1. Of the four types of layouts discussed, hybrid layouts are historically the youngest. Which of the other three layout types is the oldest? Why?
2. The theoretical maximum cycle time of a product layout is the sum of the task times. How might it be argued that this would then no longer be a product layout?
3. Product layouts are vulnerable to disruption. What can a manager do to protect a highly efficient product layout from disruption?
4. Is a fixed-position layout actually a facility? Could it ever support a strategy other than make-to-order?