3.3 Industry

Question 1

What are the stages of an industrial system?

Answer 1

Inputs - elements required for the processes to take place
Processes - industrial activities that take place in the factory to make the product
Outputs - the finished product; by-products; waste product

Question 2

What are the factors influencing the distribution and location of factories and industrial zones?

Answer 2

Human factors: 
Capital (money)
Labour
Transport and communications
Markets
Government influence
Quality of life

Physical factors:
Size
Raw materials
Energy
Natural routeways and harbours
Climate

Question 3

Industrial agglomeration

Answer 3

the clustering together of economic activities

can result in companies enjoying the benefits of external economies of scale

Question 4

Industrial estate

Answer 4

an area zoned for the purpose of industrial development

Question 5

Factors that affect the decision-making of a company?

Answer 5

Location - a poor choice of location can mean a company making a loss and eventually closing
Scale of production - help them to decide on:
- an appropriate site
- recruit sufficient skilled labour
- enough customers for higher scale of production
Methods of organisation
The product or range of products manufactured

Question 6

Types of industries

Answer 6

• Processing: often located close to their raw materials, to be able to directly process it
• Assembling: put together parts and components so not tied to a specific location
• High-technology industry: use/make silicon chips, computers, software, robots and other technically advanced products.

Question 7

Case-study: how and why employment structure is changing

Answer 7

THE UK

Question 8

Case-study: an industrial zone or factory

Answer 8

Burnaston Manufacturing Plant (Derby, UK)