Question 1: Define 'one-off production' and give an example of a product made using this method.

Answer: One-off production involves creating a single item or a very small number of identical items, typically tailored to specific customer requirements. Example: a custom-made wedding dress.

Question 2: Describe the main characteristics of batch production and provide an example of a product made this way.

Answer: Batch production involves manufacturing a set number of products in groups or batches, often with some variations between batches. It allows for standardisation while enabling different designs or sizes. Example: bakery bread loaves produced in batches.

Question 3: Explain the advantages and disadvantages of mass production.

Answer: Advantages include high efficiency, consistency, and reduced costs per unit. Disadvantages include less flexibility for customisation, high initial setup costs, and potential boredom for workers.

Question 4: A company wants to produce a new line of eco-friendly reusable water bottles. Which scale of production would be most suitable initially, and why?

Answer: Small-scale or batch production would be suitable initially to test the market, refine the design, and manage costs effectively before scaling up.

Question 5: Sketch a simple diagram illustrating the difference between one-off, batch, and mass production processes. Label the key features of each.

Answer: A correct sketch should show three flow diagrams: (1) a single product moving through the process for one-off; (2) a batch process with a section showing multiple products processed in groups; (3) a continuous flow for mass production. Labels should include 'single item,' 'batch,' and 'continuous flow.'

Question 6: Design Brief: A local school needs 200 custom-designed reusable tote bags for an event. Which production scale would you recommend? Sketch your initial idea for the bag design.

Answer: Batch production is appropriate for producing 200 bags, allowing for some customisation while maintaining efficiency. A sketch should include a simple tote bag outline with handles, and space for a logo or event branding.

Question 7: Compare the environmental impacts of small-scale versus large-scale production methods.

Answer: Small-scale production often has a lower environmental footprint per product due to reduced waste and energy use, but may be less efficient overall. Large-scale production can lead to significant waste, energy consumption, and resource depletion, but may benefit from economies of scale and better waste management.

Question 8: Identify and explain two factors that influence the choice of production scale for a product.

Answer: Factors include demand (higher demand favors mass production; low demand favors small-scale or one-off), and cost (large-scale production involves high initial investment but lower cost per unit).

Question 9: Create a short plan for transitioning a small-scale artisan product to mass production. What considerations should be made?

Answer: Considerations include standardising designs to ensure quality, investing in suitable machinery, training staff, managing supply chain logistics, and assessing environmental impacts. Planning for quality control and cost management is essential.