Question 1

Project planning tools: appropriate use of a bar chart (Gantt)  Match the bar chart's capability and limitations to project size and complexity. Select the type of work where a bar chart is most suitable.

Accepted Answer

Concept Bar charts are straightforward and effective for simple/small projects but do not model complex precedence as well as CPM/PERT. Why this choice Minor work usually has limited activities and dependencies, matching the strengths of bar charts. Final Answer Minor work (simple, few interdependencies)

Question 2

Inventory control (A–B–C analysis): which class is most numerous?  In ABC analysis based on annual usage value, identify the class that typically contains the largest number of distinct items. Choose the correct class.

Accepted Answer

Concept ABC analysis: A = few items, high value; B = moderate; C = many items, low value. Thus, C-items are generally the most numerous. Final Answer C items

Question 3

Classical organisation structure: properties of a line organisation  Assess statements about a pure line organisation regarding authority and workflow. Choose the correct consolidated assessment.

Accepted Answer

Concept/Approach Line organisation has a clear scalar chain with unity of command. Roles are well-defined, enabling discipline and swift decision-making. Final Answer All of these

Question 4

Facility layout selection: best layout for automobile manufacturing  Consider the nature of automobile assembly (high volume, standardized flow). Choose the most appropriate layout type.

Accepted Answer

Concept Automobile manufacturing is characterized by high volume and repetitive tasks. A product/line layout (assembly line) minimizes material handling and balances workstations for flow. Final Answer Product (line) layout

Question 5

Work measurement terminology: definition of representative time  Evaluate the statement: “Representative time is the average of times recorded by the work-study analyst for an operation.” Decide whether the statement is correct.

Accepted Answer

Concept Representative time is the average of accepted observed times (after discarding abnormal readings). It serves as the basis for applying performance rating to compute normal time. Final Answer True

Question 6

Layout choice to avoid duplication: preventing excessive multiplication of facilities  Which facility layout best minimizes the duplication of similar equipment across multiple product lines? Choose the preferred layout.

Accepted Answer

Concept/Approach In a process (functional) layout, similar machines are grouped and shared by many jobs. This reduces the need to duplicate the same facilities in each product flow line. Contrast Product layouts often replicate equipment in each line; fixed-position is for large immovable products; group/cellular reduces movements but may still require duplicated resources per cell. Final Answer Process layout

Question 7

Time study calculations: role of the rating factor  In time study, after observing cycles, what does multiplying by the performance rating (rating factor) determine? Choose the correct outcome.

Accepted Answer

Given/Concept Observed Time × Rating Factor = Normal Time. Then Standard Time = Normal Time × (1 + Allowances). Step-by-step 1) Observe cycle times → average → representative time.2) Apply rating factor → normal time.3) Add allowances → standard time. Final Answer Normal time of a worker

Question 8

Product layout vs. process layout: amenability to automation  Assess the statement about manufacturing system design: “The product (line) layout is more amenable to automation than the process (functional) layout.” Choose whether the statement is tr…

Accepted Answer

Concept A product (line) layout arranges machines in the sequence of operations for a standardized product, enabling fixed routing, repeatable cycles, and synchronized stations. These characteristics suit automation (conveyors, robots, automatic transfer lines). In contrast, a process (functional) layout groups similar machines, with variable routings and changeovers that complicate automation. Why the statement is true • High repeatability and standard work → easier to automate handling and operations.• Balanced lines and takt time → straightforward integration of automated stations. Common pitfalls Assuming automation is equally easy in job shops; variable routing and product mix make automation far harder in process layouts. Final Answer True

Question 9

Materials handling analysis: name of the chart estimating movement between workstations  Identify the chart used to estimate the amount of materials handling (from–to movement) between various work stations. Choose the correct chart type.

Accepted Answer

Concept A travel chart (also called a from–to chart) tabulates the frequency/amount of movement between department or workstation pairs. It is used to quantify and then reduce material handling. Why others are incorrect • Flow/process/operation charts map steps and symbols, not quantitative interdepartmental flows. Final Answer Travel chart (from–to chart)

Question 10

Operations research: application of the Simplex method  Identify the domain or problem type for which the Simplex method is used. Choose the correct application.

Accepted Answer

Concept The Simplex method is the classical algorithm for solving constrained optimization problems in linear programming, maximizing or minimizing a linear objective subject to linear constraints. Final Answer Linear programming

Question 11

Inventory and modeling statements: select the correct set  Evaluate each statement about inventory and modeling approaches: A. A–B–C analysis is based on Pareto's principle. B. Simulation can be used for inventory control. C. The basic EOQ formula i…

Accepted Answer

Verification • A: ABC classifies items by annual usage value (Pareto/80–20). ✔• B: Simulation models stochastic demand/lead time for policy testing. ✔• C: Classical EOQ assumes constant demand/lead time; it ignores variability. ✔ Final Answer All of the above

Question 12

Work sampling (activity sampling): typical applications  Select what work sampling can be applied to in industrial engineering. Choose the most comprehensive correct option.

