Free Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering Production Management Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers

Question 1: Actual job completion is referred to as

A duration
An event (Correct answer)
An activity
None of these

Correct answer: An event

In project management, particularly within methodologies like PERT and CPM, an "event" represents a specific point in time that signifies the start or completion of one or more activities. Unlike an activity, an event does not consume time or resources. Therefore, the actual completion of a job or task is considered an event, marking a milestone in the project timeline.

Question 2: The requirement for an activity's decompression is that

An activity could be decompressed to the maximum extent of its normal time
The project time should change due to decompression
After decompression the time of an activity invariably exceeds its normal time (Correct answer)
None of the above

Correct answer: After decompression the time of an activity invariably exceeds its normal time

Decompression of an activity refers to extending its duration beyond its normal time. This is typically done to reduce resource intensity or costs associated with the activity. Consequently, after decompression, the time taken for that activity will invariably exceed its initial normal time, making it a longer process than originally planned under standard conditions.

Question 3: The old machine should be replaced with a new one in accordance with the MAPI formula when (CAM = Challenger's Adverse Minimum, DAM = Defender's Adverse Minimum)

CAM = DAM
CAM > DAM
CAM < DAM (Correct answer)
There is no such criterion

Correct answer: CAM < DAM

The MAPI (Machinery and Allied Products Institute) formula is used in capital budgeting to determine the economic desirability of replacing existing equipment. According to this criterion, an old machine (defender) should be replaced with a new one (challenger) when the Challenger's Adverse Minimum (CAM) is less than the Defender's Adverse Minimum (DAM). This indicates that the new machine offers a lower annual cost of ownership and operation, making its acquisition economically advantageous.

Question 4: Bar charts can be used for

Large projects
Major works
Minor works (Correct answer)
All of the above

Correct answer: Minor works

Bar charts, also known as Gantt charts, are simple and effective visual tools for scheduling and tracking project activities. While useful for displaying timelines, they are best suited for minor works or smaller projects because they can become overly complex and difficult to manage for large projects with numerous interdependent tasks. For major or large-scale projects, more sophisticated tools like PERT/CPM networks are generally preferred to manage dependencies and critical paths.

Question 5: The fundamental approach for is the simplex method.

Model analysis
Linear programming (Correct answer)
Operation research
Value analysis

Correct answer: Linear programming

The simplex method is a widely used and fundamental algorithm specifically designed for solving linear programming problems. Linear programming is a mathematical technique used to optimize a linear objective function, subject to a set of linear equality and inequality constraints. The simplex method systematically explores the vertices of the feasible region to find the optimal solution.

Question 6: When it comes to civil engineering constructions, the most common style of organization is

Effective organization
Functional organization
Line organization (Correct answer)
Line and staff organization

Correct answer: Line organization

In civil engineering constructions, the "line organization" style is often the most common due to its clear chain of command and direct lines of authority. This structure facilitates efficient decision-making and accountability on project sites, where direct supervision and clear roles are crucial for managing tasks, resources, and personnel effectively. It ensures that instructions flow directly from superiors to subordinates, which is vital for coordinating complex construction activities.

Question 7: Total cost in break-even analysis includes

Fixed cost + variable cost + profit
Fixed cost + variable cost
Fixed cost + sales revenue
Variable cost + sales revenue (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Variable cost + sales revenue

In break-even analysis, the total cost is fundamentally defined as the sum of all fixed costs and all variable costs incurred in production. Fixed costs remain constant regardless of the production volume, while variable costs fluctuate directly with the level of output. Therefore, the correct representation of total cost for break-even calculations is Fixed Cost + Variable Cost.

Question 8: Total cost in break-even analysis includes

Variable cost (Correct answer)
Fixed cost
Fixed cost + variable cost + overheads
Fixed cost + variable cost

Correct answer: Variable cost

In break-even analysis, total cost is comprised of two main components: fixed costs and variable costs. Variable cost is a crucial element as it directly fluctuates with the volume of production. As output increases, so does the total variable cost, making it an integral part of the overall cost structure considered in break-even calculations.

