Abstract
In the discussion of the ‘appropriate technology’ issue very little direct evidence has been offered on what actually constitutes the appropriate technology in the various industries and countries concerned. This article reports the results of a detailed study, based on a combination of economic and engineering analysis, of the optimum choice of technology in sugar manufacturing. Private and social ‘profitability’ are computed for a wide range of actual and synthetic technologies. Contrary to recent suggestions in the literature, capital-intensive technology is shown to be clearly superior at all but the smallest level of scale, and unit costs are found to fall sharply as output rises. Labour-intensive technologies are also shown to be particularly skill-intensive, and vulnerable to relatively small increases in input prices.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
