State the difference between short term fixed costs and short term variable costs.

Question

Want to see more full solutions like this?

Answer 1

Question

Chapter 15, Problem 48P

1.

To determine

State the difference between short term fixed costs and short term variable costs.

1.

Expert Solution

Explanation of Solution

Difference between short term variable costs and short term fixed costs:

Variable	Fixed
In short run, the variable cost will change according to one or more cost drivers.	In short run, the fixed costs are related to the level of capacity in which they are supplied.
Variable cost changes when the level of activity changes.	Fixed costs are related more to the level of production rather than level of activity.
These costs are incurred as and when needed.	These cost are incurred on time in a given period
Example: Salary based on piecework	Example: Engineering salaries

Table (1)

For most of organizations today, the suitable support cost is short term fixed. There are few costs that are spent regardless of the demand; this will make way for a managerial challenge of how to manage the demand and supply on spending for support costs. With proper implementation of Activity Based Costing they show the management the amount of cost incurred.

2.

To determine

Describe the data that should be used to calculate the cost of handling a customer order.

2.

Expert Solution

Explanation of Solution

The Activity based costing provides various options when implemented they are:

In the calculation, the denominator used can either be actual activity or the budgeted activity.
Another way is that, it combines both the cost of used capacity and also unused capacity in the cost allocation rate.

The most common support cost used is the fixed cost in the short run, when the denominator used is budgeted for the determination of activity based costing rate it will increase the cost allocation rate and decreases the level of activity. When these increase allocation rates are used for determining contract bids and product prices, the company will in turn increase the price for off-setting the increase in the allocation rate. This will result in lower demand and lower activity level and increase the cost rates for the level of activity. This will make a situation where there is no customer left to bear the fixed support cost. This effect is called depth-spiral effect.

To avoid this effect of depth-spiral, it is advised to use practical capacity as the denominator for calculation of activity based costing rates. It refers to the cost that will be incurred without creating any kind of delays or overtime in the production.

3.

To determine

Calculate the following for the support activity.

3.

Expert Solution

Explanation of Solution

1) Calculate the support cost rate:

Support cost rate=(Budgeted resource spendingNo. or orders in practical capacity)=($720,00010,000)=$72

Therefore, the support cost rate is $72 per order handled.

2) Calculate the cost of unused capacity:

Cost of unused capacity=(Cost of resources supplied−Cost of resources used)={$720,000−($72 per order×9,000 orders)}=$72,000

Therefore, the cost of unused capacity is $72,000.

3) Calculate the percentage capacity utilization:

Percentage capacity utilization=(Expected ordersActual orders×100)=(9,00010,000×100)=90%

Therefore, the percentage capacity utilization is 90% which is order handling of activity.

The management can take decisions to balance the demand and supply by monitoring the resources that are supplied and the cost incurrent in unused capacity.

The Company Z’s management is of strategic concern as the company is functioning on the basis of differentiating strategy. This makes the management of resources spending much more important. The value of the costs in dollars are high this provides worthy attention to it.

4.

To determine

Calculate the following after implementation of total quality management.

4.

Expert Solution

Explanation of Solution

When the activity based costing rate is calculated on practical capacity, it could be used to increased efficiencies with implementation of total quality management initiative. Before the implementation of TQM, the cost was $72 per order but after the implementation it is $60 which means that the cost has dropped. But however the cost of unused capacity increases from $72,000 in 90% to $180,000 in 75% capacity utilization.

Working notes:

4) For prior to the implementation:

Cost of unused capacity=(Units×ABC rate)=(10,000 units×$72)=$72,000

5) For after implementation:

Cost of unused capacity=(Units×ABC rate)=(3,000 units×$60)=$180,000

6) For capacity utilization:

Prior period:

Prior period utilization=(Budgeted ordersActual orders)=(9,00010,000×100)=90%

After implementation:

After implementation=(Budgeted ordersActual orders×100)=(9,00012,000×100)=75%

5.

To determine

Describe the strategies that are available to managers for reducing the unused capacity.

5.

Expert Solution

Explanation of Solution

The company can take the following steps when faced with unused capacity:

Reduce their spending on resources for support activities.
Develop new means to utilize existing capacity that are presently not used

6.

To determine

Recommend to the management on how the cost of unused capacity must be assigned.

6.