Question 9: The work study is carried out using

Stop watch (Correct answer)
Process chart
Planning chart
Any one of these

Correct answer: Stop watch

Work study, which encompasses both method study and work measurement, aims to improve efficiency and productivity. For the work measurement aspect, specifically time study, a stop watch is the fundamental and most commonly used instrument. It allows analysts to accurately measure the time taken to perform individual elements of a task, which is essential for setting standard times and improving operational efficiency.

Question 10: In the event of easier production scheduling, high output levels and great labor efficiency are attained.

A combination of line and process layout
Fixed position layout
Process layout
Product layout (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Product layout

A product layout, also known as a line layout, arranges workstations or departments in a sequential order according to the steps required to produce a specific product. This setup is highly efficient for high-volume, standardized production, leading to easier production scheduling, high output levels, and often great labor efficiency due to specialization and repetitive tasks. The smooth, continuous flow of work minimizes bottlenecks and simplifies management.

Question 11: The expediting process entails monitoring

Making efficient dispatching
Minimizing the delays
Flow of material and in case of trouble locate source of trouble
Operator's activity (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Operator's activity

Expediting in industrial engineering focuses on ensuring that production schedules are met and that work progresses smoothly. This involves closely monitoring the actual execution of tasks and the activities of operators to identify and address any potential bottlenecks or deviations from the plan. While it contributes to minimizing delays and managing material flow, its direct action often involves overseeing the human element performing the work.

Question 12: Travel guides offer

The information for changes required in rearranging material handling equipment
An idea of the flow of materials at various stages
An approximate estimate of the handling which must be done at a particular station
A compact estimate of the handling which must be done between various work sections (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A compact estimate of the handling which must be done between various work sections

Travel guides, or travel charts, are analytical tools used in facility layout and material handling studies. They systematically record and visualize the movement of materials or products between different workstations or departments. This provides a concise summary of the volume and frequency of material handling required between various work sections, which is essential for optimizing layouts and reducing transportation waste.

Question 13: The material is examined in the everlasting inventory control when it reaches its

Alarming value
Average value
Minimum value (Correct answer)
Maximum value

Correct answer: Minimum value

In a continuous or perpetual inventory control system (often referred to as 'everlasting' in this context), inventory levels are constantly tracked. A reorder point is typically set at a predetermined minimum stock level. When the inventory quantity reaches this minimum value, it triggers a new order to replenish stock, ensuring that there is enough time for the new shipment to arrive before a stockout occurs.

Question 14: Fundamental motion time study provides times in ten thousandths of a second for basic motions.

Day
Hour
Minute (Correct answer)
Second

Correct answer: Minute

Fundamental Motion Time (FMT) studies, such as Methods-Time Measurement (MTM), break down tasks into very basic human motions and assign predetermined time values to them. While these basic motions might be measured in extremely small units (like ten-thousandths of a second), the aggregated standard times for complete tasks, which are the practical output of these studies, are most commonly expressed in minutes for operational planning and performance measurement.

Question 15: Value engineering's purpose is to

Minimize the cost without change in quality of the product (Correct answer)
Find the depreciation value of a machine
Determine the selling price of a product
All of the above

Correct answer: Minimize the cost without change in quality of the product

Value engineering is a systematic approach aimed at improving the 'value' of a product or service. Value is defined as the ratio of function to cost. The primary objective is to achieve the necessary functions and performance requirements at the lowest possible cost, without compromising the product's quality, reliability, or customer satisfaction.

Question 16: One of the fundamental requirements of an incentive program is that

Provide incentive to group efficiency performance
Minimum wages should be guaranteed
A differential piece rate system should exist
All standards should be based on time studies (Correct answer)

Correct answer: All standards should be based on time studies

For an incentive program to be fair, transparent, and effective, the performance standards used to calculate incentives must be objective and accurately reflect the expected work output. Time studies provide a scientific and systematic method for establishing these standards, ensuring they are based on observable data and reasonable expectations, thereby fostering trust and acceptance among employees.

Free Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering Production Management Questions and Answers

Actual job completion is referred to as