Facility Location and Layout: Master the Art of Facility Planning

Question 1

When making facility location decisions, which type of factor is represented by government incentives?

Accepted Answer

Macro-level factor

Answer

Micro-level factor

Question 2

Which of the following is NOT a critical factor in selecting a facility location?

Accepted Answer

Proximity to competitors

Answer

Proximity to transportation hubs

Answer

Availability of labor

Answer

Political stability

Question 3

What is the primary purpose of facility layout?

Accepted Answer

To maximize space utilization and optimize material flow

Answer

To create an aesthetically pleasing environment

Answer

To reduce employee fatigue

Answer

To improve communication and collaboration

Question 4

What is the primary objective of a motion study?

Accepted Answer

To identify and eliminate inefficient movements

Answer

To design new workstation layouts

Answer

To train employees in proper work techniques

Answer

To improve ergonomics

Question 5

What is the purpose of using a proximity matrix in facility layout planning?

Accepted Answer

To determine the closeness and relationship between departments

Answer

To calculate the distance between workstations

Answer

To optimize material flow and minimize travel time

Answer

To allocate space efficiently

Question 6

What is the primary goal of lean layout design?

Accepted Answer

To minimize waste and inefficiencies

Answer

To improve product quality

Answer

To reduce production costs

Answer

To enhance employee morale

Question 7

A warehouse encounters frequent bottlenecks in specific areas of its material flow. Which material flow optimization technique is most suitable for analyzing and resolving these bottlenecks?

Accepted Answer

Value stream mapping

Answer

Facility layout redesign

Answer

Workforce optimization

Answer

Lean manufacturing principles

Question 8

In evaluating facility location factors, which approach should companies prioritize?

Accepted Answer

Aligning factors with strategic objectives and operational needs

Answer

Equal weighting of all factors

Answer

Relying solely on external consultants

Answer

Prioritizing factors based on historical significance

Question 9

Which of the following is NOT a critical factor considered in facility location decisions?

Accepted Answer

Cost of marketing and advertising

Answer

Proximity to raw materials

Answer

Availability of skilled labor

Answer

Access to transportation networks

Question 10

Which layout pattern prioritizes minimizing material handling distance and maximizing space utilization?

Accepted Answer

Product layout

Answer

Process layout

Answer

Hybrid layout

Answer

Fixed-position layout

Question 11

Which tool is commonly used to assess the flow of materials and identify inefficiencies in a facility layout?

Accepted Answer

Spaghetti diagram

Answer

Work sampling

Answer

Flowchart

Answer

Time-motion study

Question 12

The process of assigning and optimizing space for different departments or activities within a facility is known as:

Accepted Answer

Space planning

Answer

Material handling

Answer

Facility design

Answer

Lean manufacturing

Question 13

Which advantage is associated with a process layout?

Accepted Answer

Enhanced flexibility

Answer

High production volume

Answer

Variety of products

Answer

Reduced material handling

Question 14

Which principle of facility layout aims to minimize the overall cost associated with material handling?

Accepted Answer

Material handling principle

Answer

Flow principle

Answer

Space utilization principle

Answer

Flexibility principle

Question 15

What is the term for the organized arrangement of equipment and resources in a facility to optimize efficiency?

Accepted Answer

Facility layout planning

Answer

Process design

Answer

Work measurement

Answer

Ergonomics

Question 16

Which of the following is a qualitative factor that influences facility location selection?

Accepted Answer

Community support

Answer

Availability of utilities

Answer

Labor costs

Answer

Environmental regulations

Question 17

Which layout type is suitable for high-volume production of standardized products?

Accepted Answer

Product layout

Answer

Job shop layout

Answer

Cellular layout

Answer

Fixed-position layout

Question 18

Which of the following is NOT typically considered when selecting a facility location?

Accepted Answer

Proximity to competitors

Answer

Proximity to raw materials

Answer

Availability of skilled labor

Answer

Political stability

Question 19

In facility layout planning, the 'flow pattern' refers to:

Accepted Answer

The movement of materials and products through the facility

Answer

The optimal sequence of operations within the facility

Answer

The arrangement of equipment and workstations

Answer

The utilization of space within the facility

Question 20

Which of the following layout types is most appropriate for high-volume, repetitive production environments?

