Weber, in his Theory of Industrial Location, assumes certain preconditions. These include:

A. Some raw materials are fixed in location, while others are ubiquitous.
B. Markets are not fixed at a certain point.
C. Transport costs are determined by the weight of the product and distance.
D. Perfect competition does not exist, but man acts rationally.
E. Fundamentally, Weber imagined that least costs obtain the highest profits.

Choose the correct answer from the options below:

Correct option is C

Weber’s Least Cost Theory (1909) explains the location of industries based on cost minimization. His theory focuses on three primary costs:

A. Some raw materials are fixed in location, while others are ubiquitous. 

• Localized raw materials (e.g., coal, iron ore) exist only in specific locations.
• Ubiquitous raw materials (e.g., air, water) are found everywhere.
• Industries tend to locate near localized raw materials to minimize transportation costs.

C. Transport costs are determined by the weight of the product and distance. 

• Weber stated that transportation cost is the most crucial factor in industrial location.
• Bulk-reducing industries (like steel, sugar) locate near raw materials to reduce transport costs.
• Bulk-gaining industries (like beverage production) locate near markets to avoid high transport costs.

E. Fundamentally, Weber imagined that least costs obtain the highest profits. 

• The theory assumes that industries aim to minimize costs to maximize profits.
• Cost factors include transportation, labor, and agglomeration.

Thus, the correct sequence is:
 A (Raw Material Availability), C (Transport Cost & Distance), E (Least Cost for Maximum Profit)

Transport Cost → The industry will locate where transport cost is minimized.
 Labor Cost → Availability of cheap & skilled labor affects location.
 Agglomeration Economies → Industries cluster together to share resources & reduce costs.

 B. "Markets are not fixed at a certain point" is Incorrect

• Weber assumed that markets have fixed locations, influencing industrial placement.
• Example: Furniture and glass industries locate near large cities due to market proximity.

 D. "Perfect competition does not exist, but man acts rationally" is Incorrect

• Weber’s model assumed perfect competition and rational decision-making.
• The statement is partly correct, but since perfect competition is assumed, it is not a deviation from his theory.