Dynamic Energy Wares (DEW) has decided to change the manner in which it distributes its products to large companies. The change in the distribution system comes at a time when DEW’s profits are declining. The declining profits might not be the sole reason for the change, but it appears to be the primary impetus for the decision. It also appears that the new policy requiring DEW’s distributors to increase inventory levels before the end of the fiscal year will artificially inflate DEW’s sales for the current year. However, DEW’s new policy does not require the distributors to pay for any increased inventory until next year (six months), and any unsold inventory can be returned after nine months. So, if the demand for DEW’s products actually is decreasing, the impact will appear on next year’s financial statements. If the financial manager actually intends to artificially inflate DEW’s profits this year, she must realize that such actions eventually will “catch up” with her. Discussion questions: What is the ethical dilemma? Should DEW change its distribution system? What should DEW do?  Would you go to the distributors’ meeting? What should you tell the distributors?

Intermediate Financial Management (MindTap Course List)
13th Edition
ISBN:9781337395083
Author:Eugene F. Brigham, Phillip R. Daves
Publisher:Eugene F. Brigham, Phillip R. Daves
Chapter23: Other Topics In Working Capital Management
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 7MC
icon
Related questions
Question

Dynamic Energy Wares (DEW) has decided to change the manner in which it distributes its products to large companies. The change in the distribution system comes at a time when DEW’s profits are declining. The declining profits might not be the sole reason for the change, but it appears to be the primary impetus for the decision. It also appears that the new policy requiring DEW’s distributors to increase inventory levels before the end of the fiscal year will artificially inflate DEW’s sales for the current year. However, DEW’s new policy does not require the distributors to pay for any increased inventory until next year (six months), and any unsold inventory can be returned after nine months. So, if the demand for DEW’s products actually is decreasing, the impact will appear on next year’s financial statements. If the financial manager actually intends to artificially inflate DEW’s profits this year, she must realize that such actions eventually will “catch up” with her.

Discussion questions:

  • What is the ethical dilemma?
  • Should DEW change its distribution system?
  • What should DEW do? 
  • Would you go to the distributors’ meeting? What should you tell the distributors?  
Expert Solution
steps

Step by step

Solved in 2 steps

Blurred answer
Similar questions
  • SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
Intermediate Financial Management (MindTap Course…
Intermediate Financial Management (MindTap Course…
Finance
ISBN:
9781337395083
Author:
Eugene F. Brigham, Phillip R. Daves
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Principles of Cost Accounting
Principles of Cost Accounting
Accounting
ISBN:
9781305087408
Author:
Edward J. Vanderbeck, Maria R. Mitchell
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Financial Accounting: The Impact on Decision Make…
Financial Accounting: The Impact on Decision Make…
Accounting
ISBN:
9781305654174
Author:
Gary A. Porter, Curtis L. Norton
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
College Accounting, Chapters 1-27
College Accounting, Chapters 1-27
Accounting
ISBN:
9781337794756
Author:
HEINTZ, James A.
Publisher:
Cengage Learning,
Century 21 Accounting Multicolumn Journal
Century 21 Accounting Multicolumn Journal
Accounting
ISBN:
9781337679503
Author:
Gilbertson
Publisher:
Cengage
Century 21 Accounting General Journal
Century 21 Accounting General Journal
Accounting
ISBN:
9781337680059
Author:
Gilbertson
Publisher:
Cengage