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Operations Management

Capacity utilisation and capacity management

  • 2 things to know
  • Components 01, 02 and 03

Overview

Recall questions on capacity and capacity utilisation, calculating utilisation, maximum output and fixed cost per unit, why low utilisation raises unit costs, the problems of running at full capacity, capacity management, overtime, extra shifts and subcontracting, seasonal hotels, reducing capacity, and rationalisation.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

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Key term

What is meant by the capacity of a business?

Key term

What is meant by capacity utilisation?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 1

    What is meant by the capacity of a business?

    Model answer

    The maximum output it can produce in a given period using its current resources.

  2. 2

    What is meant by capacity utilisation?

    Model answer

    The proportion of maximum possible output a business is actually producing, expressed as a percentage.

  3. 3

    State the formula for capacity utilisation.

    Model answer

    Capacity utilisation = (actual output ÷ maximum possible output) × 100.

  4. 4

    A factory can make 4,000 units a week and is currently making 3,400. Calculate its capacity utilisation.

    Model answer

    Capacity utilisation is (3,400 ÷ 4,000) × 100 = 85%.

  5. 5

    A hotel has 120 rooms and 90 of them are occupied. Calculate its capacity utilisation.

    Model answer

    Capacity utilisation is (90 ÷ 120) × 100 = 75%.

  6. 6

    A business is operating at 80% capacity and producing 24,000 units. Calculate its maximum possible output.

    Model answer

    Maximum possible output is 24,000 ÷ 0.8 = 30,000 units.

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Introduction to Business
Business Objectives and Strategy
External Influences
Accounting and Finance

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Revenue the cost of sales.
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AHow much finance the business needs to raise.
BHow much personal risk the owner is willing to carry.
CHow much control they want to keep.

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Customer means the person who buys a product and pays for it.
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