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  1. 1-1-the-nature-and-purpose-of-business
    3 主题
  2. 1-2-forms-of-business
    5 主题
  3. 1-3-the-external-environment
    5 主题
  4. 2-1-management-and-leadership
    3 主题
  5. 2-2-management-decision-making
    4 主题
  6. 2-3-the-role-and-importance-of-stakeholders
    3 主题
  7. 3-1-marketing-objectives
    1 主题
  8. 3-2-understanding-markets-and-customers
    5 主题
  9. 3-3-making-marketing-decisions
    2 主题
  10. 3-4-the-marketing-mix
    7 主题
  11. 4-1-operational-objectives
    2 主题
  12. 4-2-operational-performance
    1 主题
  13. 4-3-efficiency-and-productivity
    3 主题
  14. 4-4-quality
    1 主题
  15. 4-5-inventory-and-supply-chain-management
    3 主题
  16. 5-1-financial-objectives
    2 主题
  17. 5-2-financial-performance
    6 主题
  18. 5-3-sources-of-finance
    3 主题
  19. 5-4-cash-flow-and-profit
    1 主题
  20. 6-1-human-resource-objectives
    1 主题
  21. 6-2-human-resource-performance
    1 主题
  22. 6-3-organisational-design
    3 主题
  23. 6-4-human-resource-planning
    4 主题
  24. 6-5-motivation
    4 主题
  25. 6-6-improving-employer-employee-relations
    2 主题
  26. 7-1-mission-objectives-and-strategy
    4 主题
  27. 7-2-assessing-the-internal-position-of-a-business
    10 主题
  28. 7-3-changes-in-the-external-environment
    7 主题
  29. 7-4-the-competitive-environment
    1 主题
  30. 7-5-investment-appraisal
    2 主题
  31. 8-1-strategic-direction
    1 主题
  32. 8-2-strategic-positioning
    2 主题
  33. 9-1-changes-in-scale
    4 主题
  34. 9-2-innovation
    2 主题
  35. 9-3-globalisation-and-internationalisation
    4 主题
  36. 9-4-digital-technology
    1 主题
  37. 10-1-managing-change
    3 主题
  38. 10-2-organisational-culture
    2 主题
  39. 10-3-implementing-strategy
    2 主题
  40. 10-4-strategic-failure
    2 主题
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Using technology to improve efficiency

  • New technologies such as robots, artificial intelligence (AI) software and networked sensors can help a business increase and speed up production, improve quality and reduce waste

Ways technology can be used to improve efficiency

Diagram with interconnected circles and labelled sections illustrating the integration of robotics, artificial intelligence and sensors.
Robotics, AI and sensors can help improve operational efficiency

Technology

How it improves efficiency

Example

Robotics

  • Robots work quickly without tiring, so they pick, move or assemble items faster than people and reduce labour costs

  • Ocado runs grocery warehouses where AI‑guided robotic arms can pick a 50-item order in minutes

  • This reduces the time taken to prepare orders, lowering unit costs

Artificial intelligence

  • Algorithms predict machine failures, fine‑tune schedules and spot quality issues early, reducing downtime and waste

  • Unilever uses AI for predictive maintenance as well as simulation software in its factories

  • This helps avoid breakdowns and reduces production waste

Internet of Things (IoT) sensors

  • Networked sensors stream real‑time data on temperature, the flow of products along assembly lines and energy use, letting staff tweak processes instantly to save resources

  • Heineken uses sensors in a variety of machines across its factories

  • This cuts energy use and time lost due to breakdowns, pushing efficiency higher

Benefits of using technology to improve efficiency

  • Cuts production time

    • Machines and software work fast and around the clock, so more units can be made per hour

  • Lowers long‑run costs

    • After the upfront cost to install and ensure technology is working effectively, robots, AI systems and sensors reduce wage bills, energy use and material waste

  • Gives consistent quality

    • Automated checks catch errors instantly, so fewer faulty items reach customers

  • Improves safety

    • Robots handle heavy lifting or dangerous tasks, reducing injuries

  • Provides information

    • Real-time data show managers exactly where to tweak processes to save even more time and resources

Drawbacks of using technology to improve efficiency

  • High upfront expense

    • Buying robots, sensors and software, as well as paying for staff training, requires a lot of capital before savings appear

  • Risk of technical failures

    • If an automated system crashes or a key part breaks, the whole production line can stop

  • Skills gap

    • Employees need new digital or engineering skills

      • Recruiting or retraining existing workers takes time and money

  • Job‑security worries 

    • Workers may resist automation if they fear it will lead to their redundancy, hurting morale

  • Cybersecurity threats

    • Connected machines and data must be protected from hacking and data loss

Examiner Tips and Tricks

Explain why a firm might stay labour-intensive (e.g. flexibility, craft quality, lower upfront cost) even when machines seem cheaper

Balance those gains against capital‑intensive benefits to show both sides