Mixed Deck — All BSIE Topics Flashcards

Which lean tool uses a visual card or signal to authorize production or material movement between processes?

Answer: Kanban

Kanban cards serve as authorization signals that trigger replenishment only when downstream consumption occurs.

In the context of facilities layout, the Systematic Layout Planning (SLP) method uses a relationship chart that rates the closeness desirability between departments using letters. Which letter represents 'absolutely necessary' closeness?

Answer: A

In SLP's AEIOUX scale, 'A' stands for 'Absolutely necessary,' the highest closeness rating.

Which of the following best describes the concept of 'quality at the source' in TQM?

Answer: Making each worker responsible for the quality of their own output

Quality at the source means each employee is responsible for inspecting and ensuring the quality of their own work rather than relying on downstream inspection.

What is the primary difference between Cpk and Cp process capability indices?

Answer: Cpk accounts for process centering while Cp assumes the process is centered

Cpk adjusts for the actual location of the process mean relative to specification limits, making it a more accurate measure of real process performance than Cp, which assumes perfect centering.

When should fall protection be required according to OSHA general industry standards?

Answer: At heights of 4 feet or more above a lower level in general industry

OSHA's general industry standard (29 CFR 1910.28) requires fall protection at 4 feet above a lower level; construction uses a 6-foot threshold.

What is the purpose of a 'toolbox talk' in a safety program?

Answer: A brief, informal safety meeting held at the job site to discuss current hazards and safe work practices

Toolbox talks are short, focused safety discussions held before work shifts to reinforce safe practices, address current hazards, and maintain safety awareness.

A geometric gradient has a base cash flow of $2,000 growing at 5% per year for 8 years with i = 10%. The correct present worth formula is:

Answer: P = A₁ × [(1−(1+g)^n(1+i)^−n)/(i−g)]

The geometric gradient PW formula adjusts for the growth rate g when i ≠ g.

What is the primary advantage of using servo motors over stepper motors in precision motion control applications?

Answer: Closed-loop feedback enabling higher accuracy at high speeds

Servo motors use closed-loop feedback (encoders) to continuously correct position, maintaining accuracy even under varying loads and high speeds.

Which type of demand is derived from the demand for a final product?

Answer: Dependent demand

Dependent demand for raw materials and components is directly calculated from the production plan for the finished goods they comprise.

In human factors engineering, the 'signal detection theory' concept of d-prime (d') measures:

Answer: The discriminability between signal and noise

d' quantifies how well an observer can distinguish a signal from background noise, independent of their response bias.

In aggregate production planning, a 'chase strategy' means:

Answer: Varying production rate and/or workforce to match demand each period

A chase (demand-matching) strategy adjusts output by hiring/laying off workers or changing hours to closely follow demand fluctuations.

In a lease-vs-buy analysis, which factor is unique to the lease option?

Answer: Lease payment as a tax-deductible expense

Lease payments are fully deductible operating expenses, whereas ownership provides depreciation deductions instead.

Actual job completion is referred to as

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.

3200 ice cans are needed each month, according to Mr. Davis' production. The cost of cutting one unit using a manual guillotine is P25.00. Mr. Davis was offered a P275,000.00 electrically controlled hydraulic guillotine, which reduces the cost of cutting units by 30%. How many months, ignoring the expense of money, will Mr. Davis need to purchase the equipment in order to recoup his investment?

Answer: 12 months

To determine the payback period, first calculate the monthly savings. The cost reduction is 30% of P25.00, which is P7.50 per unit. With 3200 units needed monthly, the total monthly savings are 3200 * P7.50 = P24,000. The equipment cost is P275,000. Dividing the equipment cost by the monthly savings (P275,000 / P24,000) yields approximately 11.46 months. To fully recoup the investment, Mr. Davis would need 12 months.

Testing for safety and inspection are two instances of Muda.

Answer: Type 1

In Lean manufacturing, Muda (waste) is categorized into two types. Type 1 Muda refers to non-value-adding activities that are currently necessary due to existing processes, technology, or regulations. Testing for safety and inspection, while not directly adding value from the customer's perspective, are often mandatory for product quality assurance and compliance, thus falling under Type 1 Muda.

Total cost in break-even analysis includes

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.

Which ergonomic principle is applied when designing a workstation so that items are placed within the worker's normal reach envelope?

Answer: Principle of normal working area

The principle of normal working area states that frequently used tools and materials should be within the arc swept by the forearm when pivoting at the elbow, minimizing fatigue.

What is the key principle behind Statistical Process Control (SPC) in automated manufacturing?

Answer: Using control charts to monitor process variation and detect shifts before defects occur

SPC uses statistical control charts to distinguish common-cause variation from special-cause variation, allowing operators to intervene before the process produces defective parts.

A p-chart in statistical process control is used to monitor:

Answer: The proportion of defective items in a sample

The p-chart tracks the fraction (proportion) of nonconforming items in subgroups of varying or fixed size.

What is 'behavior-based safety' (BBS)?

Answer: An observation-and-feedback safety approach that identifies and positively reinforces safe behaviors to reduce at-risk behaviors

BBS uses systematic observation of work behaviors, data collection, and positive reinforcement to shift worker behavior toward consistently safe practices.