Final answer:
If Chef Barber prepares 14 meals ahead of time, there will be a surplus of meals available (option B). Specialization among kitchen staff, such as a baker and a chef focusing on their respective tasks, leads to increased productivity and more meals prepared in the same timeframe. Excessive specialization, though, can lead to diminishing marginal productivity.
Step-by-step explanation:
When Chef Barber decides to prepare 14 meals ahead of time instead of 7, the most immediate effect would likely be B. There will be a surplus of meals available. Preparing more meals initially doesn't necessarily mean that the cost of ingredients will decrease, or that the preparation time will reduce by half, since meal prep time doesn't decrease proportionally with the number of meals prepared. Additionally, the freshness of the meals might decrease over time due to the longer storage period, which supports option D, but this isn't about the initial value impact.
Specialization of labor in a kitchen can significantly increase productivity because each worker becomes more skilled at their particular tasks, reducing the time to complete them. This is similar to the impact of a second barber in a shop, who can provide a greater division of labor and reduce disruptions, leading to increasing marginal productivity. However, if there are too many workers and not enough distinct tasks, diminishing marginal productivity can occur, causing efficiency and output to drop due to overlapping duties and interference. In the case of the baker and chef, having both specialize in their best roles allows for enhanced efficiency and a greater number of meals prepared in the same period.