Division of labour and specialisation take place in the manufacture of clothing.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2010). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [2] (a) Any two points × 1 mark each – Breaking down jobs into small tasks; So that one person concentrates on one task only or example; And does not make the whole product; Usually involves the use of technology/machines/robots; Any other relevant point
2. [4] (b) Level 2 (3-4 marks) Has shown that specialisation is an advantage/disadvantage to workers with sound reasoning. Specialisation may be an advantage to workers because they are likely to be well paid and may receive bonuses to compensate for boring and repetitive work. This kind of work may suit some people who do not want any responsibility and are content to work set hours or shift work. Specialisation may be a disadvantage to workers because the work is boring and repetitive. There is a loss of skill and craftsmanship as they are not responsible for completing the whole garment, just one aspect of it. Workers are less likely to be satisfied at work and many may lose their jobs as machines replace workers. Because they are skilled at a limited range of tasks, they may also find it difficult to obtain further work. Many workers in the clothing industry work long hours, often in poor working conditions. Level 1 (1-2 marks) Has stated some advantages and/or disadvantages of specialisation to workers. The advantages of specialisation for workers are that they receive more pay, they do not need much training and they can work at undemanding tasks. The disadvantages of specialisation for workers are that the work is often boring, there are less jobs available, they may have to work long hours in poor conditions and when a job disappears, they may find it difficult to obtain another job.
3. [4] (c)(i) Any one advantage to the clothing manufacturer × 2 marks – Increases output as repetitive tasks can be done much more quickly; Enables mechanisation to be introduced so saving on manpower; Enables economies of scale e.g. technological, purchasing to be used; May be able to employ less skilled labour, thus saving wage costs; Overall lower costs; Can concentrate on one aspect of production of clothing e.g. weaving cloth; Any other relevant point; Any one disadvantage to the clothing manufacturer × 2 marks – Workers not able to perform a range of tasks so cannot be moved to other work; Stoppages on one part of the production line may mean that the work stops; Need to have a large market for the finished clothing as large quantities are made; Lack of individuality about what is produced; Boredom among the workers may mean disruption on the production line; High cost of investment in plant and machinery; Any other relevant point
4. [4] (c)(ii) Any one advantage to the consumer × 2 marks – Clothing may be relatively cheap as it is cheaper to produce; As there is increased output, there will be no shortage of clothing; Wide variety of clothing available in a variety of sizes; Any other relevant point; Any one disadvantage to the consumer × 2 marks – Clothing may lack individuality and may be of poor quality; Clothing may be produced wherever it can be produced more cheaply – ethical considerations; Consumers may have to pay more for better quality products; Any other relevant point
5. [6] (d) Any six points × 1 mark each or up to three marks for a well-developed point – Many countries have become well known for particular industries + example; Specialisation by country has enabled countries to concentrate on what they do best; They operate comparative advantage; They export surpluses of what they produce, so earning foreign currency; They import what they do not produce themselves; This has enabled the global economy to develop; And has made countries interdependent; Countries that do not have adequate raw materials or natural resources can import from those countries that do; And use these resources in their manufacturing industries; Creating employment; Improving political relations; Any other relevant point