The Bates Company Has Been Producing Tools for Over Fifty

question 51

Multiple Choice

The Bates Company has been producing tools for over fifty years. In that time the company has been acknowledged as a producer of high quality tools at a reasonable price. Bates' competitive prices can be attributed to three factors. First, the company recognized early in its development that tools made from specific blends of various types of metal were less costly to produce and had superior performance compared to traditional metals. Accordingly, Bates made investments in developing tools made for specialty metals long before other competitors and has made a series of investments over its operating history that have put it far ahead of its competitors in terms of product development. Industry analysts believe that based on these investments it would be difficult and extremely costly, if it were even possible, for rivals to catch up with Bates. Second, in recognizing the importance of certain metals, Bates was able to sign long-term contracts with suppliers of the metals that have provided Bates with a lasting cost advantage. Finally, Bates maintains its cost advantages by using a thorough budgeting and reporting system that allows it to closely control costs, and these systems are supported by a frugal company culture and financial incentives that reward employees for finding ways to save money throughout the company.
-The budgeting and reporting activities that Bates uses are examples of

• A) informal management controls.
• B) formal reporting structures.
• C) formal management controls.
• D) primary value chain activities.

Understand productivity measurement methods and the productivity ratio.

Recognize scheduling methods and their application in production planning.

Understand the distinctions between service-related and manufacturing businesses in terms of productivity and capital intensity.

Grasp the concepts and practical applications of scheduling methods in different production environments.

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Definitions:

Allocated Evenly

The process of distributing resources or items equally across multiple areas or entities.

Contingency

A provision for unforeseen elements or obstacles, allowing for future situations that cannot be predicted with certainty.

Project Budget

An estimation of the costs, resources, and revenues over a specified period for a project, forming the financial framework within which a project is executed.

Structured Analysis

A systematic method used in software engineering for converting specified requirements into detailed plans for software design.