Questions and Answers
What is Friction of Distance?
The increase in time and cost that accompanies an increase in distance.
What is distance decay?
The impact of a function or activity declines as you move away from the point of origin.
What are fixed and variable costs?
Spatially fixed costs do not change with location; spatially varied costs differ from place to place.
What is agglomeration?
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What does the least cost theory show?
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Which factor is most important in the least cost theory?
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What are the main assumptions of the least cost theory?
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What is the Substitution Principle?
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What is the zone of profit theory?
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What does the location interdependency theory show?
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Study Notes
Friction of Distance
- Represents the increase in time and cost associated with greater distances.
- Companies seek to minimize distance to both market and input sources for profit maximization.
Distance Decay
- Describes the diminishing impact of a function as one moves away from its origin.
- In manufacturing, proximity to markets is prioritized over distant locations.
Fixed vs. Variable Costs
- Fixed costs remain constant regardless of location (spatially fixed).
- Variable costs fluctuate based on location, significantly influencing a company’s site selection.
- Minimizing variable costs is crucial for optimal location choices.
Agglomeration and Deglomeration
- Agglomeration involves the clustering of similar businesses in a specific area.
- Deglomeration occurs when high operational costs or congestion lead businesses to relocate to less crowded areas.
Least Cost Theory
- A framework to identify the most economical location for manufacturing plants.
Key Factors in Least Cost Theory
- Transportation is vital; minimizing transport costs is essential.
- Labor cost effectiveness can offset transport expenses.
- Agglomeration benefits provide shared resources and collaboration.
Assumptions of Least Cost Theory
- Assumes a uniform landscape with no geographical variations.
- Focuses on single-product transport to a singular market.
- Recognizes that raw materials come from multiple identifiable sources.
Substitution Principle
- Proposes that businesses can adjust costs as long as increases in labor, land, and transportation do not occur simultaneously.
- Results in a wider "zone of profit," allowing for flexible financial management.
Zone of Profit
- Suggests the existence of a profit range where firms generate income that exceeds costs, rather than a singular optimal point.
Location Interdependency Theory
- Highlights that a single industry's location is influenced by the presence of similar industries.
- Competitors often establish proximity to balance market outreach and competitive positioning.
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Description
This quiz covers key concepts in geography, specifically focusing on the friction of distance and distance decay. Learn how these theories influence factory location decisions and the importance of transportation in optimizing profits. Test your knowledge and understanding of these geographical models.
