Production processes: job

The idea

Job production is a method where a business makes a single, bespoke product from start to finish before beginning the next item. Each unit is unique and often made to a customer's specific requirements, so the process is flexible and can involve skilled labour and general-purpose tools. Examples include a tailor making a made-to-measure suit, a builder constructing a custom house, or a wedding cake designer creating a one-off cake. Job production is appropriate when demand is low volume, products are highly customised, and customers are willing to pay a higher price. It can also be used for large one-off projects such as bridges or film sets. The main trade-off is high unit cost and long lead time in exchange for uniqueness and customer satisfaction.

What earns the marks

• Defines job production as making one bespoke item at a time, completing each before starting the next.
• Identifies that job production is used for unique, customised products.
• Explains that job production often requires skilled labour and flexible, general-purpose equipment.
• States that job production is appropriate for low-volume, high-value products or one-off projects.
• Explains a disadvantage of job production, such as high unit cost or long production time.
• Applies job production to a specific example, such as a tailor or a construction project.

Common mistakes and how to put them right

• Thinking job production means making many different jobs at once.

  Put it right: It means one product at a time, completed before the next begins.

• Confusing job production with batch production.

  Put it right: Batch production makes a group of identical items, while job production makes a single unique item.

• Assuming job production is always cheap.

  Put it right: It often has high labour costs and low economies of scale, so unit costs are high.

Exam tips

• Link job production to a named example, such as a custom furniture maker, to show understanding.
• When explaining appropriateness, refer to volume, customisation and cost rather than just saying it is 'good'.
• Use the term 'bespoke' correctly to mean made to individual customer requirements.