3e2a1b56-dafb-454d-87ad-86adea3e7b86

92
Part Two
Design
Figure 4.3 Different process types imply different volume–variety characteristics for the process
Jobbing processes
processes include shipbuilding, most construction
companies, movie production companies,
large fabrication operations such as those
manufacturing turbo generators, and installing
a computer system. The essence of project
processes is that each job has a well-defined start
and finish, the time interval between starting
different jobs is relatively long and the transforming
resources which make the product will
probably have been organized especially for each
product. The process map for project processes
will almost certainly be complex, partly because
each unit of output is so large with many activities
occurring at the same time and partly
because the activities in such processes often
involve significant discretion to act according
to professional judgement.
Jobbing processes
Jobbing processes also deal with very high variety
and low volumes. Whereas in project processes
each product has resources devoted more or less
exclusively to it, in jobbing processes each product
has to share the operation’s resources with
many others. The resources of the operation
will process a series of products but, although
all the products will require the same kind of
attention, each will differ in its exact needs.
Examples of jobbing processes include many
precision engineers such as specialist toolmakers,
furniture restorers, bespoke tailors, and
the printer who produces tickets for the local
social event. Jobbing processes produce more
The major construction site shown in this
picture is a project process. Each ‘product’
(project) is different and poses different
challenges to those running the process
(civil engineers).
This craftsperson is using general purpose
wood-cutting technology to make a product
for an individual customer. The next product
he makes will be different (although it may be
similar), possibly for a different customer.
Source: Corbis Source: Corbis