Expert Solution

Explanation of Solution

If the associated capacity were acquired specifically to serve a particular customer or market segment, it is considered logical to assign the given customer or the market segment.

In case the excess capacity came about due to any future expansion plan, the cost of unused capacity must be assigned to the division on priority.

The basic rule specified in this situation is that unused capacity must be costs must be traced back to the place in the organisation where the decision to acquire the associated capacity was made.

Want to see more full solutions like this?

Subscribe now to access step-by-step solutions to millions of textbook problems written by subject matter experts!

Students have asked these similar questions

Covered member’s independence is impaired with respect to an attest client. What is a covered member for a CPA? What are the sources of liability for an auditor who violates the rules of professional conduct in an audit engagement?

Monty Inc., a major retailer of high-end office furniture, operates several stores and is a publicly traded company. The company is currently preparing its statement of cash flows. The comparative statement of financial position and income stetement for Monty as at May 31, 2020, are as The rollowing is additional Informacon soous transectons cunne tie year shoes may sa, coat for Monty ancy which tohows arks. Plant assets costing $69,000 were purchased by paying $47,000 in cash and issuing 5,000 common shares. In order to supplement is casn, Monty Issued ,000 edditone common snares. Cash dividends of $35,000 were declared and paid at the end of the fiscal year create cashflow direct method statement

Bonita Industries reports the following ledger account balances at June 30, 2025: Cash $1158 Accounts receivable 2838 Inventory 3384 Prepaid rent 104 Equipment 320 Accumulated depreciation-equipment 66 Accounts payable 920 Unearned rent revenue 144 Common stock 220 Retained earnings 6740 Service revenue 392 Interest revenue 80 Salaries and wages expense 200 Insurance expense 98 Assuming that all of the accounts have normal balances, what are total credits on the company's trial balance at June 30, 2025? A. $8562. B. $8586. C. $8496. D. $8482.

Answer 2

Question

Chapter 15, Problem 48P

1.

To determine

State the difference between short term fixed costs and short term variable costs.

1.

Expert Solution

Explanation of Solution

Difference between short term variable costs and short term fixed costs:

Variable	Fixed
In short run, the variable cost will change according to one or more cost drivers.	In short run, the fixed costs are related to the level of capacity in which they are supplied.
Variable cost changes when the level of activity changes.	Fixed costs are related more to the level of production rather than level of activity.
These costs are incurred as and when needed.	These cost are incurred on time in a given period
Example: Salary based on piecework	Example: Engineering salaries

Table (1)

For most of organizations today, the suitable support cost is short term fixed. There are few costs that are spent regardless of the demand; this will make way for a managerial challenge of how to manage the demand and supply on spending for support costs. With proper implementation of Activity Based Costing they show the management the amount of cost incurred.

2.

To determine

Describe the data that should be used to calculate the cost of handling a customer order.

2.

Expert Solution

Explanation of Solution

The Activity based costing provides various options when implemented they are:

In the calculation, the denominator used can either be actual activity or the budgeted activity.
Another way is that, it combines both the cost of used capacity and also unused capacity in the cost allocation rate.

The most common support cost used is the fixed cost in the short run, when the denominator used is budgeted for the determination of activity based costing rate it will increase the cost allocation rate and decreases the level of activity. When these increase allocation rates are used for determining contract bids and product prices, the company will in turn increase the price for off-setting the increase in the allocation rate. This will result in lower demand and lower activity level and increase the cost rates for the level of activity. This will make a situation where there is no customer left to bear the fixed support cost. This effect is called depth-spiral effect.

To avoid this effect of depth-spiral, it is advised to use practical capacity as the denominator for calculation of activity based costing rates. It refers to the cost that will be incurred without creating any kind of delays or overtime in the production.

3.

To determine

Calculate the following for the support activity.

3.

Expert Solution

Explanation of Solution

1) Calculate the support cost rate:

Support cost rate=(Budgeted resource spendingNo. or orders in practical capacity)=($720,00010,000)=$72

Therefore, the support cost rate is $72 per order handled.

2) Calculate the cost of unused capacity:

Cost of unused capacity=(Cost of resources supplied−Cost of resources used)={$720,000−($72 per order×9,000 orders)}=$72,000

Therefore, the cost of unused capacity is $72,000.

3) Calculate the percentage capacity utilization:

Percentage capacity utilization=(Expected ordersActual orders×100)=(9,00010,000×100)=90%

Therefore, the percentage capacity utilization is 90% which is order handling of activity.

