Problem: The following estimates are available for George Manufacturing for 2004:
George Manufacturing
Estimated Manufacturing Overhead
For the year Ended December 31, 2004
Production machine setup $75,000
Production machine depreciation 240,000
Quality testing 25,000
Other overhead cost 150,000
Total manufacturing overhead $490,000
Estimated Overhead Activities
For the Year Ended December 31, 2004
Number of machine setups 100
Number of machine hours $200
Number of tests performed 5,000
Number of direct labor hours 16,000
The following information is available for production of two products, the AA1 and the BB2:
AA1 BB2
Selling price per unit $2.40 $3.25
Number of units produced 10,000 500
Total direct material cost 5,000 $250
Total direct labor cost $6,000 $320
Number of machine setups 1 1
Number of machines hours 100 5
Number of tests performed 100 50
Numbers of direct labor hours 400 20
George Manufacturing uses a traditional overhead allocation system. Manufacturing overhead is allocated based on direct labor hours. George Manufacturing's sales manager has submitted a proposal that would shift the marketing focus to low-volume products such as the BB2. The proposal is prompted by the higher markups and lack of competition, even at high selling prices.
The company president is concerned that the company's cost per unit may be sending the wrong message. He recently learned of activity based costing and wonders if it might help. Assume that you are a member of a work team that has been assigned to review the situation.
Required to do :
Question 1: Determine the per unit cost for AA1 and BB2 using direct labor hours as the allocation base for all manufacturing overhead cost.
Question 2: Determine the per unit for AA1 and BB2 using activity-based costing to allocate manufacturing overhead cost. (Note: Allocate other overhead cost based on direct labor hours.)
Question 3: Discuss the marketing manager's proposal in light of your findings. Discuss what would happen if the marketing manager's sales strategy was adopted.