Accepted Answer

Concept Work sampling uses random observations over time to statistically estimate proportions (e.g., machine busy/idle, operator activity mix). It also supports setting standards for non-repetitive or long-cycle work where stop watch studies are difficult. Final Answer All of the above

Question 13

Queuing theory: primary phenomenon studied  Identify the key aspect most directly associated with queuing theory in operations research. Choose the correct focus area.

Accepted Answer

Concept Queuing theory models arrival processes, service mechanisms, queue lengths, waiting times, and system utilization to balance service capacity against congestion. Final Answer Waiting time (lines and delays)

Question 14

Organisational form for a large integrated plant (e.g., steel industry)  For a large, complex, integrated manufacturing enterprise such as a steel plant, select the most appropriate organisational structure. Choose the best option.

Accepted Answer

Concept/Approach Large, integrated plants require clear line authority for operations, staff specialists (planning, HR, finance, quality), and functional expertise (metallurgy, maintenance, safety). A blended structure leverages all three to handle scale and technical complexity. Final Answer Line, staff and functional organisation

Question 15

Costing terminology: definition of production (works) cost  Production cost is defined relative to prime cost. Identify the correct addition to prime cost to obtain production cost. Choose the correct completion.

Accepted Answer

Definitions Prime cost = Direct material + Direct labour + Direct expenses.Production (works) cost = Prime cost + Factory overheads.Total cost (cost of sales) adds administration and selling/distribution overheads; profit added yields selling price. Final Answer Factory overheads

Question 16

Setting standard time in complex job systems Select the most suitable method for determining standard time in a complex, varied job environment where direct timing is difficult. Choose the best technique.

Accepted Answer

Concept/Approach In complex or low-repeat environments, standard data (pre-determined element times gathered from prior studies or PMTS libraries) are combined to estimate the time for new jobs without re-timing every operation. Why others are less suitable • Stop watch study suits repetitive, short, stable cycles.• Micromotion (e.g., therbligs) is too granular for broad complex jobs and is costly.• Grouping timing is coarse and less rigorous than a standard data system. Final Answer Analysis of standard data system

Question 17

Production layout terminology: alternate name for a fixed-position layout  In a fixed-position layout, the product remains stationary while men, materials, and equipment move to the site (e.g., shipbuilding, aircraft assembly, construction). Choose …

Accepted Answer

Concept and definition A fixed-position layout is used when the product is too large, heavy, or stationary to move. Resources come to the product. This is also called a static product layout. Why other options are incorrect “Analytical” and “synthetic” are terms used for layout planning approaches, not standard names of the fixed-position layout type. Final Answer Static product layout.

Question 18

Project management fundamentals: PERT as an event-oriented technique  Consider the PERT (Programme Evaluation and Review Technique) network method used for scheduling under uncertainty. State whether PERT is event-oriented, as opposed to activity-or…

Accepted Answer

Concept PERT emphasizes events (milestones) and uses three-time estimates (optimistic, most likely, pessimistic) to handle uncertainty. CPM is typically activity-oriented and deterministic. Conclusion Therefore, the statement “PERT is an event-oriented technique” is correct. Final Answer True — PERT is event-oriented (milestones focus).

Question 19

Organisation structures: suitability of line (military) organisation for large firms  Evaluate the claim that pure line organisation is suitable for a big organisation with complex, diverse operations. Decide whether the statement is correct or inco…

Accepted Answer

Concept A pure line (military) organisation has simple authority lines and is most effective in small, stable operations. Large organisations typically adopt functional or line-and-staff structures to handle specialization and complexity. Final Answer Incorrect — line organisation suits small/simple organisations; large firms use functional or line-and-staff.

Question 20

Cost accounting: what counts as direct expenses (chargeable expenses)?  Direct expenses are costs traceable to a specific job/order (e.g., special tool hire, royalties). From the given categories, identify which are direct expenses.

Accepted Answer

Definitions Direct (chargeable) expenses are directly attributable to a job (e.g., special tools hire, drawings, patents/royalties for that job). Factory, selling, and administrative expenses are generally indirect. Conclusion Given choices do not list direct (chargeable) expenses; hence “none of these”. Final Answer None of these.

Industrial Engineering and Production Management Questions