e. low variable cost per unit

e

Which of the following requires an information system that provides inbound product identification, its destination, and routing of the product to the designated outbound vehicle? a. phantom-docking b. random stocking c. ASRS d. customizing e. cross-docking

e