Innovation in processes aims to improve efficiency through which example?

• A. Improving efficiency through methods like specialisation, such as McDonald's fast production systems
• B. Developing a new product line
• C. Opening new markets
• D. Hiring more staff without change

Answer: (A)

Process innovation aims to boost efficiency by redesigning how work is done and streamlining the workflow. An explicit example is improving efficiency through specialization and standardized routines, as seen in McDonald’s fast production systems. By assigning workers to specific, repetitious tasks and arranging steps in a tight, repeatable sequence, operations become faster, more consistent, and cheaper per unit. This reduces cycle times, minimizes mistakes, and lowers labor costs, all hallmarks of efficiency gains from process changes.

In contrast, developing a new product line is about product innovation—creating something new for customers rather than making the process itself more efficient. Opening new markets is a growth strategy focused on sales and reach rather than internal efficiency. Hiring more staff without changing the process increases headcount without addressing workflow inefficiencies, so it doesn’t achieve the same efficiency improvements.