Assembly line balancing has just been used to solve a product layout problem. Two solutions look especially attractive to the plant managers. Both solutions make the same output per day, and both have the same number of workstations. The managers were going to break the tie by looking at line efficiency, but discovered that both lines had the same efficiency as well. Should they have been surprised at this? Explain.

It is said that job expansion has both a vertical component and a horizontal component. Explain, with reference to such terms as job enrichment, job rotation, and job enlargement.

What is methods analysis? How are flow diagrams, process charts, activity charts and operations charts used to analyze movement and activity?

What is the form of layout that has traditionally been used to build homes in the U.S.? Justify the layout form you have selected. Many homebuilders are moving to a different layout form and about one-third of all new homes as now built using this new form. What is it, and why are homebuilders adopting it?

What are the five steps required for effective product positioning? Give an example of a product-positioning matrix for an organization of your choice.

Explain the important issues involved in deciding whether to go public, i.e., a private firm considering becoming a public firm. Include cost estimates, advantages and disadvantages.