Accepted Answer

Product layout

Answer

Process layout

Answer

Fixed-position layout

Answer

Cellular layout

Question 21

The 'activity relationship chart' is primarily used in facility layout planning to:

Accepted Answer

Determine the proximity requirements between different activities

Answer

Identify the sequence of operations within a facility

Answer

Optimize the flow of materials and products

Answer

Evaluate the efficiency of a proposed layout

Question 22

In a production process, the 'bottleneck operation' refers to the:

Accepted Answer

Operation with the lowest capacity

Answer

Operation with the highest demand

Answer

Operation with the most critical path

Answer

Operation with the longest cycle time

Question 23

The purpose of a 'spaghetti diagram' in facility layout analysis is to visualize and examine:

Accepted Answer

Material flow patterns

Answer

Equipment utilization

Answer

Labor productivity

Answer

Inventory levels

Question 24

How can data and analytics be utilized to optimize facility layout for efficient space utilization, streamlined material flow, and enhanced operational efficiency?

Accepted Answer

Identify underutilized areas to optimize space allocation and material flow.

Accepted Answer

Develop simulations to evaluate layout options and their impact on space utilization, material flow, and efficiency.

Accepted Answer

Track material movement to identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies for layout optimization.

Answer

Data and analytics are irrelevant to facility layout optimization for space utilization, material flow, and efficiency.

Question 25

Which facility layout principle aims to reduce material handling and enhance production flow efficiency?

Accepted Answer

Cellular manufacturing

Answer

Batch processing

Answer

Lean manufacturing

Question 26

Which technique represents a facility's physical layout using a grid?

Accepted Answer

Block layout

Answer

Product layout

Answer

Process layout

Answer

Cellular layout

Question 27

Which layout type is most suitable for high-volume production of standardized products?

Accepted Answer

Product layout

Answer

Fixed-position layout

Answer

Cellular layout

Answer

Process layout

Question 28

Which of the following is an advantage of a flexible layout?

Accepted Answer

Adaptability to changing production needs

Answer

Increased setup times

Answer

Reduced employee morale

Answer

Lower production costs

Question 29

Which quantitative technique is used to optimize material flow in a facility?

Accepted Answer

Linear programming

Answer

Activity-based costing

Answer

Regression analysis

Answer

Scatter diagram

Question 30

Facility location evaluation should consider:

Accepted Answer

Economic, social, and environmental factors

Answer

Only economic factors

Answer

Only environmental factors

Answer

Only social factors

Question 31

The primary goal of facility layout design is to:

Accepted Answer

Optimize efficiency and productivity

Answer

Match the aesthetics of the building

Answer

Maximize the number of employees

Answer

Minimize the cost of furniture

Question 32

Which of the following is NOT a type of quantitative layout planning technique?

Accepted Answer

Template layout

Answer

CRAFT (Computerized Relative Allocation of Facilities Technique)

Answer

ALDEP (Automated Layout Design Program)

Answer

Systematic layout planning

Question 33

Which of the following factors is NOT a primary consideration when evaluating alternative facility locations?

Accepted Answer

Company culture

Answer

Transportation costs

Answer

Availability of skilled labor

Answer

Proximity to markets

Question 34

What is the primary purpose of implementing a materials handling system within a facility?

Accepted Answer

To move materials efficiently and effectively

Answer

To track and manage inventory

Answer

To provide storage space for inventory

Answer

To improve employee safety

Question 35

What is the key difference between a fixed-position layout and a product layout?

Accepted Answer

In a fixed-position layout, the product remains stationary while workers move around it, whereas in a product layout, the product is moved along a production line.

Answer

Product layouts are more suitable for high-volume production.

Answer

Fixed-position layouts require more space than product layouts.

Question 36

What is the primary objective when designing a manufacturing facility layout?

Accepted Answer

To maximize production efficiency and minimize costs

Answer

To solely improve inventory management practices

Answer

To solely enhance worker comfort and satisfaction

Answer

To minimize space utilization without considering workflow

Question 37

Which facility layout is most suitable for a company producing a wide variety of custom-made products in small quantities?

