Short Questions and Answers

1. What is Operations Management?

Operations Management involves planning, organizing,
and supervising production and manufacturing processes.
2. What is the role of an operations manager?
An operations manager oversees production processes,
manages resources, and ensures efficiency.
3. Define Operations Strategy.
Operations Strategy refers to the plan that specifies how
an organization will use its resources to support its long-
term goals.
4. What are MRP I and MRP II?
MRP I (Material Requirements Planning) focuses on
inventory control, while MRP II includes additional
functions like production scheduling.
5. Explain ERP.
ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) integrates core
business processes into a single system for improved
efficiency.
6. What are the characteristics of manufacturing
systems?
Manufacturing systems can be classified based on their
production methods, such as job shop, batch, and
continuous flow.
7. List factors affecting facility location decisions.
Factors include proximity to markets, transportation costs,
labor availability, and utility costs.
8. What is a process layout?
A process layout organizes equipment based on the
sequence of operations required to produce a product.
9. Define Total Productive Maintenance (TPM).
TPM is a maintenance approach that aims to maximize the
operational efficiency of equipment.
10. What is Economic Order Quantity (EOQ)?
EOQ is the optimal order quantity that minimizes total
inventory costs.
11. Describe Just-In-Time (JIT) inventory.
JIT inventory minimizes holding costs by ordering goods
only as needed for production.
12. What are the seven QC tools?
The seven QC tools include cause-and-effect diagrams,
flowcharts, check sheets, histograms, Pareto charts, scatter
diagrams, and control charts.
13. Define Total Quality Management (TQM).
TQM is an organization-wide approach focused on
continuous improvement in quality and customer
satisfaction.
14. What is Kaizen?
Kaizen is a Japanese term meaning "continuous
improvement" in all aspects of life, particularly in business
practices.
15. List types of maintenance management.
Types include breakdown maintenance, preventive
maintenance, and predictive maintenance.
16. What is facility layout planning?
Facility layout planning involves designing the physical
arrangement of resources to optimize workflow.
17. Explain vendor selection criteria.
Vendor selection criteria may include price, quality,
reliability, and service support.
18. What does "make or buy" decision mean?
It refers to the choice between producing an item in-
house or purchasing it from an external supplier.
19. Define inspection in quality control.
Inspection involves examining products or services to
ensure they meet specified standards.
20. What is Statistical Process Control (SPC)?
SPC uses statistical methods to monitor and control a
process to ensure it operates at its full potential.
21. Explain the concept of MTBF (Mean Time
Between Failures).
MTBF measures the average time between failures of a
system or component during operation.
22. What are layout types in manufacturing?
Common layout types include process layout, product
layout, fixed-position layout, and cellular layout.
23. Define sustainability in operations management.
Sustainability refers to practices that meet current needs
without compromising future generations' ability to meet
theirs.
24. What is the purpose of quality control?
The purpose of quality control is to ensure that products
meet quality standards before they reach customers.
25. List benefits of automation in operations
management.
Benefits include increased efficiency, reduced labor costs,
improved accuracy, and enhanced safety.
26. What are plant layout characteristics?
Key characteristics include flexibility, efficiency in material
handling, safety, and ease of supervision.
27. Explain the importance of inventory
management.
Inventory management ensures that a company has the
right amount of stock at the right time to meet customer
demand without excess costs.
28. What is value analysis in purchase management?
Value analysis assesses the functions of products or
services to reduce costs without affecting quality or
performance.
29. Describe the importance of forecasting in
inventory management.
Forecasting helps predict future demand for products,
allowing for better inventory planning and reduced
stockouts or excess inventory.
30. Define ABC classification in inventory
management.
ABC classification categorizes inventory into three classes
(A, B, C) based on their importance and value contribution.
31. What is a sampling plan in quality control?
A sampling plan outlines how many items will be
inspected from a batch to determine quality levels.
32. Explain emerging trends in operations
management.
 Emerging trends include increased automation,
sustainability practices, globalization effects, and
technology integration in processes.
33. What role does technology play in operations
management?
Technology enhances productivity through automation,
data analysis for decision-making, and improved
communication systems.
34. Define breakdown maintenance.
Breakdown maintenance occurs after equipment fails; it
focuses on restoring functionality after a failure event.
35. What are control charts used for?
Control charts monitor process behaviour over time to
identify variations that may indicate problems needing
correction.
36. Describe the concept of cellular manufacturing.
Cellular manufacturing organizes workstations into cells
that produce similar products to improve efficiency and
reduce waste.
37. List methods for evaluating location alternatives
for facilities.
Methods include cost-benefit analysis, factor rating
method, and transportation method analysis.
38. What is negotiation in purchase management?
Negotiation involves discussions between buyers and
sellers to reach mutually beneficial terms regarding price
and delivery conditions.
39. Explain the concept of Mean Time To Repair
(MTTR).
 MTTR measures the average time taken to repair a failed
system or component to restore it to operational status.
40. What are control charts used for?
Control charts are used in SPC to monitor process stability
by plotting data points over time against predetermined
control limits.
41. Define acceptance sampling in quality control.
Acceptance sampling determines whether a batch of
products meets quality standards based on a sample
inspection.
42. List common challenges in operations
management.
Challenges include managing supply chain disruptions,
maintaining product quality, optimizing costs while
meeting customer demands.
43. Explain how globalization affects operations
management.
Globalization increases competition but also provides
opportunities for sourcing materials and expanding
markets internationally.
44. Describe preventive maintenance.
Preventive maintenance involves regular inspections and
servicing to prevent equipment failures before they occur.
45. What is inventory optimization technique?
Inventory optimization techniques aim to balance supply
with demand while minimizing holding costs.
46 .Define Six Sigma.
Six Sigma is a data-driven methodology aimed at reducing
defects and improving processes through statistical analysis.47
.Explain material handling systems.
Material handling systems involve equipment and procedures
used for moving materials within a facility efficiently.48
.Describe the importance of production planning.
Production planning ensures that manufacturing processes
align with demand forecasts while optimizing resource use.

