Explain the characteristics of continuous-process technology as described by Joan Woodward

What will be an ideal response?

Joan Woodward identified three types of production technologies based on the level of technical complexity. Out of these three types of production technologies, continuous process technology is characterized by the highest level of technical complexity.

In continuous-process production, the conversion process is almost entirely automated and mechanized; employees generally are not directly involved. The task of employees engaged in continuous-process production is primarily to manage exceptions in the work process, such as a machine breakdown or malfunctioning equipment. The hallmark of continuous-process technology is the smoothness of its operation. Production continues with little variation in output and rarely stops.

Continuous-process production tends to be more technically efficient than mass production because it is more mechanized and automated and thus is more predictable and easier to control. It is more cost efficient than both unit and mass production because labor costs are such a small proportion of its overall cost. When operated at full capacity, continuous-process technology has the lowest production costs.

Organizations that employ continuous-process technology include companies that make oil-based products and chemicals, such as Exxon, DuPont, and Dow, and brewing companies, such as Anheuser-Busch and Miller Brewing.