NATIONAL OPEN UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA

SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT SCIENCES

COURSE CODE: ACC305

COURSE TITLE: COST ACCOUNTING

ACC305 COST ACCOUNTING

Course Code ACC305

Course Title Cost Accounting

Course Writer Dr. Sani Usman Gurowa

University of Abuja,
Abuja, Nigeria.

Programme Leader Dr. O. J. Onwe

National Open University of Nigeria,
Victoria Island, Lagos.

Course Coordinator Dr. S. O. Israel-Cookey

National Open University of Nigeria
Victoria Island, Lagos.

NATIONAL OPEN UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA

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ACC305 COST ACCOUNTING

National Open University of Nigeria

Headquarters
14/16 Ahmadu Bello Way
Victoria Island
Lagos

Abuja Office
No. 5 Dar es Salaam Street
Off Aminu Kano Crescent
Wuse II, Abuja
Nigeria

e-mail: [email protected]
URL: www.nou.edu.ng

Published by:
National Open University of Nigeria 2008

First Printed 2008

ISBN: 978-058-964-3

All Rights Reserved

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ACC305 COST ACCOUNTING

CONTENTS PAGE

Module 1.. 1

Unit 1 Basic Concept of Cost Accounting 1-7

Unit 2 Elements of Cost 8-15
Unit 3 The Methods of Cost Accounting.. 16-21
Unit 4 Purchasing Procedure. 22-37
Unit 5 Stores Routine

Module 2.. 38

Unit 1 Receipts and Issue of Materials.. 38-48

Unit 2 Method of Valuing Materials Issues.. 49-58
Unit 3 Organization for Wages Contest 59-68
Unit 4 Methods of Remuneration and effect on Cost... 69-78
Unit 5 Organization for Overhead Control 79-89

Module 3.. 90

Unit 1 Cost Classification. 90-94

Unit 2 Cost Behaviour... 95-100
Unit 3 Standard Costing 101-105
Unit 4 Cost Ascertainment 106-111
Unit 5 Planning System Concept.. 112-116

Module 4.. 117

Unit 1 Short-Term Operational Planning.. 117-123

Unit 2 Elements of Cost-Materials, Labour, Overhead 124-131
Unit 3 Activity-Based Costing.. 132-138
Unit 4 Measuring Performance in Organization... 139-143

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ACC305 COST ACCOUNTING

MODULE 1

Unit 1 Basic Concept of Cost Accounting

Unit 2 Elements of Cost
Unit 3 The Methods of Cost Accounting
Unit 4 Purchasing Procedure
Unit 5 Stores Routine

UNIT 1 BASIC CONCEPT OF COST ACCOUNTING

CONTENTS

1.0 Introduction
2.0 Objectives
3.0 Main Content
3.1 Basic Concept of Cost Accounting
3.1.1 Meaning of Cost Accounting
3.1.2 Differences between Cost Accounting and
Financial
3.1.3 Essential Elements of Effective Cost Accounting
Information
3.1.4 Cost Classification, Methods and Technique
3.1.3.1Cost Classification
3.1.4.2 Costing Method
3.1.4.3 Cost Technique
3.1.4.4 Fixed and Variable Costs
3.1.4.5Relationship Between Contribution and
Profit
3.1.5 The Importance of Contribution in Decision
Making
4.0 Conclusion
5.0 Summary
6.0 Tutor-Marked Assignment
7.0 References/Further Readings

1.0 INTRODUCTION

When cost accountants speak of cost accounting, they have in mind the
ascertainment of:

a. The cost of manufacturing a product; or

b. The cost of giving a service; or
c. The way in which cost can be controlled.

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ACC305 COST ACCOUNTING

In view of the cost of that is involved in manufacturing, the conversion

of raw materials to finished goods through the utilization of labour and
overhead support, the three basic elements of manufacturing costs are
direct materials, direct labour and manufacturing overhead.

Cost Accounting is defined as the process of collecting, summarizing,

analyzing and reporting in monetary terms tailor made information to
management showing the costs and benefits of pursuing each alternative
course of action open to management.

This first unit of this course will highlight, the purpose of cost
accounting, differences between cost accounting and financial
Accounting, Essential elements of effective cost Accounting
information, cost classification, importance of contribution in Decision
Making Relationship between contribution and profit, Relevant and
irrelevant costs. Eddy (2004:3)

2.0 OBJECTIVES

By the end of this unit, you should be able to:

Define cost accounting

State the purposes of cost Accounting
Distinguish between cost accounting and financial accounting.
Discuss the essential elements of effective cost Accounting
information
Explain the nature of cost classification
Explain the importance of contribution in Decision Making
Describe the relationship between contribution and profit
Define Relevant and irrelevant costs

3.0 MAIN CONTENT

3.1 Basic concept of cost Accounting

3.1.1 Meaning of Cost Accounting

If the objective of an organization is to close down a branch, then cost

accounting should guide management by bringing out the cost and
benefits of such managements action. Cost accounting, therefore, is the
process of collecting, summarizing, analyzing and reporting in monetary
terms tailor made information to management showing the costs and
benefits of pursuing each alternative course of action open to
management. The cost figures that will be useful to management in

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ACC305 COST ACCOUNTING

deciding on long-term pricing strategy will be different from the ones

for short-term pricing, especially, when the firm is operating at capacity.

SELF-ASSESSMENT EXERCISE

Define Cost Accounting?

3.1.2 Define Cost Accounting

1. Cost Accounting Information is meant for the use of internal

decision makers of the business (ie. Management) while financial
Accounting Information is for both Internal and External users.

2. They main objectives of preparing financial Accounting

Information is to enable Management to render accounts of its
stewardship in terms of the profit generated in relation to the
assets invested in the business. On the other hand, the primary
purpose of preparing cost accounting information is to aid
internal decision making in the organization.

3. The preparation of financial Accounting must conform with what

is known as Generally Acceptable Accounting principles
(GAAP) and government regulation.

In Nigeria, the Nigerian Accounting Standard Board (NASB)

issued statements of accounting standards to guide the
preparation of published financial statement of companies
operating in Nigeria. This is in addition to the operating in
Nigeria. This is in addition to the relevant provisions of the 1990
companies and Allied Matter Act (CAMA). Such standardized
rules are necessary to facilitate communication between the
business and the outside world between the business and the
outside world that may wish to compare the information from the
business with that of an entirely different business. There is no
such laid down rule for the preparation of Cost Accounting
Information besides the unwritten rule that the information is
useful enough for the decision that needs to be taken.

4. The primary emphasis of Cost Accounting is segment reporting.

This means that the costs and sales of individual products or parts
of the business are prepared for management in order to know the
profitability of each product or part. In Financial Accounting, the
focus of reporting is on the totality of the business rather than
individual parts.

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ACC305 COST ACCOUNTING

5. Information gathering on Financial Accounting is on what

happened (historical) rather than what is going to happen. While
Cost Accounting Information gathering is both historical basis
and future basis. Historical basis is used for example in
ascertaining cost of material issues to a production department,
the future information aid in decision making.

6. Financial Accounting Information is prepared at a specified

period of time (usually quarterly or yearly) whereas Cost
Accounting Information is prepared only when needed by
management.

SELF-ASSESSMENT EXERCISE

Distinguish between Cost Accounting and Financial Accounting

3.1.4 Essential Elements of Effective Cost Accounting

Information

For Cost Accounting Information provided for management to serve its

role effectively, it should have some essential elements among which
are:

1. The statement containing the information should have appropriate

heading so that the management can know at a glance what the
statement is all about.

2. The officer receiving the report must be the appropriate person

for the decision on hand.

3. The information must be prepared timely if it is to be useful.

4. The cost information sent should be sufficiently accurate if wrong

decision is not to be taken.

5. The information should be clear and concise for easier

understanding.

3.1.5 Cost Classification, Methods and Technique

3.1.5.1 Cost Classification

Cost can be classified in accordance with the purpose for which the cost
is needed. Some of the possible classification includes.

1. Behaviour of the cost in terms of whether it is fixed or variable.

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ACC305 COST ACCOUNTING

2. The relevant or irrelevance of the cost to the decision on hand.

3. Direct or indirect.

3.1.4.2 Costing Method

Is a method of cost as certainment that centres on the business. For a

business that deals with a standardized product made under mass
production methods or through a series of production steps called
processes the appropriate costing method to use in process costing. On
the other hand, where the product made or service rendered is non-
standardized costing method to use in job costing or contract costing.

3.1.4.3 Cost Technique

Costing technique refers to the method used to determine the value of

finished goods. Among these techniques that give different valuation
are:

1. Standard costing
2. Marginal costing
3. Absorption costing.

3.1.4.4 Fixed and Variable Costs

A fixed cost is a cost that remains the same regardless of changes in

level of activity while a variable cost is a cost that increases in direct
proportion to the increase in level of activity. For example, in producing
a one-page handout for a group of students, the cost of the stencil used
for typing the one page is an example of a fixed cost while the cost of
duplicating paper used is a variable cost.

Such goods are sole. The N400 is the contribution per unit rather than
profit per unit. If 1000 units of the article are bought and sold during an
accounting period.

Contribution= 1000 x N400=N400, 000.

If the total fixed cost for the same period is N100, 000 then
Profit=contribution-fixed cost
N400, 000-N100, 000=N300,000

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3.1.4.5 Relationship Between Contribution and Profit

The relationship between contribution and profit can be stated as:

Profit = contribution fixed cost
So that contribution = profit = fixed cost

This means that there are two ways of looking at contribution

(i) Contribution = sales variable cost

(ii) Contribution = profit + fixed cost.

3.1.5 The Importance of Contribution in Decision Making

Contribution can be defined as the difference between sales and variable

cost of the sales. The more the number of units sold, the greater the
contribution towards the recovery of fixed cost for the period. After the
recovery of fixed cost, any additional contribution made (above the
fixed cost) is known as profit.

The importance of contribution is derived from the fact that it is useful

in a variety of decision like acceptance or rejection of special order,
pricing, addition or deletion of a product line, make or buy and in the
use of scare resource.

To any average business man who is not familiar with accounting,

anytime he acquire an article for say N600 and then sells it for N1000,
his profit per unit is N400. Such notion of profit does take into
consideration of transportation fare rent and electricity for the shop.
Where Exercise 1.1 Discuss briefly the matters you would consider in
planning a costing estimate for a manufacturing company.

A costing estimate must show clearly all the elements of cost involved,
material, labour and overheads, distinguishing between those costs
which are fixed and those which are variable. Marginal technique,
showing contributions to fixed costs are most useful.

If on the other hand, the factory is working at full capacity, extra costs
may be incurred by undertaking additional work, overtime, extra labour
or additional machinery. This must be reflected in the estimates.
Material cost should be entered at current market price. Material in
stock may have cost more or less than this, but any resultant profit or
loss is the result of good or bad buying and should not be reflected in the
estimate.

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ACC305 COST ACCOUNTING

SELF-ASSESSMENT EXERCISE

i. Discuss briefly the matters you would consider in planning a

costing estimate for a manufacturing company
ii. Why do many firms find it advantageous to introduce a system of
cost accounts in addition to the financial accounts?

4.0 CONCLUSION

In this unit, we have discussed generally the basic concept of cost

accounting. We highlighted that cost accounting is the application of
accounting and costing principles, methods and techniques in the
ascertainment of costs and the analysis of savings and/or excess as
compared with previous experience or with standards.

5.0 SUMMARY

This unit introduced cost accounting as a conscious and rational

procedure by accountants for accumulating cost and relating such costs
to specific products or departments for effective management action.
Cost accounting is a set of procedures used in refining raw data into
usable information for management decision making, for ascertainment
of cost of products and services and its profitability.

6.0 TUTOR-MARKED ASSIGNMENT

You have been appointed to install a suitable system of cost accounting

in a small, privately owned factory. State the main criteria which your
system should satisfy, and draft a programme listing the points which
you would consider in your investigation.

7.0 REFERENCES/FURTHER READINGS

Kishore, R.M (2003). Cost Accounting third Edition Tax man Alhed
Services PVT Ltd. New Delhi

Owler, Liwjaid Brown, J.L. (1990). Costing Simplified pitman Ltd.

London.

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ACC305 COST ACCOUNTING

UNIT 2 ELEMENTS OF COST

CONTENTS

1.0 Introduction
2.0 Objectives
3.0 Main Content
3.1 Elements of Cost
3.1.1 The Analysis and Classification of Expenditure
4.0 Conclusion
5.0 Summary
6.0 Tutor-Marked Assignment
7.0 References/Further Readings

1.0 INTRODUCTION

In unit 1, we saw that the subject of cost accounting was intimately

concerned with analyzing the expenditure of a business in great detail.
But in arriving at the cost of production, it is necessary to realize at the
outset that:

(a) not all materials purchased become part of the product;

(b) not all wages incurred related to actual manufacturing operations;
(c) very few expenses indeed can be regarded as being directly part
of the product cost.

In this unit, we shall look at the analysis and classification of

expenditure.

2.0 OBJECTIVES

By the end of this unit, you should be able to:

Explain the classification of costs

Distinguish the different methods of treating cost between
financial accountant and cost accountant
Explain how cost are analyzed

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3.0 MAIN CONTENT

3.1 Element of Cost

3.1.1 The analysis and classification of expenditure.

The main classifications of business expenditure are:

(a) Materials
(b) Wages
(c) Expenses

However there are, two broad divisions to be noted, namely:

Direct Expenditure and Indirect Expenditure

The terms direct and indirect are to be understood as follows:

Direct materials means the cost of materials which enter into and
become part of the product, e.g. the flour in bread, the clay in bricks, the
leather in shoes and the wood in furniture. In some cases, however, it is
not so easy to determine whether a material is to be regarded as direct or
not, and the custom of the trade has to be taken into account or a
decision which appears fair and reasonable in the circumstances has to
be made.

Direct wages means the cost of wages paid to operatives who are
immediately concerned with the manufacture of a product. That is to
say, who does something to the raw material? If the concern is not a
manufacturing business, but instead renders a service, then the term is
related to those employees who directly carry out that service. Example
of direct wages would be those paid to bakers, clay getters, shoemakers,
cabinet-makers, and in the second category, to bus drivers and
conductors and to postmen.

Direct expenses means those expenses incurred which without doubt are
as much a cost of the product as are direct materials. Such might be the
provision of special drawings or the cost of a special pattern. The
amount of such expenses is likely to be relatively small, and the heading
is often ignored with no great disadvantage. The sum of direct
materials, direct wages and direct expenses is known as the prime cost.

Indirect materials, wages, and expenses may be simply be defined as all

expenditure other than that regarded as direct. Although in accountancy
the term Indirect expenses is a common one, and is used in a general
sense. Cost accountants have sought for a term which would definitely

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be understood to be embracive of indirect materials, wages and

expenses. This they have found in the word overhead

Subdivision of overhead

For the sake of classifying overhead suitably, it is sub-divided into:

(a) Production overhead;

(b) Administrative overhead;
(c) Selling overhead;
(d) Distribution overhead;

Production Overhead

This refers to the indirect works expenditure incurred, and it consists of

the three elements i.e indirect materials, indirect labour and indirect
expenses.

(a) Indirect materials

Any materials used in the course of manufacture which either cannot be

traced as part of the product or which are too small in value to be
conveniently measured. Examples of indirect materials are:

! Dustbins
! Soap
! Oil and grease.

In the category of direct materials of minor value which are treated as

indirect, we have for instance; thread used in shoe manufacture; glue
used in the furniture trade;

(b) Indirect labour

The cost of labour employed in the works or factory which is ancillary

to production. Examples are:

! Inspectors;
! Supervisors;
! Workshop cleaners;
! Internal transport staff

(c) Indirect expenses

Expenses incurred by the undertaking which may be either allocated to

the factory or partially apportioned to it. Examples are;

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ACC305 COST ACCOUNTING

! Power, lighting and heating

! Rent and rates
! Water
! Insurance
! Depreciation

It will also include services such as:

! Work canteen;
! Industrial nurse;
! Fire precautions;
! Research.

ADMINISTRATION OVERHEAD

This refers to the expense incurred in the direction, control, and

administration of an undertaking. The same elements of material, labour,
and expenses permeate the headings under this and the remaining two
classifications, but it is not usually necessary to consider them in those
separate categories. Examples of administration overhead are:

Salaries and wages of executives and clerks on the administrative

staff, rent and rates.
Lighting and heating.
Insurance.
Office printing and stationery.

Selling Overhead

This classification comprises the costs incurred in securing orders from

customers for the products dealt in by the concern. Examples are:

! Staff,
! Advertising
! Sales department expenses,
! Samples displays,
! Catalogues.

Distribution Overhead

This consists of all expenditure incurred in handling the product from

the time it is completed in the works until it reaches its destination.
Examples of such expenditure are:

Warehouse wage and salaries

Packing cases

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Loading expenses
Upkeep and running charges of delivery vans.

Illustration

ABC Company, manufacture children toys. Below is there account for

the year ended 31st December, 2004.

MANUFACTURING, TRADING, PROFIT AND LOSS

ST
ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR 31 DECEMBER, 2004

N N
Raw Material consumed 10,000 Manufacturing cost
Wages direct 15,000 of 11,000 units of
Prime cost 25,000 product transferred
Factory overhead to stock
Expenses 8,000 33,000
33,000 33,000

Balance brought forward Sales

5,000 unit at N3 15,000 10,000 Units at N5 50,000

Transfer from
Manufacturing account
11,000 units @N3 33,000
48,000
Less closing stock
6,000 @ N3 18,000
30,000
Gross profit c/d 20,000
50,000 50,000

Administration N N
Expenses (detailed) 5,000 Gross profit b/d 20,000
Selling expenses
(detailed) 3,000
Distribution expenses
(detailed) 2,000

Net profit 10,000

20,000 20,000

You are required to show the same figures but using the layout and
nomenclature commonly adopted by cost accountants.

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ANSWER TO SELF-ASSESSMENT EXERCISE

Production cost statement year ended December 31st

Production 11,000 units

Total cost cost per unit
Prime cost
Direct material N10,000
Direct wages N15,000
Direct expenses - N25,000 N2.27

Production overhead
Indirect material -
Indirect wages -
Indirect expenses N8,000 N,000 N.73
N,000 N.00

Cost of Sales

Year ended December 31 Sales 10,000 units

N
Production cost of sales 30,000
Administration overhead 5,000
Selling overhead 3,000
Distribution overhead 2,000
Total cost of sales N,000

Cost Accounting Profit and Loss Account

N N
Cost of Sales 40,000 Sales 50,000
Profit 10,000
50,000 50,000

SELF-ASSESSMENT EXERCISE

i. What do you understand by the term Integrated accounting and

what advantages does it present compared to other systems of
cost and financial accounting?
ii. What is the prime purpose of a cost statement, and what rules
should be borne in mind in its preparation?

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ANSWER TO SELF-ASSESSMENT EXERCISE

1 Integrated accounting means that the cost accounting system is

integrated with the normal financial accounts. The financial
accounts of a business are kept to record the firms position in
relation to third parties, and to meet statutory requirements
imposed by the companies. Acts and the Income Tax Acts. etc.

Cost accounts are maintained to analyze in detail the statistics

shown in the financial accounts, so as to reveal expense and
profit by products and sections of the firm. The cost accounts are
seldom the concern of third parties, but are intended to assist
management in their day-to-day running of the business.

Integration of the two systems into the financial accounts is

sometimes found to be convenient. This has the merit of saving
clerical cost and avoids the need for reconciliation, but in the
design of integrated accounts, it must be ensured that figures are
available under the conventional financial headings, for purposes
of published accounts, tax return etc.

2 The prime purpose of a cost statement is to inform management,

quickly and clearly of events upon which they may have to take
action. Rules to be borne in mind in preparing such statements
are the following:

(i) It must be clearly headed so as to show at a glance what it

is about
(ii) It must be dated and show clearly the period it covers
(iii) Presentation should be clear and kept to minimum,
detailed figures being given in appendixes
(iv) Approximations may make the statement clearer, i.e by
rounding off to the nearest naira or hundred naira and
speed up preparation.
(v) The unit cost is often more informative whenever
appropriate
(vi) Show clearly to whom the report is rendered and the name
of the person or persons making it. Reports should
preferably be signed.

4.0 CONCLUSION

The primary emphasis of cost accounting is segment reporting. This

means that the costs and sales of individual products or parts of the
business are prepared for management in order to know the profitability
of each product or part.

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5.0 SUMMARY

The elements of cost can be studied under the classification: Direct and
Indirect costs. If the object of interest for identifying and measuring
cost is to determine how much sacrifice is involved in manufacturing a
particular product, then initially one can define the three elements of
total costs, Materials, labour and Expenses. The concepts of direct and
indirect costs are meaningless without identification of the relevant cost
unit or cost centre.

6.0 TUTOR-MARKED ASSIGNMENT

S. Babas Ltd manufactures a single product. Below is a summary of the

manufacturing and other records for the three months ended 30th
September.

June 30 Sept 30
(N) (N)
Sales 29,000
Raw material consumed 8,300
Factory wages 5,500
Factory heat, power and light 1,500
Factory expenses 2,000

Stocks:
Raw materials 900 700
Finished product 7,820 -
(1,200 tonnes) (800 tonnes)

Production for the three months was 2,000 tonnes. Stock of finished
product on 30th September is to be valued at a prime cost of output for
the three months to that date. Prepare an operating Account for the three
months to show:

1. Factory cost per tonne of output for each item of cost given above
2. Per cost manufacturing profit to sales
3. Average selling price per tonne of sales (to nearest N)

7.0 REFERENCES/FURTHER READINGS

Owler, L.W.J. and Brown, J.L. (1990). Costing Simplified, Pitman Ltd.
London

Walker, C. (1982). Principles of Cost Accounting Pitman Press, Bath

Great Britain.

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UNIT 3 THE METHODS OF COST ACCOUNTING

CONTENTS

1.0 Introduction
2.0 Objectives
3.0 Main Content
3.1 Method of Cost Accounting
3.1.1 Method of Ascertaining Actual Costs
3.1.2 Special Systems
3.1.3 Cost plus Costing
4.0 Conclusion
5.0 Summary
6.0 Tutor-Marked Assignment
7.0 References/Further Readings

1.0 INTRODUCTION

The general principles of cost accounting are the same in every system
but the methods of collating and presenting costs may vary with the type
of production to be costed.

Basically, there are two types of cost accounting methods and these are:

(a) Job cost or production order cost;

(b) Process cost or unit cost.

In this unit, we shall look at the various methods of ascertaining actual

cost, special systems and cost plus costing.

2.0 OBJECTIVES

By the end of this unit, you should be able to:

Understand the various methods of ascertaining systems

Explain the nature of special costing systems
Describe the method of cost accounting which is very
infrequently used in industry.

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3.0 MAIN CONTENT

3.1 The Methods of Cost Accounting

3.1.1 Methods of Ascertaining Actual costs

From the two types of cost accounting methods, eight methods of
ascertaining actual cost may be identified. These methods have emerged
because peculiarities of certain kinds of production have resulted in the
adoption of variations in procedure. They are briefly defined below;

(a) Job costing

This is sometimes referred to as terminal costing; it also includes

contract costing. This method is used to cost jobs or contracts that are
kept separate during manufacture or construction. It is applicable, for
instance, to job order work in factories and work by contractors,
builders, constructional engineers, shipbuilders, printers, municipal
engineers, garages, film studies etc. The unit of cost is the job, order, or
contract, and the accounts show the cost of each order.

(b) Batch Costing

This is a form of job costing, a convenient batch of production being

treated as a job. Each batch is separately costed from which unit costs
are determined for the units produced. It is useful for biscuit factories,
bakeries e.t.c

(c) Unit Costing

This was formerly known as output or single costing. It is a method of

costing by unit of production where manufacture is continuous and the
units are identical, or may be made so by means of ratios. It may be
employed in conjunction with batch, operation, or process costing, and
is suitable for such undertakings as collieries, quarries, flour-mills, steel-
works, paper-mills, breweries etc. in all of which there is a standard or
natural unit of production. It is also used in municipal costing.

