20. Which of the international operations strategies involves low cost reductions and low local responsiveness? A) international strategy B) global strategy C) transnational strategy D) multidomestic strategy E) worldwide strategy A) nearshoring Section 2: Essay Type Question (10 points) An operations manager has carefully examined the 1500 parts produced in his factory an classified them into 30 families with geometric similarities using codes that contain desi attributes. a) Which type of manufacturing technique is mentioned above?(5 points) b) What are the benefits of this technique? (5 points)

20. The correct answer is B) global strategy. Global strategy involves a focus on cost reductions and low local responsiveness. This strategy aims to achieve economies of scale and standardization across different markets, often by centralizing operations and leveraging global resources. It prioritizes efficiency and cost-effectiveness over customization to local markets.<br /><br />Section 2: Essay Type Question<br /><br />a) The manufacturing technique mentioned above is called **Group Technology (GT)** or **Family Group Technology (FGT)**. Group Technology is a method of organizing parts and products into families based on their geometric similarities and other common attributes. This approach aims to streamline production processes by grouping similar items together, which can lead to more efficient use of resources and improved productivity.<br /><br />b) The benefits of using Group Technology (GT) in manufacturing include:<br /><br />1. **Improved Efficiency**: By grouping similar parts together, manufacturing processes can be optimized, leading to shorter cycle times and increased efficiency.<br />2. **Reduced Costs**: Grouping similar parts can lead to economies of scale, reducing the cost per unit produced. It also minimizes the need for specialized tools and equipment for each part, further lowering costs.<br />3. **Enhanced Flexibility**: GT allows for easier adaptation to changes in product design since similar parts can be easily swapped out or modified. This flexibility is crucial in dynamic and competitive markets.<br />4. **Better Utilization of Resources**: By organizing parts into families, resources such as materials, tools, and labor can be better utilized, reducing waste and improving overall productivity.<br />5. **Improved Quality Control**: Grouping similar parts together can simplify quality control processes, making it easier to identify and address issues. Consistent quality checks can be applied to each group, ensuring uniformity and reliability in the final product.<br />6. **Reduced Lead Times**: By minimizing the variety of parts and components, lead times can be reduced, allowing for faster production cycles and quicker delivery times to customers.<br /><br />Overall, Group Technology enhances the efficiency, flexibility, and quality of manufacturing processes, leading to significant improvements in productivity and cost-effectiveness.