A furniture workshop has received an order from a hotel for 120 identical bedside cabinets. The workshop currently makes one cabinet at a time. A skilled wo...
Question 1 Report
A furniture workshop has received an order from a hotel for 120 identical bedside cabinets. The workshop currently makes one cabinet at a time. A skilled worker measures timber, cuts it, assembles the cabinet, applies varnish and checks the finished product. The owner believes that dividing the work among five workers could allow more cabinets to be made each week. However, the hotel has stated that every cabinet must have the same dimensions and finish. The owner is preparing a training sheet for new production workers. It includes the following words: division of labour, quality control, production, customers and profit. The sheet asks workers to use an example from the cabinet order rather than simply copy a definition.
(a) Which term describes splitting the cabinet work into separate tasks for different workers? [2]
(b) Which task should be part of quality control for this order? Give two possible checks. [3]
(c) Which benefit could division of labour bring to the workshop when producing 120 cabinets? Explain your answer. [4]
(d) Which reasons mean that the owner should still train workers before changing the production method? Explain two reasons. [5]
Answer Details
(a) Splitting cabinet work into separate tasks for different workers is division of labour [2].
(b) Quality control should check that cabinet measurements match the hotel specification [1] and that varnish is even and undamaged [1]. Checking drawers or doors open correctly, or joints are secure, is also valid. These checks ensure cabinets meet the hotel’s required standard [1]. [3]
(c) With division of labour, workers repeat and develop skill in one task, so it can be done faster [2]. Several cabinets can be at different stages simultaneously, increasing output and helping the workshop complete the 120-cabinet order [2]. [4]
(d) Workers need training to perform their allocated task safely and correctly, reducing accidents and faulty cabinets [2]. Training also ensures they understand the required dimensions and finish, helping the business meet the hotel’s quality standards [2]. Trained workers can spot and report faults, reducing waste and loss of profit [1]. [5]
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