Economies And Diseconomies Of Scale
Overview
A small bakery pays full price for a 25 kg bag of flour, while a supermarket chain negotiates a fraction of that cost per kilogram because it orders by the tonne. That price gap is the essence of economies of scale, and it explains why larger firms can often undercut smaller rivals on price while still turning a profit.
In this lesson you will explore how average costs fall as a business grows, distinguish six types of internal economy and four external economies, and discover why expansion beyond a certain point can actually push costs back up. You will also examine the practical barriers that stop some businesses from growing at all.
Objectives
- Understand economies of scale: internal (falling average total costs as output increases) and external (falling average total costs due to external factors)
- Understand diseconomies of scale and the limits of growth
Lesson Note
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Lesson Evaluation
Congratulations on completing the lesson on Economies And Diseconomies Of Scale. Now that youve explored the key concepts and ideas, its time to put your knowledge to the test. This section offers a variety of practice questions designed to reinforce your understanding and help you gauge your grasp of the material.
You will encounter a mix of question types, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, and essay questions. Each question is thoughtfully crafted to assess different aspects of your knowledge and critical thinking skills.
Use this evaluation section as an opportunity to reinforce your understanding of the topic and to identify any areas where you may need additional study. Don't be discouraged by any challenges you encounter; instead, view them as opportunities for growth and improvement.
- Which of the following is an internal economy of scale? A) A skilled labour pool develops in the region B) The firm negotiates bulk-buying discounts from suppliers C) The government builds better roads near the industrial area D) Specialist suppliers set up nearby Answer: B
- Diseconomies of scale occur when: A) Average costs fall as output increases B) Average costs rise as the firm grows beyond its optimal size C) Total costs remain constant regardless of output D) Fixed costs increase in proportion to output Answer: B
- A firm that can borrow money at a lower interest rate than smaller competitors is benefiting from: A) Technical economies of scale B) Purchasing economies of scale C) Financial economies of scale D) External economies of scale Answer: C
- Which of the following best describes the minimum efficient scale? A) The largest output a firm can produce B) The output level at which average cost is lowest C) The point where total revenue equals total cost D) The output level where diseconomies begin Answer: B
- Which is an example of an external economy of scale? A) A firm buys a faster production line B) A firm hires a specialist finance manager C) A network of trained workers develops in the local area D) A firm diversifies into new product ranges Answer: C
Available on the Green Bridge App
Download the Green Bridge CBT app on your phone or computer to access full lesson notes, practice questions, and more.
Available on the Green Bridge App
Download the Green Bridge CBT app on your phone or computer to access full lesson notes, practice questions, and more.
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