-7. (a) Explain five types of information that is required by the production control department to ensure efficient working. (6 marks) (b)Differentiate between total inspection and spot inspection as quality control techniques. (4 marks) (c) Explain five duties of the procurement officer in an organization. (10 marks) 8 (a) Explain five advantages of forecasting to an organization. (10 marks) (b) Outline four ways in which an offer may lapse. (4 marks) (c)Explain three limitations of work sampling as a technique of work measurement. (6 marks)

(a) Five types of information required by the production control department to ensure efficient working:<br /><br />1. Production Schedule: The production control department needs to have a detailed production schedule that outlines the tasks, timelines, and resources required for each production process. This information helps in planning and allocating resources efficiently.<br /><br />2. Inventory Levels: The department requires information about the current inventory levels, including raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished goods. This helps in ensuring that there are no stockouts or overstock situations, which can disrupt the production process.<br /><br />3. Equipment and Machine Status: The department needs to know the status of equipment and machines used in the production process. This includes information about their availability, maintenance schedules, and any potential issues or breakdowns. This information is crucial for scheduling and allocating resources effectively.<br /><br />4. Workforce Availability: The production control department needs to have information about the availability of the workforce, including skilled and unskilled labor. This helps in planning and allocating tasks based on the available manpower.<br /><br />5. Quality Control Data: The department requires information about the quality control measures in place, including inspection and testing procedures. This helps in ensuring that the produced goods meet the required quality standards and specifications.<br /><br />(b) Differentiating between total inspection and spot inspection as quality control techniques:<br /><br />Total Inspection: In total inspection, every item or product is inspected 100% for quality control. This means that each item is checked thoroughly to ensure it meets the required standards. Total inspection is typically used for high-value or critical products where no defects are acceptable.<br /><br />Spot Inspection: In contrast, spot inspection involves inspecting only a random sample of items or products. Instead of checking every item, a representative sample is selected for inspection. The aim is to detect any defects or deviations from the standard. Spot inspection is often used for mass-produced items where the defect rate is expected to be low.<br /><br />(c) Five duties of the procurement officer in an organization:<br /><br />1. Supplier Selection: The procurement officer is responsible for selecting and negotiating with suppliers. This involves evaluating potential suppliers based on factors such as price, quality, reliability, and delivery time.<br /><br />2. Purchase Order Management: The procurement officer issues purchase orders to suppliers and ensures that all necessary documentation is completed. This includes preparing and managing contracts, agreements, and purchase orders.<br /><br />3. Inventory Management: The procurement officer monitors inventory levels and coordinates with suppliers to ensure timely delivery of goods and materials. This involves managing stock levels, forecasting demand, and arranging for replenishment.<br /><br />4. Cost Management: The procurement officer is responsible for negotiating prices and ensuring cost-effectiveness in procurement activities. This includes identifying opportunities for cost savings, evaluating cost-benefit ratios, and negotiating favorable terms with suppliers.<br /><br />5. Quality Assurance: The procurement officer ensures that the goods and materials received meet the required quality standards. This involves inspecting incoming goods, verifying compliance with specifications, and addressing any quality issues with suppliers.<br /><br />8 (a) Five advantages of forecasting to an organization:<br /><br />1. Better Planning: Forecasting helps organizations plan for future demand, production, and resource requirements. By predicting trends and patterns, organizations can allocate resources efficiently and avoid overproduction or stockouts.<br /><br />2. Improved Decision Making: Forecasting provides valuable insights into future market conditions, allowing organizations to make informed decisions. This includes decisions related to pricing, marketing strategies, and product development.<br /><br />3. Risk Management: Forecasting helps organizations identify potential risks and uncertainties. By anticipating changes in demand or market conditions, organizations can take proactive measures to mitigate these risks.<br /><br />4. Cost Reduction: Accurate forecasting can help organizations optimize their production and inventory levels, leading to cost savings. By aligning production with demand, organizations can avoid excess inventory and reduce storage costs.<br /><br />5. Competitive Advantage: Organizations that effectively forecast demand and market trends can gain a competitive advantage. By anticipating customer needs and responding proactively, organizations can differentiate themselves from competitors and enhance customer satisfaction.<br /><br />(b) Four ways in which an offer may lapse:<br /><br />1. Expiration Date: An offer may lapse if it specifies a particular date or time by which it must be accepted. If the recipient fails to accept the offer before the expiration date, the offer becomes invalid.<br /><br />2. Rejection: If the recipient rejects the offer, it is considered invalid and cannot be accepted later. Rejection effectively terminates the offer and nullifies any previous agreements or negotiations.<br /><br />3. Counteroffer: If the recipient makes a counteroffer, it effectively rejects the original offer and proposes a new offer. The original offer is considered invalid once a counteroffer is made.<br /><br />4. Revocation: The offeror has the right to revoke or withdraw the offer at any time before it is accepted. Once the offer is revoked, it becomes invalid and cannot be accepted.<br /><br />(c) Three limitations of work sampling as a technique of work measurement:<br /><br />1. Sampling Error: Work sampling involves selecting a random sample of work activities for measurement. However, there is always a risk of sampling error, which can lead to inaccurate or unreliable results. The error may be due to the sample not being representative of the entire population or due to random