If a manager wishes to rearrange people and equipment into groups that can focus on making a single product, what type of layout is the manager designing?

• A. Department layout
• B. Fixed-position layout
• C. Job shop
• D. Work cell

Answer: (D)

When a manager aims to group people and equipment to focus on producing a single product, they are designing a work cell layout. This layout facilitates the creation of distinct work units or teams that handle specific tasks related to a product, which improves efficiency and allows for a streamlined production process. The design encourages collaboration and flexibility among the group, as all necessary skills and equipment are concentrated in one area, enabling a focused and coherent approach to production.

Work cells are particularly effective in environments where products are produced in smaller volumes or where customization is required, as they can adapt swiftly to changes in demand or product specifications. This focus on a single product enhances workflow, reduces idle time, and optimizes resource utilization.

In contrast, options like department layouts distribute equipment and personnel by functional areas rather than by product focus, and fixed-position layouts are commonly used for large, immobile products where resources are brought to the product's location, such as in construction. A job shop layout is designed for producing a wide variety of products in small quantities and is not necessarily organized around a single product focus, making it less suitable for the scenario described.