Certified Production & Operations Manager (POM) Practice Exam

Which is credited with increasing industrial productivity and affordable products?

1. The internet

2. Mass transportation

3. Mass production

4. Personal computers

The correct answer is: Mass production

The selection of mass production as the answer to the question is based on its significant impact on industrial productivity and the availability of affordable products. Mass production refers to the manufacturing processes that enable the production of large quantities of goods efficiently. This was made possible by advancements in technology, such as the assembly line, which streamlined operations and reduced the time required to produce each unit. By standardizing parts and processes, mass production allowed manufacturers to produce goods at a lower cost. This reduction in cost, combined with increased output, meant that products could be sold at more accessible price points for consumers, effectively democratizing access to a wide range of products. As a result, more people could afford items that were once considered luxuries, leading to a significant transformation in consumer culture and economic structures. While the internet, mass transportation, and personal computers have all played important roles in shaping modern economies and industries, mass production specifically addresses the question by highlighting its direct relationship with increasing productivity and reducing product prices.