The management can take decisions to balance the demand and supply by monitoring the resources that are supplied and the cost incurrent in unused capacity.

The Company Z’s management is of strategic concern as the company is functioning on the basis of differentiating strategy. This makes the management of resources spending much more important. The value of the costs in dollars are high this provides worthy attention to it.

4.

To determine

Calculate the following after implementation of total quality management.

4.

Expert Solution

Explanation of Solution

When the activity based costing rate is calculated on practical capacity, it could be used to increased efficiencies with implementation of total quality management initiative. Before the implementation of TQM, the cost was $72 per order but after the implementation it is $60 which means that the cost has dropped. But however the cost of unused capacity increases from $72,000 in 90% to $180,000 in 75% capacity utilization.

Working notes:

4) For prior to the implementation:

Cost of unused capacity=(Units×ABC rate)=(10,000 units×$72)=$72,000

5) For after implementation:

Cost of unused capacity=(Units×ABC rate)=(3,000 units×$60)=$180,000

6) For capacity utilization:

Prior period:

Prior period utilization=(Budgeted ordersActual orders)=(9,00010,000×100)=90%

After implementation:

After implementation=(Budgeted ordersActual orders×100)=(9,00012,000×100)=75%

5.

To determine

Describe the strategies that are available to managers for reducing the unused capacity.

5.

Expert Solution

Explanation of Solution

The company can take the following steps when faced with unused capacity:

Reduce their spending on resources for support activities.
Develop new means to utilize existing capacity that are presently not used

6.

To determine

Recommend to the management on how the cost of unused capacity must be assigned.

6.

Expert Solution

Explanation of Solution

If the associated capacity were acquired specifically to serve a particular customer or market segment, it is considered logical to assign the given customer or the market segment.

In case the excess capacity came about due to any future expansion plan, the cost of unused capacity must be assigned to the division on priority.

The basic rule specified in this situation is that unused capacity must be costs must be traced back to the place in the organisation where the decision to acquire the associated capacity was made.

Want to see more full solutions like this?

Subscribe now to access step-by-step solutions to millions of textbook problems written by subject matter experts!

Answer 3

Question

Chapter 15, Problem 48P

1.

To determine

State the difference between short term fixed costs and short term variable costs.

1.

Expert Solution

Explanation of Solution

Difference between short term variable costs and short term fixed costs:

Variable	Fixed
In short run, the variable cost will change according to one or more cost drivers.	In short run, the fixed costs are related to the level of capacity in which they are supplied.
Variable cost changes when the level of activity changes.	Fixed costs are related more to the level of production rather than level of activity.
These costs are incurred as and when needed.	These cost are incurred on time in a given period
Example: Salary based on piecework	Example: Engineering salaries

Table (1)

For most of organizations today, the suitable support cost is short term fixed. There are few costs that are spent regardless of the demand; this will make way for a managerial challenge of how to manage the demand and supply on spending for support costs. With proper implementation of Activity Based Costing they show the management the amount of cost incurred.

2.

To determine

Describe the data that should be used to calculate the cost of handling a customer order.

2.

Expert Solution

Explanation of Solution

The Activity based costing provides various options when implemented they are:

In the calculation, the denominator used can either be actual activity or the budgeted activity.
Another way is that, it combines both the cost of used capacity and also unused capacity in the cost allocation rate.

The most common support cost used is the fixed cost in the short run, when the denominator used is budgeted for the determination of activity based costing rate it will increase the cost allocation rate and decreases the level of activity. When these increase allocation rates are used for determining contract bids and product prices, the company will in turn increase the price for off-setting the increase in the allocation rate. This will result in lower demand and lower activity level and increase the cost rates for the level of activity. This will make a situation where there is no customer left to bear the fixed support cost. This effect is called depth-spiral effect.

To avoid this effect of depth-spiral, it is advised to use practical capacity as the denominator for calculation of activity based costing rates. It refers to the cost that will be incurred without creating any kind of delays or overtime in the production.

3.

To determine

Calculate the following for the support activity.

3.

Expert Solution

Explanation of Solution

1) Calculate the support cost rate:

Support cost rate=(Budgeted resource spendingNo. or orders in practical capacity)=($720,00010,000)=$72

Therefore, the support cost rate is $72 per order handled.

