International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) Business Studies Practice Exam

Economies of scale refer to the cost advantages that a business can achieve as it increases production. As the scale of production rises, the unit cost of producing each product typically declines. This is because fixed costs, such as administration and machinery, are spread over a larger number of goods produced, leading to a decrease in the average cost per unit. Additionally, businesses may gain bulk purchasing discounts on raw materials, streamline operations, and improve operational efficiencies, all of which contribute to lower costs when producing at higher volumes.

In contrast, the other options focus on different aspects of business operations and do not address the concept of economies of scale. The reasons for business failure, while pertinent to business studies, do not correlate directly to the benefits derived from increasing production scale. Goals set by a business and methods of marketing effectiveness pertain to strategic planning and marketing approaches rather than cost efficiencies associated with production scale. Understanding economies of scale is crucial for businesses looking to optimize operations and maximize profitability as they grow.