3.6 Methods of Production
Job, batch and flow production, 3D printing, automation, CAD, CAM, robotics and approaches to quality.
How to study WJEC GCSE Business
Learn the concept, apply it to the named business and stakeholder, use qualitative or quantitative evidence, and make a context-limited judgement.
Core concepts
Concept 1
Job, batch and flow production differ in volume, variety, flexibility, labour, unit cost and capital intensity.
Exam cue: Identify the WJEC unit, business context, stakeholder and command word before selecting theory or evidence.
Concept 2
3D printing, automation, CAD, CAM and robotics change speed, precision, skills, capacity, cost and risk.
Exam cue: Match the production method to demand and variety, then balance technology or quality benefits against investment and workforce effects.
Concept 3
Quality depends on inputs, people, processes, assurance, feedback and training, affecting cost, trust, sales and stakeholders.
Exam cue: Trace the decision through a business consequence, use qualitative or quantitative evidence and finish with a context-limited judgement.
Risk pitfalls and guardrails
Assuming flow production suits every high-volume context or that inspection alone guarantees quality.
Guardrail: Avoid generic chains, unsupported current figures and cross-board assumptions; make every point depend on the given business evidence.
Importing the legacy WJEC two-exam structure, the Eduqas route or an England 9-1 grading convention.
Guardrail: Use qualification code 3160QS or 3160CS and the four-unit untiered structure; do not import the legacy WJEC or Eduqas route.
Listing generic advantages and disadvantages without applying them to the named Welsh, UK or global business context.
Guardrail: Avoid generic chains, unsupported current figures and cross-board assumptions; make every point depend on the given business evidence.
Memory anchors
Job production
Producing one customised item or service at a time.
Batch production
Producing a group of identical items before changing to another batch.
Flow production
Continuous standardised production through linked stages.
CAD
Computer-aided design used to create and modify product designs.
CAM
Computer-aided manufacture used to control production equipment.
Quality assurance
Designing and monitoring processes to prevent defects and meet standards.
Checkpoint rule
Do the check-up only after you can summarize each concept in one sentence and identify one dangerous pitfall from memory.
Knowledge Check (after reading)
Short check-up to confirm understanding of this module.
Check-up Questions
A jeweller makes one ring to a customer's design. Which method is used?
A bakery makes 200 plain rolls, cleans equipment, then makes 150 seeded rolls. Which method is used?
Answer all questions to submit.
Next step personalized recommendations
Continue learning
Move forward only after this module is stable.
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