Final answer:
The correct option in the final answer is d. The smartphone manufacturer focusing on people with visual impairments is addressing the economic question 'For whom to produce,' by targeting their products to meet the specific needs of this demographic.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a smartphone manufacturer decides to change its target consumers to people with visual impairments, they are addressing a key economic question: For whom to produce? This decision making relates directly to determining the target market or audience for their products. By focusing on individuals with visual impairments, the manufacturer is specifying that their product development and marketing efforts will cater to the requirements, needs, and preferences of this particular group.
The economic questions of What to produce, How to produce, and For whom to produce are critical for businesses as they dictate the firm’s strategic direction. These questions influence the types of goods or services a firm decides to offer, the production process and technology it adopts, the amount of labor it employs, and importantly, the target demographic it aims to serve.
In the context of the smartphone industry, focusing on 'for whom to produce' could mean designing smartphones with enhanced audio features, tactile interfaces, or software tailored for visually impaired users. This strategic shift has implications on what the firm produces and how it operates, possibly requiring collaboration with specialists in accessibility to incorporate the necessary features into their smartphones.
The correct option in the final answer is d. For whom to produce.