Chapter 1 - Industry + Enterprise

What is the primary goal of developing new technologies for the manufacturing industry?

To save money, improve products, develop new materials, and become more efficient.

What is crowdfunding?

Using websites to advertise products as investment opportunities where the public can make financial donations to back a project.

Instead of traditional bank loans, crowdfunding sites allow people to back a project they believe will be _____, meaning it will work successfully.

viable

What are backers of a crowdfunding campaign often rewarded with?

Free gifts, discounts, or a pre-agreed part of any profits.

What technology can generate information about users’ buying habits to suggest relevant retail sites?

Algorithms

What is search engine optimisation (SEO)?

The process of using techniques to improve the return rate of a webpage when indexed by a search engine.

Why are the costs of retailing from a website lower than from a high street shop?

There are no costs associated with a physical storefront, such as rent and utilities for that space.

What is a cooperative?

An organisation or business that is run and owned by its members, who share decision-making, profits, and risk.

Name examples of cooperatives in the UK.

The Co-operative Group, John Lewis and Partners, or Nationwide Building Society.

What is Fairtrade?

A trading partnership that ensures workers in developing countries are given suitable working conditions and paid a fair wage.

Is Fairtrade a legal obligation for companies to follow?

No, it is not a legal obligation.

What additional payment do Fairtrade farmers receive to invest in business or community projects?

A Fairtrade Premium.

What is automation in a manufacturing context?

The use of automatic equipment and machinery to complete tasks previously done by humans.

The development of automation in factories has been ongoing since which historical period?

The Industrial Revolution

What is a major financial drawback of setting up automated machinery?

The initial cost of setting up the machinery is high.

What are two benefits of operating automated machinery once it is set up?

Less waste is produced and running costs are lower.

What key technology distinguishes robotics from general automation?

Artificial intelligence

How do robots use artificial intelligence (AI)?

To collect information and improve the performance of a particular procedure.

Besides increasing efficiency, what is a key advantage of using robots regarding worker safety?

They can handle harmful materials that humans cannot.

What is a modular building?

A building made of smaller, pre-built parts that are put together on-site.

What are two main advantages of using modular buildings for factories?

They can be erected quickly and at a low cost.

Smart technology in modern factories often uses _____ energy sources to minimise environmental impact.

renewable

What historical event, beginning around 1780, marked the start of a major social and economic change through early automation?

The Industrial Revolution

The _____ Revolution, beginning around 1940, enabled huge change in industry through computerisation.

Digital

What does an Electronic Point of Sale (EPOS) system do that a traditional till system does not?

It can generate detailed reports in response to the input transactional data.

What are RF scanners used for in a warehouse?

To read barcodes and transfer product, quantity, and location information into the warehouse management system (WMS).

Robotic automation offers significantly greater consistency, accuracy, reliability, and higher _____ than human workers.

productivity

How did the introduction of barcodes in the 1980s change retail?

It automated the process of pricing and counting products for stock control, which was previously done manually.

Which barcode system is commonly used in EPOS systems and warehousing?

Universal Product Code version ‘A’ (UPC-A).

Which barcode system is commonly used in transport and shipment tracking?

Code 128

In a workplace, _____ is essential to health, safety, and efficiency, ensuring a production line flows logically from one stage to the next.

workflow

The success of the electric vehicle (EV) market is dependent on what three things?

National charging networks, battery technology, and a change in driver mindset.

Why is improved battery technology crucial for the development of electric vehicles?

Cars need to travel longer distances between recharging and have decreased charging times.

A new invention requires a considerable _____ to make it a commercial success.

investment

What is graphene?

A honeycomb lattice carbon structure that is only one atom thick.

Graphene is 200 times stronger than steel, very flexible, and conducts _____ and _____.

heat, electricity

The process of 3D printing new, living organs is known as ____.

bioprinting

What is a major security risk associated with the online distribution of 3D print files?

The potential for anyone to print a working gun, which could affect barrier security.

How has communications technology helped small enterprises form teams?

It has enabled remote working, so teams can be formed across the globe.

Virtual marketing includes email marketing, social media, viral campaigns, and using ________ _______ _________ (____) to increase a webpage's ranking.

Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)

How might augmented reality (AR) be used in online retail for furniture?

By allowing a person to place virtual goods in their home to check the physical and aesthetic fit.

What does a technologist do with new scientific discoveries?

They turn discoveries into new ideas, materials, and products that fulfil a human need.

The ability to take risks, experiment, and learn from issues is an essential quality of a good ____ ____.

design technologist

How has the introduction of intelligent machines and robotic production lines affected jobs?

Many manual labourer and machine operator jobs have been lost.

What does CAD stand for in the context of design and engineering?

Computer-Aided Design

What is the purpose of using Computer-Aided Testing (CAT)?

To work out complex tasks such as virtual stress testing, flow dynamics, and manufacturability of a product.

What does CAM stand for?

Computer-Aided Manufacturing

CNC machines like laser cutters and rapid prototyping machines like 3D printers are examples of _______ ________ _______ (___) techniques.

Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM)

In design and business, what does the term 'enterprise' mean?

An idea that is cultivated into a business proposal with commercial viability as a product.

A legal process for proving you are the first person to register an idea or invention is called a ____.

patent

What does the ® logo signify?

That a trademark or service mark has been legally registered.

What is the definition of virtual retail?

The use of websites, social media, and digital marketing to reach a wider audience to sell a product or service.

Name two social media platforms mentioned as being huge platforms for promoting designers' ideas and services.

Facebook and Youtube.

How might 3D printing change the spare parts industry for household appliances?

Households may be able to print their own spare parts, reducing the need to buy them from manufacturers.

How have computers enabled individual designers to compete with larger companies?

They have given them access to the same leading industry design tools (e.g., CAD software).

The case study of the Magic Whiteboard is an example of a successful _____ from investors on a TV show.

investment

GoPro's strategy of inviting customers to share videos to promote their brand is an example of _____ marketing.

viral

Fairtrade standards include protection of workers' rights, a Fairtrade Minimum Price, and an additional _____ ____.

Fairtrade Premium

The development of the _____ and improvements in communication technology have enabled teams of people to collaborate remotely.

internet

Why must a manufacturing company carefully consider the physical layout of its buildings?

To ensure the workflow is as efficient and profitable as possible by minimising unproductive time and waste.

Give two advantages of ‘crowd funding’.

It is linked to social media to maximise exposure and there is little financial risk associated with big start-up costs.

In business, a method of raising brand awareness by using websites and social media is called…….

virtual marketing.

Which one of the following statements about industry is true?

An increased use of robotics has led to a reduction in manual jobs.