2) Calculate the cost of unused capacity:

Cost of unused capacity=(Cost of resources supplied−Cost of resources used)={$720,000−($72 per order×9,000 orders)}=$72,000

Therefore, the cost of unused capacity is $72,000.

3) Calculate the percentage capacity utilization:

Percentage capacity utilization=(Expected ordersActual orders×100)=(9,00010,000×100)=90%

Therefore, the percentage capacity utilization is 90% which is order handling of activity.

The management can take decisions to balance the demand and supply by monitoring the resources that are supplied and the cost incurrent in unused capacity.

The Company Z’s management is of strategic concern as the company is functioning on the basis of differentiating strategy. This makes the management of resources spending much more important. The value of the costs in dollars are high this provides worthy attention to it.

4.

To determine

Calculate the following after implementation of total quality management.

4.

Expert Solution

Explanation of Solution

When the activity based costing rate is calculated on practical capacity, it could be used to increased efficiencies with implementation of total quality management initiative. Before the implementation of TQM, the cost was $72 per order but after the implementation it is $60 which means that the cost has dropped. But however the cost of unused capacity increases from $72,000 in 90% to $180,000 in 75% capacity utilization.

Working notes:

4) For prior to the implementation:

Cost of unused capacity=(Units×ABC rate)=(10,000 units×$72)=$72,000

5) For after implementation:

Cost of unused capacity=(Units×ABC rate)=(3,000 units×$60)=$180,000

6) For capacity utilization:

Prior period:

Prior period utilization=(Budgeted ordersActual orders)=(9,00010,000×100)=90%

After implementation:

After implementation=(Budgeted ordersActual orders×100)=(9,00012,000×100)=75%

5.

To determine

Describe the strategies that are available to managers for reducing the unused capacity.

5.

Expert Solution

Explanation of Solution

The company can take the following steps when faced with unused capacity:

Reduce their spending on resources for support activities.
Develop new means to utilize existing capacity that are presently not used

6.

To determine

Recommend to the management on how the cost of unused capacity must be assigned.

6.

Expert Solution

Explanation of Solution

If the associated capacity were acquired specifically to serve a particular customer or market segment, it is considered logical to assign the given customer or the market segment.

In case the excess capacity came about due to any future expansion plan, the cost of unused capacity must be assigned to the division on priority.

The basic rule specified in this situation is that unused capacity must be costs must be traced back to the place in the organisation where the decision to acquire the associated capacity was made.

Want to see more full solutions like this?

Subscribe now to access step-by-step solutions to millions of textbook problems written by subject matter experts!

Answer 4

Question

Chapter 15, Problem 48P

1.

To determine

State the difference between short term fixed costs and short term variable costs.

1.

Expert Solution

Explanation of Solution

Difference between short term variable costs and short term fixed costs:

Variable	Fixed
In short run, the variable cost will change according to one or more cost drivers.	In short run, the fixed costs are related to the level of capacity in which they are supplied.
Variable cost changes when the level of activity changes.	Fixed costs are related more to the level of production rather than level of activity.
These costs are incurred as and when needed.	These cost are incurred on time in a given period
Example: Salary based on piecework	Example: Engineering salaries

Table (1)

For most of organizations today, the suitable support cost is short term fixed. There are few costs that are spent regardless of the demand; this will make way for a managerial challenge of how to manage the demand and supply on spending for support costs. With proper implementation of Activity Based Costing they show the management the amount of cost incurred.

2.

To determine

Describe the data that should be used to calculate the cost of handling a customer order.

2.

Expert Solution

Explanation of Solution

The Activity based costing provides various options when implemented they are:

In the calculation, the denominator used can either be actual activity or the budgeted activity.
Another way is that, it combines both the cost of used capacity and also unused capacity in the cost allocation rate.

The most common support cost used is the fixed cost in the short run, when the denominator used is budgeted for the determination of activity based costing rate it will increase the cost allocation rate and decreases the level of activity. When these increase allocation rates are used for determining contract bids and product prices, the company will in turn increase the price for off-setting the increase in the allocation rate. This will result in lower demand and lower activity level and increase the cost rates for the level of activity. This will make a situation where there is no customer left to bear the fixed support cost. This effect is called depth-spiral effect.

To avoid this effect of depth-spiral, it is advised to use practical capacity as the denominator for calculation of activity based costing rates. It refers to the cost that will be incurred without creating any kind of delays or overtime in the production.

