Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani

Work-Integrated Learning Programmes Division

Second Semester 2016-2017

Mid-Semester Test
(EC-2 Regular)

Course No. : MM ZG512

Course Title : MANUFACTURING STRATEGY
Nature of Exam : Closed Book
Weightage : 35% No. of Pages =1
Duration : 2 Hours No. of Questions = 6
Date of Exam : 25/02/2017 (AN)
Note:
1. Please follow all the Instructions to Candidates given on the cover page of the answer book.
2. All parts of a question should be answered consecutively. Each answer should start from a fresh page.
3. Assumptions made if any, should be stated clearly at the beginning of your answer.

Q.1. Discuss why, in several companies, manufacturing does not play a leading role in
formulating business strategy despite the fact that manufacturing has a significant impact
on cost, quality and delivery. [5]

Q.2. Discuss Porter’s forces of Competition given below.

(a) Barriers to entry [4]
(b) Rivalry among existing competitors [4]

Q.3. What are the skills and resources required for the generic strategy of Differentiation?
What are the risks of the Differentiation Strategy? [3 + 3 = 6]

Q.4. Two of the outputs from a manufacturing system are “Flexibility” and “Performance.”
Discuss how these outputs affect a company’s competitive position. [2 + 2 = 4]

Q.5. Discuss the four quadrants of the BCG matrix. Discuss any one of the quadrants in
relation to the stages in the product life cycle. [4 + 2 = 6]

Q.6. Compare the following manufacturing levers for a line production system with a batch
production system.
(a) Facilities [3]
(b) Production technology [3]

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