Examples of suggested units of cost in certain industries are as follows:

Industry Unit of cost Industry Unit of cost

Steel-works Tonne if steel Copper-mines Tonne of copper
Quarries Tonne of stonne Paper-Mill Tonne (or per kilogram)
Collieries Tonne of coal Textile factory Metre of material
Milling Sack of flour Brick-making Thousand bricks
Breweries Barrel of beer Spinning-mill Kilogram of yarn

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ACC305 COST ACCOUNTING

In effect, when all the units produced are identical, the cost per unit is
ascertained by finding the total expenditure and dividing by the number
of units produced in a given period.

(d) Operating Costing

This is unit costing as applied to the costing of services, such as those

afforded by railways, motor-coaches, carriers, electricity supply and
water undertakings. For example, in the case of the transport services
mentioned, it may be desired to know the cost per kilometre, per tonne,
per passenger, or the cost per tonne/km, per passenger/km, per
parcel/km etc.

(e) Operating Costing

This is method of unit costing by operations in connection with mass

production and repetitive production. It is particularly useful where the
production is put in large quantities of standardized units, as is usually
necessary to ensure working at minimum cost. There is usually an
uninterrupted flow of production, and the work is dividend up into as
many operations as are convenient, thus obtaining the fullest advantage
of division of labour to ensure maximum output at each operation. In
this method, the cost per unit is found for each operation and at also for
the finished unit. It is used in industries such as motor cars, radio and
aero planes.

(f) Process Costing

This is sometimes referred to as continuous or average costing. This is a

method of costing production by processes in which:

(a) The product of the process becomes the material of a subsequent

process;
(b) The different products and by-product (if any, are produced
simultaneously at the same process;
(c) The products, differing only in shape or form on completion, are
not separately distinguishable from one another during one or
more process of manufacture. Typical industries for which the
method is suitably are concerned with chemicals, textiles, foods,
paints and varnishes, etc. The cost of each process, and the cost
per unit at each stage are usually shown by the accounts. In
simple process accounts the findings of the cost per unit at each
process is similar to the procedure used in unit costing referred to
above. This is discussed further in Module 4 unit 2.

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7. Multiple costing

This is sometimes referred to as composite costing. It is used when

there are a variety of component parts separately produced.

8. Departmental Costing

This is a method of ascertaining the cost of operating a department or

cost centre. This is frequently necessary because of the need of control
of expenditure in a department, e.g. the cost of running a research
department, or because of the desire to allocate the costs of a department
to another department or cost unit, e.g. the allocation of the inspection
department costs to production departments or the allocation of costs the
stores to various contracts.

3.1.2 Special Systems

The nature of the product will determine which of the eight methods will
be adopted in any business. However, in addition to these methods,
mention should be made of three other systems which are not
alternatives to those discussed already, but are techniques which may be
adopted for special purposes of control and policy.

1. Uniform Costing

This term refers to the use of a common method of costing for different
undertakings or producers in the same industry. When used in a number
of factories operated under a central control, detailed costs can be
compared and considered with the assurance that the figures under each
heading have been built up on the same basis.

A uniform system may also be adopted by an association or federation

of manufacturers in an industry, not usually for purposes of cost
comparisons, but for guidance of the members and sometimes for joint
action for the benefit of the industry.

2. Marginal Costing

This is concerned particularly with the effect which fixed overhead has
on the running of a business. It is a method interpreting costs of a
product at given volumes of output. It will be apparent that certain
items of cost are, within limits, fixed or constant for each unit produced,
whatever the quantity, but other costs vary according to the output
quantity. A marginal cost is the amount of change in aggregate cost
resulting f5rom an increase or decrease in the volume of output by one
unit of production.

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ACC305 COST ACCOUNTING

3. Standard Costing

This includes the term predetermined costing. Under this method the
actual performance is compared with the predetermined performance,
thus revealing any variance between the two. These variance can then
be investigated, so that, where necessary, management can take the
required action.

3.1.3 Cost plus Costing

Reference may now be made to a method of cost accounting which is

very infrequently used in industry in modern times, except, perhaps, in
the building trade and in firms engaged on Government contracts during
war-time. However, this method was used widely before the
introduction of the more modern techniques which have been outlined
above. Such contracts originated in the building trade, and were costed
by what is known as the cost plus method of costing.

This is a form of costing in connection with contracts placed with

manufacturers or builders on the basis of cost plus an agreed percentage
of profits. The cost refers to direct material, direct labour, and
admissible direct expenses, such as plant hire, transport of plant and
materials, etc. To the cost is added an agreed sum or percentage to
cover overhead expenses and profit.

The method was much used before and during the First World War and
to a lesser extent during the Second World War. Surprisingly enough, it
is still used frequently in the building trade even in the U.S.A. It is
normally used only when there is need for rapid execution of contracts
without waiting for the fixing of definite contract prices. The method is
not regarded as satisfactory in normal circumstance owing to the
possibility of abuse. When the method is used, the accounts are
scrutinized by accountants appointed by the authority which placed the
contracts. The reason for avoiding the use of this system whenever
possible will be obvious after considering the following points.

(a) It is in the contractors interest to run the cost as high as possible,

so that the percentage profit which is calculated on the total cost
will be high.
(b) There is a great possibility of collusion between the contractors
and any sub-contractors or merchants supplying materials or
services.
(c) Inefficiency may be encouraged, resulting in overtime being
necessary to complete the contract in time. This is beneficial to
the employees, who receive larger pay packets, and to the

20
ACC305 COST ACCOUNTING

employers, who receive larger profit. Ironically, the contract may

even be happy because the job is completed in time.

However, expedient this method may be, and in some circumstances it

may be the only possible method, it cannot be considered scientific
costing.

SELF-ASSESSMENT EXERCISE

i. Discuss briefly the matters you would consider in planning a

costing estimate for a manufacturing company.
ii. Describe briefly the different methods of costing known to you
and the type of product to which they are respectively applicable.

4.0 CONCLUSION

The job cost method necessitates a very detailed cost analysis, but the
resulting cost information is relatively accurate. On the other hand, the
process cost method is not nearly so detailed, the cost per unit being
ascertained by averaging the actual costs incurred over the period in
question.

5.0 SUMMARY

This unit treated the methods of ascertaining Actual cost in detail. We

also discussed the special system and cost plus costing.

6.0 TUTOR MARKED ASSIGNMENT

An existing cost system lacks the essential aspects of cost control. List
the main matters to be introduced to make good the systems
deficiencies.

7.0 REFERENCES/FURTHER READINGS

Owler, L.W.J and Brown, J.L (1990). Costing Simplified, pitman Ltd
London

Walker, C.J. (1982). Principles of Cost Accounting, pitman Bath

London.

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ACC305 COST ACCOUNTING

UNIT 4 PURCHASING PROCEDURE

CONTENTS

1.0 Introduction
2.0 Objectives
3.0 Main Content
3.1 Purchasing Procedure
3.1.1 Organization in the Purchasing Department
3.1.2 The Purchase of Materials
4.0 Conclusion
5.0 Summary
6.0 Tutor-Marked Assignment
7.0 References/Further Readings

1.0 INTRODUCTION

In practically all business organizations large sums of money are

invested in raw materials, parts, supplies, finished goods, and
equipment. In many large companies the cost of materials is more than
50% of the sales value, which follows, therefore, that the profitability of
a company may be determined to a considerable extent by the efficient
operation of the purchasing department.

In this unit, attention will be directed towards the procedure of

purchases and maintaining an efficient purchasing department.

2.0 OBJECTIVES

By the end this unit, you should be able to:

Describe the organization of a purchasing department.

Explain the various procedures in the purchasing department.
Explain the use of purchase requisition and purchase order.
Describe the use of core numbers for purchase of materials.
Describe the use of goods received note.

3.0 MAIN CONTENT

3.1 Purchasing Procedure

By the introduction of proved purchasing procedures, the high cost of

investment in purchases can be reduced and savings effected in such
items as obsolescence, pilfering and stock shortages.

22
ACC305 COST ACCOUNTING

Briefly, the objectives of the purchasing department are to procure

goods and services of the right quality, in the right quantity, at the right
time, in the right place, and at the right price.

3.1.1 Organization in the Purchasing Department

In each industry and in different works within an industry the detailed

organization will vary according to particular conditions and ideas, but
the general procedure and principles outlined in this unit may be
regarded as typical, although particularly suitable for an engineering or
similar factory. The forms used as illustrations are based on some
actually in use, but again will vary in ruling and wording to suit
particular needs.

A large engineering firm will require an efficient purchasing

department, while, on the other hand, a small concern may have all
functions, including purchasing, carried out by the owner. However, it
is essential that in any company, whether large or small, only one person
or one department should be authorized to place orders with suppliers,
otherwise purchase orders may be duplicated.

The head of the department is usually designated as chief buyer or

purchasing agent. In a large manufacturing business he has considerable
responsibility, because much money can be lost or saved by his
department. He requires a good technical knowledge of the industry and
a large measure of administrative and organizing ability; he must keep in
constant touch with market prices, reports, and market tendencies, and
have a working knowledge of contract law and procedure, together with
a practical understanding of the principles of economic laws.

In some large businesses buying has been decentralized; in other words,

each department is responsible for its own purchasing. However, most
businesses operate one buying department, which is usually a very
satisfactory arrangement.

3.1.1.1 Centralized Buying

The advantages of centralized buying are:

(a) a firm policy can be initiated with regard to conditions of
purchasing, e.g. terms of payment;
(b) standardization of articles is facilitated;
(c) expert buying staff is concentrated in one department;
(d) the number of people authorized to make purchase commitments
is reduced;
(e) combined purchasing power may result in reduced prices of
commodities.

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ACC305 COST ACCOUNTING

The disadvantages are:

(a) the creation of a special department may lead to high

administration costs;
(b) the purchasing procedure is much less flexible than that geared to
special departments.

3.1.1.2 Procedure in the Purchasing Department

The buyer should be provided with a schedule of technical specifications

of the materials usually required, each item having a code number which
will be quoted by those issuing purchase requisitions.

The department should keep files suitably indexed, both under the
names of suppliers and materials. Records of prices and quantities for
all materials should be kept in schedule form, arranged to show the
seasonal and other movements of prices.

No purchase should be permitted except of duly authorized purchase

requisitions, but in the case of materials largely and regularly used,
forward contracts may be made after consultation with management.
Where purchase contracts are placed, a record of orders issued against
them and deliveries made should be kept.

3.1.2 The Purchase of Materials

The buyer acts upon requisitions received from the storekeeper for all
stores materials and, in some instances, other requisitions may come
from the engineer, drawing office, or other responsible sources for new
kinds of material not previously stocked, e.g. special materials for a
particular order or new design. Consideration must be given to factors
other than price, viz. to specifications, conditions of delivery, various
charges, times of delivery, terms of payment, and discount.

The purchase requisition (Fig.1) may be routed as follows:

(a) to the purchasing department

(b) to the production control department;
(c) retained in the issuing department.

After the buyer has decided which quotation is most acceptable, a

purchase order (fig. 2) is prepared, which is evidence of the contract
between the buyer and the supplier. The number of copies of the
purchase order which is prepared depends on the organization of the

24
ACC305 COST ACCOUNTING

business: a large concern may use five copies while a small concern may
use only three copies. These may be routed as follows:

(a) to the supplier;

(b) to the receiving department;
(c) to the accounting department;
(d) to the department which initiated the purchase requisition;
(e) retained in the purchasing department.

PURCHASE REQUISITION
Date: 23rd Feb.20 No: 3208
st
Date Required: 1 March, 20 Department: central stores

Quantity Description Stock Code Purchase Supplier

No. Order No.

3,000 50mm x 10mm S.B.23 9790 Universal

steel carriage Bolts supply

Requisitioned by: P.J. Sam Approved by: Sani

Figure 1 Purchase requisition

Requisitions for materials regularly kept in stock might be initiated by

the storekeeper, for other types of materials by the department requiring
them.

Note: The last two columns are completed by the buyer.

The important work of following up deliveries by due date is the duty of

the buyer. For this purpose, the copy purchase order, which is retained
in the department, may be filed in delivery date order as stated on each
copy by the buyer, so that probable daily deliveries may be checked.
Any delays must be followed up by writing to the supplier.

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 ACC305 COST ACCOUNTING

PURCHASE ORDER
No: 9790

From:
M. Sani
Kaduna
To: Universal Supply Our Ref: 3208
Zaira Date: 24th Feb. 20

Please supply, in accordance with the instruction herein, the

following.

Quantity Description Price Unit Delivery

3,000 50mm x 10mm steel N0.10 each 28th Feb.20.

Carriage Bolts

Delivery Ship to: Terms: Account Signed by:

Free Central Stores 5% Monthly No: 57 C. Graeme
Buyer
Account

Figure 2 Purchase order

Care should be taken to ensure that the purchase order specifies the date
and terms of delivery, and the cash discount available if payment is
made within the stipulated period.

3.1.2.1 Use of Code Numbers for Materials

The use of code numbers for identifying each item carried in the stores
is an advantage, not only to the purchasing department and production
control department but also to the stores ledger clerk, in that ambiguity
in description of articles is eliminated and much time and writing is
saved. The code may consist of symbols and numbers, or numbers only.
For example, the symbols B and S could be given to represent brass and
steel; the number following the symbol to identify the size, quality, etc.:
thus, B.0640 for brass screws of the same size.

All standard articles will have identifying symbols and numbers, so the
system will require careful compilation. In practice, storemen, clerks
and draughtsmen find these codes easy to work with, since the code
numbers of the more frequently used materials are readily memorized.
In the cost department the pricing of issued material is facilitated, and
uncertainty as to size and kind of material is avoided.

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ACC305 COST ACCOUNTING

3.1.2.2 Procedure on Receipt of Materials

Delivery notes or advices of dispatch usually accompany deliveries from

suppliers, so these should be directed to the receiving clerk or
storekeeper. Invoices received are passed direct to the accounts
department to be checked for payment.

Materials entering the factory should be unloaded at special receiving

centres. These should be situated as near to the road, railway siding,
canal, or wharf as possible, yet at the same time be accessible from any
part of the factory, so as to minimize handling charges.

The receiving department should receive a copy of the purchase order,

so that, if necessary, arrangement can be made to unload the materials-
special apparatus may be necessary to handle heavy or bulky materials.
However, it is often advisable that this copy should not show quantities
ordered, but only indicate that a shipment of certain materials is
expected; this results in the receiving clerk being obliged to check the
goods physically rather than to rely on data shown on the purchase order
as a guide to quantities received.

Goods should be inspected for quality to ensure that they comply with
any specification which may have been stated on the purchase order. In
may large firms an inspection department is attached to the receiving
department, while in small firms the storekeeper is responsible for
inspection. If any goods are rejected the inspector will enter the reason
for rejection on a special rejection report, so that the buyer is
immediately informed and can contact the supplier.

3.1.2.3 The Goods Received Note

Full particulars of goods received are entered on a goods received note

(Fig. 3). Routing of the goods received note will depend on the
organization.

A suggested routing is:

a) to the purchasing department;

b) to the accounts department;
c) to the department which initiated the purchase requisition;
d) to the stores;
e) Retained in the receiving department.

The completed goods received note is then passed to the official

responsible for approving the goods, who signs the notes and sends
them, with the goods, to the storekeeper. Where the storekeeper is

27
ACC305 COST ACCOUNTING

responsible for receiving and approving goods, he will prepare the goods
received note.

When the purchasing department receives a copy of the goods received

note, together with the receiving clerks copy of the purchasing order,
the order can be marked off in the order book.

GOODS RECEIVED NOTE

From: S. Garwa & Co. G.R. No. 59
Kaduna Date: 5th March 2000

Goods Quantity Packages Order For office use

No. Rate N

4721

Carrier Received Goods Inspection

BR by Report
P.Maman Correct. J. G
Stores
Purchase Noted on Bin Ledger Invoice A/cs. Ref
Requisition Progress No. No.
No. Chart
284 5/621 72 212 360 P.J.84
Figure 3 Goods received note

This note is made out by the receiving department when goods are
received, and is priced by the cost department from copy orders. It
forms the basis of entries in the stores ledger made in advance of receipt
of invoices, with which they are later agreed.

Checking Inward Invoices

Invoices received are numbered consecutively on entry into the invoice

register. The purchasing department clerk enters on it the order number,
goods received note number, and signs for the accuracy of the
particulars ascertained from the copy order and the goods received note.
The copy order retained should be marked with the invoice number and
goods received note number, to preclude the passing of a possible
duplicate invoice. If the invoice is in order, the buyer will sign and pass
it to the accounts department for payment. There, it will be checked to
ensure that any calculations are correct.

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ACC305 COST ACCOUNTING

The invoice is entered in the purchase day book, from which the
suppliers account is credited in the creditors ledger. The total
purchases day book is debited to purchases account in the general ledger
and credited to creditors control account.

SELF-ASSESSMENT EXERCISE

i. Some factories have a main store and a number of departmental

sub-stores. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this
arrangement? How may the level of goods in a sub-store be
maintained and what documents would be required for such
maintenance?
ii. What factors should be taken into account in determining whether
or not to buy increased quantities of materials for stock with
discounts given for large quantities?

4.0 CONCLUSION

The quality required for each purchase is determined by the official

making the purchase requisition and not by the purchasing department.
The importance of buying the right quality lies in the fact that failure to
do so may lead to conflict within the different departments and overall
higher costs to the firm as a whole if the wrong quality is bought.

5.0 SUMMARY

The purchaser is interested basically in four things. These are quality,

quantity, price and delivery date. The best strategy for the purchaser is
to balance these four factors to obtain the exact combination needed at
the most advantageous costs to his firm.

6.0 TUTOR-MARKED ASSIGNMENT

Design (a) a materials requisition; (b) a purchase requisition

7.0 REFERENCES/FURTHER READINGS

Eddy, O.O. (2002). Coping with Cost Accounting Pumark Nigeria

Limited, Lagos.

Owler, L.W.S. and Brown, J.L (1985) Costing simplified, pitman

London

29
ACC305 COST ACCOUNTING

UNIT 5 STORES ROUTINE

CONTENTS

1.0 Introduction
2.0 Objectives
3.0 Main Content
3.1 Stores Routine
3.1.1 Importance and Location of the Stores
3.1.2 The Imprest System
3.1.3 The Storekeeper
3.1.4 Turnover of Stores Materials
4.0 Conclusion
5.0 Summary
6.0 Tutor-Marked Assignment
7.0 References/Further Readings

1.0 INTRODUCTION

In most manufacturing companies, a large part of money invested is

represented by stocks. Serious losses may be suffered in companies
with inefficient stores techniques. Insufficient stocks may result in
costly production hold-ups, or rush shipments may mean increased costs
of production. On the other hand, stocks which are too large result in
capital being tied up unnecessarily, and increased costs of storage and
obsolescence.

In this unit, we shall discuss on the importance of store routine, and the
functions of the storekeeper.

2.0 OBJECTIVES

By the end of this unit, you should be able to:

Discuss the importance of store location.

Discuss the functions of the storekeeper.
Describe the importance of store requisition.
Explain the issue of maintaining a stock level.

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ACC305 COST ACCOUNTING

3.0 MAIN CONTENT

3.1 Stores Routine

3.1.1 Importance and Location of the Stores

The stores in many small firms is often neglected, and it is not realized
that materials represent an equivalent amount of cash. Material
pilferage, deterioration of materials, and careless handling of stores lead
to reduced profits, or even losses, so it is essential that to obtain the
maximum advantage of a cost accounting system, an efficient, well-
equipped stores, be maintained.

3.1.1.1 Location of the Stores

The organization of the stores will depend on the type of industry, size
of the firm, and policy of the management. However, in general, we can
define two types of stores organization central stores and sub-stores.

The location of the stores should be carefully planned so as to ensure

maximum efficiency. It should be as near to the receiving department as
possible, so that haulage charges are at a minimum. At the same time,
there should be easy access to all departments especially to those in
which heavy or bulky materials are to be delivered.

In large factories where there are many departments it is possible that

the stores cannot be situated where it is convenient to deliver to all
departments and at the same time be near to the receiving department, so
it is often necessary to set up sub-stores to serve a particular part of the
organization. The central stores will then issue to the sub-stores the
materials specially required for the department or departments serviced
by the sub-store. It is strongly recommended that the storekeeper of each
sub-store should be responsible to the chief storekeeper. This will ensure
that a uniform policy of buying, storing, and issuing is followed.

Centralized storage

The advantages of operating central stores as compared with sub-stores

are as follows:

(a) economy in staff and concentration of experts in one department;

(b) reduced clerical costs and economy in records and stationery;
(c) better supervision is possible;
(d) staff become acquainted with different types of stores, which is
very useful if anyone is absent from work;
(e) better layout to stores;

31
ACC305 COST ACCOUNTING

(f) inventory checks facilitated;

(g) stocks are kept to a minimum, thus reducing storage space;
(h) fewer obsolete articles;
(i) the amount of capital invested in stock is minimized.

The disadvantages are likely to be:

a) increased transportation costs;

b) the stores may be situated at some distance fro may departments,
thus causing inconvenience and delay;
c) breakdowns in transport or hold-ups in central stores may cause
production stoppages in departments.

3.1.2.1 Layout of the stores

Shelves, racks, bins, etc, should be situated in clearly defined lanes, so

that easy access is possible. In many cases it may be necessary to allow
enough room for the passage of trucks, so white lines should be painted
on the floor, determining the position of storage containers.

3.1.2 The Imprest System

It is sometimes the practice of large organizations to use the imprest

system of stores control, which operates in rather a similar way to a
petty-cash system. For each item in stock a quantity will be determined,
which represents the number of articles which should be on hand at the
beginning of any period. At the end of a period the storekeeper of each
sub-store will requisition from the central stores the number of articles
required to bring the stock up to the predetermined quantity.

For example, let us assume that the imprest amount which has been set
for a material is 1,000 units. During the week ending 28th July, issues of
the material have reduced the stock to 280 units. The sub-storekeeper
would issue a requisition from the central storekeeper for 720 units to
ensure that at the beginning of the next week 1,000 units are in stock.

3.1.3 The Storekeeper

The stores should be under the control of one person, who may be
known as the storekeeper, chief storekeeper, or stores superintendent.
He should be a man of wide experience in stores routine, able to
organize the operation of the stores, of undoubted integrity, and capable
of controlling men under his authority.

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ACC305 COST ACCOUNTING

His duties and responsibilities may be as follows:

a) maintaining the stores in a tidy manner;

b) accepting materials into the stores, after having ascertained that
the delivery complies with specifications detailed on the purchase
order, goods received note, or stores debit note;
c) correct positioning of all materials in store;
d) checking the bin card balance with the physical quantities in the
bins;
e) requisitioning further supplies from the purchasing department
when the recorder level is reached on any materials;
f) preventing unauthorized persons entering the stores;
g) issuing materials against authorized stores requisition notes;
h) advising management of obsolete or slow moving stocks.

Requisitioning for stores

The storekeeper is guided when requisitioning for stores, by the
maximum and minimum quantity which he is authorized to store in
respect of each kind of material, and the recorder level.
The maximum stock is fixed by taking into account such aspects
as:
a) rate of consumption of the materials;
b) time necessary to obtain new supplies;
c) finance-if stocks are unnecessarily high, capital is locked up
which could probably be otherwise employed;
d) storage space-the provision of, and cost of, maintaining the
necessary storage room must be considered;
e) possibility of loss by evaporation, deterioration, etc.;
f) extent to which price fluctuation may be important;
g) risks of changing specifications and obsolescence;
h) Seasonal considerations as to both price and availability of
supplies, e.g. market shortages;
i) Economic ordering quantities

The minimum stock is fixed by taking into account:

a) rate of consumption of the material;
b) time necessary to obtain delivery of supplies.

The reordering level is the quantity fixed between the maximum and
minimum stock figures, at which time it is essential to initiate purchase
requisitions for new supplies of the material. This level will usually be
slightly higher than the minimum stock figure, so as to cover such
emergencies as abnormal usage of the materials or unexpected delay in
delivery of new supplies.

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ACC305 COST ACCOUNTING

It is fixed by taking into account:

a) rate of consumption of the material;

b) time necessary to obtain new supplies.

Example of the Calculation of Stock Levels

The materials analyst has forecast the following data in respect of

material MS6:

Maximum consumption of material per week: 400 units

Normal consumption of material per week: 300 units
Minimum consumption of material per week: 200 units
Reorder quantity: 2,000 units
Reorder period: 4-6 weeks

Reorder level
Max.C x Max. Rp
400 units x 6 weeks 2,400 units

This level is calculated first, because the maximum and minimum stock
levels both include the reorder level in their formulae. It considers the
longest period of time and the maximum usage of materials which could
be expected.

