| Date | November 2017 | Marks available | 6 | Reference code | 17N.3.HL.TZ0.1 |
| Level | HL | Paper | 3 | Time zone | no time zone |
| Command term | Compare | Question number | 1 | Adapted from | N/A |
Question
Figure 1 shows the original Dualit toaster. Built for commercial use, they have since won numerous consumer accolades and come in a range of variants, sizes and colours.
Identify two market research strategies that could have been used in the development of the Dualit toaster.
Outline the strategy used by Dualit by introducing the Dualit toaster in a range of different sizes and colours.
Compare just in time (JIT) and just in case (JIC) as strategies to produce the Dualit toaster.
Markscheme
Answers may include:
literature search ✓
expert appraisal ✓
user trial ✓
user research /questionnaires / interviews / surveys ✓
perceptual mapping ✓
environmental scanning ✓
Award [1] for identifying each market research strategy that could be used in the development of the Dualit toaster.
product development (strategy) ✓
modified design targeting an existing market / leading to the development of a product family ✓
Award [1] for identifying a strategy used by Dualit by introducing the Dualit toaster in a range of different sizes and colours and [1] for a brief explanation.
Just in case (JIC) production strategy:
Dualit keeps a stock of components / parts / finished toasters ✓
toasters are created in advance and in excess of demand ✓
storage space is needed ✓
higher capital investment ✓
[2 max]
Just in time (JIT) production strategy:
Dualit will not keep a stock of components / will have very small stocks / will have a limited buffer / will not need storage ✓
components will be ordered from suppliers when required ✓
toasters that are not ordered are not made ✓
[2 max]
Dualit may see the additional cost of maintaining stock in a JIC strategy to be preferable to the risk of being unable to respond rapidly to sudden fluctuations in demand ✓
however, they may be left with unsold stock if there is a downturn in the market ✓
a JIT strategy allows Dualit to implement lean production ✓
but they may risk manufacturing delay / delay from suppliers ✓
[2 max]
Award [1] for each of two distinct points of a JIT production strategy for Dualit up to [2 max].
Award [1] for each of two distinct points of a JIC production strategy for Dualit up to [2 max].
And award [1] for each of two distinct points comparing the two production strategies for the Dualit toaster up to [2 max].
[Max 4] for a generic response that does not refer to the Dualit Toaster.
Note to examiners: Candidates may use points in reverse.
Examiners report
Syllabus sections
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22M.3.HL.TZ0.1a:
Outline one reason why Soar use just-in-case (JIC) production for their Soar e-scooter.
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19M.1.HL.TZ0.32:
What is true of just-in-case (JIC) inventory management?
A. Guarantees that products will be available
B. Reduces inventory costs
C. Enables lean production
D. Efficient use of materials
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19N.1.HL.TZ0.33:
Which of the following costs are lower in just in time (JIT) production?
I. Storage for finished products
II. Marketing costs
III. Labour costs
A. I and II
B. I and III
C. II and III
D. I, II and III
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18N.1.HL.TZ0.31:
Figure 9 shows a car production line.
Figure 9: A car production line
[Source: Lotus 60th Celebration - Final assembly (https://www.flickr.com/photos/32659528@N00/2868489384).
Image by Brian Snelson under CC licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/]The company does not allocate space to the storage of components or completed cars. This is an example of which production strategy?
A. Just in case (JIC)
B. Just in time (JIT)
C. Workflow analysis
D. Kaizen
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18M.1.HL.TZ0.33:
The ideal situation in a just in time (JIT) environment is piece per process, which equates to one piece ordered, one piece processed and one piece shipped. All inventory held over and above this quantity is regarded as waste.
However, this is not always possible or practical. Which of the following allows the inventory to be minimised as far as possible?
A. Carry parts that are expensive
B. Carry parts that are likely to become obsolete
C. Carry parts critical to manufacture
D. Carry parts that another local company can also sell
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20N.3.HL.TZ0.2c:
Explain one advantage and one disadvantage of Mouna & Partners moving towards a just-in-time (JIT) strategy.
