CPIM Practice Exam

What is a capacity-constrained resource (CCR)?

1. A resource that will always remain a constraint

2. A resource with guaranteed throughput

3. A resource that may become a constraint if not managed carefully

4. A resource that eliminates bottlenecks

The correct answer is: A resource that may become a constraint if not managed carefully

A capacity-constrained resource (CCR) refers to a resource that has limited capacity and may become a constraint on the overall process if it is not managed properly. In production and operations management, CCRs are crucial because they can influence the system's overall throughput and efficiency. If demand on this resource increases beyond its capacity, it may limit the output of the entire operation. In this context, a CCR is not necessarily a permanent constraint (as suggested in the first option) and does not guarantee throughput (as implied in the second option). While managing CCRs is essential to optimize production, they do not inherently eliminate bottlenecks; rather, they can create bottlenecks if demand exceeds their capacity without appropriate management. Therefore, identifying and effectively managing capacity-constrained resources is vital in the context of maintaining an efficient operation.