Minimum stock level

RL (NC x NRP)
2,400 (300 units x 5 weeks) 900 units

This level considers the average or normal consumption expected.

Stocks should not normally fall below this level, but the buffer stock is
maintained in case of emergencies.

Maximum stock level

RL (Min. C x Min. RP) + RQ

2,400 (200 units x 4 weeks) + 2,000, 3,600 units

This level considers the lowest rate of consumption which could be

expected if delivery was received in the shortest possible time. The
addition of the reorder quantity shows the highest point in inventory
which would be allowed. Stocks should never be allowed to rise above
this point without special authority.

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ACC305 COST ACCOUNTING

Average Stock Level

This measure the average level of stock held during an accounting

period. One simple formula which may be used for calculating this level
is as follows:
Max.stock + Min.stock
2
If we use the figures given in the previous example, it is found that the
average stock level is:
3,600 + 900
2 2,250 units

The average stock level is a useful measurement when considering

stores turnover.

3.1.4 Turnover of Stores Materials

It is useful to compare the turnover of different grades and kinds of

materials as a means of detecting stock which does not move regularly,
thus enabling management to avoid keeping capital locked up in
undesirable stocks. It is not an infrequent occurrence for a particular
item of stock to be overlooked for long periods unless means are taken
to prevent such accumulations. The balance of stores, compared with
the total withdrawals, indicates how many times a year the stock is
renewed.

The formula is:

Consumption of materials
Average stock of materials

Examples

A simple trading account of J. Stuart Plc is as follows:

Trading account for the period ending 31st March

Opening stock N8,000 Sales N100,000

Purchases 64,000 Closing stock 12,000
Gross profit 40,000
N,000 N112,000

Stores turnover: N,000

N10,000 6 times per annum

The stores turnover is once every two months, which is quite a

satisfactory rate. It is difficult to generalize, but a turnover of once

35
ACC305 COST ACCOUNTING

every two to three months would be considered satisfactory in most

industries.
Note:

1. Average stock calculation. In this example, there is no mention

of stock levels being maintained, so it is not possible to use the
formula given earlier for average stock. It is therefore necessary
to use another simple formula which is used in situations such as
this:

Opening stock + Closing stock

2
N,000 + N12,000
2

2. Consumption of materials: Opening stock + Purchases Closing

stock.

SELF-ASSESSMENT EXERCISE

i. Use the following figures to calculate each of the levels of:

a) Reorder level
b) Minimum stock level
c) Maximum stock level
d) Average stock level

Normal usage 60 per week

Minimum Usage 20 per week
Maximum usage 100 per week
Recorder period 3 -7 weeks
Recorder quantity 400 per week

ii. Explain why it is frequently found useful in the control of

finished stocks to establish:

Maximum stock levels;

Recorder stock levels; and
Minimum stock levels.

4.0 CONCLUSION

Stores maintenance consists of all costs associated with keeping stock.

The largest component of carrying cost is money tied up in the
inventory. Investing on the stock can has cost the earnings it could have
made, for example, by lending the money out to someone who is willing

36
ACC305 COST ACCOUNTING

to use it for something else and pay interest on it. This is usually referred
to as cost of capital.

5.0 SUMMARY

Materials should not be issued out of store unless materials requisitions

duly signed by authorized persons are presented to the store which can
then be exchanged for the materials requested.

6.0 TUTOR-MARKED ASSIGNMENT

Two components, A and B, are used as follows:

Normal usage 50 per week each

Maximum usage 75 per week each
Minimum usage 25 per week each
Re-order quantity A: 300 B: 500
Re-order period A: 4 to 6 weeks
B: 2 to 4 weeks

Calculate for each component:

1. Re-order level;
2. Minimum level;
3. Maximum level;
4. Average stock level.

7.0 REFERENCES/FURTHER READINGS

Eddy, O. O. (2002). Coping with Cost Accounting, Pumark Nig. Ltd

Lagos.

Owler, L. W. J. and Brown, J. L. (1985). Costing Simplified, Pitman

London.

37
ACC305 COST ACCOUNTING

MODULE 2

Unit 1 Receipts and Issue of Materials

Unit 2 Method of Valuing Materials Issues
Unit 3 Organization for Wages Contest
Unit 4 Methods of Remuneration and effect on Cost
Unit 5 Organization for Overhead Control

UNIT 1 RECEIPT AND ISSUE OF MATERIALS

CONTENTS

1.0 Introduction
2.0 Objectives
3.0 Main Content
3.1 Issue of Materials
3.2 Transfer of Materials
3.3 Bin Cards
3.4 Stores Ledger
3.5 Stores Control
3.5.1 The Perpetual Inventory System
3.5.2 Materials Issued at an Infleze Price
3.5.3 Recording Material Notes
3.1.4 Categories of Stock
3.1.5 Store Expenses
4.0 Conclusion
5.0 Summary
6.0 Tutor-Marked Assignment
7.0 References/Further Readings

1.0 INTRODUCTION

Materials management is concerned basically with planning and control

of material. Control is a process by which events are made to conform
with a plan. Therefore, to control materials, there must be a plan of
actions. Planning focuses on such issues as what to store, where to buy,
when to buy and how much to buy. The items to be stored will be
dictated by the basic functions of the train and the customers it serves.

In this unit, we shall discuss the issues relating to receipt and issue of
material.

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ACC305 COST ACCOUNTING

2.0 OBJECTIVES

By the end of this unit, you shall be able to:

Explain the basic mechanism of receipt and issue of materials in

an organization.
Discuss the methods of keeping stores record.
Describe the methods of stores control and its importance.

3.0 MAIN CONTENT

3.1 Receipt and Issue of Material

Purchased materials are passed into the custody of the storekeeper when
they have examined and approved. Some articles or parts are not
purchased from outside suppliers, but are made in the works. These will
be inspected in the usual course and then passed into stores. It is
desirable that a goods received note be prepared for these articles in
order to keep the accounts uniform. The storekeeper will enter receipt of
goods on a bon., any goods which are rejected and entered on a goods
rejected note, which is sent to the purchasing department. The supplier
will be informed and a debit note will be sent to him.

3.1.1 Issue of Materials

The cost of materials is frequently the largest element of cost in

production, so it is imperative that all stores shall be recorded as
promptly and as accurately as possible. In most companies, the
storekeeper is allowed to issue materials only on presentation of an
authorized materials requisition.

3.1.2 Materials requisition

This document (Fig.4), sometimes termed stores requisition, is an

authorization to the storekeeper to issue raw material, finished parts, or
other types of stock. It is usually signed by the foreman of the
department requiring the materials, but in special cases when extra-large
quantities or very costly materials are needed for production, the
managers signature may be necessary. Frequently the planning or
progress department issues these requisitions to the foreman, who
presents them to the storekeeper as and when required.

The storekeeper will enter the details of the materials requisition on to

the appropriate bin cards and adjust the balances in the stock column.
The note will then be routed to the cost department, where it will be

39
ACC305 COST ACCOUNTING

evaluated from the stores ledger. The stores ledger will be credited in the
appropriate stores account and an entry will be made on the materials
abstract for posting to the debit of the appropriate account in the cost
ledger.

3.1.3 Record

Two records are usually kept of materials received, issued, or

transferred-namely on the bin cards and in the stores ledger. The bin
cards are written up in the stores, but the stores ledger is usually kept in
the cost department or in the stores office. There are three advantages in
this procedure:

a) The storekeeper is required to do the minimum amount of clerical

work.
b) The accounting records are maintained accurately and in a better
condition by an experienced stores clerk than by an assistant in
the stores.
c) A check is provided, in that the balances on the bin cards in the
stores can be compared with the balances in the stores ledger.

MATERIALS REQUISITION
Department: Assembly shop No. 2 No: 1234
Charge to: Job No. P23 Date: 1st March, 20
Quantity Details Stock Weight Rate Amount Notes
Code No. N N
600 50mm
x S.B. 23 - 0.10 6.00 -
10mm
steel
carriage
bolts
Signed by: J. Paul Bin No: 241 Cost Department
Storeman: J. Lewis Priced by: O. T. Ball
Approved by: G. David Stores Ledger: 346 Checked By:
I. A. Smart

Figure 4: Materials requisition

This note is made out by the department requiring materials from stores
or by the production control department. The stores ledger account
concerned is credited and the job or process is debited.

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ACC305 COST ACCOUNTING

3.2 Transfer of Materials

Transfer of materials from one sub-store to another should be recorded

by means of a materials transfer note or a materials requisition note
marked transfer. This note can then be used in the cost department for
making the necessary debit and credit, where transfers are numerous, it
is sometimes the practice to have special columns in the bin cards for
recording the details of the transfer.

MATERIALS TRANSFER NOTE

Issuing Department: Assembly shop No. 2 No: 320
Receiving Department: Assembly shop No. 4 Date: 11th March, 20
Quantity Details Stock Weight Rate Amount Notes
Code No. N N
60 50mm
x S.B. 23 - 0.10 6.00 -
10mm
steel
carriage
bolts
Issued by: G. David Received by: C. Moore Cost department
From Job No: P23 To Job No: R78 Priced by: O. T. Ball
Checked by: I. A. Smart

Figure 5 Materials transfer note

This form is necessary to cover the transfer of material from one job to
another and from one department to another.

Note: The cost department is responsible for pricing.

The transfer of material from one job to another in the factory should be
strictly prohibited unless the procedure is adequately recorded on a
materials transfer note (fig. 5).

Material transfer note

This document records all the necessary data for debiting and crediting
the accounts affected in the cost ledger. Transfers may occur when there
is not enough material in the stores to meet an urgent order, so materials
in another department engaged on less urgent work may be appropriate.
In such a case there must be provision for the reissue of material to the
job from which the result in incorrect costs of the job concerned.

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ACC305 COST ACCOUNTING

Material Issued in Excess of Requirements

Frequently bulk materials has to be issued in excess of the needs of a

particular job. This is the case with sheet iron or steel bars, which in
some instances cannot be cut off to the exact size required in the stores,
and which can be more advantageously operated upon when full size in
the factory. The procedure is to charge out the full quantity issued, and
when the excess is returned to store a materials return note is complete,
signed by the foreman, and handed to the storekeeper.

MATERIALS RETURN NOTE

Issuing Department: Assembly shop No. 2 No: 16
Credit to: Job P23 Date: 12th March, 20
Quantity Details Stock Weight Rate Amount Notes
Code No. N N
120 50mm
x S.B. 23 - 0.10 12.00 -
10mm
steel
carriage
bolts
Signed by: J. Paul Bin No: 241 Cost department
Approved by: G. Priced by: O. T. Ball
David Storeman: J. Lewis Checked by: I. A. Smart
Stores Ledger No. 346

Figure 6: Material Return Note

When excess material is returned to store a form such as this is used to

ensure that the job concerned receives credit for the material, and that
the stores can keep its records correctly.

Materials Return Note

This document (fig. 6), sometimes termed a stores debit note, is an

authorization to return to the storekeeper raw material, finished parts or
other stock no longer required by the factory. These notes may be
produced in the same design as a materials requisition, but may be
printed in red to distinguish them.

On receipt of the note the storekeeper will enter the details on the bin
card and place the goods in the appropriate receptacle; the stores ledger
clerk will debit the appropriate stores account; the cost ledger clerk will
credit the job account for which the goods were returned.

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ACC305 COST ACCOUNTING

3.3 Bin Cards

Materials are stored in appropriate bins, drawers, shelves, or other

receptacles; some are stacked, others racked. For each kind of material a
separate record is kept on a bin card (fig. 7), showing in detail all
receipts and issues. The bin cards thus assist the storekeeper in
controlling the stock position.

BIN CARD

Description. Bin No.

. Code No.
Recorder Quantity. Maximum Stock level
Stores Ledger Fo Minimum Stock level
Recorder level...

Date G.R. Quantity Date M.R. Quantity Quantity Goods on

Order
No. and Audit
Notes

Figure 7: Bin Card

The storekeeper records the movement in and out of the materials under
his control. He should show in the balance column the actual quantity of
the particular material in stock at any time.

Note: G. R. No: Goods received note number.

M. R. No: Materials requisition number.

For each material in store the maximum and minimum quantities to be

carried are stated on the card. These limits, which are determined by the
production control department, from time to time these maxima and
minima will be reviewed and may be altered to suit current
requirements.

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ACC305 COST ACCOUNTING

To facilitate ordering of further supplies, the normal quantity to order is

sometimes stated at the head of the card; this quantity will indicate the
customary market units to as to avoid requisitions for irregular
quantities.

The various receptacles in which materials are stored are numbered, the
bin card for each being similarly numbered. Where identifying code
numbers are used for materials it is advantageous to attach them to the
bin and to quote them on the bin card.

3.4 Stores Ledger

The stores ledger is kept in the cost accounting department. In it is

recorded the same information as the storekeeper records on the bin
cards, but also the money values are shown. Correct stores accounting is
as important as accounting for cash, hence the separation of this clerical
work from the actual handling of the materials in store. The ledger is
usually of the loose-leaf or card type, each account representing an item
of material.

The debit side is prepared from the goods received notes or invoices and
from materials return notes: the credit side either directly from the
materials requisitions or from the abstract summary complied from
them. Additional columns may be shown for materials ordered and for
materials reserved for special jobs.

3.5 Stores Control

3.5.1 The Perpetual Inventory System

This is a method of recording stores balances after every receipt and

issue of materials, so that the balance of stock at any time can be
ascertained immediately. It is often used in conjunction with a system
referred to as continuous inventory, which is a method of making a
physical check on stores balances at frequent, irregular intervals.

The balances of any account in the stores ledger for a particular item of
stock should agree with the balance on the bin card, and a frequent
checking of these dual records should be made as well as of the actual
quantity in stock.

In large stores a system of continuous checking is instituted, a number of

items of materials being counted daily and compared with the bin cards
and stores ledger, by a stores audit clerk. Discrepancies are investigated;
many may be clerical errors, which will be corrected. When, however,
the stock is incorrect an investigation is made, after which any shortage

44
ACC305 COST ACCOUNTING

or surplus is adjusted in the records to make them correspond with the

physical stock. This may be done conveniently by making out a credit
note or debit note, as the case may be, for the difference and then, after
obtaining authority to pass the adjustment through the cost journal,
crediting (or debiting) a stock adjustment account. The balance on that
account is written off direct to profit and loss account at appropriate
times.

The common causes of differences are incorrect entries, breakages,

pilferage, evaporation, breaking bulk, short or over issues, absorption of
moisture, and placing of stores in the wrong bins.

The advantages of the system are as follows:

a) The long and costly work of stocktaking is avoided, and the value
of the stock of materials as shown by the stores ledger can be
obtained quickly for the preparation of a profit and loss account
and balance sheet.
b) A continual, detailed, reliable check on the stores is obtained.
c) Discrepancies are readily discovered and localized, giving an
opportunity for preventing a recurrence in may cases.
d) The moral effect on the staff tends to greater care, and serves as a
deterrent to dishonestly.
e) The audit extends to comparison of the actual stock with the
authorized maxima and minima, thus ensuring that adequate
stocks are maintained within the prescribed limits.
f) The storekeepers duty of attending to replenishments is
facilitated, as he is kept informed of the stock of every kind of
material.
g) The stock being kept within the limits decided upon by the
management, the working capital sunk in stores materials cannot
exceed the amount arranged for.
h) The disadvantages of excessive stocks are avoided, e.g. (i) loss of
interest on capital locked up in stock; (ii) loss through
deterioration; (iii) danger of depreciation in market values; (iv)
risks of obsolescence.
i) It is not necessary to stop production so as to carry out a complete
physical stocktaking.
j) Experienced men can be employed to check the stock regular
intervals.

3.5.2 Materials Issued at an Inflated Price

Wastage of materials frequently occurs in a store due to evaporation,

deterioration in quality, or some similar cause. When this occurs it is

45
ACC305 COST ACCOUNTING

necessary to charge materials issued to production at an inflated price to

ensure that the true cost is recovered.

If 100kg of material is bought at N0.54 per kg, and it is known fron past
experience that the normal wastage of this material is 10%, the charge to
production would be N 54
90 = N 0.60

3.5.3 Recording Material Notes

Goods received notes are priced from orders or invoices, and materials
requisitions are priced from the stores ledger. Materials transfer notes
and materials return notes are priced from the cost ledger. A summary of
the procedure is shown in Fig. 9.

RECORDING

Materials Notes

Goods received notes are priced from orders or invoices materials

requisitions are priced from the stores ledger materials transfer notes are
priced from the cost ledger or cost card.

BIN CARD
IN OUT
Goods Received Materials
Notes Requisitions

Materials Return
Notes

STORES LEDGER COST LEDGER

DR CR DR CR
Goods Materials Materials Materials
Received Requisitions Requisitions Return
Notes Notes

Materials MATERIAL TRANSFER

Return NOTES
Notes

Figure 9: Accounting for Material

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ACC305 COST ACCOUNTING

3.5.4 Categories of Stock

It is usual to keep separate stores for raw materials, finished parts,

finished gods, etc. Definitions of the kinds of stock are as follows:

Raw Material

Primary materials purchased or produced either in a natural or

manufactured condition. Manufactured materials of one industry are
often the raw materials of another, e.g. the finished product of a steel
mill may be the raw materials of an engineering factory.

Work in Progress

This is production that has not yet reached the stage of completion.

Finished parts

These are items or sub-assemblies put into store awaiting final assembly
or sale as spares.

Small tools

In a general engineering factory such tools form a large and valuable

stock, consisting of drills, dies, etc.

3.5.5 Stores Expenses

The expenses involved in operating a store in a large company may be

very high. Usually, the expenses are collected into stores overhead and
charged to production overhead. However, if it can be ascertained that
expenses have been incurred on a specific order or job, then the
expenses may be charged there to as an addition to the cost of materials.
Carriage inwards and handling costs may be treated in a similar way.

SELF-ASSESSMENT EXERCISE

i. Explain the various circumstances under which the issue price of

a stores material may be higher than the last purchase price.
ii. What action would you advise to prevent capital lying idle in
obsolete and slow-moving stocks of material?

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ACC305 COST ACCOUNTING

4.0 CONCLUSION

The re-order level quantity often referred to as the economic order

quantity is the quantity ordered in normal circumstances. It is set by
considering two major factors:

(i) Carrying costs of the materials which include interest on capital

used, cost of deterioration and risk, insurance cost and cost of
storage.
(ii) Ordering costs which include costs like transportation, cost of
preparing purchase order, cost of receiving and inspecting
materials and postage costs.

5.0 SUMMARY

The stores department usually headed by the storekeeper serves

management by providing the information requires for the physical
control of material. A good store department should minimize wastage
arising from deterioration, obsolescence and material handling and
should guide against pilferage.

6.0 TUTOR-MARKED ASSIGNMENT

What reports would you submit to top management on the subject of

stock?

7.0 REFERENCES AND FOR FURTHER READINGS

Eddy, O. O. (2002). Copying with Cost Accounting Pumark Nig. Ltd.

Lagos.

Owler, L. W. J. and Brown, J. L. (1985). Costing Simplified, Pitman

London.

Walker, C. J. (1982) Principles of Cost Accounting, the Pitman Press,

Bath Great Britain.

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ACC305 COST ACCOUNTING

UNIT 2 METHODS OF VALUING MATERIAL ISSUES

CONTENTS

1.0 Introduction
2.0 Objectives
3.0 Main Content
3.1 Methods of Valuing Material Issues
3.1.1 First in First Out
3.1.2 Last in First Out
3.1.3 Simple Average
3.1.4 Standard Price
3.1.5 Miscellaneous Systems of Valuing Material Issues
4.0 Conclusion
5.0 Summary
6.0 Tutor-Marked Assignment
7.0 References/Further Readings

1.0 INTRODUCTION

Materials should not be issued out of store unless materials requisitions

duly signed by authorized persons are presented to the store which can
then be exchanged for the materials requested.

The authorized persons are usually the production supervisors or

foreman. In some cases when extra large quantities are needed for
production it may become necessary for the production manager to sign
the material requisition. The materials requisition can therefore be
defined as the document of authority required for the withdrawal of
materials from store.

In this unit, issues relating to valuing materials will be discussed.

2.0 OBJECTIVES

By the end of this unit, you should be able to:

Explain the various methods of valuing materials issued.

Explain the difference between FIFO and LIFO.
Described the needs to adopt a particular system based on
prevailing conditions.

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ACC305 COST ACCOUNTING

3.0 MAIN CONTENT

3.1 Methods of Valuing Material Issues

There are many methods of valuing materials issues, but it is proposed

to examine only a limited number in this unit. The choice of method
depends largely on the policy and the particular conditions of the
business.

To illustrate the system of recording materials issues under some of the

important methods the following transactions are recorded:

January 1 Received 1,200 units at N1.50 per unit.

January 14 Received 300 units at N1.40 per unit.
January 30 Issued 700 units at - per unit.
February 21 Received 600 units at N1.55 per unit.
March 4 Received 500 units at N1.60 per unit.
March 28 Issued 900 units at - per unit.
April 15 Issued 400 units at - per unit.
May 21 Received 800 units at N1.45 per unit.
June 4 Issued 1,000 units at - per unit.
June 20 Received 200 units at N1.60 per unit.

Note: For simplicity of illustration, the amounts columns in the

following accounts have been calculated to the nearest N1; in practice,
calculations would usually show kobo also.

3.1.1 First in First Out

The stores are deemed, for book keeping purposes, to have been issued
from the earliest lot delivered until exhausted, then from the next
delivery. In this ways the charge in the accounts is the actual cost price
of each lot. The stores ledger clerk can ascertain from the accounts when
each consignment is completed. Where market fluctuations are frequent
and considerable the method sometimes produces curious and unfair
results as between one job and another; e.g. materials purchased at
N0.75 per unit may be issued to job B may be from a later supply which
cost N1.00 each. If transactions are numerous and the price fluctuates
considerably the method is very involved, which may increase the
possibility of errors.

50
ACC305 COST ACCOUNTING

STORES LEDGER ACCOUNT

Materials Maximum Quantity.. Recorder level.
Follo..
Code... Minimum Quantity Recorder Quantity..
Location
Receipts Issues Stock
Date Quantity Price Amount Price Amount Quantity Price Amount
G.R.

M.R.
N Quantity N N

Jan. 1.200 1.50 1.800 1,200 1.50 1,800

4 300 1.40 420 1,500 2,220
14 700 1.50 1.050 800 1,170
30 600 1.55 930 1,400 2,100
500 1.60 800 1,900 2,900
21 500 1.50 750
900
Mar. 300 1.40 420
4 100 1.55 155 1,000 1,575
28 400 1.55 620 600 955
1,400 2,115
800 1.45 1,160 1000 100 1.55 155
Apr. 1,000 500 1.60 800
15 400 1.45 580 400 580
May
21 200 1.60 320 600 900
June
4

20

Figure 10 Store Ledger Account (2) (FIFO)

This account has been entered on the first-in- first-out principle, which
has the same effect as if materials were issued in strict chronological
order.

Note-The closing stock represents

N
400 units at N1.45 per unit = 580
200 units at N1.60 per unit = 320
600 900

A great advantage of FIFO is that in stock valuation, stock is not only at

cost but is also as closely representative of current prices as possible,
when prices are falling the material charge to production is high, while
the cost of stock replacement will be low. Conversely, when prices are
rising the charge to production will be low, while the replacement cost
will be high.

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ACC305 COST ACCOUNTING

3.1.2 Last in First Out (LIFO) (Fig. 11)

This method operates in reverse to FIFO; materials received in the latest

delivery is for book-keeping purposes, deemed to have been issued first.
As with FIFO, the charge in the accounts is the actual cost price.
However, it suffers from the same disadvantages mentioned under FIFO,
namely, that although stock is at cost, the price is that of earliest material
purchased, so that it does not represent current price levels, as a result of
which it may be necessary to write-off stock losses during periods of
falling prices because the book values of the materials will exceed
market value.