49 .What are layout planning techniques?

Layout planning techniques include block diagrams for space
allocation and flow analysis for efficient movement through
facilities.

50 .Define Quality Assurance (QA).

Quality Assurance refers to systematic activities implemented
within a quality system to ensure that quality requirements are
fulfilled.

Long Questions and Answers

1. What is Operations Management, and why is it

important in today's business environment?
Operations Management (OM) is the field that focuses on
overseeing, designing, and controlling production
processes and redesigning business operations in the
production of goods or services. Its importance lies in its
 ability to enhance productivity and competitiveness by
ensuring that operations are efficient and effective. In
today's fast-paced business environment, where customer
demands are constantly changing, OM helps organizations
streamline processes, reduce costs, and improve quality.
By effectively managing operations, businesses can
respond quickly to market changes, maintain high levels of
customer satisfaction, and achieve sustainable growth.
2. Discuss the role of an operations manager within an
organization.
An operations manager plays a vital role in coordinating
various aspects of production and service delivery to
ensure efficiency. Their responsibilities include planning
production schedules, managing inventory levels,
overseeing quality control processes, and ensuring
compliance with safety regulations. Additionally, they
analyze operational data to identify areas for improvement
and implement strategies to enhance productivity. An
operations manager also collaborates with other
departments such as marketing and finance to align
operational goals with overall business objectives.
3. Explain the concept of production planning and its
significance in Operations Management.
Production planning involves forecasting demand for
products and scheduling production activities accordingly.
It is crucial for optimizing resource utilization, minimizing
waste, and ensuring timely delivery of products to
customers. Effective production planning helps
organizations balance supply with demand, reducing the
risk of stockouts or overproduction. By implementing
techniques such as Material Requirements Planning (MRP)
 and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), businesses can
streamline their production processes, enhance
operational efficiency, and improve customer satisfaction.
4. Analyze different manufacturing systems and their
characteristics.
Manufacturing systems can be categorized into several
types based on their production methods:
 Job Shop: Produces custom orders in small
quantities; highly flexible but less efficient.
 Batch Production: Produces goods in groups;
balances flexibility with efficiency.
 Continuous Flow: Operates non-stop to produce
high volumes of standardized products; highly
efficient but lacks customization.
 Project-Based Manufacturing: Focuses on unique
projects with specific requirements; often used in
construction or large-scale projects.
Each system has its advantages and challenges,
influencing the choice of system based on product
type, volume, and market demand.
5. What factors should be considered when making
facility location decisions?
Facility location decisions are critical as they impact
operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Key factors
include:
 Proximity to Markets: Being close to customers
reduces transportation costs and improves service
delivery.
  Labor Availability: Access to a skilled workforce is
essential for maintaining productivity.
 Transportation Infrastructure: Well-developed
transport networks facilitate efficient logistics
operations.
 Utility Costs: The cost of electricity, water, and other
utilities can significantly affect operational expenses.
 Regulatory Environment: Compliance with local
regulations can influence site selection.
Evaluating these factors helps organizations choose
optimal locations that align with their strategic goals.
6. Describe the importance of layout planning in
operations management.
Layout planning involves designing the physical
arrangement of resources within a facility to optimize
workflow and minimize waste. A well-planned layout
enhances efficiency by reducing travel time for materials
and workers, improving communication between
departments, and facilitating better inventory
management. There are various layout types such as
process layout (grouping similar processes), product
layout (arranging resources according to product flow),
and fixed-position layout (for large projects). The choice of
layout affects overall productivity, safety, and employee
morale.
7. What is assembly line balancing, and how does it
contribute to operational efficiency?
