Date | November 2020 | Marks available | 6 | Reference code | 20N.3.HL.TZ0.2 |
Level | HL | Paper | 3 | Time zone | no time zone |
Command term | Explain | Question number | 2 | Adapted from | N/A |
Question
Mouna & Partners are manufacturers who specialize in school classroom furniture, see Figure 3. To meet their customers’ orders and reduce the percentage of products that have to be returned to them, they have adopted a lean production philosophy as well as computer integrated manufacturing (CIM).
Outline one way computer integrated manufacturing (CIM) can enhance quality control.
Outline how value stream mapping would help Mouna & Partners reduce lead time.
Explain one advantage and one disadvantage of Mouna & Partners moving towards a just-in-time (JIT) strategy.
Markscheme
CIM monitors/controls automated manufacturing processes;
resulting in more consistency/accuracy/less defects;
CIM can lead to reduction in the size of the workforce;
which minimizes human error;
CIM automatically reports all functions on factory floor/CIM integrates (links) the entire production system;
which increases efficiency / helps detect defects on the spot (in real time);
Award [1] for identifying a way computer integrated manufacturing (CIM) enhances quality control and [1] for a development of that way up to [2 max].
VSM allows for an overview of all current processes / VSM includes information flow, material flow and time line;
to identify (visually spot) where the delay (problematic area / bottleneck / 7 wastes) is taking place / to maximize flow / reduce time between initiation and execution of a process;
Award [1] for identifying a way how value stream mapping (VSM) would help Mouna & Partners reduce lead time and [1] for a development up to [2 max].
Advantage:
no need for large storage space;
as the business partners with suppliers;
and orders parts or components when required;
fewer unsold items;
as production levels are based on customer demand;
items not ordered are not made;
less storage cost;
as Mouna & Partners only manufacture what is ordered;
reducing inventory;
Disadvantage:
unable to meet rapid changes in demand;
as there is no buffer of goods in stock;
so Mouna & Partners may miss potential business opportunities;
risk of manufacturing delay;
if suppliers do not deliver on time;
the business cannot meet its deadlines;
no economies of scale;
as the business does not buy in bulk;
which may drive cost and price up;
Award [1] for identifying an advantage of Mouna & Partners moving towards a just-in-time strategy and [1] for each subsequent development of that advantage up to [3 max].
Award [1] for identifying a disadvantage of Mouna & Partners moving towards a just-in-time strategy and [1] for each subsequent development of that disadvantage up to [3 max].
Mark as [3] + [3].
Examiners report
Many achieved at least one mark. The most frequent correct responses referred to fewer defects and minimal human error.
Many achieved at least one mark by identifying how value stream mapping (VSM) helps spot where the delay occurs.
The majority of candidates did quite well in this question. They demonstrated a very good understanding of the just in time strategy. They also structured their responses into a paragraph for advantages and another for disadvantages.