Final answer:
The production of large goods like ships is most efficiently done using a fixed-position layout, where the product is stationary and workers and materials are brought to the product site (d). This layout is ideal for items that are large and cumbersome to move, making it suitable for industries like shipbuilding.
Step-by-step explanation:
The production of large goods such as ships is best accomplished using a fixed-position layout. In this type of layout, the product remains stationary due to its size, and workers, tools, and components come to the site of the product. For example, in shipbuilding, parts like hulls and decks are enormous and cannot be moved easily from one workstation to another. Therefore, the efficient solution is to have a fixed-position whereby various workers and components come to where the ship is being constructed.
Considering the nature of manufacturing processes and their implications for the location of production, it's evident that some industries are bulk reducing, where products are manufactured close to the source of raw materials because the finished product is cheaper to transport. On the other hand, there are bulk gaining industries that produce items that become heavier and more expensive to transport as they are processed, which then have a market orientation.
If we look at assembly lines and factories, these were innovations that allowed for more finished goods to be manufactured with greater efficiency due to the specialization of labor. Furthermore, when assessing production technology and scale, firms that experience economies of scale can produce goods at a lower average cost, which is beneficial especially for large-scale production.