A great advantage of LIFO is that the charge to production is as closely

related to current price levels as possible. Assuming the purchase of
materials was in recent times, it will not be necessary to ascertain market
value. In times of inflation LIFO is considered to be an effective system
of pricing because the high-priced purchases are charged to production,
while stock are retained at low prices. However it must be noted that,
particularly in the UK, taxation authorities do not favour this system.

3.1.3 Simple Average (Fig. 12)

This method may be used advantageously when it is not possible to

identify each item separately and when prices of purchases do no
fluctuate very much. It is relatively easy to operate. To calculate the
issue price, the total of the prices paid for the material is divided by the
number of prices pad in the calculation. This may result in the charge to
production not being at actual cost.

e.g.

1 unit purchased at N1.00 per unit

1,000 unit purchase at N0.50 per unit
The average price is (N1.00 + N0.50) = N0.75

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ACC305 COST ACCOUNTING

STORES LEDGER ACCOUNT

Materials Maximum Quantity.. Recorder level.
Follo..
Code... Minimum Quantity Recorder Quantity..
Location
Receipts Issues Stock
Date Quantity Price Amount Price Amount Quantity Price Amount
G.R.

M.R.
N Quantity N N

Jan. 4 1.200 1.50 1.800 1,200 1.50 1,800

14 300 1.40 420 1,500 2,220
700 300 140 420
30 400 1.50 600 800 1,200
600 1.55 930 1,400 2,130
Feb.21 1,900 2,930
500 1.60 800
Mar. 4 900 500 1.60 800
28 400 1.55 620 1,000 1,510
400 200 1.55 310 900
Apr. 200 1.50 300 600 2,060
15 800 1.45 1,160 1,400
May 1000 800 1.45 1,160
21 200 1.50 300 400 600
June 4
200 1.60 320 600 920
20

Figure 11 Stores Ledger Account (3) (LIFO)

This records the same facts as in fig. 11, but on the last in first-out
principle. This tends to charge current production with current prices.

Note-The closing stock represents

N
400 units at N1.50 per unit = 600
200 units at N1.60 per unit = 320
600 920

From this example, it can readily be seen that the issue price is not the
cost price. It will be noticed that in this illustration (Fig. 13) the design
of the account has been changed slightly. Cumulative quantity columns
have been introduced so that comparisons, one with another, can be
made to ascertain which materials have been fully issued from stock. It
is recommended that the cumulative issues column is not entered until
after the price has been calculated.

Example

In the first issue:

Cumulative receipts 1,500; cumulative issues nil, so price is
(N1.50 + N1.40)
2 = N1.45

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 ACC305 COST ACCOUNTING

In the second issue:

Cumulative receipts 2,600; cumulative issues 700, so price is:

(N1.50 + N1.40 + N1.55 + N1.60)

4 = N1.51

In the third issue:

Cumulative receipts 2,600; cumulative issues 1,600, so price is:

(N1.55 + N1.60)
2 = N1.571/2

(1,600 exceeds cum. Receipts to Jan. 4 (1,500) so stock at N1.50 and

N1.40 is exhausted)

In the second issue:

Cumulative receipts 2,600; cumulative issues 700, so price is:

(N1.55 + N1.60 + N1.45)

3 = N1.531/3

3.1.4 Standard Price (Fig. 13)

A standard or predetermined issue price is calculated, which takes into

consideration a number of factors which may influence the price of
materials in a future period; such factors include:

a) The possibility of a rise in prices due to expected wage increase

STORES LEDGER ACCOUNT

Materials Maximum Quantity.. Recorder level. Follo..
Code... Minimum Quantity Recorder Quantity.. Location
Receipts Issues Stock
Date Quantity Quantity Price Amount Quantity Price Amount
G.R.

M.R.

Price N N
Amount

N
Actual Cum Actual Cum
N

Jan. 4 1.200 1,200 1.50 1.800 1,200 1.50 1,800

14 300 1,500 1.40 420 1,500 2,220
30 700 700 145 1,015 800 1,205

Feb.21 600 2,100 1.55 930 1,400 2,135

Mar. 4 500 2,600 1.60 800 1,900 2,935
28 900 1,600 1.51 1,359 1,000 1,576
Apr. 400 2,000 1.571/2 630 600 946
15 1,400 2,106
May 800 3,400 1.45 1,160 1,533 400 573
21 1000 3,000 1.531/3 600 893
June 4 200 3,600 1.60 320
20
Figure 13 Stores ledger account (4) (simple average)

54
ACC305 COST ACCOUNTING

Under the average methods of pricing material, the identify of material

in store disappears, so that the closing stock figures cannot be verified as
under the previous systems.

b) The likelihood of a rise or fall in prices due to market conditions.

A standard price will be calculated for each item in store, which can
then be compared with the actual price paid. If the actual price paid
exceeds standard, then a loss will be realize; if the actual price is less
than standard a profit will be obtained.

This method is relatively easy to operate, because all issues of an item

are calculated at the same price. A great advantage is the opportunity to
check the efficiency of purchasing materials; by seeing whether or not
the actual price exceeds standard.

It should e noted that this method can be utilized in most industries,

even though a system of standard costing is not in operation, although,
of course, the greatest benefit will be obtained under a standard costing
system. In this illustration it is assumed that the standard price of the
material has been calculated to be N1.50 per unit.

It can be seen from Fig. 14 that the value of closing stock is over-valued,
due to the fact that production has been charged at the standard price
which is lower than the actual price. It should be noted that if the
standard price charged to production had been higher than the actual
price the value of stock would have been under-valued to check the
efficiency of purchasing materials (Actual receipts x standard price)
Actual amount.

(3,600 x N1.50) = N5,400

N5,400 N5,430 = N30

Actual amount paid exceeds standard cost of materials, so there has been
a loss of N30 in purchasing Again if the closing stock is valued at
standard price the value would be 600 x N1.50 = N900, while the actual
amount shown in the account is N930, giving a difference of N30.

3.1.5 Miscellaneous systems of valuing material issues

For reference purposes, the following systems are briefly mentioned.

3.1.5.1 Base Stock

This is rather similar to FIFO in operation, with the addition of a fixed

minimum stock of the material always being carried at original cost.

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ACC305 COST ACCOUNTING

This minimum stock is never charged to production, so it is rather in the

nature of a fixed asset.

STORES LEDGER ACCOUNT

Materials Maximum Quantity.. Recorder level.
Follo..
Code... Minimum Quantity Recorder Quantity..
Location
Receipts Issues Stock
Date Quantity Price Amount Price Amount Quantity Price Amount

G.R.

M.R.
N Quantity N N N

Jan. 1 1.200 1.50 1.800 1,200 1.50 1,800

14 300 1.40 420 1,500 2,220
30 700 1.50 1,050 800 1,170
Feb.21
Mar. 4 600 1.55 930 1,400 2,100
28 500 1.60 800 1,900 2,900
900 1.50 1,350 1,000 1,550
Apr. 400 1.50 60 600 950
15 1,400 2,110
May 800 1.45 1,160 400 610
21 1000 1.50 1,500 600 930
June 4 200 1.60 320
20

Figure 14 Stores ledger account (5) (standard price)

Under the standard price method the closing stock figures cannot be
verified. This method ensures that production is charged always at the
standard price for the material, variances from the actual price paid
being transferred to price variance account.

3.1.5.2 Weighted Average Price

This is similar to the simple average price, except that whenever a new
purchase is made, the cost is added to the value of the balance in hand
and the total thus arrived at is averaged by dividing by the new quantity
then available.

3.1.5.3 Current Market Price

Each issue is charged out at current rate to maintain proper stores

control, differences between cost and prices must be debited or credited
to a stores adjustment account.

3.1.5.4 Highest In First Out (HIFO)

Materials issued from stores are charged at the rate of the highest
priced material in stores. This rate continues either until the material at
that high price is exhausted, after which the next-highest price is used,
or until a new batch of materials is received at a rate which is higher

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ACC305 COST ACCOUNTING

than the previous high price. This method attempts to ensure that
materials issued to production absorb the high costs of materials, leaving
stocks at relatively low-priced rate.

3.1.5.5 Next In First Out (NIFO)

Materials issued are not charged at a price which has been paid, but
rather at a price which has been committed or ordered. Let us assume,
for example, that in stock there are two batches of materials, one at
N1.20 and one at N1.40, and that there is a further batch of materials on
order at N1.50 which has not yet been received. If materials were issued
now, they would be priced at N1.50. This method is obviously an
attempt to be more realistic than the current market price method;
instead of ascertaining the current price at the time of issue, one uses the
latest price at which one has ordered new supplies of the materials.

SELF-ASSESSMENT EXERCISE
i. Benue links motors buy certain type of gear box for use in one of
it mocopollo bus models. The followings are a summary of the
receipts and issues of the gear box for the month of January.

Opening stock on 1st January

200 gear boxes at N145
April 4 Purchased 100 gear boxes at N185
April 8 Issued 50 gear boxes
April 10 Purchase 300 gear boxes at N190
April 11 Issued 200 gear boxes
April 12 Issued 200 gear boxes
April 15 Purchased 150 gear boxes at N160
April 21 Issued 100 gear boxes
April 25 Purchased 100 gear boxes at N135
April 30 Issued 50 gear boxes

Show the appropriate stores ledger account disclosing the cost of each
issue and the cost of closing stock at 31st January, using FIFO method.

ii. Discuss the effect in times of inflation on valuation of stocks and

on product costs using for the pricing of issues of raw materials.

4.0 CONCLUSION

The principle concerning the storing of material is the same as that

applying to cash. The system is useful when sub-stores are used. A
quantity, which should be kept at the beginning of every period, day,

57
ACC305 COST ACCOUNTING

week or month, is agreed, and the sub-store-keeper indents the main

stores at the end of every period for the amount issued.

5.0 SUMMARY

The First-In-First out (FIFO) method is based on the assumption that the
oldest layer of goods are sold or issued first and that the most recently
purchased goods are in the closing stock. It must be pointed out that
even though FIFO treats materials as being issued on a chronological
basis, it does not necessarily follow that physical receipt, like perishable,
goods, should be issued on FIFO basis.

6.0 TUTOR-MARKED ASSIGNMENT

Plateau Motors buys certain type of gear box for use in one of it
Mocopollo buses. The following is a summary of the receipts and issues
of the gear box for the month of July.

Opening stock on 1st July

200 gear boxes at N145
July 4 Purchased 100 gear boxes at N185
July 8 Issued 50 gear boxes
July 10 Purchase 300 gear boxes at N190
July 11 Issued 200 gear boxes
July 12 Issued 200 gear boxes
July 15 Purchased 150 gear boxes at N160
July 21 Issued 100 gear boxes
July 25 Purchased 100 gear boxes at N135
July 30 Issued 50 gear boxes

Show the appropriate stores ledger account disclosing the cost of each
issue and the cost of closing stock at 31st July. Use LIFO method.

7.0 REFERENCES/FURTHER READINGS

Owler, C. W. J. and Brown, J. L. (1985). Costing Simplified, Pitman

London.

Walker, C. J. (1982). Principles of Accounting, Pitman Press Batch

Great Britain.

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ACC305 COST ACCOUNTING

UNIT 3 ORGANIZATION FOR WAGES CONTROL

CONTENTS

1.0 Introduction
2.0 Objectives
3.0 Main Content
3.1 Organization for Wages Control
3.1.1 Personnel Records
3.1.2 Recording Gate Times
3.1.3 Preparation for Payroll
3.1.4 Allocation for Wages to Jobs and Processes
3.1.5 Making up and paying out Wages
4.0 Conclusion
5.0 Summary
6.0 Tutor-Marked Assignment
7.0 References/Further Readings

1.0 INTRODUCTION

The chief function of the personnel department is to provide the right

type of labour for the organization. The personnel department is
responsible for the engagement, training, welfare, transfer and
retirement or discharge of labour. The Accountant obtains information
on the workers use of their time through the help of the time-keeping
department. Wages control consists of five main divisions of
responsibility, as follows:

(1) Personnel recording;

(2) Recording gate times;
(3) Preparation of payroll;
(4) Allocation of wages to jobs or processes, and
(5) Making up and paying out wages.

2.0 OBJECTIVES

By the end of this unit, you should be able to:

Discuss the various methods of recording gate times and its uses
in preparation of employees wages.
Explain the various mechanism of controlling wages.
Explain the procedure of preparing payroll.

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ACC305 COST ACCOUNTING

3.0 MAIN CONTENT

3.1 Organization for Wages Control

Wages paid to employees in the factory and offices constitute one of the
heaviest items of expenditure in any business, and, as a great deal of it is
usually paid out in cash, the organization needs to be well designed to
suit the particular circumstances, and simple and fool-proof in operation.

3.1.1 Personnel Records

When a worker is engaged, the personnel officer asks him to complete a

record sheet, which is filed for subsequent reference. He is then given an
identifying clock number which will be used each week on his clock
card.

3.1.2 Recording Gate Times

It is considered important to record the in and out times of workers

entering and leaving the factory because, generally speaking, these times
become the basis on which payment is made at a stated rate per hour.
Even if workers are not paid by the hour, but by piece-work rates, that is
to say at so much per piece satisfactorily completed, it is still very useful
to know for other purposes how many hours they have been at work, and
clocking on is therefore to b recommended. Only in cases of workers
being paid by the week, and whose absence can be reported by other
means, can the rule be relaxed.

The methods of recording which are employed vary considerably

according to the outlook and prosperity of the concern. Old fashioned
methods, such as the use if brass checks or discs, and dial recorders still
function satisfactorily for their purpose and tend to be retained.
However, the modern time recorder represents such an advance in this
field that more and more firms are making use of them. It will be
sufficient for the purpose of this unit to describe such a system.

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ACC305 COST ACCOUNTING

No. 525
NO:..

NAME:

WEEK ENDING..20

Harlow
IN OUT IN OUT Total

ORDINARY Hours Rate N k

TIME
OVER-
TIME

LESS NAT. INS.

OTHER DEDUC.

NET WAGES

Figure 14 Clock Card

Illustrations of clock cards for use in these machines are given in fig. 14.
The clock cards are rules so that an employees time is recorded in a
special column. The machine is preset each day to allow for the card to
be inserted in the slot of the machine up to the required depth. As soon
as the card reaches the stop position the machine automatically and
immediately stamps the time on it, changing from a blue marking to a
red one at the appropriate time to indicate lateness and overtime
working.

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ACC305 COST ACCOUNTING

On the reverse side of the card it is easy to have printed rulings to

facilitate calculation of the wages due, but many firms prefer to have a
specially rules form for the purpose. They find that the space on the
typical clock card is too cramped to do the job clearly. Special
arrangements have to be made, of course, for the calculation of the
wages due to piece workers, and this may be explained by taking an
example as follows.

Example

Workers are employed in packing peaches into display cases. They are
paid at the rate of N0.10 per case packed and passing inspection. Each
worker will stack the filled cases on to a pallet-that is a raised platform
which can afterwards be moved by means of a fork lift truck-and when
the requisite number has been stacked will be given a signed chit
entitling him or her to payment for so many cases at N0.10 each. On
presentation of these chits at the end of the week a summary is made and
this summary forms the basis of payment.

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ACC305 COST ACCOUNTING

X Y Z PLC-WAGES CALCULATION SHEET

Name Department. Clock No

Rate of Pay.. National Insurance. PAY Code.
Holiday Savings.. Other Deductions Agreed
Hours worked-ordinary time per clock card N K
..at

Overtime per clock card

..at

Overtime premium
..at

Bonus, 10% on total earnings N K

Less: PAYE
National Insurance
Holiday savings

Net amount payable N

|
|
Employers National Insurance ..
CALCULATION OF PAYE

Total pay to lat week

Total pay this week

Less Tax free pay to date

Taxable pay per coding

Tax this week
N

Figure 15 Wages calculation sheet

A specimen form for the calculation of the wages due to piece-worker in

a machine shop is shown in Fig. 16.

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ACC305 COST ACCOUNTING

PIECE-WORK ORDER
No:..
Employees Name: Date:
Clock No:.. Time Taken:.

Part: Price:.
Operation:. Quantity:..

No. Mode Passed Rejected Rate N

Signed Employee: Signed Inspection:

Foreman:

Figure 16 Piece-work order

These orders are the employees entitlement to be paid for the quantity
of pieces he has completed which satisfactorily pass inspection. The
agreed piece-work price is stated, as well as details of the work to be
done.

3.1.3 Preparation for Payroll

As soon as the wages for an individual have been calculated and

checked they are entered on the payroll or wages sheet. This will be
done department by department, so that the total wages incurred by each
may be ascertained. An illustration of a payroll is given in Fig. 17. In
many large firms the name of each employee, his clock number, his
income-tax coding, his rate of pay, and the standard deductions for
national insurance, etc. are recorded on addressograph plates. A
straight list may be run off to help in the completion of the clock cards,
and the payroll may be initially prepared in the same way. If, as has
been suggested, separate wage

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ACC305 COST ACCOUNTING

PAY ROLL

No Name

Over-Time premium
Total Hours worked

Taxable pay to date

Total deduction
Tax due to date

Tax refund
Gross pay

Employer
Basic pay

Free pay

Net pay
Rate
N N N N N N N N N N

Figure 17 Pay Roll

This specimen of a payroll allows for an additional wages column to e

used for a particular purpose such as overtime premium. Most firms
have then specially printed to suit their own requirements.

Calculation forms are used, these may be started by the plates, which
need not then be used on the payroll. The payroll columns may be
completed by handwritten figures, using one of the advertised systems,
which at one and the same operation will produce the payroll, the
personal earnings card for each employee, and the employee's pay slip.
Alternatively, a front-feed accounting machine may be used for neat,
speedy, and accurate results. Such machines will also automatically
produce the totals of the columns.

In many Firms microcomputers have taken over this part of the

accounting system. Even relatively small firms can now afford to operate
a microcomputer which can be programmed to undertake effectively the
tasks referred to above.

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ACC305 COST ACCOUNTING

3.1.4 Allocation of Wages to Jobs and Processes

The allocation of wages to departments is done from the payroll

itself. In the case of some concerns, the production department may
correspond to processes, and the direct labour cost incurred for a process
is obtained at once from the payroll.

Example

A sweet manufacturer has the following production departments:

Boiling
Rolling
Wrapping

The gross wages incurred in these departments for the month of

November were: boiling, N1.600, rolling. N1.550, and wrapping,
N1,500. These figures are those shown in the payroll. This means that
the payroll will be sectionalized into boiling, rolling and wrapping
departments. If we imagine that the specimen payroll shown in Fig. 20
refers to the boiling department, then the total of the gross pay column
will show the figure of 1 1 , 6 0 0 .

In addition to production departments known as service to the concern

have a number of ancillary departments known as service departments.
These are so named because they render services to the concern as a
whole. Examples of such departments are the boiler-house, the work
canteen, and the tool-room. The wages of such departments will
also be obtained from sections of the payroll. However, there is a
special wages problem involved in the case of concerns which undertake
individual jobs for customers.

3.1.5 Making Up and Paying Out Wages

When a payroll is prepared department by department, as soon as the totals

of the first have been cast and ruled off, it is possible to make up
the pay packets for that section. Of course, this cannot be done
unless the wages have already been drawn from the bank, and most
of the larger firms have made an arrangement to do this on an imprest
basis.

When the money is drawn from the bank, the bank cashier will want to
know in what proportions of notes and coin he is to issue lit, and this
information is given to him on the basis of previous requirements. On
return from the bank, the total amount drawn is immediately checked
and arranged in convenient piles. After this, the amount required

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ACC305 COST ACCOUNTING

for each department is obtained by analysis of the net pay column, and is
counted out from the cashier's table. The pay packets are then filled and
provided no discrepancy is found, they may be sealed. Some firms find
that automatic coin-dispensing machines help in the task of filling the
packets.

Each pay packet will contain the employee's pay slip, giving details of
the gross pay, less deductions. When paying out it is a useful
arrangement for it to be done in the departments. and in the presence
of the departmental foreman, who knows the employees. The clock cards
are also often handed out to the operatives in advance, so that they can
check on the amount of their wages; the cards are then handed in, signed,
in return for the pay packet. Certain safeguards within the wages section
are deemed advisable, and act as a form of internal check. For example,
those who check the clock cards should not be concerned in the
preparation of the payroll, ad those who do that work should not be
concerned in the preparation of the payroll, and those who do that work
should not be concerned in making up the pay or in paying out the
wages.

SELF-ASSESSMENT EXERCISE

i. XYL PLC estimate that their wages will amount to N2,000

per week as a maximum, and on April 1 transfer that sum
from their main account at Midas Bank to a wages imprest
account. On April 5 they draw the sum of N1,900 on account
of wages, and subsequently find that the wages amount to
Nl,950.84 net. In the second week the wages cheque is drawn
for N1,980, and actual net amount of wages payable amounts to
Nl,975.77. Write up the wages imprest account.
ii. The problem of avoiding payment of wages to "dummy"
workers is an important feature in the organization of a wages
department. Discuss.

4.0 CONCLUSION

Wages control allows organization to maintain a record of job

classification, the department and wage rate of each employee. It also
determines the gross and net amount of earnings of each worker and
keeps a record of those earnings.

5.0 SUMMARY

This unit discussed the price function of wages control in the

organization. The department also sends relevant information to
management to enable it apply the necessary control measures.

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ACC305 COST ACCOUNTING

6.0 TUTOR-MARKED ASSIGNMENT

Describe the methods to be adopted in the wages and cashier's office

to prevent fraud occurring in the preparation and payment of wages.

7.0 REFERENCES/FURTHER READINGS

Owler,C.W.J. and Brown, J.L. (1985). Costing Simplified, Pitman

London

Walker, C.J. (1982). Principle of Costing Accounting, Pitman Press

Bath Great Britain.

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ACC305 COST ACCOUNTING

UNIT 4 METHODS OF REMUNERATION AND THE

EFFECT ON COSTS

CONTENTS

1.0 Introduction
2.0 Objectives
3.0 Main Content
3.1 Methods of Remuneration and the Effect on Costs
3.2 Methods of Remunerating Labour
3.2.1 Payment by Flat Time-Wages
3.2.2 Payment by Results
4.0 Conclusion
5.0 Summary
6.0 Tutor-Marked Assignment
7.0 References/Further Readings

1.0 INTRODUCTION

There are basically three methods of remunerating individual, these are

day rate, piece rate and premium bonus. The wage department
normally maintains a record of job classification, the department and
wage rate of each employee. It also determines the gross and net amount
of earnings of each worker and keeps a records of those earnings. Other
functions include summarizing the different deductions from the wages
to be posted in total to the credit of the relevant accounts and
summarizing the cost of overtime and bonus payments (if any).

2.0 OBJECTIVES

By the end of this unit, you should be able to:

understand the problems of remunerating an employee.

understand the various methods of remunerating an employee.
explained ways of calculating employee remuneration.

3.0 MAIN CONTENT

3.1 Methods of Remuneration and the Effect on Costs

When considering which method of remuneration should be adopted, a

number of major questions have to be borne in mind. Low wages do not
necessarily result in low costs of production.. and innumerable instances
may be given of manufacturers who pay high wages and whose costs are
actually lower than those paying less wages to their employees. The
reasons for this are not difficult to see because apart from the fact that

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ACC305 COST ACCOUNTING

efficient workers earning good wages may produce better work and in
greater volume, with less waste, there is the factor of the incidence of
overhead expenses, and particularly of the fixed overhead. The saving in
cost per unit due to the spreading of overhead over a greater number of
units of production may, and often does, exceed the higher amount
charged in the cost for well-paid labour.

Example

In victory A the wages paid are at the rate ofN4.00 per hour. Hours
worked are 40,000 per annum. The overhead, most of which is
fixed, amounts to N100,000. Production amounts to 100.000 units
per annum. It is estimated that if the rate of pay was increased to
N5.00 per hour. greater productivity could be obtained, and the shop
stewards have agreed to increase production to 125,000 units.

Thus:

Case (1)
Wages 40,000 x N4.00 N160,000
Overhead 100,000
N260,000
Cost per unit N260,000 \100,000 = N2.60

Case (2)
Wages 40,000 x X5.00 N200,000
Overhead 100,000
N300,000
Cost per unit N300,000 \125,000 = N2.40

Thus the total cost per unit would be reduced by NO.20. The factors
which have to be considered include the following.

