Final answer:
Using higher quality materials is the one action out of the listed options that is certain to result in higher production costs per unit. This contrasts with other methods such as increasing efficiency or implementing cost-saving measures which aim to decrease costs. The choice between labor-intensive and capital-intensive production methods varies with the relative costs of labor and machinery.
Step-by-step explanation:
Regarding the actions that would lead to higher production costs per branded pair in a production facility, the one certain to increase costs is using higher quality materials. This decision directly affects the variable costs associated with each unit of production. In contrast, increasing the efficiency of the production line and implementing cost-saving measures are both strategies aimed at reducing production costs. While reducing the number of workers could potentially raise costs due to lower production capacity or diminished quality, it is often pursued with the intent to cut costs as well, particularly if there is a shift toward less capital and more labor or if technology can compensate for reduced labor.
In the context of selecting production technologies, firms often seek to minimize total costs. When the cost of machinery rises, as highlighted in the reference, there is typically a shift toward less capital-intensive production and more labor, which in some cases can mean adopting production technology 2. Conversely, when machine hours become cheaper, there's an inclination toward using more machines and less labor-intensive methods, potentially leading to the selection of production technology 3.
The economic history of the United States in the 1970s serves as an example, where due to limited demand, firms had to be very strategic about their production decisions to remain viable in the long run, underlining the importance of choosing the appropriate technology to optimize cost structure and market competition.