Question 1: Define what is meant by 'mass production' and describe one advantage and one disadvantage of this scale of manufacturing.

Answer: Mass production is the manufacturing of large quantities of standardized products, often using assembly lines. Advantage: High efficiency and low cost per unit. Disadvantage: Less flexibility to customize products.

Question 2: Identify and explain two key differences between batch production and one-off production.

Answer: Batch production involves producing a set quantity of a product before switching to another, allowing for some customization; one-off production creates a single item, often custom-made, with no repetition.

Question 3: Imagine your school wants to produce a limited number of custom-designed notebooks for a special event. Which scale of production would be most suitable? Justify your answer.

Answer: Batch production would be suitable because it allows for producing a specific quantity of notebooks with custom designs efficiently, without the high costs of mass production.

Question 4: Sketch a simple flow diagram showing the steps involved in a typical batch production process.

Answer: A flow diagram should illustrate stages such as raw material preparation, machine setup, production run, quality control, and packaging.

Question 5: Design a product suitable for one-off production and explain why this scale is appropriate.

Answer: Students should sketch a unique piece, such as a bespoke jewelry item, and explain that one-off production is ideal for custom, high-value items made to individual specifications.

Question 6: Describe how automation might differ between mass production and craft production.

Answer: Mass production relies heavily on automated machinery to produce large quantities quickly, while craft production uses manual skills, with minimal automation, emphasizing craftsmanship.

Question 7: Create a labelled sketch of a simple assembly line layout suitable for producing 100 items per day.

Answer: A correct sketch would show sequential stations such as raw material input, assembly, quality check, and packing, with clear flow from start to finish.

Question 8: You are tasked with designing a product that needs to be produced in small batches, with high customization options. What production scale would you choose and why?

Answer: Batch production, because it allows producing small quantities with some variation, balancing efficiency and customization.

Question 9: Explain the environmental impacts that can be associated with large-scale mass production.

Answer: Mass production can lead to high energy consumption, increased waste, and pollution due to the use of large machinery and materials.

Question 10: Design a simple plan for producing 50 personalized mugs. Include key steps and the type of production scale used.

Answer: Students should outline steps such as designing the mug, creating a batch of customized prints, printing or decorating the mugs, quality checking, and packaging. Batch production is suitable for this quantity.

Question 11: Sketch a concept for a product that would be best suited for continuous flow production, and briefly justify your choice.

Answer: A continuous flow production sketch could depict a conveyor belt system for items like bottled drinks or canned food, justified by the need for high-volume, uninterrupted manufacturing.