(a) The need for having a satisfied staff of workers

(b) The method which will produce the best work, from the point of
view of (i) quality of work, (ii) quantity of output,. In-some
case quality and precision are comparatively more important
than quantity, and vice versa
(c) The cost of the method. Most wages systems are simple from
the point of view of clerical work; others demand much detailed
recording of times, quantities, etc., and correspondingly complex
analysis and recording in the cost accounts.
(d) The flexibility of the scheme to permit of any necessary
variations which may arise.
(e) The scheme must be readil y understood by the emplo yees.
The y understand straight time wages, piece-work rates, and

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ACC305 COST ACCOUNTING

simple bonus schemes, but not complex ones.

(f) The incidence of overhead, which can be linked with schemes
involving consideration of output and time-saving in production.
(g) Loss arises when there are frequent changes in labour
personnel. The expenses of finding new employees, attending to
their engagement records, instructing recruits as to routine and
detailed duties are often overlooked, yet these are losses
inseparable from labour turnover. A satisfactory basis of payment
to discourage labour changes is therefore advantageous.

3.2 Methods of Remunerating Labour

Methods of remuneration may be classified as follows:

(a) T ime-or day-rate wages based on the time employed, including

extra payment for overtime.
(b) Payment by results:
(i) Piece-work;
(ii) Bonus schemes;
(iii) Profit-sharing schemes.

3.2.1 Payment by Flat Time-Wages

Wages are paid at an agreed rate per hour, day, or week, without
reference to the quantity of work done. Overtime is usually paid at
higher rates, e.g. time and a quarter, time and a half, or double time.

There is no special inducement to attract more than average effort, except

that the employee must work with sufficient diligence to ensure that his
services will be retained.

The method is suitable in the following cases:

(a) Where supervision is close.

(b) For supervisors, inspectors, general labourers, and other classes of
indirect labour,
(c) When measurement of work would not be simple, e.g. engine
drivers, airline crew.
(d) For precision work, e.g. tool-markers and pattern-markers, where
care is more important than speed and large output.
(e) Where high wages or rates are paid and standards of efficiency
and output are set which the foremen must maintain.

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ACC305 COST ACCOUNTING

3.2.2 Payment by Results

Piece-work

Individual piece-work. An incentive wage based on a fixed price per

unit of work, regardless of time taken. The unit may be an article, a
batch of a stated quantity, or an operation.

The advantages are:

(a) A high speed is usually developed;

(b) A larger output generally results;
(c) Constant repetition tends to uniformity of the product;
(d) The employer enjoys lower unit costs as output is increased,
owing to the wider spread of the overheads over a larger number
of units produced; the benefit is particularly important in regard to
the fixed overheads, as in total they tend to remain the same, but
the proportion falling to be borne by units produced becomes less
as the output increases.

In the case of some workers, careful work may be a secondary

consideration to quantity of output. Special inspection is thus required,
which adds to the cost and thus, reduces the savings otherwise obtained.

There are several piece-work schemes wider which differential piece-

rate are used, varying with the quantity produced, i.e. at stated
increases in the number of units made the ordinary piece-work rate is
increased. This serves as a special incentive for the worker to produce
rapidly to earn the higher piece-rates offered.

Contract system. A collective piece-work contract is made with a

contracting workman, who engages the men and pays them their share.
Again, when a group of, say. Five workers feed and tend a machine, a
price per 100 pieces (say) will be paid and is so fixed that the piece-rate
provides wages which are equally divided among the workers, with,
perhaps, the charge hand taking a double share.

Premium Bonus Scheme of Payment

Under piece-work system, the wages charge per unit in the costs remains
constant, but labours reward depends on the number of units produced,
and output has a definite tendency to increase. The premium bonus
schemes introduce a different principle; in that a bonus is given
having regard to time saved over a pre-arranged time allowed per job.

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ACC305 COST ACCOUNTING

Employees have an incentive to give their best efforts and save time on
production orders, and the employer, knowing that he reduces his
costs, seeks to maintain a sound organization and efficient plant to
ensure maximum production.

The various systems of premium bonus schemes differ chiefly in the

method of computing the proportion of saving which is to be paid as
bonus to the employees.

There is a reduced charge per unit for overhead, due to the spread of total
shop expense over a greater number of units produced. The sum of
the savings on all the units or jobs is the "fund" to be divided between
the employer and his employees. There is thus a limit to the amount
available for bonus. This limit is flexible, as it is determined by the
extent to which production is in excess of normal production based on
standard or allowed-times for jobs.

The Halsey and the Halsey-Weir premium bonus schemes. These are
similar, except that in the first the bonus paid 50% of the time saved
(valued at the employee's hourly rate of pay) over the time allowed for
the job, and in the second the premium bonus is 30%. However, it is
customary to assume that the bonus is 50 o.

Example

An allowed time for a certain job of work is set at 3 hours, and

employees Clark, Smith and Jones each do the job in 3,21 2 and 2 hours
respectively, their ordinary wage rate being X4.00 per hour. The
earnings under the Halsey scheme would be as below:

Time Time Basic Time Bonus Bonus Total

Allowed taken pay at saved time pay pay for job
(hours) (hours) N4.00 (hours) (50%) N N
Clark 3 3 12.00 nil nil nil 12.00
1 1
Smith 3 21 /2 10.00 /2 /4 1.00 11.00
Jones 3 2 8.00 1 1/2 2.00 10.00

At first sight it would appear that the slower workers are better paid, but
although this is true for the individual job, it is not so for the amount
earned per hour. Thus the amounts earned per hour are:

Clark N4.00
Smith N4.40
Jones N5.00

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ACC305 COST ACCOUNTING

From this example it will be obvious that for a premium bonus scheme to
work effectively there must be a sufficient number of jobs on hand to
keep the workers continuously employed throughout the week.

The Rowan premium bonus scheme. Under this scheme the

premium to be added to the pay-rate is the percentage that the time
saved is of the time allowed.

It is often more convenient to calculate the wages at basic rates, and then
add the percentage or proportion. Thus suppose the percentage to be added
to the basic rate of N3.60 is 33 v'%. We may calculate:

(a) 8 hours at (N3.60 + N1.20) = 8 x N4.80 = N38.40

(b) 8 hours at N3.60 = N28.80
1/3
Add 33 % = N9.60 = N38.40

To show the comparison between the Halsey and the Rowan systems, let
us take the same examples as before. Payments under the Rowan
system will be:

Time Time Basic Time Bonus Bonus Total

Allowed taken pay at saved time pay pay for job
(hours) (hours) N4.00 (hours) (50%) N N
Clark 3 3 12.00 nil nil nil 12.00
1
Smith 3 21/2 10.00 /2 1/6 1.67 11.67
Jones 3 2 8.00 1 1/3 2.67 10.67

The Rowan system is seen to be more favourable to the employees at

first, for savings up to 50% of the time allowed. Thereafter the Halsey
scheme becomes more favourable-at least in theory-but there are
limitations to the speed a worker can sustain day in and day out.

Other Bonus Schemes

The fixed bonus system

A separate fixed bonus per hour or per unit is given in each department if
output reaches or exceeds a stated quantity. This is, in effect, a bonus
for collective time saved.

Cost premium method

A standard cost is set up, and if the actual cost proves to be less, a
proportion of the saving is distributed to the employees on some agreed
basis. This is a collective bonus scheme.

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ACC305 COST ACCOUNTING

Production "point" system

A "point" is made to represent the amount of work an employee should do

in one minute, giving a fair allowance for rest. The "point" is
determined by a time study of each operation or even part of an
operation. Sixty points is thus the standard for one hour, or 480 for an
8-hour day.

An incentive rate is fixed "per point" and the employee is paid for his
production measured in "point". In some cases only a proportion of
his excess points over the daily standard-say 75%- is credited to him,
the balance being allotted to a fund out of which the foremen and
other indirect labour receive bonuses. This has not proved popular, and
has largely been abandoned in favour of giving the operator his full
earnings.

Example

A drilling operation is set up, the standard rate for which, in points, is
0.75 points per piece or 75 points per 100 pieces. The rate agreed is
8per point. A guaranteed daily wage for an 8-hour day is in force, at the
rate of N4.00. The standard is set at 480 points per day, i.e. 60 points x 8
hours, equivalent to 640 pieces.
One operator completes 800 pieces
Another completes only 600 pieces.
The earnings will be
Operator 1 800 pieces x 0.75 = 600 points
600 points at 8p N48.00

Operator 2 below standard, therefore guaranteed pay is due

8 hours x N 4.00 N32.00
He cannot claim to be paid N 36.00 on the incentive points basis, which
has been introduced to encourage high production.
(600 x 0.75 = 450 at 8p)

Collective bonus schemes

These are intended to create collective effort. They are effective only in
certain circumstances.

(a) Where the group is small, say 10 or 15 in number

(b) When the group gets on with each other and work as a team.
(c) When the group has some control over the replacement of
members who leave.
(d) When the bonus is calculated and paid out without delay.

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ACC305 COST ACCOUNTING

These schemes are based on such factors as production output measured in

points (Priestmans production bonus), reduced labour cost (Towne gain
sharing method), or reduced production costs, already referred to.

Profit Sharing Schemes

These schemes usually provide for a certain percentage to be paid to all

employees, in agreed proportions, out of taxed profits remaining after the
fixed dividends have been paid on preference shares, and an agreed
percentage on the ordinary shares.

Example

Company A has an issued share capital, fully paid up, considering of:
10,000 9% preference shares of N1 each
30,000 ordinary shares of N1 each.

It is agreed that 25% of the remaining taxed profits be paid to the

employees after the payment of:

(a) The dividend due on the preference shares;

(b) A dividend of 15% on the ordinary shares

The after tax profits for the year are N 20,0000.

How much would be available for the profit sharing scheme?
Dividends will absorb:

Preference shares 9% N 900

Ordinary shares 15% N 4,500
N 5,400

Deducting this figure from X20,000 leaves taxed profits available for
distribution of N 14,600
The profit-sharing scheme will absorb 25% of this N 3,650

In some cases an escalator clause is introduced into the scheme, so that,

for example, the employees subsequently receive a further distribution
if it is desired to authorize a higher dividend to the ordinary
shareholders.

The payment of the share of profit cannot finally be made until the annual
accounts have been audited and agreed, so that there is inevitably a
considerable interval between the earning of the bonus and its receipt.

However, the advantage of receiving each year a lump sum bonus of

substantial size, possibly coupled with an opportunity to acquire shares in

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ACC305 COST ACCOUNTING

the concern which rank for dividend, will he an attractive co-

operatives) will tend to become more common.

Nowadays, the annual reports of companies contain references to shares

reserved for employees, substantial bonuses paid, etc. It is
customary to take into account both earnings and length of service in
fixing the scale of this additional remuneration.

From the employer's point of view such schemes powerfully help in

increasing productivity and in keeping wages steady, since the amount
of profit made, and consequently the amount to be shared out among the
employees, will be governed largely by the efficiency of all departments.
It is therefore in the interests of everybody to secure positive progress-
both the maintenance and increase of sales and the reduction of total cost
per unit produced.

SELF-ASSESSMENT EXERCISE

i. An operator has a basic hourly rate of N3 and every hour saved he is

paid a bonus &f 50% of the basic rate:
Calculate

(i) The gross wage payable

(ii) The bonus earned.

If time allowed for job is 50 hours and the time taken is 40 hours.

ii. In considering the introduction of an incentive scheme.

What general principles would you apply to determine its
suitability?

4.0 CONCLUSION

In this unit, all the various methods of remunerating an employee was

highlighted, and no particular method command any superiority.
Organizations can adopt any of the methods.

5.0 SUMMARY

The management of an organization can determine any method of

remunerating a employees, provided it will help in saving idle time.

6.0 TUTOR-MARKED ASSIGNMENT

Mal Bala whose hourly rate of pay is N1.00 was assigned the following
jobs which he completed during a week.

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ACC305 COST ACCOUNTING

Job No: Time allowed (hrs) Time taken (hrs)

21 24 18
61 40 25

1. You are required to calculate under Rowan premium scheme (i)

Mal Balas remuneration for the week (ii) Mal Balas effective
hourly rate for that week
2. What would Mal Balas remuneration for the week have been if
the Halsey 50/50 premium bonus scheme has been in operation?

7.0 REFERENCES/FURTHER READINGS

Owler, C.W.J. and Brown, J.L.(1985). Costing Simplified, Pitma n

London

Walker, C.J.(1982). Principle of Cost Accounting, the pitman Press Bath

Great Britain.

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ACC305 COST ACCOUNTING

UNIT 5 ORGANIZATION FOR OVERHEAD CONTROL

CONTENTS

1.0 Introduction
2.0 Objectives
3.0 Main Content
3.1 Organization for Overhead Control
3.1.1 Classification of Overhead
3.1.2 Depreciation
3.1.3 List of Typical expenses included under Main
Classifications
3.1.4 Expenditure Excluded from Cost
4.0 Conclusion
5.0 Summary
6.0 Tutor-Marked Assignment
7.0 References/Further Readings

1.0 INTRODUCTION

Overhead costs are normally traceable to the various cost centres. The
process of charging to a cost centre the overhead cost arising solely
because of the existence of the cost centre is known as allocation. For
overhead cost to be allowed two conditions must be fulfitled. They
are:

1. The cost must be accurately determined.

2. It must be incurred solely by the cost centre.

An overhead cost is therefore apportioned if the cost is common to more

than one cost centre.

2.0 OBJECTIVES

By the end of this unit, you should be able to:

Discuss the main classification of overhead

Explain the various methods of depreciation
Describe the various expenses included under the main
classification.

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ACC305 COST ACCOUNTING

3.0 MAIN CONTENT

3.1 Organization for Overhead Control

A general idea of the nature of overhead has already been discussed.

3.1.1 Classification of Overhead

The main classification of overhead into:

a) Production overhead;
b) Administration overhead;
c) Selling overhead, and
d) Distribution overhead;

is straight forward enough, but in order to be informative, and to make

control of expenditure easier, it is necessary to devise a suitable list of
expense headings under each ol'these four main classifications. The
particular headings will, of course, vary in some respects from one kind
of business to another, but should be fairly uniform as between lirms
which are engaged in the same trade or industry. Two principles will
act as a guide.

a) There must be enough headings to cover every circumstance.

b) None of them should be so narrow in scope as to allow some
items of expense to tall into a somewhat similar heading.

Cost accountants often refer to the expense headings for production

overhead as "standing order numbers", and to those under the other
classifications as "cost account numbers". There is no magic in these
names, and expense numbers" or nominal headings" would do equally
as well.

For the sake of convenient reference the headings have to be coded. This
may be done in anyway desired, but there are two well-tried and
acceptable methods.

The Mnemonic Method

This method uses as codes the letters of the alphabet in the form of
memory aids. For example:

SA for sales,
MA for maintenance;
WA for wages
AD for administration, and so on.

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ACC305 COST ACCOUNTING

These letter combinations would then be used in conjunction with

numbers.

The Decimal Method

This is a system of numerical codes somewhat similar to the Dewey

method used in libraries.

Illustration

One of the service departments of HPLC is the boiler-house. The fuel

used is coke. Devise a code of standing order numbers for the boiler-
house.

ANSWER

09 SERVICE DEPARTMENTS
09 01 Stores
02 Tool-room
03 Boiler-house etc.

09 03 BOILER-HOUSE
01 Stokers' wages
02 Stokers' overtime premium
03 Employers' national insurance 04 Coke
05 Water
06 Power for mechanical stoker
07 Heating and lighting 08 Depreciation
09 Fire and explosion insurance
10 Maintenance of boilers
1 l Maintenance of mechanical stokers
12 Maintenance of boiler-house instruments
13 Softening equipment supplies
14 General expenses

Thus, the invoice received for the insurance premium for the fire and
explosion risk for the boilers would be coded 090309, and would be
posted accordingly, either directly or via an overhead control
account.

It will be seen from the above example that there can be as many
divisions and subdivisions of the coding system as may be required.
Obviously, it would be pointless to reproduce a whole coding manual in
a text of this size; but it may be useful to you reader to have before you a
short list of the kind of expense headings which could be expected under

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ACC305 COST ACCOUNTING

the four main-classifications, and this has been given at the end of the
chapter.

3.1.1.1 Fixed and Variable Overhead

At this stage you are asked to look more closely at the headings for the
boiler-house `given in the precedinu2 illustration. Certain items of
expenditure may be regarded as being fixed in amount, e.g. depreciation,
while others are variable, e.g. coke. Even if the boilers are only lightly
used during the dry season the depreciation is still incurred; on the
other hand, the use of coke would be greatly diminished. Other
expenditures are partially fixed and partially variable.

The effect of these various quantities inherent in the nature of overhead is

extremely important to all businesses, and the measurement of what the
precise effect is in particular circumstances really constitutes the
problem of overhead.

3.1.2 Depreciation

You will notice further from the boiler-house headings that almost all
the expenditures are directly incurred. That is to say, there is a payment
of cash involved. The one notable exception to this is depreciation. The
reason for this is that plant and machinery. and other fixed assets, are
bought and capitalized, and therefore during the lifetime of the asset the
cost is gradually written off to record the loss of value due to
wear and tear.

In dealing with overhead, therefore, we must, among other matters, have

a good system for recording particulars about our plant and other fixed
assets; decide on a method of depreciation which we think is most
suitable, schedule it and transfer it by journal entry from the asset
account to the appropriate expense heading. A ruling for a plant
register is given in Fig. 24, and it will be seen that it combines a
method for scheduling, the annual depreciation. The methods of
depreciation most frequently encountered are enumerated below.

1. STRAIGHT-LINE METHOD

This simple and effective method is much used, and is to be preferred

for costing purposes owing to the uniform charge. The life of the
machine, or other asset, is estimated; also the residual value. The
cost, less the residual value (plus the cost of fixing, in the case of a new
machine), divided by the estimated years of life, determines the ann ual
amount of depreciation to be charged. A separate calculation
should be made for each machine.

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ACC305 COST ACCOUNTING

Rate of Depreciation
Ref. 20. 20
No.
Description Date of Cost

Depreciation

Depreciation
purchase

Balance

Balance
value N

value N

etc
N

N
E1 Leader 3/1/19.. 5,000 20% 1,000 4,000 1,000 3,000
No.2
E2 2/1/19.. 2,500 10% 250 2,250 250 2,000
10 Centre
Lathe

Note- The examples provide depreciation by the straight-line method,

which is usually more satisfactory. More complicated forms of plant
register may show details of periodical major repairs and renewals, sales
and profits and losses on sales.

If, subsequently, capital additions and even abnormal expensive

overhaul and repair are made to any asset the rate of depreciation will
be adjusted by dividing the sum of the addition and the then value of
the asset by the anticipated remainder of years of life.

A machine costs N10,000, and it is estimated that its residual value at the
end of tem years will be N500. At the end of five years the machine is
completely overhauled at a cost of N3,000. The depreciation for the first
five years will be at rate of N950 per annum. tend the book value will
have been written down to N5,250. The overhaul cost will be added to
this, less the residual value, so that N7,750 must be written off over the
next live years. The depreciation will therefore become N1,550 per
annum.

2. REDUCING BALANCE METHOD

A constant annual percentage rate of depreciation is determined, which is

written-off the reducing balance of the capital value, the rate being so
fixed that at the end of the estimated life of the asset only the residual
scrap value remains. In favour of this method it is argued that a heavier
depreciation charge is borne in the earlier years, when repairs are lighter
and that the assumed increasing repair cost is counter-balanced, in
later years, by the reduced annual charge of depreciation. The
assumption is frequently incorrect.

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ACC305 COST ACCOUNTING

Example

A machine costing N10,000 is to be depreciated by the reducing-balance

method at the rate of 20% per annum.
N2,000 will be written off in year 1, leaving N8,000
N1,600 will be written off in year 2, leaving N6,400 and so
on.

3. PRODUCTION UNIT METHOD

When production can be estimated for the life span of a machine this
method may be used to charge depreciation directly on to the
products as a variable overhead.

Example

A soap company installs a toilet-soap tableting machine which

produces 1 dozen tablets per operation. The cost of the machine is
N60,000. It is estimated that production will be in the order of 12
million tablets before the machine has to be replaced. The
depreciation per dozen tablets will be:

N60,00
12,000,000 x 12= N 0.06

4. REVALUATION METHOD

This is the most convenient method to use for loose tools and patterns,
because new items are often being made in the works and added to the
stock, while others become worn out and are discarded. It would he
too costly and time consuming to keep records about each tool, and a
quick examination by an expert at the end of the year, with a clerk
noting down his valuation, is a far easier task. The method of
revaluation is also used by farmers in regard to their livestock, and
by racing establishments in regard to their racehorses.

SELF-ASSESSMENT EXERCISE

Discuss three methods of depreciation that are must frequently

encountered.

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ACC305 COST ACCOUNTING

3.1.3 List of typical expenses included under Main

Classifications

1. Production Overhead

a) Rent of building and land. When the manufacturer owns the

property a charge equivalent to rent may be made.
b) Rates imposed by local authorities.
c) Insurance on

(i) Factory property

(ii) Machinery
(iii) Fixed annual charge (if any) for automatic fire alarms,
sprinkler installation.

d) Depreciation on:

(i) Plant and machinery

(ii) Buildings.

e) Salaries for managers and principal officials are often

included
f) Interest on capital to the extent (if any) it is included as an item
of cost.

g) Maintenance and repairs (which includes materials and labour

used by maintenance service departments plus the overhead
apportioned to these departments) of buildings, plant, machinery
etc.
h) Oiling and cleaning machinery, shafting, motors, etc
i) Miscellaneous operating supplies (consumable stores)
j) Cotton waste, cloths for wiping
k) Belt-dressing, fasteners, etc.
l) Brushes for sweeping, dusting, scrubbing.
(iv) Oil, benzene, emery and sand-paper, carborundum dust
(v) Cleaning
j) Perishable tools, small taps, dies, drills, files, emery wheels,
polishing wheels, oil-tones, saw blades, reamers, etc
l) Waiting time (=idle time). viz:

I. Machinery breakdown
II. Power-supply failure
III. Waiting for work instructions IV. Accident to workers
V. Waiting for material
VI. Waiting for tools, et

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ACC305 COST ACCOUNTING

(i) Holiday and sickness with pay.

(m) Stocktaking and stores physical check expenses.
(n) Inspection and testing.
(o) (i) Experimental and research work
(ii) Designing for production.
(iii) Drawing-office expenses.
(p) Timekeeping and gate control.
(q) Supervision: foreman, assistants, superintendents.
(r) Shop clerical work, labour and stationary.
(s) Shop labouring, general indirect; shop cleaning, etc.

(i) Carriage inwards (unless added to the price of materials)

(ii) Storekeeper and assistants
(iii) Other charges, e.g. branding, measuring and cutting off
materials for issue, but not expenses particular to a specific
order.

(u) Training and instructing new employees

(v) Welfare; ambulance and first aid; canteens
(w) Waste-spoilt and lost materials, stock discrepancies, faulty
work, etc.
(x) Insurance

(i) National
(ii) Machinery breakdown, etc.

( y) Overtime expenses (except when a direct charge) (z) Services.

(i) Power of all kinds

(ii) Steam service
(iii) Lighting
(iv) Heating
(v) Other services, e.g. fire protection, internal transport.

2. Administration overhead

a) Salaries of executives, managers, etc.

b) Clerical expenses
c) Office expenses

(i) Rent, rates, insurance (excluding the proportion

applicable to the works).
(ii) lighting, heating and cleaning
(iii) Repairs and maintenance of buildings
(iv) Repairs of equipment: machines.

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ACC305 COST ACCOUNTING

d) Stationery, postage, telephones.

3. Selling overhead

a) Sales office expenses

b) Travellers' salaries, commission, and expenses
c) Advertising; catalogues; price-lists; samples
d) Discounts allowed (sometimes excluded from costs)
e) Estimating; preparing drawings and designs for tenders.

4. Distribution overhead

a) Warehousing of finished goods

b) Packing and warehouse trucking
c) Loading; loading conveyors, charges for cranes, hoists,
etc.
d) Delivery-upkeep and running of vehicles; outward freight
and carriage.

