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with these problems?

Sample answer:
Common production delays involve machine problems and shortage of item spare parts. We
have tried to remedy the first problem by making sure that our equipment undergoes good
maintenance care. We also acquire several machines, so that not only a few will do all the work.
Too much work will make the equipment conk out in a short span of time. We also monitor the
market on a daily basis, so we can be assured that we have a ready supply of spare parts that
we need for production. We make advance orders and we have more than one supplier, so that
we have other options if one of them fails to deliver our orders.

1. Present the current production situation of your company. Then, suggest ways on
how you can improve this by giving at least two concrete and feasible suggestions
which should be explained in detail.

Sample answer:
Our company had a production decline last semester because of a workers’ strike. It caused a
production decrease of at least 20% because the strike happened just when we were about
to comply with a major order. I think that this situation could have been prevented if a) the
management constantly looks into the requests and sentiments of the workers. These should
be addressed by reaching a compromise or by taking other avenues that will prevent a strike.
Assigning a good people person in significant posts can stop any strike from happening. I also
think that the company should look into b) acquiring more equipment if ever it won’t be able
to solve its problems with the workers. This will require a big investment at the initial phase,
but I think that this will eventually yield big returns due to an increased production. Finally, I
think that c) an efficient scheduling of production stages and worker shifting can also ensure a
continuous flow of production. If this is done, then the company can make the most out of the
working hours without delaying production. There can be an alternation or combined human
and machine work input. Production will surely increase if these suggestions are taken.

2. Give at least two major factors that concern the production capacity or service ef-
ficiency of your company. What does your company do to address these factors, so
that production capacity continuously improves?

Sample answer:
Our company depends on a steady and prompt supply of spare parts and on the skills and pre-
cision of our workers who assemble all these parts to create our item. We ensure that we have a
continuous supply of parts by placing advance orders, not just with one supplier but also with
others who can give the parts to us at a lower price. We also have a safe stock of supplies in case
we encounter an unexpected shortage. With regard to our workers, we make sure that all new
ones undergo a strict and meticulous training. We want to maintain our high standard for pre-
cision by making sure that all our workers know the basics. The ones who sometimes commit
errors are required to take a refresher training. Continuous errors though might jeopardize the
workers’ stay in the company, because we put a big premium on skill accuracy. We also have
reasonable shiftings because we are aware that fatigue due to long hours of non-stop work
can affect the skills precision of our workers. We also provide our workers with breaks, to make
them rest before another shift begins.

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