The volume-variety position of an operation has implications for almost every aspect of its design activities. In a low-volume, high-variety operation, which is the correct combination of design decisions?

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The question asks about the volume-variety position of an operation and the appropriate design decisions for a low-volume, high-variety scenario. We'll evaluate each option in that light.
Option 1: 'Product/service standardization low, flow intermittent' — This pairing aligns with the need for flexibility in a high-variety context. Low standardization means products or services are not tightly specified and can be tailored to each order, while intermittent flow supports sporadic, irregular production runs typical of low-volume operations. This combination is well-suited to handling customization and switching between different product configurations without costly changes to a highly controlled process.
Option 2: 'Product/service standardization high, flow intermittent' — High standardization implies a strong push toward uniformity and repeatability, which clashes with high variety because frequent product changes require adaptability. An intermittent flow could manage variability, but the high degree of standardization would hinder customization and quick changeovers, making this option ill-suited for low-volume, high-variety contexts.
Option 3: 'Product/service standardization high, flow continuous' — Continuous flow and high standardization are typical of high-volume, low-variety operations where processes are designed for maximal efficiency and minimal variation. This combination would be inappropriate for low-volume, high-variety needs, which demand flexibility rather than rigid, continuous processes.
Option 4: 'Product/service standardization low, flow continuous' — Low standardization supports variety, but continuous flow presumes a steady, high-throughput process. In low-volume settings, a continuous flow can be inefficient due to frequent changeovers and underutilized capacity, reducing responsiveness to diverse orders. This makes it a less fitting choice for low-volume, high-variety operations compared with intermittent flow.
In summary, the most compatible pairing for low-volume, high-variety operations is low standardization with intermittent flow, because it balances flexibility with the ability to handle irregular production without forcing continuous, high-volume processing. The other options rely on either excessive standardization or inappropriate flow patterns that don’t accommodate frequent changes in product configurations.

MSTM 5210 G Practice Quiz

The volume-variety position of an operation has implications for almost every aspect of its design activities. In a low-volume, high-variety operation, which is the correct combination of design decisions?

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MSTM 5210 G Practice Quiz

The volume-variety position of an operation has implications for almost every aspect of its design activities. In a low-volume, high-variety operation, which is the correct combination of design decisions?

View Explanation

Log in for full answers

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The process of converting inputs such as raw materials into outputs such as finished products is the ______ model of Operations Management.

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Part 1Which of the following plans are the job of the operations personnel, working with other functional areas of the firm?Part 2 A. intermediate plans B. long-range plans C. short-range plans D. all three: short-range, intermediate, and long-range plans