3.

To determine

Calculate the following for the support activity.

3.

Expert Solution

Explanation of Solution

1) Calculate the support cost rate:

Support cost rate=(Budgeted resource spendingNo. or orders in practical capacity)=($720,00010,000)=$72

Therefore, the support cost rate is $72 per order handled.

2) Calculate the cost of unused capacity:

Cost of unused capacity=(Cost of resources supplied−Cost of resources used)={$720,000−($72 per order×9,000 orders)}=$72,000

Therefore, the cost of unused capacity is $72,000.

3) Calculate the percentage capacity utilization:

Percentage capacity utilization=(Expected ordersActual orders×100)=(9,00010,000×100)=90%

Therefore, the percentage capacity utilization is 90% which is order handling of activity.

The management can take decisions to balance the demand and supply by monitoring the resources that are supplied and the cost incurrent in unused capacity.

The Company Z’s management is of strategic concern as the company is functioning on the basis of differentiating strategy. This makes the management of resources spending much more important. The value of the costs in dollars are high this provides worthy attention to it.

4.

To determine

Calculate the following after implementation of total quality management.

4.

Expert Solution

Explanation of Solution

When the activity based costing rate is calculated on practical capacity, it could be used to increased efficiencies with implementation of total quality management initiative. Before the implementation of TQM, the cost was $72 per order but after the implementation it is $60 which means that the cost has dropped. But however the cost of unused capacity increases from $72,000 in 90% to $180,000 in 75% capacity utilization.

Working notes:

4) For prior to the implementation:

Cost of unused capacity=(Units×ABC rate)=(10,000 units×$72)=$72,000

5) For after implementation:

Cost of unused capacity=(Units×ABC rate)=(3,000 units×$60)=$180,000

6) For capacity utilization:

Prior period:

Prior period utilization=(Budgeted ordersActual orders)=(9,00010,000×100)=90%

After implementation:

After implementation=(Budgeted ordersActual orders×100)=(9,00012,000×100)=75%

5.

To determine

Describe the strategies that are available to managers for reducing the unused capacity.

5.

Expert Solution

Explanation of Solution

The company can take the following steps when faced with unused capacity:

Reduce their spending on resources for support activities.
Develop new means to utilize existing capacity that are presently not used

6.

To determine

Recommend to the management on how the cost of unused capacity must be assigned.

6.

Expert Solution

Explanation of Solution

If the associated capacity were acquired specifically to serve a particular customer or market segment, it is considered logical to assign the given customer or the market segment.

In case the excess capacity came about due to any future expansion plan, the cost of unused capacity must be assigned to the division on priority.

The basic rule specified in this situation is that unused capacity must be costs must be traced back to the place in the organisation where the decision to acquire the associated capacity was made.

Want to see more full solutions like this?

Subscribe now to access step-by-step solutions to millions of textbook problems written by subject matter experts!

Answer 5

Chapter 15, Problem 48P

1.

To determine

State the difference between short term fixed costs and short term variable costs.

1.

Expert Solution

Explanation of Solution

Difference between short term variable costs and short term fixed costs:

Variable	Fixed
In short run, the variable cost will change according to one or more cost drivers.	In short run, the fixed costs are related to the level of capacity in which they are supplied.
Variable cost changes when the level of activity changes.	Fixed costs are related more to the level of production rather than level of activity.
These costs are incurred as and when needed.	These cost are incurred on time in a given period
Example: Salary based on piecework	Example: Engineering salaries

Table (1)

For most of organizations today, the suitable support cost is short term fixed. There are few costs that are spent regardless of the demand; this will make way for a managerial challenge of how to manage the demand and supply on spending for support costs. With proper implementation of Activity Based Costing they show the management the amount of cost incurred.

2.

To determine

Describe the data that should be used to calculate the cost of handling a customer order.

2.

Expert Solution

Explanation of Solution

The Activity based costing provides various options when implemented they are:

In the calculation, the denominator used can either be actual activity or the budgeted activity.
Another way is that, it combines both the cost of used capacity and also unused capacity in the cost allocation rate.

The most common support cost used is the fixed cost in the short run, when the denominator used is budgeted for the determination of activity based costing rate it will increase the cost allocation rate and decreases the level of activity. When these increase allocation rates are used for determining contract bids and product prices, the company will in turn increase the price for off-setting the increase in the allocation rate. This will result in lower demand and lower activity level and increase the cost rates for the level of activity. This will make a situation where there is no customer left to bear the fixed support cost. This effect is called depth-spiral effect.

