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Economic Activity – Aerial Photograph Examine the aerial photograph of Sligo accompanying this paper - Leaving Cert Geography - Question 88 - 2018
Question 88
Economic Activity – Aerial Photograph Examine the aerial photograph of Sligo accompanying this paper. It is proposed to build a computer factory in the centre back... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Economic Activity – Aerial Photograph Examine the aerial photograph of Sligo accompanying this paper - Leaving Cert Geography - Question 88 - 2018
Step 1
Describe and explain the advantages of this location.
Answer
The chosen location in the centre background of the aerial photograph offers several advantages for the new computer factory:
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Accessibility: The location is likely near major transportation routes (such as roads or railways), facilitating easy access for logistics and commuting staff, which can thereby reduce operational costs.
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Proximity to Resources: Being in a central area may allow access to necessary raw materials, suppliers, and skilled labor, contributing to more efficient production processes.
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Market Access: The central location potentially positions the factory closer to key markets, allowing for quicker distribution and reduced transportation costs for products.
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Infrastructure: The area may have existing industrial infrastructure, such as utilities and communication networks, supporting the operational needs of a computer factory.
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Economic Incentives: Local government incentives for businesses in strategic areas could provide financial advantages, including tax breaks or grants.
Step 2
Describe and explain the disadvantages of this location.
Answer
Despite its advantages, the proposed location also presents several disadvantages:
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Higher Costs: Being in a central area might mean higher land and rental costs compared to more peripheral locations, which could increase initial investment requirements.
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Competition: The appeal of the location may attract other businesses, leading to increased competition for resources, labor, and customers, which can be detrimental to market positioning.
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Congestion: A centrally located factory may face challenges related to traffic congestion, affecting logistics and potentially leading to delays in production and distribution.
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Environmental Concerns: Urban areas might have stricter regulations regarding emissions and waste management, which could complicate operations or increase compliance costs.
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Limited Expansion: As the business grows, the limited space in a central location might hinder potential expansion opportunities.
Step 3
Using accepted notation, suggest an alternative location for the new computer factory and explain briefly one reason why you chose this alternative location.
Answer
An alternative location for the new computer factory could be designated as 'Location A'. This might refer to an area on the outskirts of Sligo with lower land costs and sufficient space for future expansion.
Reason for Choice: The primary reason for selecting 'Location A' is cost-effectiveness. Lower land costs will reduce overall investment, while the availability of space allows for future growth and adjustments to production capacity, which are crucial for meeting market demands.