LS5 - Specialisation and the Division of Labour

Question 1

Specialisation

Answer 1

Specialisation is the production of a limited range of goods and services by someone

Question 2

Division of Labour

Answer 2

The division of labour is when labour becomes specialised in a particular part of the production process

Question 3

Productivity

Answer 3

Productivity is the effectiveness of productive effort measured in rate of output.

An increase in productivity leads to an increase in output a more efficient use of resources

Question 4

Advantages of Division of Labour

Answer 4

• Labour productivity increases because workers are quicker and more efficient at the task they are assigned with
• Workers only need to be trained for one task. This cuts down on training costs

Question 5

Disadvantages of Division of Labour

Answer 5

• Repeatedly doing one task leads to boredom and can lead to poor quality of work
• Because the workforce have such limited training, they end up being trained to complete only one task and this can lead to structural unemployment where workers are under qualified for the jobs they do

Question 6

Advantages of Specialisation

Answer 6

• The theory of comparative advantage states countries should specialise in producing goods with lower opportunity costs. This means producing goods that are easier to produce and can lead to greater output
• Greater Output
• Increase in exports

Question 8

Disadvantages of Specialisation

Answer 8

• Countries can become over dependent on one type of export. It can lead to a decline in other sectors
• Countries that specialise on non renewable sources may face a dramatic decline once the resources run out
• Structural Unemployment