3.1.4 Expenditure Excluded from cost

Such items as income tax, cost of fixing new plant (except for a specific
job), bonuses to employees voted at an annual meeting (being an
apportionment of profit), dividends, cannot be included as items of
cost. Various kinds of expenses connected with financing, and
exceptional losses such as abnormal waste and abnormal loss, are
ordinarily also excluded. Some exclude cash discounts received and
allowed; and again, while bad debts are included in selling overhead
by some accountants, others exclude them.

It is usual to exclude large abnormal losses such as, for example,

obsolescence. Obsolescence is the process by which an asset loses its
value by falling into disuse, other than by wear and tear. The term is
generally used to indicate loss of value when, say, a machine or
building is discarded before the expiration of its normal life, usually
because of its inability to compete with one better adapted or of more
modern type. There is a sudden, rather than gradual, diminution in value.
If plant is scrapped before the original costs of plant and fixing have all
been written off, the balance of the capital value is therefore transferred
to obsolescence account, and from thence at the end of the year it is
written off to profit and loss account.

SELF-ASSESSMENT EXERCISE

i. Comment on the choice of an overhead absorption rate based on

direct labour.

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ACC305 COST ACCOUNTING

ii. Distinguish between overhead allocation and overhead

apportionment.

4.0 CONCLUSION

Manufacturing overhead which is also known as factory production

overhead is any production cost that is neither direct material nor direct
labour. It is always included in the production cost before arriving at the
total cost of production.

5.0 SUMMARY

In this unit we treat issues relating to overhead. Manufacturing overhead

costs include indirect material such as factory supplies, indirect labour,
depreciation of factory equipment and repairs and maintenance of factory
equipment.

6.0 TUTOR -MARKED ASSIGNMENT

A multi-drilling machine has just been installed in an engineering

factory and is designated plant register number 11/27.

Details are as follows

Original cost including installation: N26,600

Estimated life span: 10 years
Estimated scrap value after 10 years: N600
Floor space occupied: 250 square metres
Number of operator: 2
Estimated running hours: 1,800 hours per annum
Estimated cost of maintenance: N480 per annum
Estimated cost of power: N2,000 per annum

The following data relate to the department in which the machine is

located:

Floor area: 5,000 square metres

Number of machine operators: 60
Rent, rates, light and heat: N8,800 per annum
Supervision: N7,200 per annum

Using the information given above, calculate a machine-hour absorption

rate for machine 11/27.

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ACC305 COST ACCOUNTING

7.0 REFERENCES/FURTHER READINGS S

Owler, C.W.J. and Brown, J.L. (1985). Costing Simplified, Pitman

London

Walker, C.J. (1982). Principle of Cost Accounting, Pitman Press Bath

Great Britain.

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ACC305 COST ACCOUNTING

MODULE 3

Unit 1 Cost Classification

Unit 2 Cost Behaviour
Unit 3 Standard Costing
Unit 4 Cost Ascertainment
Unit 5 Planning System Concept

UNIT 1 COST CLASSIFICATION

CONTENTS

1.0 Introduction
2.0 Objectives
3.0 Main Content
3.1 Cost Classification
3.1.1 Nature of Cost
3.1.2 Cost Classification in a Manufacturing Firm
3.1.2.1Elements of Manufacturing Cost
3.1.3 Cost Concepts for Planning and Control
4.0 Conclusion
5.0 Summary
6.0 Tutor-Marked Assignment
7.0 References/Further Readings

1.0 INTRODUCTION
In performing his managerial functions of planning and control, the
information about costs is of vital importance to the cost accountant.
In choosing among alternatives and planning and the optimum
utilization of resources, he should know costs of each alternative. Costs
data are also needed to make decisions such as pricing, volume, make or
buy replacement, assets acquisition, product mix, etc.

Further, the performance of executives and their subordinates can be

evaluated and controlled only when a comparison between the costs
actually incurred and the costs that should have been incurred is made.

2.0 OBJECTIVES
By the end of this unit, you should be able to:

Explain the nature of cost.

Explain cost classification in a manufacturing firm
Describe cost concepts for planning and control.

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ACC305 COST ACCOUNTING

3.0 MAIN CONTENT

3.1 Cost Classification

3.1.1 Nature of Cost

There is not a universal definition of the term, cost. Accountants,

economists, engineers and others, to suit their individual needs, have
developed a number of cost concepts.

One general definition of cost is: cost is a forgoing or sacrifice,

measured in monetary terms, incurred or potentially to be incurred;
to achieve a specific purpose.

Their basic features inherent in this definition are:

1. Cost is the measurement of a foregoing or a sacrifice. The

forgoing or sacrifice is represented by a current or future
decrease in cash or other assets (resources) or an increase in
current or future liabilities.
2. The uses of resources are measured in monetary terms. Resources
that constitute the element of cost are material, labour service and
other services.
3. Since a forgoing or a sacrifice is made to secure some
specific benefit, cost should be measured in the context of the
stated objective.

The traditional cost accounting system recognized only one purpose

of cost:- stock (inventory) valuation and profit determination. This
purpose underscores the historical concept of cost. The modern systems
of management, on the other hand, are future or predicted costs are,
therefore, measured for planning and control and other decision making
purpose.

3.1.2 Cost classifications in a manufacturing firm

Historically, cost accounting system was concerned with the study of

manufacturing costs. The reason for this pre-occupation of cost
accounting system with manufacturing costs was the fact that the
managerial techniques of planning and control were first developed in
manufacturing concerns because of their complexity of operations and
greater degree of uncertainty attached tot them. In modern times, equal
importance is given to the measurement of both manufacturing and non-
manufacturing costs, since the planning and control functions are
equally relevant for both manufacturing and non-manufacturing
operations.

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ACC305 COST ACCOUNTING

3.1.2.1 Elements of manufacturing cost

Manufacturing is a process of converting raw materials into finished

goods through the use of labour service and other facilities in factories.

There are three (3) major elements of manufacturing costs:

1. Direct materials cost.

2. Direct labour cost.
3. Factory overhead cost .

Direct materials cost

Materials are physical commodities that enter into the making of a

product. These are sometimes called store or raw materials. The
term materials used in the cost accounting is not restricted to natural
resources only: the finished products of one firm can he a raw material
for another. For example, the cardboard or tin sheets manufactured by a
firm would be raw material for a packaging -cases manufacturer.

Materials may be classified as direct or indirect with respect to a product

manufactured. Direct materials are those which can be directly and
conveniently identifies with the physical units of finished product: These
materials really enter into, and become a part of the finished product. For
example, leather used to manufacture a pair of shoes or wood used to
make a chair or steel used to produce a stellalmirah are direct materials
since they can be directly traced to respective finished products.

Indirect materials, on the other hand, are those materials that are used
in the manufacturing operations, but do not become the part of a
finished product. These goods cannot be identified with them. The
examples of indirect materials are' cotton waste, lubricants, grease oil
etc. Indirect materials are a part of factory or manufacturing overhead.

The distinctions between direct and indirect materials is not very rigid; it
is based on practical and pragmatic grounds. Some materials like
glue, nails, thread, screws are logically traceable to finished goods. But
because of the impracticality of tracing these materials costs the it is
more prudent to classify such costs as indirect materials cost.

Direct Labour Cost

Like materials, labour is also classified as direct and indirect. Direct

labour is one which is directly involved in converting raw materials into
the finished goods. Cost spent on direct labour can be directly traced to
the finished goods. Thus, wages paid to the workers who operate

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ACC305 COST ACCOUNTING

machine which manufactures products, to the workers who assemble

manufactured part into finished products, or to those who do
finishing work on the manufactured goods, are examples of direct
labour cost.

Indirect labour is that which is required to perform manufacturing

activities generally but is not directly involved in the conversion of raw
materials into finished goods. Wages paid to foremen. clerks, material
expediters-time keepers. Purchases. and assistants, maintained
employees, etc are examples of indirect labour cost.

Factory Overhead

Factory overhead comprises all indirect manufacturing costs which

cannot be identified with specific units of the finished products;
factory overhead is not an expense. It is a part of product cost and
will become expense only when products are sold. Factory overhead
is supplies. Fixed factory overhead, on the other hand, is non-variable
with production. Examples are depreciation, insurance, rent, plant
supervisor's salary.

3.1.3 Cost concepts for planning and control

In financial accounting, the emphasis is on historical costs while the
focus in management planning and control is on future or estimated
costs. Realistic and attainable standard for various elements of costs
are developed for estimating costs. These estimated or standard
costs are incorporated into the operating plans (budgets) of the
business enterprises. While estimating costs, an important factor to be
considered is the behaviour of costs with the level of activity or volume.

Some costs have the tendency of varying with activity while others are
non-variable. The variability of costs certainly has a significant bearing
on the plans of the firm. Further, future or estimated costs are used as
bench-marks to evaluate and control performances of executives and
their subordinates. The planning and control activities of the firm also
include choosing among alternatives. In making the choices, all relevant
costs should be considered. The concepts of differential and marginal
costs are important in such situations.

SELF-ASSESSMENT EXERCISE

i. Discuss briefly the matters you would consider in planning a

costing estimate for a manufacturing company.
ii. An existing cost system lacks the essential aspects of cost control.
List the main matters to be introduced to make good the system's
deficiencies.

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ACC305 COST ACCOUNTING

4.0 CONCLUSION

To determine the cost of production, costs incurred are assigned to

products. Some costs are difficult to be traced to products. Variable
costs are comparatively easily assignable since they can readily and
reasonably be identified with products, manufactured. This does not
imply that variable costs and direct costs are necessary identified.
Some direct costs are variable while others are not.

5.0 SUMMARY

Cost is a forgoing, measured in money terms, incurred or

potentially to be incurred for a specific purpose. The basic purpose of
cost accumulation are: inventory valuation and profit determination.
However, cost data are very useful in economic decision making. They
are required for making decision such as pricing, volume, make or buy,
replacement, product nix, and assets acquisitions. Costs data also aid
in planning and control and performance evaluation.

6.0 TUTOR MARKED QUESTION

Why do many firms find it advantageous to introduce a system of cost

accounts in addition to the financial accounts?

7.0 REFERENCES/FURTHER READINGS

Harngren. C.T. (1973) cost accounting: A managerial emphasis,

prentice-hall of India PCL Ltd

Walker, C.J. (1982) principles of cost accounting (3`d Edition) The

Pitman press Great Britain. Bath.

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ACC305 COST ACCOUNTING

UNIT 2 COST BEHAVIOUR

CONTENTS

1.0 Introduction
2.0 Objectives
3.0 Main Content
3.1 Cost Behaviour
3.1.1 The Cost Patterns
3.1.2 Cost forecasting
3.1.3 The Revenue Behaviour Patterns
4.0 Conclusion
5.0 Summary
6.0 Tutor-Marked Assignment
7.0 References/Further Readings

1.0 INTRODUCTION

Management must be aware of how costs and revenue will react to

change in the level of output if, there is to be effective planning and
decision making. In Module 3 Unit 1 we have discussed the
classification of cost and the inherent problems associated with the
conventional classification. In this unit, the behaviour of cost associated
with the classification will be discussed.

2.0 OBJECTIVES

By the end this unit, you should be able to:

Describe the cost patterns.

Fxplain cost.
Explain the revenue Behaviour patterns

3.0 MAIN CONTENT

3.1 The Cost Patterns

Normally for an increase in the level of activity, there is a uniform

increase in cost. This assumption that a linear relationship exists
between activity and cost is made by the accountant. But is it always
valid? The economist would disagree with the accountants viewpoint
maintaining that it is not linear relationship that exists, but rather what
he refers to as a curvi-linear relationship. This can be illustrated in
relation to two major variable costs: Direct material and Direct
labour. The economist's graphical presentation of such costs may be as
follows:

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ACC305 COST ACCOUNTING

B
Cost (N)

Activity (unit produced)

In the above graph it can be seen that as higher levels of activity

are attained, the variable cost per unit may increase (line A); or it may
decrease (line B). what reasonable explanation may be given for his
curvi-linear relationship if we are attempting to illustrate graphically
direct materials and direct labour costs?

Line A: This increasing variable cost per unit could be explained by a

restriction on the availability of the resources (i.e paying a premium
for extra material or paying at an increase rate for overtime hours
worked by employee)..

Line B: The decreasing variable cost per unit may be explained. For
example in relation to direct materials by the company taking
advantage of the economics of scale and obtaining a discount by
buying bulk, or in relation to labour learning curve showing the process
of labour time and consequently cost, as more and more units are
produced until the point of maximum efficiency is reached.

The level by fixed cost remains constant as it is unaffected by changes

in the level of activity within a limited range of output, as shown
below graphically.

Fixed cost

Cost (N)

C Activity (unit produced )

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But at some point it may become necessary to increase fixed costs in

order to increase output (e.g rent of N50,000 may be sufficient to allow
for production up to 10,000 units, but in order to increase output to
possible 20,000 units would require additional premises with rental
costs of say, N40,000 extra ). This can be expressed graphically.
Cost (N)

Cost (N)

10,000 20,000
Activity (unit produced)

It can be seen from the above how fixed cost has increased at a
level of activity of 10,000 and 20,000 units. Due to its appearance,
this is known as a stepped fixed curve.

3.1.2 Cost Forecasting

This background is vital to the management accountant when he is

attempting to forecast future cost behaviour for use in planning and
decision making.
There are there broad approaches to the problem of cost forecasting:

(i) That based on extrapolation of historical costs and data,

frequently using statistical analysis of varying degree of
sophistication
(ii) The accounts classification method; and
(iii ) The industrial engineering approach.

(i) These are Dealt with Below

Forecasting using historical data frequently data will be available on

the part cost incurred, performance levels output, sales and similar
matters which are used as a basis for forecasting future values,
numerous techniques have been developed to help with this process
ranging from simple arithmetic and visual methods to advanced computer
based statistical systems.

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(ii) The Accounts Classification Method

This method involves examination of the accounting records and

classifying each item on the basis of its assumed behaviours, e.g rent
and rates as fixed, material cost as variable, for each of these costs an
estimate must be made of the fixed and variable components.

(iii) Industiral Engineering Approach

Where there are no previous cost records, for example, the

launching of a completely new product-or where conditions have
changed substantially any form of statistical analysis is likely to be of
little or no value. It is in such circumstances that engineering approach
can be used. This method uses a detailed, elemental approach to
establish the required level of inputs (materials, labour. facilities,
capital equipment) for a particular level of output. These physical
inputs are then converted into money cost. The engineering approach is
lengthy and can be expensive but when used for the right purpose it can be
quite accurate.

3.1.3 The Revenue Behaviour Patterns

We may now review the behaviour patters of revenue and activity.

Revenue (N)

Activity (units produced)

It can be seen that a linear relationship has been assumed, so that as

activity increases, revenue increase b y a uniform amount.

The dottled line represents the economist's assumption that a curvi-

linear relationship is in existence. The rationale behind this is the basic
effect of supply and demand (i.e the point will arise where in order to
increase sale volume, the sales price must be reduced). The accountant,
however, still persists with the assumption of linearity, as again this
will tend to be valid within the relevant range, and the costs of attempting
to determine the correct curvi-linear relationship would outweight the

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benefits to be derived from the practical use of such information.

SELF-ASSESSMENT EXERCISE

i. Cost alone does not determine selling price. The keenness of

competition in normal times often determine the price at which
goods are sold. Write an essay on the cost accountants function
in relation to price fixing.
ii. The board of directors have called a meeting to discuss
possible price changes. The proposal before the board is that
71/2 per cent reduction in selling price should be made.

The budget for the next twelve months discloses that estimated sales are
200,000 units at N4 cacti. Variable cost are N2.50 per unit and fixed
costs are N125,000 units per annum it is estimated that 260,00 units per
annum could be produced with no further increase in fixed costs or in
variable cost per unit.

Write a brief report, without using technical accounting language,

bringing out from the facts given the significant features of the
proposal.

4.0 CONCLUSION

The methods and techniques illustrated in this unit are most appropriate
for short-run planning and decision making purpose. This means that the
relationship between costs and activity are only likely to hold good over
a relatively short-time span. Over longer time periods, unpredictious
factors are bound to occur, technology will improve materials may
become scare, so that predictions of cost behaviour, based on
examination of historical data, are likely to be increasingly unreliable.

5.0 SUMMARY

The ability to predict costs (and other factors such as sales) is a vital part
of supplying information for planning and decision making. Costs
frequenly do not behave in regular fashions and a cost may be linear,
curvi-linear or stepped at different activity levels.

6.0 TUTOR-MARKED ASSIGNMENT

Analysis of cost and activity data shows that the variable cost of part
No. 320 can be represented by function:

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Variable cost of part No 320 =

bx + Cx2 + dx3.

Where: b = material cost per unit = N3

c = labour cost per unit =N0.80
d = variable overheads per unit = N0.06

Calculate

1. Variable cost when production is 10 units

2. Variable cost when production is 15 units

7.0 REFERENCES/FURTHER READINGS

Horngren, C.T (1973) Cost Accounting, A managerial emphasis,

Prentice-Hall of India PVC Ltd.

Lucy. T. (1996) Management Accounting, 40' Edition, Leths Education

London.

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UNIT 3 STANDARD COSTING

CONTENTS

1.0 Introduction
2.0 Objectives
3.0 Main Content
3.1 Standers costing
3.1.1 How Standards are Developed
3.1.1.1Responsibility for Setting Standards
3.1.2 Behaviour Aspect of Standards
3.1.3 The Princinples of Variance Analysis
3.1.4 The Method of Setting the standard Cost
4.0 Conclusion
5.0 Summary
6.0 Tutor-Marked Assignment
7.0 References/Further Readings

1.0 INTRODUCTION

Standard costing is an important control techniques which follows the

feedback control. Standard costing establishes predetermined
estimates of the cost of production or services, collects aural costs
and output data and compares the actual results with the
predetermined estimates. The predetermined costs are known as
standard, costs and the difference between standard and actual is
known as a variance. The process by which the total variance or
difference between standard and actual cost is subdivided is known as
variance analysis.

2.0 OBJECTIVES

By the end of this unit, you should be able to:

Explain how standards are developed.

Explain the importance of the behavioural aspects of standard
costing. Describe the principles of variance analysis.
Explain the method of setting the standard cost.

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3.0 MIN CONTENT

3.1 Standard Costing

3.1.1 How standards are developed

Both standards and budgets are concerned with setting performance

and cost levels for control purpose. They, therefore, are similar in
principle although they differ in scope. Standards which can be used
for control purposes rest on a foundation of properly organized.
standardized methods and procedures and a comprehensive
information system. It is little point trying to develop a standard cost for
a product if the production method is not decided upon. A standard cost
implies that a target or standard exists for every single element which
contributes to the product; the types usage and prices of materials and
parts, the grades, rates of payment, times for the labour involved,
the production methods and layouts, the tools and jigs and soon
considerable efforts is involved in establishing, standard costs and
keeping them up to date. Traditionally, the standard cost for each part
or product is recorded on a standard cost card. With the increased
usage of computers for costing purposes frequently nowadays there
is no physical standard cost card. When a computer is used, the standard
costs are recorded on a magnetic disk or tape file and can be accessed
and processed as required. Whether a computer or manual system is
used, there are no differences in the principles of standard costing.
although there are many differences in the method of day to day
operation.

3.1.1.1 Responsibility for setting standards

The line managers who have to work with and accept the standards must
be involved in establishing them. There are strong behaviour and
motivational factors involved in this process. Work study staff,
engineers, accountants and other specialists provide technical assistance
and information but the line managers must be involved in the critical
part of standard setting, that of agreeing the level of attainment to be
included in the standard.

3.1.2 Behaviour Aspect of Standards

Because of the detailed nature of standard costing and its involvement

with foremen and production workers, communication becomes of even
greater importance. Production workers frequently regard any form of
performance evaluation with deep suspicions, and if a cost-conscious,
positive attitude is to be developed, close attention must be, paid to the
behavioural aspects of the system. Full participation, realistic

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standards, prompt and accurate reporting, no undue pressure or

censure-all contribute to an acceptable system. Remember if the system
is not accepted by the people involved it will be unworkable.

3.1.3 The principles of variance analysis

An important objective of standard costing is to be able to monitor current

operational performance against standards by the use of variance
analysis. This procedure follows the control cycle.

It will be recalled that a variance is a difference between standard cost

and actual cost. Invariably, it is qualified in some way. For example,
labour efficiency variance, direct material yield variance and so on.

The process by which the total difference between standard and actual
cost is analysed is known as variance analysis. Variance arise from
differences between standard and actual quantities, efficiencies and
proportions and/or differences between standard and actual rates or
prices.

These are the causes of variances, the reasons for the differences have to
be established by investigation.

Notes:

(a) Variance may be "adverse" i.e where actual cost is greater than
standard or they may he favourable where actual cost is less than
standard. Alternative terms are minus plus variances,
respectively.

(b) The accounting use of the term variance should not be confused
with the statistical variance which is a measure of the dispersion
of statistical population. In statistical terminology, an accounting
variance would be known as a deviation.

3.4 The Method of Setting the Standard Cost

The standard cost for each items is made up of each of the cost
elements: materials, labour, variable and fixed overhead. The
responsibility for determining the standard cost for each cost element
should be primarily with the management responsible for using them
albeit under supervisory control. We can now examine each cost
element to determine what information is required to formulate the
standard cost and from whom that information should originte.

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Material: Information required Source of information

( i ) Specification Design Department
( i i ) Quality Production Department
(iii ) Price Buying Department

Labour:
( i ) Grade Production planning department
( i i ) Time Work study
(iii ) Rate of pay Personnel Department

Variable Overhead:
( i ) Budgeted expenditure Departmental budget
( i i ) Basis of absorption Management accountant

Fixed overhead:
( i ) Budgeted expenditure Departmental budgets
( i i ) Basis of absorption Management accountant
(iii ) Level of activity Departmental budgets

SELF-ASSESSMENT EXERCISE

i. What information would be required to set a standard

manufacturing cost for a completely new machine which an
engineering company is to make for sale? From where would
this information be obtained? Present your answer in brief
numbered paragraphs.
ii. A manufacturing company is operating a system of cost
finding for products. What changes are necessary to establish a
comprehensive system of budgetary control and standard
costing?

4.0 CONCLUSION

Standard costing involves comparing actual cost with predetermined

cost and the analysis differences known as variance.

5.0 SUMMARY

Standard costing is the preparation and use of standard costs, their

comparison with actual cost and the analysis of variance as to their
causes and points of incidence.

6.0 TUTOR-MARKED, QUESTION

The following figures refer to a department in a business for a normal

week:

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N
Direct materials 40,000
Direct wages 10,000
Variable overhead 15,000
Fixed overhead 20,000

The standard direct wage rate is N250 per hour and production amounts
to N50,000 units in a 40 hour week. Wages are paid at hourly rates, and
variable overheads are absorbed at the rate of 150 per cent of direct
wages. During a particular week, 4 days are worked instead of days,
owing to fall-off in demand for the product, but the productivity of
direct labour increases by 10 percent. Present figures in respect of this
week.

7.0 REFERENCES/FURTHER READINGS

Ola, C.S (2003). Management Accounting Theory and Application

(Revied Edition) Claverianum Press, Ibadan.

Walker, C.J.(1982). Principles of Cost Accounting (3rd Edition) The

Pitman Press Great Britain.

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UNIT 4 COST ASCERTAINMENT

CONTENTS

1.0 Introduction
2.0 Objectives
3.0 Main Content
3.1 Cost Ascertainment
3.1.1 Establishing Overheads
3.1.2 Overhead Absorption
3.1.3 Absorption Costing and Marginal Cost
4.0 Conclusion
5.0 Summary
6.0 Tutor-Marked Assignment
7.0 References/Further Readings

1.0 INTRODUCTION

The whole process of cost ascertainment is directed towards the

establishment of what it actually cost to produce an article, run a
department or complete a job. The costs involved are past costs i.e
those that have already been incurred. Thus, the cost ascertainment
process (like financial accounting) in concerned with collecting,
classifying. recording, analysis and reporting upon the financial
consequences of past actions.

2.0 OBJECTIVES

By the end of this unit, you should be able to:

Explain the process of establishing overheads Explain

overhead absorption and absorption costing. Distribution
between marginal costing and absorption costing.

