Discuss how PV might change the way it organises production to achieve its objectives.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2017). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. Note to examiners: This question is about the organisation of production. Answers that focus on improving motivation must be linked to production objectives.
2. Answers could include:
3. Objectives are higher quality (currently high defect rate), less delays (currently 60% delivery time met), lower operating costs, reduce wastage to 5%, reduce inventory costs.
4. Suggestions might focus on leaner production and shift from quality control to quality assurance/TQM or similar plus:
5. Faster order led production following closer liaison with buyers (JIT)
6. Lower inventory (leather) held, linked to orders and clear quality. requirements on suppliers.
7. Cell production.
8. Benchmarking.
9. Increased training for employees.
10. Quality circles.
11. New machinery.
12. Accept reference to flow as alternative
13. Application
14. Reference to current problems or possible objectives (currently high defect rate, 60% delivery time met, wastage at 5%).
15. Present methods are assembly line, single task workers, final stage quality checks, high inventory.
16. Evaluation
17. Changes will take time money and resources of expertise to plan. Are these available? Will they achieve the required improvements?
18. Will the changes be in time to prevent loss of orders?
19. Does Pedro have the commitment to change what he has been his successful business?
20. What steps are the increasing competition taking?
21. Will the cost of the changes be covered by any improvements?
22. A supported recommendation.