Accepted Answer

Job shop layout

Answer

Cellular layout

Answer

Assembly line layout

Answer

Fixed-position layout

Question 38

What key aspect differentiates a U-shaped facility layout from an S-shaped layout?

Accepted Answer

The flow of materials through the workspace

Answer

The total number of workstations incorporated in the layout

Answer

The specific arrangement of equipment within the layout

Answer

The overall flexibility of the layout to accommodate changes

Question 39

What are the most significant challenges typically associated with relocating a manufacturing facility?

Accepted Answer

Disruption of operations, employee resistance, and financial implications

Answer

Lack of skilled labor in the new location, transportation issues, and cultural differences

Answer

Stringent government regulations, environmental concerns, and potential supply chain disruptions

Answer

Difficulty in replicating existing processes, technology compatibility issues, and customer adaptation challenges

Question 40

What is the fundamental difference between a process layout and a product layout in facility design?

Accepted Answer

Process layout arranges machines by function, while product layout arranges them according to product flow

Answer

The level of automation implemented in the production process

Answer

The number of workstations incorporated into the layout

Answer

The specific types of equipment utilized in the facility

Question 41

Which of the following is least likely to be a primary consideration when designing an efficient receiving area for a facility?

Accepted Answer

Proximity to employee break room

Answer

Dock height and capacity for unloading trucks

Answer

Availability and type of material handling equipment

Answer

Adequate storage space for incoming materials

Question 42

What is a potential disadvantage of implementing an automated material handling system in a facility?

Accepted Answer

High initial investment and ongoing maintenance costs

Answer

Potential safety concerns for employees working alongside automated equipment

Answer

Reduced flexibility in adapting to changes in product design or production volume

Answer

Increased need for employee training on complex systems

Question 43

Which of the following factors is LEAST likely to be a primary consideration when choosing a facility location for a manufacturing plant?

Accepted Answer

Availability of public transportation

Answer

Cost of labor and land

Answer

Proximity to raw materials

Answer

Access to transportation networks

Question 44

The center-of-gravity method is a quantitative tool used in facility location to determine the:

Accepted Answer

Location that minimizes transportation costs

Answer

Ideal capacity for a distribution center

Answer

Optimal number of facilities in a network

Answer

Best layout for a manufacturing facility

Question 45

Which facility layout type is most suitable for producing customized, high-variety, low-volume products?

Accepted Answer

Process layout

Answer

Fixed-position layout

Answer

Product layout

Answer

Cellular layout

Question 46

A company is considering opening a new retail store. Which factor would be considered a qualitative factor in their location decision?

Accepted Answer

Community demographics and preferences

Answer

Local tax rates and incentives

Answer

Distance from distribution center

Answer

Cost of rent and utilities

Question 47

In a process layout, similar equipment or functions are grouped together. This grouping primarily aims to:

Accepted Answer

Facilitate efficient processing of varied product mixes

Answer

Maximize utilization of space and equipment

Answer

Minimize material handling and transportation costs

Question 48

Which of the following is a key advantage of using a cellular layout in manufacturing?

Accepted Answer

Increased flexibility and faster throughput times

Answer

Higher volume production and economies of scale

Answer

Reduced need for skilled labor and training

Answer

Lower capital investment and operating costs

Question 49

What is a key benefit of using computer-aided design (CAD) software for facility layout planning?

Accepted Answer

Allows for easier visualization and modification of layouts

Answer

Automates the entire facility location selection process

Answer

Eliminates the need for physical prototypes and mockups

Question 50

The concept of 'lean manufacturing' emphasizes minimizing waste in all its forms. How does this principle apply to facility layout?

Accepted Answer

Layouts should be designed to minimize unnecessary movement and handling

Answer

Production processes should be highly automated to eliminate human error

Answer

Facilities should be located in areas with low labor and material costs

Question 51

When evaluating potential facility locations, which of the following is an example of considering future flexibility and adaptability?

Accepted Answer

Assessing the availability of land for potential expansion

Answer

Negotiating tax breaks and incentives with local government

Answer

Analyzing historical weather patterns in the region