To avoid this effect of depth-spiral, it is advised to use practical capacity as the denominator for calculation of activity based costing rates. It refers to the cost that will be incurred without creating any kind of delays or overtime in the production.

3.

To determine

Calculate the following for the support activity.

3.

Expert Solution

Explanation of Solution

1) Calculate the support cost rate:

Support cost rate=(Budgeted resource spendingNo. or orders in practical capacity)=($720,00010,000)=$72

Therefore, the support cost rate is $72 per order handled.

2) Calculate the cost of unused capacity:

Cost of unused capacity=(Cost of resources supplied−Cost of resources used)={$720,000−($72 per order×9,000 orders)}=$72,000

Therefore, the cost of unused capacity is $72,000.

3) Calculate the percentage capacity utilization:

Percentage capacity utilization=(Expected ordersActual orders×100)=(9,00010,000×100)=90%

Therefore, the percentage capacity utilization is 90% which is order handling of activity.

The management can take decisions to balance the demand and supply by monitoring the resources that are supplied and the cost incurrent in unused capacity.

The Company Z’s management is of strategic concern as the company is functioning on the basis of differentiating strategy. This makes the management of resources spending much more important. The value of the costs in dollars are high this provides worthy attention to it.

4.

To determine

Calculate the following after implementation of total quality management.

4.

Expert Solution

Explanation of Solution

When the activity based costing rate is calculated on practical capacity, it could be used to increased efficiencies with implementation of total quality management initiative. Before the implementation of TQM, the cost was $72 per order but after the implementation it is $60 which means that the cost has dropped. But however the cost of unused capacity increases from $72,000 in 90% to $180,000 in 75% capacity utilization.

Working notes:

4) For prior to the implementation:

Cost of unused capacity=(Units×ABC rate)=(10,000 units×$72)=$72,000

5) For after implementation:

Cost of unused capacity=(Units×ABC rate)=(3,000 units×$60)=$180,000

6) For capacity utilization:

Prior period:

Prior period utilization=(Budgeted ordersActual orders)=(9,00010,000×100)=90%

After implementation:

After implementation=(Budgeted ordersActual orders×100)=(9,00012,000×100)=75%

5.

To determine

Describe the strategies that are available to managers for reducing the unused capacity.

5.

Expert Solution

Explanation of Solution

The company can take the following steps when faced with unused capacity:

Reduce their spending on resources for support activities.
Develop new means to utilize existing capacity that are presently not used

6.

To determine

Recommend to the management on how the cost of unused capacity must be assigned.

6.

Expert Solution

Explanation of Solution

If the associated capacity were acquired specifically to serve a particular customer or market segment, it is considered logical to assign the given customer or the market segment.

In case the excess capacity came about due to any future expansion plan, the cost of unused capacity must be assigned to the division on priority.

The basic rule specified in this situation is that unused capacity must be costs must be traced back to the place in the organisation where the decision to acquire the associated capacity was made.

Answer 6

Chapter 15, Problem 48P

1.

To determine

State the difference between short term fixed costs and short term variable costs.

1.

Expert Solution

Explanation of Solution

Difference between short term variable costs and short term fixed costs:

Variable	Fixed
In short run, the variable cost will change according to one or more cost drivers.	In short run, the fixed costs are related to the level of capacity in which they are supplied.
Variable cost changes when the level of activity changes.	Fixed costs are related more to the level of production rather than level of activity.
These costs are incurred as and when needed.	These cost are incurred on time in a given period
Example: Salary based on piecework	Example: Engineering salaries

Table (1)

For most of organizations today, the suitable support cost is short term fixed. There are few costs that are spent regardless of the demand; this will make way for a managerial challenge of how to manage the demand and supply on spending for support costs. With proper implementation of Activity Based Costing they show the management the amount of cost incurred.

Answer 7

Chapter 15, Problem 48P

1.

To determine

State the difference between short term fixed costs and short term variable costs.

Answer 8

1.

