Question

2) Suppose that a firm is considering moving from a batch process to an assembly-line process to better meet evolving market needs. What concerns might the following functions have about this proposed process change: marketing, finance, human resources, accounting, and information systems? (word count maximum: 150)

Answer 1

A batch process can be understood as a process in which products are produced in groups or batches. In this process the working has to stop at a particular point to complete the group.

An assembly line process is where the products are continuously produced till the end. Large quantity of products are manufactured very easily and efficiently. The machine or the man does the job till the product is completely done.

When a firm is planning to move from batch to assembly line process the following aspects are to be considered

1. Marketing _ the marketing strategies has to be reoriented to the needs of the products.

The marketing department has to keep a check on its inventory levels, new products introduction ,volume of the products, distribution channel etc.

2. Finance _ The main issue will be the availability of capital and the method of investment.

Capital investment will also depend on th number of products and its quantity.

3. Human resource _ They need to decide on the number of employees for a particular department, and the methodology should be imparted.

Pay roles ,training needed for the job, skills set should also be looked into.

4. Accounting _ Deals with the net value and the cash flow should be monitored. Measurement operations should be concentrated.

5. Information systems _ . Need and use of hardware and software for the new process

Need for updated software and informational system is needed