Explain the concept of economies of scope in production.

Economics Cost Of Production Questions Medium



48 Short 69 Medium 46 Long Answer Questions Question Index

Explain the concept of economies of scope in production.

Economies of scope in production refer to the cost advantages that a company can achieve by producing a variety of products or services together, rather than producing them separately. It is based on the idea that the total cost of producing multiple products together is lower than the sum of producing each product individually.

There are two main types of economies of scope: cost and revenue. Cost economies of scope occur when the production of multiple products allows for the sharing of resources, such as machinery, equipment, or labor. For example, if a company produces both shoes and handbags, it can use the same machinery and labor to produce both products, reducing the overall cost per unit.

Revenue economies of scope, on the other hand, arise when the production of multiple products leads to increased sales or market share. This can be achieved through cross-selling or bundling products together, which can attract more customers and increase overall revenue. For instance, a company that produces both printers and ink cartridges can offer discounted bundles, encouraging customers to purchase both products and increasing overall sales.

Overall, economies of scope allow companies to achieve cost efficiencies and increase revenue by diversifying their product offerings. By producing multiple products together, companies can take advantage of shared resources, reduce costs, and attract more customers, ultimately leading to improved profitability and competitiveness in the market.