Final answer:
Batch production is the most appropriate process for manufacturing a wide range of consumer electronics with short product life cycles and rapid introduction of new products because it allows for flexibility and adaptability in production to meet changing consumer demands.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine which production process is best suited for producing a wide range of consumer electronics with very short product life cycles and a rapid rate of new product introduction, we need to evaluate each production process type. The primary options include:
- Batch production
- Mass production
- Job production
- Continuous production
In batch production, products are manufactured in batches, allowing for a level of product variety and flexibility to respond to market changes. Mass production is useful for long runs of standardized products, which is not ideal for markets with rapid change. Job production entails custom one-off products, which is not efficient for consumer electronics. Continuous production is best for commodities with very stable demand profiles, not products with short life cycles.
The information provided suggests a shift in technology due to the cost of production elements: more machines and less labor as machines become cheaper, and less capital and more labor as the cost of machines increases. Balancing the total costs of labor and machinery is crucial when selecting the appropriate production technology.
Batch production is likely the most appropriate production technology for consumer electronics characterized by short product life cycles and frequent new product launches. It allows the firm to adapt quickly to new models and changing consumer demands while managing costs effectively. Though not mentioned in the provided data, batch production aligns well with the manufacturing needs of dynamic and rapidly evolving industries such as consumer electronics.