Mass+Production+and+Mass+Distribution

=**Mass Production and Mass Distribution**=

toc We all live in a consumer society today in which the cycle of production and distribution are key factors to economic success (Straubhaar and LaRose 34). Mass production and mass distribution can include many different forms of media including newspapers, magazines, radio broadcast, films, products, and so forth.

**History**
Mass consumer production was first introduced by Henry Ford of Ford cars in 1913. Ford introduced the techniques of the assembly line and mass production at the Highland Park Assembly Plant which excelled the production of a chassis eight times faster; from twelve and a half hours down to a mere two hours and forty minutes. By the end of that year, Ford cars produced over fifty percent of all cars within the United States (Wikipedia).

Henry Ford of Ford Motors

**Economic Model**
According to the industrial economic model, “profits are made by producing many copies of a product at the lowest possible price to the manufacturer”, (Straubhaar and LaRose 34). Profits continue to grow as the costs of products decrease and as consumers increase demand thus causing the prices charged to be stable for consumers. This is also known as economies of sale, where the unit cost of a product decreases and the production quantities continue to increase (Straubhaar and LaRose 34).

**The First Copy**
The definition of the First Copy is the very original product that was created and is initially the most expensive. A good example would be the cost to create the First Copy of a blockbuster film. First Copy costs in this scenario include the costs of the actors, props, locations, settings, rental of equipment, special effects, etc. Thus, the First Copy costs include everything that goes toward making the entire film. Harry Potter, for example, initially cost $125 million dollars just in production costs. When including costs of making copies to distribute to thousands of theatres and the advertisement costs, the grand total would be approximately $170 million. The success of this film can not be determined until all of the $170 million are recouped (Straubhaar and LaRose 36).

Harry Potter


 * Taylorism – The Introduction of Scientific Management**

Taylorism introduced a new managerial system that created an environment which increased the speed and the efficiency of mass production. Taylorism induced the division of labour and the structure of control over the task performance of workers. According to Craig R. Littler, the definition of Taylorism is described as “the beauracratization of the structure of control, but nit the employment relationship”, (JSTOR).

**References**
Wikipedia. Ford Motor Company. 18 October 2006. 

Straubhaar, Joseph and Robert LaRose. //Media Now: Understanding Media, Culture, and Technology.// Belmont: Wadsworth, 2004.

Littler R., Craig. Taylorism. 20 October 2006. 

Henry Ford Image 

Harry Potter Image 