Expert Solution

Explanation of Solution

Difference between short term variable costs and short term fixed costs:

Variable	Fixed
In short run, the variable cost will change according to one or more cost drivers.	In short run, the fixed costs are related to the level of capacity in which they are supplied.
Variable cost changes when the level of activity changes.	Fixed costs are related more to the level of production rather than level of activity.
These costs are incurred as and when needed.	These cost are incurred on time in a given period
Example: Salary based on piecework	Example: Engineering salaries

Table (1)

For most of organizations today, the suitable support cost is short term fixed. There are few costs that are spent regardless of the demand; this will make way for a managerial challenge of how to manage the demand and supply on spending for support costs. With proper implementation of Activity Based Costing they show the management the amount of cost incurred.

Answer 9

1.

Expert Solution

Answer 10

1.

Expert Solution

Answer 11

Expert Solution

Answer 12

2.

To determine

Describe the data that should be used to calculate the cost of handling a customer order.

2.

Expert Solution

Explanation of Solution

The Activity based costing provides various options when implemented they are:

In the calculation, the denominator used can either be actual activity or the budgeted activity.
Another way is that, it combines both the cost of used capacity and also unused capacity in the cost allocation rate.

The most common support cost used is the fixed cost in the short run, when the denominator used is budgeted for the determination of activity based costing rate it will increase the cost allocation rate and decreases the level of activity. When these increase allocation rates are used for determining contract bids and product prices, the company will in turn increase the price for off-setting the increase in the allocation rate. This will result in lower demand and lower activity level and increase the cost rates for the level of activity. This will make a situation where there is no customer left to bear the fixed support cost. This effect is called depth-spiral effect.

To avoid this effect of depth-spiral, it is advised to use practical capacity as the denominator for calculation of activity based costing rates. It refers to the cost that will be incurred without creating any kind of delays or overtime in the production.

Answer 13

2.

To determine

Describe the data that should be used to calculate the cost of handling a customer order.

Answer 14

2.

Expert Solution

Explanation of Solution

The Activity based costing provides various options when implemented they are:

In the calculation, the denominator used can either be actual activity or the budgeted activity.
Another way is that, it combines both the cost of used capacity and also unused capacity in the cost allocation rate.

The most common support cost used is the fixed cost in the short run, when the denominator used is budgeted for the determination of activity based costing rate it will increase the cost allocation rate and decreases the level of activity. When these increase allocation rates are used for determining contract bids and product prices, the company will in turn increase the price for off-setting the increase in the allocation rate. This will result in lower demand and lower activity level and increase the cost rates for the level of activity. This will make a situation where there is no customer left to bear the fixed support cost. This effect is called depth-spiral effect.

To avoid this effect of depth-spiral, it is advised to use practical capacity as the denominator for calculation of activity based costing rates. It refers to the cost that will be incurred without creating any kind of delays or overtime in the production.

Answer 15

2.

Expert Solution

Answer 16

2.

Expert Solution

Answer 17

Expert Solution

Answer 18

3.

To determine

Calculate the following for the support activity.

3.

Expert Solution

Explanation of Solution

1) Calculate the support cost rate:

Support cost rate=(Budgeted resource spendingNo. or orders in practical capacity)=($720,00010,000)=$72

Therefore, the support cost rate is $72 per order handled.

2) Calculate the cost of unused capacity:

Cost of unused capacity=(Cost of resources supplied−Cost of resources used)={$720,000−($72 per order×9,000 orders)}=$72,000

Therefore, the cost of unused capacity is $72,000.

3) Calculate the percentage capacity utilization:

Percentage capacity utilization=(Expected ordersActual orders×100)=(9,00010,000×100)=90%

Therefore, the percentage capacity utilization is 90% which is order handling of activity.

The management can take decisions to balance the demand and supply by monitoring the resources that are supplied and the cost incurrent in unused capacity.

The Company Z’s management is of strategic concern as the company is functioning on the basis of differentiating strategy. This makes the management of resources spending much more important. The value of the costs in dollars are high this provides worthy attention to it.

Answer 19

3.

To determine

Calculate the following for the support activity.

Answer 20

3.

Expert Solution

Explanation of Solution

1) Calculate the support cost rate:

Support cost rate=(Budgeted resource spendingNo. or orders in practical capacity)=($720,00010,000)=$72

Therefore, the support cost rate is $72 per order handled.

2) Calculate the cost of unused capacity:

Cost of unused capacity=(Cost of resources supplied−Cost of resources used)={$720,000−($72 per order×9,000 orders)}=$72,000

Therefore, the cost of unused capacity is $72,000.

