Job Production
Business: Cambridge International GCSE (2027 Exams), topic 4.1.2
Job Production
In job production, items are made individually. The second item is not started until the first item is finished.
Needs highly skilled labour
- Job production needs plenty of highly skilled workers (labour).
- This means that it is often an expensive method of production because highly skilled workers tend to be paid more.
High quality or customised items
- Job production is most appropriate for businesses that create high quality items and businesses that make customised products that meet a customer’s exact specification (design).
Niches
- Job production is also good for smaller markets or niches (small sections of a market).
- This is because job production is very individual and isn’t meant to cater to a huge amount of customers.
- Designer dresses, wedding cakes and handmade furniture are all examples of products built using job production.
Benefits of job production
- Produces high-quality, customised products to meet exact customer needs.
- Workers often gain job satisfaction from seeing a product through from start to finish.
- Good for niche markets and products with unique designs.
- Businesses can charge higher prices for unique or specialist goods.
Limitations
- Needs highly skilled labour, which is expensive.
- Slow process compared to mass production.
- Not suitable for producing large volumes.
- Costs per unit are higher as machinery and labour are less efficient.
Example
- A wedding dress designer or bespoke furniture maker often uses job production, creating unique, high-quality products tailored to each customer.
Test yourself on Job Production
Why is job production an expensive method of production?
Which of the following items is least likely to be made using job production?