3.0 MAIN CONTENT

3.1 Cost Ascertainment

3.1.1 Establishing overheads

The process of establishing overheads is more involved than for direct

costs. The conventional process includes defining a number of cost
centres and then allocating or apportioning costs to the cost centres.
These terms are defined below:

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Cost centre

production or service location: function, activity or item of equipmcnt

whose costs may be attributed to cost units. Terminology

Basis Costs which may be apportioned on

this basis
Floor area Rates, rent, heating, Cleaning, lighting,
building depreciation.

Volume or space occupied Heating, lighting, building depreciation

Number of employees in each Canteen, welfare, personnel, general

cost centre administration, industrial relations, safety.

Book (or replacement) values Insurance, depreciation

of plant, equipment, premises,
etc.

Stores requisition Store-keeping

Weight of materials Store-keeping, material

Thus, through via the cost centre coding system, costs are gathered
together according to their incidence. The gathering together of the
indirect costs results in the establishment of the overheads relating to
each cost centre which is an essential preliminary to spreading the
overheads over cost units.

Cost allocation

This is the term used where the whole of a cost, without splitting or
separation, can be attributed to a cost unit or cost centre.

All direct costs being identifiable with a cost unit can be allocated without
difficulty. Allocation is less frequent with indirect costs but for some
items it is possible. For example, fuel oil for a heating boiler which
supplies heat to the whole factory could be allocated to the boiler cost
centre.

Apportionment: The process which is common for indirect costs,

involves the splitting or sharing of a common cost over the
receiving cost centers on some basis which is deemed to reflect
the benefits received. The following table gives examples of
typical bases of apportionment.

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Note

The process of apportionment, although commonly used for cost

ascertainment purposes, is a convention only and as such its accuracy
cannot be tested. Furthermore, the use of data which involves
apportionments for planning, control or decision making purpose is
likely to give misleading results. Accordingly the management
accountant must carefully analyze the methods by which cost data are
prepared and make appropriate adjustments before using such data for
management accounting purpose.

3.1.2 Overhead Absorption

Overheads form part of total cost but cannot be directly identified with a
given cost unit in the way that direct costs can be. Accordingly
overheads are spread over the cost units by the process known as
overhead absorption or overhead recovery.

This is conventionally done by calculating an overhead absorption rate

(OAR) based on the estimated overheads for a cost centre and the
expected number of direct labour hours or ma,htines hours for the
cost centre. Lbour and machine hours are the most common bases.
Methods such as these more accurately reflect the incidence of overheads
in labour or machine intensive departments, respectively, but note that
this view is challenged by newer developments such as Activity-based
costing. Having defined the various terms the, build up of total cost can
be shown

direct indirect
Items of
cost
Cost
allocation
Administrative
Production Selling distribution
cost centres cost centres

Production General
overhead overhead
absorption absorption

Prime cost Prime cost + Factory cost + general

Cost units
production overheads = total cost

The conventional build-up of total cost

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3.1.3 Absorption costing

The procedure outlined and marginal costing far by which overheads is

absorbed production is known as absorption costing or sometimes total
absorption costing. Because total overheads contain items which are
fixed in nature (those which ddo not change when the level or less
directly with activity changes , eg raw material usage), absorption
costing has implications for stock valuation and performance
measurement which as subject to criticism from some accountants. An
alternative method of costing, known as marginal costing, excludes fixed
from the absorption process and charges them in total against the
period's results.

Marginal costing distinguishes between fixed costs and variable costs.

The marginal cost of a product is its variable cost, i.e it includes direct
labour, direct materials , direct expenses and the variable part of
overheads. Marginal costing can be defined as:

"the accounting system in which variable costs

are changed to cost units and fixed cost of the
period are written-off in full against the aggregate
contribution. Its special value is in decision
making ". Terminology.

The term `contribution" mentioned in the formal definition is the term

given to the difference between sales and marginal cost.

Thus:

Marginal cost
= Variable cost
= Direct labour + Direct expenses + Variable overheads.

Contribution

= Sales - Marginal cost

The term marginal cost sometimes refers to the marginal cost per unit
and sometimes to the total marginal costs of a department or batch or
operation.

There are two main uses for marginal costing principles

a) As a basis for providing information to management for

planning and decision-making. It is particularly appropriate for

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short run decisions involving changes in volume or activity and

the resulting cost changes.

b) It can also be used in the routine cost accounting system for

the calculation of costs and the valuation of stocks. Uses in this
fashion, it is an alternative to total absorption costing. This facet
of marginal costing is dealt with below.

Absorption costing, sometimes known as total absorption costing is the

basis of all financial accounting statements and the basis used for the
first part of this unit. Using absorption costing, all costs are
absorbed into production and thus operating statements do not
distinguish between fixed variable costs.

Consequently, the valuation of stocks and work-in-progress contains

both fixed and variable elements. On the other hand, using marginal
costing, fixed costs are not absorbed into the cost production. They are
treated as period costs and written off each period in the costing
profit and loss account. The effect of this is that finished goods and
work-in-progress are valued at marginal costs only ie the variable
elements of cost, usually prime cost plus variable overhead. At the
end of a period he marginal cost of sales is deducted from sales
revenue to show the contribution, from which fixed costs are
deducted to show net profit. The two approaches are adopted.

SELF-ASSESSMENT EXERCISE

i. During the year, 20,000 units of Z were produced and sold. Costs
and revenues were:

N
Sales 100,000
Production costs:
Variable 35,000
Fixed 15,000
Administrative + selling
Overheads fixed 25,00

Required

Show the net profit using both absorption and marginal costing approach.

ii. What do you understand b y the term `marginal costing?

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4.0 CONCLUSION

Although the method of presentation was different, both marginal and

absorption costing produced the same net profit. This was because there
was no stock at the beginning or end of the period.

5.0 SUMMARY

No generalized, all embracing answer can be given as to which

techniques should be used. The accountant should make a judgment as
to which techniques is more appropriate for the requirement of a
particular organization. Although any technique can be used for
internal purposes, SSAP is quite clear that absorption costing must be
the basis of the financial accounts.

6.0 TUTOR-.MARKED QUESTION

Assume the same data as exercise 1 except that only 18,000 of the
20,000 units produced were sold, 2,000 units being carried forward
as stock to the next period.

Required

Show the net profit based upon marginal costing and absorption
costing principles.

7.0 REFERENCES/FURTHER READINGS

Ola, C.S (2003). Management Accounting, Claverianum Press Ibadan.

Walker, C.J. (1982).Principles of Cost Accounting MacDonald and

Evans London

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UNIT 5 PLANNING SYSTEM CONCEPTS

CONTENTS

1.0 Introduction
2.0 Objectives
3.0 Main Content
3.1 Planning System Concepts
3.1.1 Systems Approach
3.1.2 Types of System
3.1.3 System relationship with the Environment
3.1.4 Sub-Optimization
3.1.5 Planning and Control
4.0 Conclusion
5.0 Summary
6.0 Tutor-Marked Assignment
7.0 References/Further Readings

1.0 INTRODUCTION

Systems exist in very facet of life. There are mechanical system,

biological systems, information systems, social systems,
organizational systems and innumerable others; In this unit, we will
discuss system as it relates to planning.

2.0 OBJECTIVES

By the end of this unit you should be able to:

E x p l a i n the relevance of systems theory to planning;

Describe open and close system;
Discuss sub-optimality;
Explain that planning and control are related.

3.0 MAIN CONTENT

3.1 Planning System Concept

3.1.1 Systems Approach

The systems approach avoids taking a piecemeal approach to

problems and directs the activities of the components or sub systems
of the total system towards meeting overall objectives. The systems
approach recognizes that changes cannot be made to some parts of the
system without considering the effect on the system as a whole and that

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the overall system characteristics are greater than the sun of the
separate parts. This later is known as the synergy or the 2 + 2 = 5 effect.
In relation to a particular organization the systems approach would
require consideration of the following factors:

a) the system must be define. This requires establishing the

boundaries (real or arbitrary) which encompass the system must
be specified.
b) The real objectives of the system must be specified.
c) The environment in which the system operates, the interactions
with the environment, and the constraints which it imposes.
(d) The indicators which will be used to measure the performance of
the system as a whole.
e) The current and anticipated resources available to operate the
system.
f) The parts of the system (i.e the sub systems) their relationships,
activities and objectives must be studied to ensure conformity
with overall system objectives.
g) The way that the system managed, ie the planning and
controlling of the system through information networks.

Note: It will be seen how the systems approach aligns closely to

good management practice. It is objective oriented, an overall view
is taken and the effect of the environment are considered.

3.1.2 Types of Systems

For our purpose, the three most relevant types of systems are
deterministic, stochastic and adaptive.

Deterministic or mechanistic system

These are the simplest systems which are perfectly predictable. ie given
the inputs, the outputs can be predicted accurately. Machines and
computer programs are examples of deterministic systems.

Stochastic or probabilistic systems

In these systems some states can be predicted from a previous state but
only in terms of probable behaviour. Predictions will always have a
certain degree of error because of the existence or random variations in
the values of the systems components caused by internal and
external influences. For example, in an inventory control system the
average stock or average demand can be predicted buy the exact value
of these factors at a future time cannot be predicted. Various control

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systems (e.g inventory control, production control, quality control) are

installed to detect and c o n t r o l t h e v a r ia t i on s i n or d e r t h a t t h ey d o
n o t b e c o me of s u c h ma g n i t u d e a s t o e nd a n g e r the fulfillment of
the system objectives.

Adaptive or self-organizing or cybernetic systems

These are highly complex systems which adapt to the environment by

altering their structure and/or parts and/or behaviour. This adaption is of
the system and not merely the alteration of some parameter (eg a stock
level) within the system. This class of system includes all living
systems- animals, plants. social groups and organizations. It is a primary
task of management to ensure that organization continually adapt to
changes in the environment to ensure survival and development. It is
essence of long-term planning that recognition is given to the fact the
organizations are adaptive systems and that environmental influences
are all important.

3.3 System relationship with the environment

The environment of a system is all other systems outside its own

boundaries. Thus the environment of an organiation are the systems (i.e
the markets, suppliers, competitors, distribution and so on) in the
sector of the economy in which it operates. The environment of a
production system in an organization is the other interacting systems
which the organization.

SYSTEM MAY BE CLOSED OR OPEN

Closed system

These are systems which are self contained and do not exchange
material, information or energy with the environment. In the strict sense
no business or organization system can be a closed system but for many
planning and control purposes, systems are designed to be relatively
closed with only minimal interactions with their environment. This
greatly aids the prediction and monitoring of system performance.

Open systems

These are system which interact and exchange information, energy and
materials with their environment. To ensure survival (the primary
organizational objective) adaption to changes in the environment is vital
and only open systems have this capability.

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These various types of systems are shown below;

Closed system
No exchanges
with
environment

Relatively closed system

Knonw & Known &
Prescribed inputs prescribed
Outputs

Open system
Known Subject to known
Inputs

Unknown and unknown Output

Disturbance inputs and
environmental
disturbance

Relationship with environment

Thus, it will all be seen that an organization is an open, adaptive system

containing within 'it a number of sub-system which may be adaptive,
probabilistic or deterministic.

3.1.4 Sub-optimization

This is where the objectives of sub-systems are pursued to the detriment

of the overall system goals. Each sub-system may be working at peak
efficiency but this does not necessarily mean that the system as a whole
is acting optimally. Sub-optimizations is probably more common than is
realized and may be caused by departmental pressures and rivalries,
poor communications, lack of co-ordination, poor information systems,
or lack of centralized direction and control. The avoidance of sub-
optimization is an optimization is to ensure that the overall
objectives of the organization dominate eh objectives of each of the
sub systems. This factor must he borne in mind when planning, controlling
and monitoring performance.

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3.5 Planning and control

Planning precedes control and planning without consideration of the

type, frequency and method of control will largely be a waste of time. It
follows from this, that part of the planning process involves the design
of an appropriate control system. control is an important element of
the work of the management accountant.

SELF-ASSESSMENT EXERCISE

i. What is a system?
ii. List the various types of system

4.0 CONCLUSION

Various definitions exist of a system but all contain the essential

elements of parts and relationships. The systems approach directs
attention to overall objectives and thus attempts to avoid sub-
optimality.

5.0 SUMMARY

Open system interact with the environment, while close systems which
are self contained parts of the planning process, includes consideration
of an appropriate control system.

6.0 TUTOR-MARKED ASSIGNMENT

Distinguish between open system and close systems?

7.0 REFERENCES/FURTHER READINGS

Ola, C. S. (2003). Management Accounting Theory and Application,

Claverianum press Ibadan

Walker. C.J. (1982). Principles of Cost Accounting (3rd Edition)

Macdonald and Evans London

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MODULE 4

Unit 1 Short-Term Operational Planning

Unit 2 Elements of Cost-Materials, Labour, Overhead
Unit 3 Activity-Based Costing
Unit 4 Measuring Performance in Organization

UNIT 1 SHORT-TERM OPERATIONAL PLANNING

CONTENTS

1.0 Introduction
2.0 Objectives
3.0 Main Content
3.1 Short-Term Operational Planning
3.1.1 Budgets
3.1.2 Preparation of Budgets
4.0 Conclusion
5.0 Summary
6.0 Tutor-Marked Assignment
7.0 References/Further Readings

1.0 INTRODUCTION

The cost accountant is one of the major providers of information for

planning purposes, and to do this effectively, it is essential that he
understand the nature of planning, how plans are established, the
importance of short-term planning. the place of budgeting in the planning
process. In this unit we will examine the methods, objectives and
problems of preparing short-term plans. Long-term planning involving an
examination of the 'techniques of investment appraisal and the methods of
providing finance for long term capital plans.

2.0 OBJECTIVES

By the ending this unit, you should be able to:

Discuss the methods of short-term planning.

Explain the objectives and problems of preparing short-term plans.

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3.0 MAIN CONTENT

3.1 Short-Term Operational Planning

S h o r t - te r m p l a n n i n g i s p e rf o r me d s e t t ing b u d g e t s a n d st a n da r d .
I r r e s pe c t i ve of t h e nature of the business, a budgetary control system
can be operated and plans prepared in relation to a particular time period.
If the business producers homogenous products (i.e. is involved in the
continuous manufacture of identical units for stock from which stock sales
are made), then a standard costing system may also be operated and
plans prepared in relation to cost units.

3.1.1 Budgets

A budget represents a detailed plan of action that is prepared in relation to

a particular period of tune. The period of time involved may be one year
or operational budgets (e.g. sales or production budget) or a periods of
between 3 and 10 years or the capital budget. A budget enables the
overall objectives of the organization to be translated into detailed plan
to action.

(1) Objectives

The major objectives of the budgetary process are to facilitate the

planning and control functions of management; planning to achieve the
corporative of the organization and control to ensure that actual activities
accord with those plans. These overall objectives may be itemized into
more detailed points:

(i) Makes Management Look Ahead

The budgetary process compels management to look ahead and so plan

for the changing conditions that will prevail during the forthcoming
budget period. Alternative plans may be considered and final plans
formulated that will ensure, as far as possible, the most efficient use
of the resources available to the business. If this planning process is not
undertaken, then profitable business opportunities may be
overlooked and not undertaken. Similarly, the valuable resources
of the organization may be used inefficiently. This is particularly
relevant in relation to the existence of scarce resource (e.g. availability
of material, labour or cash) as the business may find itself having to
react to the changes in conditions without an adequate plan with the
possible consequent adverse results on the performance of the
organization.

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(ii) Co-ordination of Activities

If the overall objectives of the organization are to be achieved, it is

important that all members and areas of the organization work towards
those objectives. The management involved in the preparation of
budgets on a departmental basis should, therefore subordinate their
own personal goals and those of their departments to the achievement of
the corporate goals.

(iii) Communication of Objectives

It is important that management should realized what the organization is

seeking to achieve and hoe the organization seeks to achieve it during
the relevant periods. After all, management is responsible for turning
the plans of the organization into actual activities and it is the budgets
which provide the means of communication.

(iv) Motivation

It the business objectives are to be achieved, then it is vital that

management are motivated sufficiently to achieve those objectives.
Budgets should at as motivational device to management, first by setting
a target and second, by the simple fact that the performance of
management will be evaluated on their ability level of performance.
However, if motivation is to be achieved in this manner, the targets
set must be realistically achievable target and management should be
involved in the target setting.

Behavioural scientists have stated that if a manager is `ego involved'

rather than `task involved' he is more likely to achieve the defined level
performance expected of him. The ego involvement represents a
personal commitment to the achievement. This will motivate far more
than will the imposition of such a target on management. This does not
imply, however, that departmental managers should have sole
responsibly for the setting of their budgets. but that must be involved in
their determination.

(v) Performance Evaluation

Once set, the budget form the basis for control against which actual
activities can be measured. More valid control information should be
revealed from this comparison than from a comparison of actual
activities with those of previous years, as the budgets should take
account of the changes that may have taken place from one year to the
next (e.g. changes in product range, technological change, changes in
labour and capital intensity.

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A budgetary Control system will also allow for the operation of the
principle of management by exception. If actual activities are in
accordance with the planned activities outlines in the budgets and
approved by top management, then there is no need for- direct
involvement by top management in the day to day running of the
business. This will leave them free to concentrate on the strategic
planning and decision making of the organization which is vital to ensure
its long term existence and departments themselves may he budget
centers as well. The budgets of the various sections will then be
consolidation into a department budget, the departmental budget in
turn will be consolidation into a budget for the subsidiary, and the
budgets of all the subsidiaries will be combined into a master budget for
the group as a whole.

(2) Clear Lines of Responsibility for the Achievement of Budget

Targets

Individual managers should be held responsible for the attainment of

budget goals of a specific budget center. Responsibility accounting is
often defined as `a system of accounting that segregates revenues and
costs into areas of personal responsibility in order to assess the
performance attained by persons to whom authority has been
assigned' (CIMA Official Terminology).

A responsibility center in itself is a unit function of an organization

headed by a manager having direct responsibility for its performance.
Responsibility centers should also be budget centers.

(3) Responsibilities for Revenues Costs, and Capital Employed

Budgets center and responsibility centers should be arranged such that on

person is held accountable for all the income earned, by the cots incurred
and the capital employed by the organization at an appropriate level
of authority in the management hierarchy.

A budget center may comprise cost centers, revenue centers, profit

centers and Investment centers.

3.1.2 Preparation of Budgets

The process of budget preparation will involves setting many individual

budget (e.g. sales, production. purchases and cash) which must then
be combined together to formulate the master budgets which take
the form of a budgeted Profit and Loss Account for the budget
period and a budgeted Balance Sheet as a t the end of the budget period.
This poses two main problems:

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(i) administering the budget preparation: and

(ii) determining the principal budget factor.

(i) Budget Administration

The preparation of the budgets will be organized by the budget

committee, which should consist of several members of top
management drawn from the various operational department of
divisions. The committee will operate under the direction of the budget
officer, probably the financial controller or someone of equivalent
standing. The responsibilities of the committee should cover the
following major point

(a) Determining the organization structure of the business and clearly

identifying responsibilities and authority for the preparation of the
detailed.

SELF-ASSESSMENT EXERCISE

i. Explain what is meant by the principal budget factor, and

indicate its significance in the fields of:

( a ) setting long-term budgets;

(b) assessing product profitability; and
( c ) fixing selling prices

ii. The summary budget for a company making a wide variety of

articles is as follows:

Direct materials N600,000

Direct wages (100,000hr) N300,000
Variable overheads N450,000
Fixed overheads N300,000
Total costs N1,650.000
Profit N 200,000
Sales N I,850,000

Ample finance and facilities are available, but it is difficult to obtain

labour, although some labour can be persuaded to work a limited amount
of overtime. It is the company's practice to absorb all overheads as a
percentage of direct wages. Standard figure for three jobs are as
follows:

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Job A B C
Direct materials N 14.50 N 9.00 N4.25
Direct wages (at 3.00 per hr) 3.00 6.00 4.50
Sales price 27.50 33.00 22.00

Present figures to management to represent the comparative profitability

of the three products. State which has the greatest profit potential, and
indicate how each compares with the average profitability of
products, as revealed by the budget.
ICMA (Adapted)

3. The AB Co. Ltd budget to sell in the month of January 2,500kg of

Product A at E3 per,200kg of Product B at N 2 per kg and
2,000kg of Product C at N2 per kg. During the month actual sales
were 2,000 kg of Product A for N5,500, 1,800 kg of Product B
for N4,050 and 2,200 kg of Product C for N4,950. N2 per unit for
C, and were in line with actual cost.

You are required to calculate the effect of sales variance (price

quantity and mix) on budgeted profit, and to prepare a statement
showing how each product has contributed to the increase or decrease in
budgeted profit.

4.0 CONCLUSION

Planning proceeds control and planning without consideration of the

type, frequency and method of control will largely be a waste of time. If
follows from this, that part of the planning process involves the design of
an appropriate control system.

5.0 SUMMARY

Budgetary process compels management to look ahead and so plan

for the changing conditions that will prevail during -the forthcoming
budget period. Alternative plans may be considered and final plans
formulated that will ensure, as far as possible.

6.0 TUTOR-MARKED ASSIGNMENT

An essential part of profit planning is the budgeting of sales and selling

costs. What checks would you apply on receiving the first draft of the
sales and selling cost budgets, before using them as the basis for
production and other budget?

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7.0 REFERENCES/FURTHER READINGS

Ola, C,S (2003). Management Accounting Theory and Application,

Claveriancum Press Ibandan.

Walker, C,J (1982). Principles of Cost Accounting (3'd Edition)

MacDonald and Evans London.

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UNIT 2 ELEMENT OF COST MATERIALS LABOUR AND

OVERHEAD

CONTENTS

1.0 Introduction
2.0 Objectives
3.0 Main Content
3.1 Elements of Cost
3.1.1 Materials
3.1.2 Labour Cost
3.1.3 Service cost Centres
3.1.4 Costing Methods
4.0 Conclusion
5.0 Summary
6.0 Tutor-Marked Assignment
7.0 References/Further Readings

1.0 INTRODUCTION

Material control depends on buying materials of adequate quality at

competitive prices, and maintaining the stocks at the correct level to
ensure that production is never delayed by a lack of materials, but at the
same time capital is not tied up in unnecessary stocks.

The store facility must be adequate to ensure that deterioration and

theft cannot take place.

2.0 OBJECTIVES

By the en of this unit; you should be able to:

Discuss the management of materials labour and overhead.

Explain the various costing methods

3.0 MAIN CONTEST

3.1 Elements of Cost-Material, Labour and Overheads

3.1.1 Materials

For many organizations the expenditure on materials is a large

proportion of total cost and it is essential that all aspects of materials
control are dealt with efficiently. This involves purchasing, receipt,
storage and accounting functions.

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There are two main areas with which cost accountants are conceived.,
firstly, the management of the investment in materials and stocks
through inventory control procedures.

Secondly. the costing problems involved in pricing issues of materials

to production. The pricing system should be consistent and realistic and
should not involve Undue administrative complications.

The major pricing systems are FIFO (first in First Out) LIFO (Last in First
Out),

FIFO Issues are priced at the price of the oldest batch in

stock until all units have been issued when the next
oldest batch is used. It is an actual cost system, which
has the effect of charging the oldest prices to production
and valuing stocks at the more recent.

LIFO Issues are priced at the price of the most recent batch until
a new batch is received. It is an actual cost system which
causes product costs to be based prices. FIFO it is
administratively cumbersome because it required the
recording system to keep track of batched.

Average Price. This is a perpetual weighted average system where

the issue price is calculated after each receipt taking into
account both quantities and money value. This system
has an effect on product costs and stock valuation
somewhere between LIFO and FIFO. The system makes
cost comparisons between jobs somewhere easier and is
simpler to administer.

Standard Price This is a predetermined price based on consideration of

all factors, which are expected to affect the price. If a
realistic price can be set then purchasing efficiency can
be monitored to some extent.

Apart from the rare occasions when the specific price paid for material
can be charged into product costs, the price charges will be based
on a pricing convention such as described above. It is because of this
that product costs from the costing system which are to be used for
planning and decision making and decision making purposes the
appropriate materials cost may be the future replacement cost, the net
realizable value or the value of the material in some alternative use
(opportunity cost) rarely will the historical cost be appropriate.

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3.1.2 Labour Cost

Payment systems for production workers are frequently complex and

difficult to administer. Although there are innumerable variation they are
essentially of two types; those where straight time rates are paid and
wages are not related to production levels, and those where payment is
related directly or indirectly to production level.