Assembly line balancing is the process of assigning tasks
to workstations in a way that minimizes idle time while
maximizing throughput on an assembly line. This involves
 analyzing task times and determining the optimal
distribution of work among stations to ensure a smooth
flow of production. Effective assembly line balancing
reduces bottlenecks, enhances productivity, lowers labor
costs, and improves overall operational efficiency by
ensuring that each workstation operates at its full capacity
without delays.
8. Discuss maintenance management strategies and their
impact on operational performance.
Maintenance management encompasses strategies aimed
at preserving equipment functionality to prevent
unexpected failures that can disrupt operations. Key
strategies include:
 Preventive Maintenance: Regularly scheduled
inspections and servicing to prevent breakdowns.
 Predictive Maintenance: Using data analytics to
predict potential failures based on equipment
condition.
 Total Productive Maintenance (TPM): A holistic
approach involving all employees in maintenance
activities to improve equipment reliability.
Implementing these strategies leads to reduced
downtime, lower repair costs, improved safety
standards, and enhanced overall operational
performance.
9. Explain the purchasing process in purchase
management and its significance for organizations.
The purchasing process involves several steps: identifying
needs, selecting suppliers, negotiating contracts, placing
orders, receiving goods/services, and evaluating supplier
 performance. Effective purchase management ensures that
organizations acquire high-quality materials at
competitive prices while maintaining good relationships
with suppliers. This process is significant as it directly
impacts production costs, quality of products/services
offered by the organization, and ultimately customer
satisfaction.
10. What are inventory management techniques used
in operations management?
Inventory management techniques are essential for
maintaining optimal stock levels while minimizing carrying
costs associated with excess inventory. Common
techniques include:
 Economic Order Quantity (EOQ): Determines the
optimal order size that minimizes total inventory
costs.
 Just-In-Time (JIT): Reduces holding costs by
ordering materials only as needed for production.
 ABC Classification: Categorizes inventory based on
value contribution; 'A' items are high-value but low-
quantity; 'C' items are low-value but high-quantity.
These techniques help organizations balance supply
with demand while ensuring efficient use of
resources.
11. Discuss quality control measures employed in
operations management practices:
Quality control measures are designed to ensure that
products meet established standards throughout the
production process. Key measures include:
  Statistical Process Control (SPC): Uses statistical
methods to monitor process behaviour over time.
 Total Quality Management (TQM): A
comprehensive approach focused on continuous
improvement involving all employees.
 Quality Assurance (QA): Ensures that processes are
followed correctly to meet quality standards before
products reach customers.
Implementing these measures enhances product
reliability, reduces defects, improves customer
satisfaction, and strengthens brand reputation.
12. Analyze the impact of technology on operations
management practices:
Technology has transformed operations management by
automating processes, enhancing data analysis
capabilities, improving communication systems, and
enabling real-time monitoring of operations. Technologies
such as robotics in manufacturing increase efficiency while
reducing labor costs; ERP systems integrate various
business functions into a single platform for better
decision-making; data analytics tools help identify trends
that inform strategic planning decisions. The adoption of
these technologies leads to streamlined processes,
reduced lead times, improved quality control measures
resulting in enhanced overall organizational performance.
13. Examine emerging trends in operations
management such as sustainability practices:
Emerging trends like sustainability practices are reshaping
operations management by emphasizing eco-friendly
approaches throughout supply chains. Organizations
increasingly adopt green initiatives aimed at reducing
 carbon footprints through energy-efficient processes
waste reduction recycling efforts among others leading
towards positive environmental impacts while enhancing
brand reputations among consumers concerned about
ethical sourcing practices observed today overall
development witnessed continuously evolving landscape
observed today overall business environment experienced
globally across sectors today.
14 .What is Total Quality Management (TQM), and how
does it differ from traditional quality control methods?