3) Calculate the percentage capacity utilization:

Percentage capacity utilization=(Expected ordersActual orders×100)=(9,00010,000×100)=90%

Therefore, the percentage capacity utilization is 90% which is order handling of activity.

The management can take decisions to balance the demand and supply by monitoring the resources that are supplied and the cost incurrent in unused capacity.

The Company Z’s management is of strategic concern as the company is functioning on the basis of differentiating strategy. This makes the management of resources spending much more important. The value of the costs in dollars are high this provides worthy attention to it.

Answer 21

3.

Expert Solution

Answer 22

3.

Expert Solution

Answer 23

Expert Solution

Answer 24

4.

To determine

Calculate the following after implementation of total quality management.

4.

Expert Solution

Explanation of Solution

When the activity based costing rate is calculated on practical capacity, it could be used to increased efficiencies with implementation of total quality management initiative. Before the implementation of TQM, the cost was $72 per order but after the implementation it is $60 which means that the cost has dropped. But however the cost of unused capacity increases from $72,000 in 90% to $180,000 in 75% capacity utilization.

Working notes:

4) For prior to the implementation:

Cost of unused capacity=(Units×ABC rate)=(10,000 units×$72)=$72,000

5) For after implementation:

Cost of unused capacity=(Units×ABC rate)=(3,000 units×$60)=$180,000

6) For capacity utilization:

Prior period:

Prior period utilization=(Budgeted ordersActual orders)=(9,00010,000×100)=90%

After implementation:

After implementation=(Budgeted ordersActual orders×100)=(9,00012,000×100)=75%

Answer 25

4.

To determine

Calculate the following after implementation of total quality management.

Answer 26

4.

Expert Solution

Explanation of Solution

When the activity based costing rate is calculated on practical capacity, it could be used to increased efficiencies with implementation of total quality management initiative. Before the implementation of TQM, the cost was $72 per order but after the implementation it is $60 which means that the cost has dropped. But however the cost of unused capacity increases from $72,000 in 90% to $180,000 in 75% capacity utilization.

Working notes:

4) For prior to the implementation:

Cost of unused capacity=(Units×ABC rate)=(10,000 units×$72)=$72,000

5) For after implementation:

Cost of unused capacity=(Units×ABC rate)=(3,000 units×$60)=$180,000

6) For capacity utilization:

Prior period:

Prior period utilization=(Budgeted ordersActual orders)=(9,00010,000×100)=90%

After implementation:

After implementation=(Budgeted ordersActual orders×100)=(9,00012,000×100)=75%

Answer 27

4.

Expert Solution

Answer 28

4.

Expert Solution

Answer 29

Expert Solution

Answer 30

5.

To determine

Describe the strategies that are available to managers for reducing the unused capacity.

5.

Expert Solution

Explanation of Solution

The company can take the following steps when faced with unused capacity:

Reduce their spending on resources for support activities.
Develop new means to utilize existing capacity that are presently not used

Answer 31

5.

To determine

Describe the strategies that are available to managers for reducing the unused capacity.

Answer 32

5.

Expert Solution

Explanation of Solution

The company can take the following steps when faced with unused capacity:

Reduce their spending on resources for support activities.
Develop new means to utilize existing capacity that are presently not used

Answer 33

5.

Expert Solution

Answer 34

5.

Expert Solution

Answer 35

Expert Solution

Answer 36

6.

To determine

Recommend to the management on how the cost of unused capacity must be assigned.

6.

Expert Solution

Explanation of Solution

If the associated capacity were acquired specifically to serve a particular customer or market segment, it is considered logical to assign the given customer or the market segment.

In case the excess capacity came about due to any future expansion plan, the cost of unused capacity must be assigned to the division on priority.

The basic rule specified in this situation is that unused capacity must be costs must be traced back to the place in the organisation where the decision to acquire the associated capacity was made.

Answer 37

6.

To determine

Recommend to the management on how the cost of unused capacity must be assigned.

Answer 38

6.

Expert Solution

Explanation of Solution

If the associated capacity were acquired specifically to serve a particular customer or market segment, it is considered logical to assign the given customer or the market segment.

In case the excess capacity came about due to any future expansion plan, the cost of unused capacity must be assigned to the division on priority.

The basic rule specified in this situation is that unused capacity must be costs must be traced back to the place in the organisation where the decision to acquire the associated capacity was made.