FRQ – Alfred Weber’s Least Cost Theory

You have 25 minutes to answer the following question. It is suggested that you take up to 5 minutes of this time to plan and outline each answer. While a formal essay is not required, it is not enough to answer a question by merely listing facts. Illustrate your answers with substantive geographic examples where appropriate.

According to Alfred Weber’s theory of industrial location, three factors determine the location of a manufacturing plant: the location of raw materials, the location of the market, and transportation costs.

Using an example of a specific industry other than the one portrayed on the map above, explain under what conditions an industry would locate near the market.

Using an example of a specific industry other than the one portrayed on the map above, explain under what conditions an industry would locate near raw materials.

Using the map above and Webian theory, explain the geography of ethanol plants in the United States.

Identify and discuss ONE industry that would not be explained by Weber’s theory.

Explain how containerization changed how firms determine proximity to market.

Explain the relationship between transportation and the spatial scale at which manufacturing location decisions are made.

Identify and discuss one criticism or limitation to Weber’s Least Cost Theory.