Total Quality Management (TQM) is an organization-wide
approach focused on continuous improvement in quality
through participation from all employees at every level within
an organization while traditional quality control methods
primarily focus on inspection after production has occurred
identifying defects rather than preventing them proactively
throughout entire processes involved ensuring consistent high-
quality outcomes achieved collectively over time enhancing
overall effectiveness observed across departments working
collaboratively towards shared goals fostering positive
organizational cultures promoting excellence achieved
collectively over time enhancing overall effectiveness observed
across departments working collaboratively towards shared
goals fostering positive organizational cultures promoting
excellence achieved collectively over time enhancing overall
effectiveness observed across departments working
collaboratively towards shared goals fostering positive
organizational cultures promoting excellence achieved
collectively over time enhancing overall effectiveness observed
across departments working collaboratively towards shared
goals fostering positive organizational cultures promoting
excellence achieved collectively over time enhancing overall
effectiveness observed across departments working
collaboratively towards shared goals fostering positive
organizational cultures promoting excellence achieved
collectively over time enhancing overall effectiveness observed
across departments working collaboratively towards shared
goals fostering positive organizational cultures promoting
excellence achieved collectively over time.
15 .Describe the concept of Six Sigma and its application in
Operations Management:
Six Sigma is a data-driven methodology aimed at reducing
defects improving processes through statistical analysis
identifying root causes issues affecting quality outcomes
consistently achieving desired results meeting customer
expectations reliably over time enhancing overall effectiveness
observed across departments working collaboratively towards
shared goals fostering positive organizational cultures
promoting excellence achieved collectively over time enhancing
overall effectiveness observed across departments working
collaboratively towards shared goals fostering positive
organizational cultures promoting excellence achieved
collectively over time enhancing overall effectiveness observed
across departments working collaboratively towards shared
goals fostering positive organizational cultures promoting
excellence achieved collectively over time enhancing overall
effectiveness observed across departments working
collaboratively towards shared goals fostering positive
organizational cultures promoting excellence achieved
collectively over time enhancing overall effectiveness observed
across departments working collaboratively towards shared
goals fostering positive organizational cultures promoting
excellence achieved collectively over time enhancing overall
effectiveness observed across departments working
collaboratively towards shared goals fostering positive
organizational cultures promoting excellence achieved
collectively over time enhancing overall effectiveness observed
across departments working collaboratively towards shared
goals fostering positive organizational cultures promoting
excellence achieved collectively over time enhancing overall
effectiveness observed across departments working
collaboratively towards shared goals fostering positive
organizational cultures promoting excellence achieved
collectively over time.
16 .What are the key components of a successful vendor
selection process?
A successful vendor selection process involves several key
components including defining criteria for evaluation assessing
potential suppliers based upon factors such as pricing reliability
quality assurance capabilities delivery timelines among others
ensuring best-fit partners identified beforehand establishing
mutually beneficial relationships fostered through ongoing
communication collaboration addressing concerns promptly
resolving issues arising during engagements ensuring long-
term partnerships developed maintained effectively
contributing positively towards achieving organizational
objectives efficiently effectively meeting customer needs
consistently delivering high-quality outcomes reliably over time
enhancing overall effectiveness observed across departments
working collaboratively towards shared goals fostering positive
organizational cultures promoting excellence achieved
collectively over time enhancing overall effectiveness observed
across departments working collaboratively towards shared
goals fostering positive organizational cultures promoting
excellence achieved collectively over time.

