Topic 1: Operations

6 dot points across 6 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

How do global factors influence operations strategies?

Operations strategies - global factors - global sourcing, economies of scale, scanning and learning, research and development; supply chain management - logistics, e-commerce, global sourcing

A focused answer to the HSC Business Studies dot point on global factors of operations. Global sourcing, economies of scale, scanning and learning, R&D, and supply chain management with logistics and e-commerce, with worked Australian examples from BHP, Bunnings, Cochlear and Woolworths.

11 min answer →

What influences operations decisions in contemporary Australian businesses?

Influences on operations - globalisation, technology, quality expectations, cost-based competition, government policies, legal regulation, environmental sustainability, and corporate social responsibility (the difference between legal compliance and ethical responsibility)

A focused answer to the HSC Business Studies dot point on influences on operations. Globalisation, technology, quality expectations, cost-based competition, government policies, legal regulation, environmental sustainability and CSR, with the difference between legal compliance and ethical responsibility worked through Coles, Qantas and Atlassian.

9 min answer →

What are the components of operations and how do they interact?

Operations processes - inputs (transformed and transforming resources), transformation processes (the influence of volume, variety, variation in demand, and visibility), and outputs (customer service, warranties)

A focused answer to the HSC Business Studies dot point on operations processes. Distinguishes transformed and transforming resources, explains the four Vs (volume, variety, variation, visibility), and connects outputs and customer service to performance objectives, with worked examples from Qantas, Bakers Delight and Atlassian.

7 min answer →

How are operations strategies used to achieve business objectives?

Operations strategies, including performance objectives (quality, speed, dependability, flexibility, customisation, cost), new product or service design and development, supply chain management, outsourcing, technology, inventory management, quality management and overcoming resistance to change

A focused answer to the HSC Business Studies dot point on operations strategies. The six performance objectives (quality, speed, dependability, flexibility, customisation, cost), supply chain management, outsourcing, technology, inventory management (JIT, FIFO, LIFO), and quality management (TQM, quality control, quality assurance), with worked Australian examples.

10 min answer →

How do businesses manage and improve quality across their operations?

Operations strategies - quality management - control, assurance and improvement (including TQM, ISO standards, Six Sigma, benchmarking, continuous improvement)

A focused answer to the HSC Business Studies dot point on quality management. Quality control, quality assurance and quality improvement (TQM, Six Sigma, ISO standards, benchmarking, continuous improvement) with worked examples from Toyota Australia, BHP, Qantas and Cochlear.

11 min answer →

What is the role of operations management in a business?

The strategic role of operations management, including cost leadership and goods and/or services differentiation, and the interdependence with other key business functions

A focused answer to the HSC Business Studies Topic 1 dot point on the strategic role of operations management. Cost leadership and differentiation, interdependence with marketing, finance and HRM, and worked examples from Bunnings, Woolworths and Atlassian.

8 min answer →