Cost comparison across production types For batch production versus jobbing (one-off) production, how does the unit cost typically compare, assuming similar quality and technology?

Introduction / Context:
Manufacturing economics differ by production system choice: jobbing (one-of-a-kind), batch, and mass production. Understanding how unit cost trends change with volume guides quoting, process planning, and capacity investment decisions.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Product design and quality requirements are comparable.
• Learning effects and setup amortization apply with repeated batches.
• Overheads and tooling are allocated appropriately.

Concept / Approach:
Batch production runs groups of identical items, distributing setup time and tooling cost over multiple units, improving labor learning, and enhancing material utilization. Jobbing production lacks repetition; unique setups dominate each unit, raising unit cost. Therefore, unit cost in batch production is typically lower than in jobbing as economies of repetition are realized.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Identify cost contributors: setup, direct labor, materials, overheads.Recognize repetition in batches reduces setup per unit and increases operator learning.Infer: total cost per unit in batch < jobbing, all else equal.

Verification / Alternative check:
Cost-versus-volume curves show declining average cost with increasing lot size up to a practical minimum, before inventory and changeover costs dominate.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
“Same” or “independent” contradict economic principles; “higher in batch” is unusual unless batch sizes are extremely small or changeover costs are mismanaged.

Common Pitfalls:
Ignoring inventory carrying cost and obsolescence; excessively large batches can raise total system cost even if unit conversion cost is low.

Final Answer:
Lower unit cost in batch production