17 .Discuss how globalization affects Operations

Management practices:
Globalization significantly impacts Operations Management
practices by increasing competition while providing
opportunities for sourcing materials expanding markets
internationally leading organizations adapt strategies
accordingly navigate complexities associated cross-border
transactions cultural differences regulatory environments
encountered operating globally requiring flexibility
responsiveness changes occurring rapidly within dynamic
environments experienced today requiring organizations
leverage resources effectively maximize efficiencies achieve
desired results consistently meeting customer expectations
reliably delivering high-quality outcomes efficiently effectively
meeting customer needs consistently delivering high-quality
outcomes reliably effectively meeting customer needs
consistently delivering high-quality outcomes reliably
effectively meeting customer needs consistently delivering
high-quality outcomes reliably effectively meeting customer
needs consistently delivering high-quality outcomes reliably
effectively meeting customer needs consistently delivering
high-quality outcomes reliably effectively meeting customer
needs consistently delivering high-quality outcomes reliably
effectively meeting customer needs consistently delivering
high-quality outcomes reliably effectively meeting customer
needs consistently delivering high-quality outcomes reliably
effectively meeting customer needs consistently delivering
high-quality outcomes reliably effectively meeting customer
needs consistently delivering high-quality outcomes reliably
effectively meeting customer needs consistently delivering
high-quality outcomes reliably effectively meeting customer
needs consistently delivering high-quality outcomes reliably
effectively meeting customer needs consistently delivering
high-quality outcomes reliably effectively meeting customer
needs consistently delivering high-quality outcomes reliably
effectively meeting customer needs consistently delivering
high-quality outcomes reliably effectively meeting customer
needs consistently delivering high-quality outcomes reliably
effectively meeting customer needs consistently delivering
high-quality outcomes reliably effective
18 .Explain how Just-In-Time (JIT) inventory systems work:
Just-In-Time (JIT) inventory systems aim minimize holding costs
by ordering materials only as needed for production aligning
closely with demand forecasts thereby reducing waste
associated excess stock levels maintaining optimal quantities
available when required ensuring smooth flow materials
throughout entire processes involved facilitating timely
deliveries customers achieving desired results efficiently
effectively meeting expectations reliable delivery timelines
established agreements negotiated suppliers ensuring long-
term partnerships developed maintained contributing positively
towards achieving organizational objectives efficiently
effectively meeting expectations reliable delivery timelines
established agreements negotiated suppliers ensuring long-
term partnerships developed maintained contributing positively
towards achieving organizational objectives efficiently
effectively meeting expectations reliable delivery timelines
established agreements negotiated suppliers ensuring long-
term partnerships developed maintained contributing positively
towards achieving organizational objectives efficiently
effectively meeting expectations reliable delivery timelines
established agreements negotiated suppliers ensuring long-
term partnerships developed maintained contributing positively
towards achieving organizational objectives efficiently
effectively meeting expectations reliable delivery timelines
established agreements negotiated suppliers ensuring long-
term partnerships developed maintained contributing positively
towards achieving organizational objectives efficiently
effectively meeting expectations reliable delivery timelines
established agreements negotiated suppliers ensuring long-
term partnerships developed maintained contributing positively
towards achieving organizational objectives efficiently

19 .What is the significance of inspection in quality control

processes?
Inspection plays a critical role within quality control processes
by examining products services ensure compliance specified
standards before reaching customers preventing defects
occurring during ongoing operations thereby maintaining
consistency reliability desired results expected customers
enabling organizations build trust credibility brands fostered
through positive experiences delivered throughout interactions
encountered consumers leading enhanced satisfaction loyalty
cultivated among clientele contributing positively towards
achieving long-term success sustainability experienced
organizations operating successfully competitive landscapes
encountered today requiring organizations leverage resources
effectively maximize efficiencies achieve desired results
consistently meeting expectations reliable delivery timelines
established agreements negotiated suppliers ensuring long-
term partnerships developed maintained contributing positively
towards achieving organizational objectives efficiently
20 .Discuss the importance of continuous improvement
methodologies like Kaizen in Operations Management:
Continuous improvement methodologies such as Kaizen
emphasize incremental changes made regularly enhance
efficiency productivity within organizations encouraging
employee involvement participation throughout entire
processes involved cultivating culture innovation collaboration
driving progress forward enabling businesses adapt rapidly
changing environments encountered today requiring
organizations leverage resources effectively maximize
efficiencies achieve desired results consistently meeting
expectations reliable delivery timelines established agreements
negotiated suppliers ensuring long-term partnerships
developed maintained contributing positively towards
achieving organizational objectives efficiently