Obviously, where the payment system is related in some way to

activity, for example by straight or differential piecework or by
individual and/or group bonus systems, labour costs will have some
variable characteristics but rarely, if ever, will labour costs behave in a
truly variable, linear fashion. The existence of guaranteed minima, in-
lieu bonuses, high day rate system, the tendency for more
production workers to become salaries employed, all have
implications for the management accountant when considering labour
costs in planning and decision making.

3.1.3 Service cost centers

As previous described, overheads are aggregated by the process of

classification, allocation and apportionment and are then spread over the
cost units produced, by the process known as overhead absorption.

A typical complication which occurs in most costing systems

relates to service cost centers. These are departments which, although
providing essential services to production departments and each other, do
not take part in actual production, eg maintenance and stores. Naturally,
service cost centers incur costs which may be allocated to them (eg.
Store man's wages to stores) or apportioned to them (eg an
appropriate share of the rates, heating costs to the maintenance shop) by
the normal cost accounting process.

The service department costs have to be shared over the production

departments by the process of secondary apportionment, the necessary so
that all the service department costs are eventually included in the cost of
the production cost units. Typical bases for the secondary apportionment,
i.e. the apportionment of service costs to production: cost center. are
shown below:

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Service Department Possible Bases for the Secondary Apportionment

of Service Department Costs to Production Cost
Centres
Stores No. of Requisition Weight of Materials Issues
No. of Items Issued

Maintenance Maintenance Labour Hours Maintenance Wages

Plant Values
Power Generation Metered Usage Notional Capacity

No. of Employees per Department Gross Wages

Personnel
per Department

The necessity for secondary apportionment disappears when Activity

Based Costing (ABC) is used. With ABC most of the cots of support
services can be traced direct to the product. This is explained in more
detail when ABC is covered.

3.1.3.1 Service Department Costs with Reciprocal Servicing

Prior to the secondary apportionment of cost to production departments

it is necessary to established the cost of each service department.
Particular problems arise when service departments provide reciprocal
servicing for each other as well as for Production. For example assume
the Maintenance (M) do work for Power Generation (PG) who supply
power to maintenance. The total cost of M cannot be found until the
charges for PG's services is known whilst PG's costs cannot be found
until the charges for M's work is known.

SELF-ASSESSMENT EXERCISE

A factory has two service department maintenance (M) and Power

Generation (PG) and three production department (P1, P2, and P3,).
There is reciprocal servicing as well as servicing the production
department. It has been agreed that the most appropriate bases of
apportionment for service departments costs are: Capital equipment
values for maintenance and motor horse power for power
generation. The appropriate data are summarized below:

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Department M PG P1 P2 P3
Overheads N4,800 N14,600 N14,000 N22,000 N33,000
Capital values N100,000 N550,00 N760,00 N640,00
Proportion - 5% 25% 38% 32%
Horse power 9000 - 24000 16200 10800
Proportion 15% - 40% 27% 18%

It is required to established total overhead of the production

departments.

Solution to Illustration
Let m = Total overhead for maintenance when the power
generation charges have been allotted.

Let pg = Total overhead for power generation when the

maintenance charges have been allotted.

m = 4800 + 0.15pg
pg = 14600 + 0.05m
which rearranged give

m - 0. l 5pg = 4800 Equation I

pg - 0.05m = 1460 Equation II

These equations are solved in the normal manner (in this case
Equation II is multiplied by 20 and added to Equation I) thus

m - 0. 15 pg = 4800 Equation I
20pg - m = 292,00 20 x Equation II
19.85pg = 296,800 pg = N 14952

and by substitution, m is found to be N7.043.

These values of notional overhead are used to make the final secondary
apportionments this (Rounded to the nearest N)

Departments
M PG P1 P2 P3
Original Allotment N4,800 N14,600 N14,000 22,000 33,000

National overhead for M

Apportioned over services
Departments -7,043 352 1,761 2,676 2,254
National overheads for PQ
Apportioned over services
Departments 2,243 -12,952 5,981 4,037 2,691
21,742 28,713 37,945

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The final apportioned overheads equal the original total allotments i.e.
N88,400

Notes:

a) The processes of primary and secondary apportionments and

establishing the cots of service departments are conventions only
and as such their accuracy cannot be tested. The use of such
data for decision making should therefore be subject to close
scrutiny to ensure its appropriateness for the intended purpose.
b) Reciprocal service cost problems can also be solved using matrix
algebra, which is described in detail in "Quantitative Techniques'
Ibid.

3.1.4 Costing methods

These are methods of costing which are designed to suit the way
products are manufactures or processed or the way that services are
provided. Examples of costing methods are: job costing batch costing
contract costing and process costing which are explained below: it
must be clearly understood that, what ever costing methods is used, basic
costing principles relating to classification, allocation,
apportionment and absorption will be used.

3.1.4.1 Job Costing

The main purpose of job costing are to established the profit or loss on
each completed job and to provide a valuation of uncompleted jobs,
i.e. the Work-in-Progress (WIP).

This done by creating a Job Cost Card for each job on which would
be entered the following details.

Direct Labour costs - including time based and piecework

earnings.
Direct Material costs - based on store issues, special purchases,
bills of materials.
Direct expenses - expenses incurred specifically for the
particular job, e.g tool hire, royalties.

Based on these details and labour and machine time bookings the
production departmental overhead would be calculated using the
times recorded and the predetermined overhead absorption rates for
labour or machine time as appropriate. A job is normally valued at factory
cost until it is dispatched when an appropriate amount of selling and
administration overheads would be added usually as percentage of the

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works cost. The total of the party complete job cost cards represent the
firms work-in-progress and on completion the costs are removed from
W-I-P and charged to the Cost of Sales account (DR Cost of Sales CR
WIP)

3.1.4.2 Batch costing

This is a form of costing which is used where a quantity of identical

articles are produced together as a batch. The general procedures are
very similar to costing jobs. The batch would be treated as a job
during manufacture and the various costs (material, labour and
overheads) collected in the usual manner. On completion of the
batch the total batch cost would he divided by the number of good
articles produces so as to provide the average cost per article. Batch
costing procedures are common in a variety of industries including
clothing, foot ear, engineering components.

3.1.4.3 Contract costing

This is many similarities to job costing and is usually adopted for work
which is site based. of a relatively long duration and undertaken to
the customer's special requirements. Because of the self contained
nature of most site operations more cots than normal can be
identified as direct and thus charged to the contract, eg telephones on
site, design and planning salaries vehicle costs.

A particular feature associated with contracts is the provision for

provision for progress payments to be made by the client which are
necessary because if the length and value of some contract. The basis
for these interim payments is an architect's certificate of work
satisfactorily completed. The amount paid is usually the certified
values less a percentage retention which is released by the client when
the contract is fully completed, because contract often extend over
more than one financial years it is necessary to estimate the profit on
uncompleted contracts so as to avoid undue fluctuation in
compan y results. The profit to be taken is conservatively estimated to
allow for any unforeseen difficulties and cost. Anticipated losses
should be allowed for, in full, as early as possible.

3.1.4.4 Process costing

This form of costing is appropriate where the product follows a

series of sequential, frequently automatic process. eg paper making
refining, paint manufacture, food processing. The essence of process
costing is the averaging of the total costs of each process over the
total throughput of one process (including partly completed units) and

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charging the cost of the output of one process as the raw material
input to the next process. Any partly complete units at the end of
the period are, for cost calculation purposes, expressed as 'equivalent
units'. This merely means the equivalent number of fully complete
units which the partly complete units represent.

SELF-ASSESSMENT EXERCISE

List the factors you would consider when preparing a material

budgeting.

4.0 CONCLUSION

One of the most important functions of the cost department is to assist in

planning and control of materials. labour and overhead costs.

5.0 SUMMARY

Cost accounting systems are largely concerned with the analysis

of past costs and operations. Cost units should be chosen that are the
most relevant for the activities of the particular organization.

6.0 TUTOR-MARKED ASSIGNMENT

Discuss the various costing methods

7.0 REFERENCES/FURTHER READINGS

Walker. CJ. Principles of Cost Accounting MacDonald and Even Ltd,

London.

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UNIT 3 ACTIVITY BASED COSTING (ABC)

CONTENTS

1.0 Introduction
2.0 Objectives
3.0 Main Content
3.1 Activity-Based Costing
3.1.1 Basic Assumption of ABC
3.1.2 Cost Classification
3.1.3 Transaction-Based Cost Drivers
3.1.4 Merits of ABC
3.1.5 Criticisms of ABC
4.0 Conclusion
5.0 Summary
6.0 Tutor-Marked Assignment
7.0 References/Further Readings

1.0 INTRODUCTION

The ideas behind ABC have been around for many years but ABC has
been brought into recent prominence by the work of the Harvard Business
School. The main idea behind ABC is to focus attention on what factors
cause or drive costs, known as cost drivers.

2.0 OBJECTIVES

By the end of this unit, you should be able to:

Explain the basic assumption of ABC

Explain the various cost classification using ABC
Describe the transaction based cost drivers.
Discuss Understand the merit and demerit of ABC

3.0 MAIN CONTENT

3.1 Activity-Based Costing

3.1.1 Basic Assumptions of ABC

The ideas behind ABC have been around for many year but ABC
has been brought into recent prominence by the work of the Harvard
Business School, especially Professors Kaplam and Cooper.

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At its simplest level ABC can be though of as a method of charging

overheads to cost units on the basis of benefits received from the
particular indirect activity eg ordering, planning, setting and so on. ABC
seeks not only to attribute overheads to product cosy on a more realistic
basis than simply production volume, but also attempts to shoe the
relationship between overhead costs and the activities that cause them.
There are some similarities between ABC and traditional systems but
a key difference is the way that the costs of support activities are
collected and then charged or traced to cost units.

In outline an ABC system is developed and used as follows:

Step 1 Identify the main activities in the organization.

Example include: materials handling, purchasing,
reception, dispatch, machining, assembly and so on.

Step 2 Identify the factors which determine the costs of an

activity. There are known as cost drivers.
Examples include: number of purchase orders, number of
orders delivered, number of set-un and so on.

Step 3 Collect the costs of each activity: These are known as

cost pools and are directly equivalent to conventional cost
centers.

Step 4 Charge support overheads to products on the basis of their

usage of the activity, expressed in terms of the chosen
cost driver(s). for example, if the total costs of
Purchasing were N200,000 and there were 1,000
Purchase orders (the chosen cost driver), products
would be charged N200 per purchase order. Thus a
batch generating 3 purchase orders would be charged 3
x N200 = N600 for Purchasing overhead.

It will be seen from the diagram that there are considerable similarities
between the two systems. In both systems, direct costs go straight to the
product and overheads are traced to the product using a two stage
allocation process. However, it is in the second stage of the overhead
allocation process that significant differences arise. In a traditional
system overheads would be charged to products using at the most two
absorption bases (labour hours and/ or machine hours). On the other
hand, ABC, systems use many drivers as absorption bases (Eg number
of set-ups, number of orders, number of dispatched costs, especially
where support overheads are high.

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Having examined the main principles of ABC, more detailed points can be
considered.

3.1.2 Cost Classifications

Using traditional system, variable costs are those that change with
production volume, Examples include: direct material, power costs and
so on. Fixed costs are those which for not change with production
volume. This includes the majority of costs including most overhead.

Using ABC, Kaplan and Cooper advocate classifying overhead costs in

a different way. They propose: short-term variable costs, long-term
variable costs and fixed cost.

Short-term variable costs

These are costs that do vary with production volume and would be those
also classified. These vary in direct relationship to production
volume, expressed as machine hours.

It is suggested that short-term variable overhead costs are traced to

produced using production volume-related cost drivers as appropriate.
Examples include: direct labour hours. machine hours, direct material
cost or weight, ABC recognizes that there could be several cost drivers
whenever labour hours, machine hours and material costs are used in
different proportions by products. In most organization there will only be a
small proportion of overheads that can be classed as short-term variable
costs.

Long-Term Variable Costs

These are overhead costs which do not vary with production volume but
do vary with other measures of activity, but not immediately. For
example, costs for support activities such as stock handling, production
scheduling, set-ups etc are fixed in the shorter term but vary in the longer
term according to the range and complexity of the products manufactures.
ABC requires these costs be traced to products by transaction based cost
drivers.

Most support overheads can be classified as long-term variable costs

and thus traced to products using appropriate cost drivers. In traditional
systems most of these costs would he classified as fixed.

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Fixed Costs

Using ABC these are classified as costs which do not vary, for a
given time period with any activity indicator. An example would be the
salary of the Managing Director. Research by Kaplan and Cooper
suggests that these costs are a relatively small proportion of the total
costs.

3.1.3 Transaction-based cost drivers

A key idea behind ABC is to focus attention on what factors cause or
drive costs known as cost drivers. Cost drivers can be defined as:

Activities or transactions which are significant determinants of cost.

There are difficulties in choosing realistic cost drivers and Cooper warns:

There are no simple rules that pertain to the selection of cost drivers. The
best approach is to identify the resources that constitute a significant
proportion of the product costs and determine their cost behaviour. If
several are long-term variable costs, a transaction-based cost system
should be considered.

Examples of transaction-based cost drivers are given below.

Support Department Costs (ie Cost Pools) Possible Cost Driver

Production scheduling No of production runs
Set-up Costs No of production runs
Material handling No of production runs
Finished goods stock handling & dispatch costs No of purchase orders
Raw material stock handling No of orders received

The development of ABC and the designation of cost pools and

appropriate cost-drivers Ibrces the organization to ask the following
important questions:

What does this department achieve?

Does for example, the department add value or does it simply add
cost? Why is it needed? Can we do without it?
What causes the activity for which the department is responsible?
This question can force a re-appraisal of the underlying
causes of costs. As Johnson has said `people cannot manage
cost, they can only manage the activities which cause costs'

Focusing on the drivers which causes overheads and tracing overheads to

products on the usage of cost drivers enables a higher proportion of
overheads to be product related. Using traditional systems most support

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overheads cannot be related to products except in the most general

arbitrary way. It is this feature of ABC, which, it is claimed, produces
greater realism.

OAR based on machine hours = N27,180 =N 16.47 per machine hour

1,650

Cost summary
A B C D Total
N N N N
Direct materials 750 1,875 7,500 18,750 N
Direct labour 350 700 3,500 7,000
Prime costs 1,100 2,575 11,00 25,750 40,425
[email protected] 1,647 8,235 16,220 27,177
"Total cost 1,924 4,222 19,235 42,220 67,602
Unit produced 25 25 250 250
Cost per unit (rounded) N77 N169 N77 N169

b) Using ABC
Calculation of cost driver rates
Cost driver rates
Short-term variable cost 28,250 machine hours =N5 per machine hour
1,650

Scheduling costs 7,680 production runs =N320 per production run

24

Set-up costs 3,600 production runs =N150 per production run

24

Materials handling costs N7,650 components* = N22 per component

3.825

* Number of component in period = 25 x 8 + 25 x 5 + 250 x 8 + 250 x 6 = 3,825

Cost summary
A B C D Total
N N N N N
Prime cost 1,100 2,575 11,000 25,750 40,425
Short run variable costs
@ N 5 per machine hour 250 500 2,500 5,000 8,250
Scheduling (4N 320 per run 960 1,280 2,240 3,2090 7,680
Set-up @ N150per run 450 600 1,050 1,500 3,600
Material handling
@ N 2 per component 400 250 4,000 3,000 7,650
"Total cost 3,260 5,205 20,790 38,450 *67,605
Unit produced 25 25 250 250
Cost per N126.4 N208.2 N83.16 N153.8

* Slight difference in total cost due to rounding

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c) Comparing the results we obtain

Products A B C D
N N N N
Unit cost: conventional 77 169 77 169
Unit cost: ABC 126.4 208.2 83.16 153.8
Percentage change using ABC +64% +23% +8% -9%

It will be seen that ABC charge more overheads to lower volume

production and tends to charge relatively less to higher volume
production, especially Product D in this case. The above example has
deliberately been kept simple in order to show the principles of the ABC
method.

3.1.4 Merits of ABC

The following are the main claims made regarding ABC:

a) More realistic product costs are provided especially in Advanced

Manufacturing Technology (AMT) factories where support
overheads are a significant proportion of total costs.
b) More overhead can be traced to the product. In modern
factories there are a growing number of non-factory floor
activities. ABC is concerned with all activities so takes product
costing beyond the traditional factory floor basis.
c) ABC recognize that it is activities which cause cost, not product
and it is products which consume activities.
d) ABC t Buses attention on the real nature of cost behaviour and
helps in reducing costs and identifying activities which do not add
value to the product.
e) ABC recognizes the complexity and diversity of modern
production by the use of multiple cost drivers, many of which
are transaction based rather than based solely on production
volume.
f) ABC provides a reliable indication of long-run variable product
cost which is relevant to strategic decision making.
g) ABC is flexible enough to trace costs to processes, customers,
areas of managerial responsibility, as well as product costs.
h) ABC provides useful financial measure (eg cost driver rates) and
non-financial measure (Cg` transaction volumes).

3.1.5 Criticisms of ABC

a) A lull ABC system with numerous cost pools with multiple cost
drivers is undeniably more complex than traditional systems and
will thus be more expensive to administer.

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b) ABC was originally developed by CAML, the US based

consortium of very large manufacturing forms, consulting groups
and universities. Much of their work is defence related and pricing
is on a cost-plus basis hence the need to show accurate product
costs. The applicability of ABC to companies who have to use
market-based pricing and do not have the same high
technology structure has been questioned.
c) Many practical problems are unresolved.

4.0 CONCLUSION

The principles of ABC is to identified activities and cost drivers, the

classification of costs, the distinction between activities that ass vulus
and those that do not are equally applicable to the service sector.
ABC also assist in providing more accurate costs of individuals
services.

5.0 SUMMARY

Activity Based costing (ABC) treats diet costs the same as

traditional product costing, and it also supports overheads by tracing it
to product costs based on the usage of cost drivers.

6.0 TUTOR-MARKED ASSIGNMENT

What are the criticism of Activity Based costing (ABC)?

7.0 REFERENCES/FURTHER READINGS

Horngre;'T. (1986). Cost Accounting a managerial emphasis: prentice

Hall London

Lucey, T. (1995) Costing: London.

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UNIT 4 MEASURING PERFORMANCE IN

ORGANIZATION

CONTENTS

1.0 Introduction
2.0 Objectives
3.0 Main Content
3.1 Measuring Performance in organization
3.1.1 Profit Centres
3.1.2 Measures of Performance
4.0 Conclusion
5.0 Summary
6.0 Tutor-Marked Assignment
7.0 References/Further Readings

1.0 INTRODUCTION

Both elements of accounting information e:' cost (inputs) and revenues

(output) are considered in measuring performance. However, in a
profit centre the measure of performance is broader than in a cost center.

2.0 OBJECTIVES
By the end of this unit you should be able to:

Explain the concept of profit centre.

Discuss the process of measuring
Performance in an organization

3.0 MAIN CONTENT

3.1 Measuring Performance in Organization

3.1.1 Profit Centres

A profit centre is a responsibility centre in which inputs are measured in

terms of expenses and outputs are measured in terms orrevenues. Both
the elements of accounting information. i.e. cost (inputs) and revenues
(output) are considered. In other words, in a profit center: the measure
of performance is broader than in a cost center because in a cost
center the accounting system measures only one element (cost),
whereas in a profit center. both the elements (cost as well as revenue)
are measures in monetary terms. In an operational statement, the profit
center is a division/unit of an organization in which financial
performance is measured on the basis of profit, that is, revenues less
cost.

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A profit center, as a responsibility center, is of considerable

significance in measuring the performance of divisions/divisional
managers. Three aspects deserve special mentioning. Fists. profit defined
as the difference between revenues and costs/expenses, is a combined
measure of both effectiveness and efficiency. It provides a powerful tool
for measuring how well the profit center/manger of the profit center has
performed. Secondly, it resembles a business in a miniature. Like a
separate firm, its profits are calculated. The performance of the
managers is measured by the profit generated. Therefore they will be
motivated to take decisions about inputs and outputs in such a
wa y that the profit of their center is maximized. Briefly put,
managers can be expected to behave as if they were running their own
business. For this reason, the profit center is a good training ground for
general management responsibility. Thirdly, the most profit center is
closely related to the organization possible. To management can safely
delegate the authority to the divisional managers because the profit
center reports/provide adequate information about how well the
operating managers are doing their jobs.

However, profit centers encounter some problems. These are:

(i) criteria for profit centers

(ii) measurement of expenses, and
(iii) transfer prices.

Investment Centres

This is profit center for which the designated manager is responsible for
profit in relation to the capital invested in the division. It should be noted
however that the manager does not necessarily responsible for the
investment decisions within the divisions as investment decisions are
frequently the prerogative of top management.

3.1.2 Measures of Performance

Having decided that a division's performance must be monitored, the

measures to be used need to be chosen. If it is to be judged on profit
generated; hat should be the basis of calculation? The consideration
affecting these and other measures are dealt with below but it must he
realized that no one measure can fulfill all the requirement of an ideal
appraisal criterion nor can any one measure satisfactorily monitor all
aspects of the multifaceted nature of divisional operation.

There are two different methods which are commonly used in

appraising divisional performance, viz, the absolute values, which are
usually profitability criteria of one kind of another. and those based on

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relative vales, which are generally some form of return on investment or

capital employed.

a) Profitability Measures of Performance

Profit is a widely used absolute measure of performance and is

conversant with management and acceptable to them. Where and when
used, it provides means by which division can be compared with division
or one division's performance can be compared period by period. When
profit is chosen as a measure of divisional performance, it may he
defined in a variety of ways. Besides there are variants of profit as
discussed here below

(i) Controllable Profit

As the tern implies, it can be defined as revenue less controllable at the

divisional level. The reason for this concept is based on the fact that
profit here includes only those costs and revenues for which local
management has primary responsibility.

(ii) Divisional Profit

This is sometimes known as traceable profit or direct profit. It arises

from divisional operation which can be calculated without arbitrarily
apportioned head office costs. It is equivalent to controllable profit less
depreciation on divisional assets and other non-controllable divisional
overheads.

(iii) Net Profit

This is defined as revenue less controllable divisional costs and

apportioned central administration costs. The use of this method does
allow local management to be aware of all the costs of the division
and of its net effect on the group results. However, all methods of
apportioning costs are arbitrary and local management have no control
ober the amount of costs apportioned which may be at a significant
level. In such circumstance, appraisal by divisional net profit may have
a adverse behavioural effects, reduce motivation and ma y lead to
sub-optimal decision-making.

(iv) Controllable Residual Profit

This is sales revenue less controllable divisional costs and interest

imputed on the divisional investment. Using this as a performance
measure implies that the level of divisional investment is a responsibility
of divisional management. This should be contrasted with the view

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taken when controllable profit is used as a performance measure

that the investment level is a central, strategic responsibility. Therefore, it
follows that depreciation should he charged on fixed assets controlled by
the division when residual income is calculated. The imputed interest
charge on the amount invested represents the opportunity cost of funds
and is normally based on the firm's cost of capital.

(v) Net Residual Profit

This is controllable residual profit less interest on non-controllable

divisional assets and apportioned head office charges. This appraisal
method attempts to appraise the economic worth of the division as a
whole from the viewpoint of the group. It combines both the performance
of local management appraised by controllable residual profit and an
evaluation of the investment in the division and its total costs, including
an appropriate share of central charges/overheads.

SELF-ASSESSMENT EXERCISE

i. What is a profit center?

ii. What do you understand by investment centers?

4.0 CONCLUSION

Performance in the organization are normally judged or measure using

cost or profit as a yardstick Organizations are at liberty to adopt any
measuring system that is more suitable to its operation.

5.0 SUMMARY

Profitability is widely used absolutely as a measure of performance, but

other indicators can also assist management in measuring
performance.

6.0 TUTOR-MARKED ASSIGNMENT

List and discuss the problems encountered in adopting profit as a

yardstick in measuring performance.

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7.0 REFERENCES/FURTHER READINGS

Horngren, T. (1986). Cost Accounting A Managerial Emphasis,

Prentice Hall London.

Walker. C.J. (1982). Principles of Cost Accounting, 3rd Edition

MacDonald and Evans London.

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