Final answer:
Stevens Manufacturing employs a modular layout where teams work on different parts of a product, resembling historical assembly line methods pioneered by Ford, and reflecting modern practices seen in global companies like Apple.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the scenario described, Stevens Manufacturing's organizational setup aligns closest with a modular layout option. This type of layout is evident in the way that the workers are organized into teams, each responsible for the assembly of complex parts of a product before they are combined to form the final product.
The history of manufacturing reveals that such team-based, modular approaches evolved from the early assembly lines that characterized the industrial era, with companies like Ford leading the way in this field. An assembly line facilitates the division of labor, where workers specialize in one or a few tasks, improving efficiency and productivity. Over time, modular production has adapted to leverage these benefits while providing greater flexibility in manufacturing complex items.
Modern manufacturing, such as the case of Apple's global assembly lines, demonstrates the progression towards more internationally dispersed, modular setups. This method allows for different components to be produced and assembled in various locations, tapping into the advantages of specialized labor and efficiencies of scale.