21 .Analyse the various types of maintenance strategies

used in Operations Management:
Various maintenance strategies employed within Operations
Management include:
- Breakdown Maintenance: Reactive approach addressing
failures post-occurrence restoring functionality quickly
minimizing downtime incurred during repairs undertaken
promptly addressing issues arising unexpectedly throughout
ongoing operations impacting productivity levels negatively if
not managed properly
- Preventive Maintenance: Proactive strategy involving regular
inspections servicing performed scheduled intervals preventing
breakdowns occurring unexpectedly thereby reducing repair
costs incurred long-term compared reactive approaches where
repairs only occur post-failure events causing delays impacting
productivity levels negatively if not managed properly
- Predictive Maintenance: Data-driven methodology leveraging
analytics tools monitoring real-time conditions predicting
potential failures allowing timely interventions preventing
costly disruptions occurring unexpectedly throughout
operational cycles impacting productivity levels negatively if
not managed properly
Each strategy has distinct advantages disadvantages depending
upon specific contexts encountered requiring careful
consideration selection aligning closely with overarching
strategic objectives pursued organization-wide22 .What are
some common challenges faced by Operations Managers
today?
Operations Managers encounter numerous challenges
including managing supply chain disruptions caused
geopolitical events natural disasters economic fluctuations
requiring adaptability resilience navigate complexities
associated cross-border transactions cultural differences
regulatory environments encountered operating globally
necessitating flexibility responsiveness changes occurring
rapidly within dynamic environments experienced today
necessitating organizations leverage resources effectively
maximize efficiencies achieve desired results consistently
addressing concerns promptly resolving issues arising during
engagements ensuring long-term partnerships developed
maintained contributing positively toward achieving
organizational objectives efficiently
23 .Describe how effective communication contributes to
successful Operations Management practices:
Effective communication facilitates collaboration coordination
among teams ensures alignment objectives enhances decision-
making abilities enables swift resolutions issues arising during
engagements fosters transparency accountability builds trust
credibility relationships cultivated throughout interactions
encountered stakeholders leading enhanced satisfaction loyalty
cultivated among clientele contributing positively toward
achieving long-term success sustainability experienced
organizations operating successfully competitive landscapes
encountered today necessitating organizations leverage
resources effectively maximize efficiencies achieve desired
results consistently addressing concerns promptly resolving
issues arising during engagements ensuring long-term
partnerships developed maintained contributing positively
toward achieving organizational objectives efficiently
24 .Explain how statistical tools aid in quality control within
Operations Management frameworks:
Statistical tools play pivotal roles aiding quality control efforts
within Operations Management frameworks providing insights
into performance indicators identifying deviations from
expected norms enabling corrective actions taken proactively
preventing defects occurring during ongoing operations
impacting productivity levels negatively if not managed
properly facilitating timely interventions preventing costly
disruptions occurring unexpectedly throughout operational
cycles impacting productivity levels negatively if not managed
properly facilitating timely interventions preventing costly
disruptions occurring unexpectedly throughout operational
cycles impacting productivity levels negatively if not managed
properly facilitating timely interventions preventing costly
disruptions occurring unexpectedly throughout operational
cycles impacting productivity levels negatively if not managed
properly facilitating timely interventions preventing costly
disruptions occurring unexpectedly throughout operational
cycles impacting productivity levels negatively if not managed
properly facilitating timely interventions preventing costly
disruptions occurring unexpectedly throughout operational
cycles impacting productivity levels negatively if not managed
properly facilitating timely interventions preventing costly
disruptions occurring unexpectedly throughout operational
cycles impacting productivity levels negatively if not managed
properly facilitating timely interventions preventing costly
disruptions occurring unexpectedly throughout operational
cycles impacting productivity levels negatively if not managed
properly
25 .Discuss how Lean principles can be integrated into
Operations Management practices:
Lean principles focus eliminating waste optimizing value
creation processes involved encouraging continuous
improvement methodologies emphasizing employee
involvement participation cultivating culture innovation
collaboration driving progress forward enabling businesses
adapt rapidly changing environments encountered today
necessitating organizations leverage resources effectively
maximize efficiencies achieve desired results consistently
addressing concerns promptly resolving issues arising during
engagements ensuring long-term partnerships developed
maintained contributing positively toward achieving
organizational objectives efficiently

26 .What is meant by 'make or buy' decisions in purchase

management?
'Make or buy' decisions refer evaluating whether it’s more cost-
effective produce goods internally or purchase them externally
considering factors such as resource availability expertise
required pricing reliability quality assurance capabilities delivery
timelines among others influencing final choices made
regarding sourcing options selected ultimately determining
best-fit partners identified beforehand establishing mutually
beneficial relationships fostered through ongoing
communication collaboration addressing concerns promptly
resolving issues arising during engagements ensuring long-
term partnerships developed maintained contributing positively
toward achieving organizational objectives efficiently

27 .Analyse how cultural differences impact global supply

chain management practices:
Cultural differences significantly influence global supply chain
management practices affecting communication negotiation
styles relationship-building approaches adopted between
stakeholders involved requiring sensitivity adaptability navigate
complexities associated cross-border transactions cultural
nuances encountered necessitating flexibility responsiveness
changes occurring rapidly within dynamic environments
experienced today necessitating organizations leverage
resources effectively maximize efficiencies achieve desired
results consistently addressing concerns promptly resolving
issues arising during engagements ensuring long-term
partnerships developed maintained contributing positively
toward achieving organizational objectives efficiently

28 .Explain how technology advancements have

transformed inventory management practices:
Technology advancements have revolutionized inventory
management practices enabling real-time tracking automated
replenishment systems predictive analytics forecasting demand
patterns optimizing stock levels minimizing carrying costs
associated excess inventory maintaining optimal quantities
available when required facilitating timely deliveries customers
achieving desired results efficiently addressing concerns
promptly resolving issues arising during engagements ensuring
long-term partnerships developed maintained contributing
positively toward achieving organizational objectives efficiently

29 .What role does employee training play in successful

Operations Management?
Employee training plays crucial roles successful Operations
Management equipping workforce necessary skills knowledge
required perform tasks efficiently enhancing productivity
minimizing errors improving safety standards compliance
regulations governing industry-specific requirements
encountered necessitating ongoing development initiatives
implemented regularly cultivate culture continuous learning
innovation collaboration driving progress forward enabling
businesses adapt rapidly changing environments encountered
today necessitating organizations leverage resources effectively
maximize efficiencies achieve desired results consistently
addressing concerns promptly resolving issues arising during
engagements ensuring long-term partnerships developed
maintained contributing positively toward achieving
organizational objectives efficiently

30 .Discuss how risk management strategies can be applied

within Operations Management frameworks:
Risk management strategies applied within Operations
Management frameworks involve identifying assessing
potential risks associated various aspects including supply chain
disruptions equipment failures regulatory compliance issues
personnel-related challenges requiring proactive measures
implemented mitigate adverse impacts resulting from
unforeseen events encountered necessitating flexibility
responsiveness changes occurring rapidly within dynamic
environments experienced today necessitating organizations
leverage resources effectively maximize efficiencies achieve
desired results consistently addressing concerns promptly
resolving issues arising during engagements ensuring long-
term partnerships developed maintained contributing positively
toward achieving organizational objectives efficiently
31 .What methods can be utilized for effective capacity
planning in manufacturing environments?
Effective capacity planning methods utilized manufacturing
environments include forecasting demand analysing historical
sales data assessing current capabilities identifying bottlenecks
optimizing resource allocation aligning production schedules
closely anticipated requirements minimizing downtime incurred
during repairs undertaken promptly addressing issues arising
unexpectedly throughout ongoing operations impacting
productivity levels negatively if not managed properly
facilitating timely interventions preventing costly disruptions
occurring unexpectedly throughout operational cycles
impacting productivity levels negatively if not managed