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st
This question also appears in a self-test at the student companion website.
a
This question covers a topic in an appendix to the chapter.
Learning Objective 2
18. TF 83. MC 96. MC 105. MC 119. MC 183. MC 215. Ex
20. TF 84. MC 97. MC 106. MC 120. MC 193. BE 216. Ex
24. TF 85. MC 98. MC 107. MC 121. MC 203. Ex 217. Ex
25. TF 86. MC 99. MC 110. MC 122. MC 204. Ex 234. C
34. TF 87. MC 100. MC 111. MC 125. MC 206. Ex 239. MA
79. MC 91. MC 101. MC 112. MC 127. MC 208. Ex 242. K
80. MC 92. MC 102. MC 113. MC 128. MC 210. Ex
81. MC 93. MC 103. MC 114. MC 129. MC 212. Ex
82. MC 94. MC 104. MC 115. MC 130. MC 213. Ex
Learning Objective 3
19. TF 90. MC 124. MC 137. MC 205. Ex 216. Ex 235. C
21. TF 95. MC 126. MC 138. MC 207. Ex 218. Ex 239. MA
22. TF 108. MC 131. MC 184. MC 209. Ex 219. Ex 241. K
23. TF 109. MC 132. MC 185. MC 210. Ex 220. Ex 245. K
26. TF 116. MC 133. MC 186. MC 211. Ex 221. Ex
35. TF 117. MC 134. MC 194. BE 212. Ex 227. Ex
88. MC 118. MC 135. MC 195. BE 213. Ex 232. C
89. MC 123. MC 136. MC 204. Ex 214. Ex 233. C
Learning Objective 4
27. TF 140. MC 144. MC 148. MC 152. MC 223. Ex
36. TF 141. MC 145. MC 149. MC 153. MC 224. Ex
37. TF 142. MC 146. MC 150. MC 154. MC 236. C
139. MC 143. MC 147. MC 151. MC 187. MC 243. K
Learning Objective 5a
28. TF 155. MC 158. MC 188. MC 216. Ex 219. Ex
29. TF 156. MC 159. MC 198. BE 217. Ex 225. Ex
30. TF 157. MC 160. MC 199. BE 218. Ex 226. Ex
Learning Objective 6a
38. TF 166. MC 172. MC 178. MC 200. BE 222. Ex
161. MC 167. MC 173. MC 179. MC 213. Ex 226. Ex
162. MC 168. MC 174. MC 189. MC 214. Ex 227. Ex
163. MC 169. MC 175. MC 190. MC 215. Ex 228. Ex
164. MC 170. MC 176. MC 196. BE 220. Ex 237. C
165. MC 171. MC 177. MC 197. BE 221. Ex 238. C
TRUE-FALSE STATEMENTS
1. Inventories cannot be valued at standard cost in financial statements.
Ans: F, LO: 1, Bloom: K, Difficulty: Easy, Min: 1, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: Legal/Regulatory, AICPA FN: Reporting, AICPA PC: None, IMA: Reporting
4. Standard costs may be incorporated into the accounts in the general ledger.
Ans: T, LO: 1, Bloom: K, Difficulty: Easy, Min: 1, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC: None,
IMA: Cost Management
5. An advantage of standard costs is that they simplify costing of inventories and reduce
clerical costs.
Ans: T, LO: 1, Bloom: C, Difficulty: Easy, Min: 1, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC: None,
IMA: Cost Management
8. Actual costs that vary from standard costs always indicate inefficiencies.
Ans: F, LO: 1, Bloom: C, Difficulty: Easy, Min: 1, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC: None,
IMA: Cost Management
9. Ideal standards will generally result in favorable variances for the company.
Ans: F, LO: 1, Bloom: C, Difficulty: Easy, Min: 1, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC: None,
IMA: Cost Management
10. Normal standards incorporate normal contingencies of production into the standards.
Ans: T, LO: 1, Bloom: K, Difficulty: Easy, Min: 1, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC: None,
IMA: Cost Management
11. Once set, normal standards should not be changed during the year.
Ans: F, LO: 1, Bloom: C, Difficulty: Easy, Min: 1, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC: None,
IMA: Cost Management
12. In developing a standard cost for direct materials, a price factor and a quantity factor must
be considered.
Ans: T, LO: 1, Bloom: K, Difficulty: Easy, Min: 1, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC: None,
IMA: Cost Management
13. A direct labor price standard is frequently called the direct labor efficiency standard.
Ans: F, LO: 1, Bloom: K, Difficulty: Easy, Min: 1, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC: None,
IMA: Cost Management
14. The standard predetermined overhead rate must be based on direct labor hours as the
standard activity index.
15. Standard cost cards are the subsidiary ledger for the Work in Process account in a
standard cost system.
Ans: F, LO: 1, Bloom: K, Difficulty: Easy, Min: 1, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC: None,
IMA: Cost Management
16. A variance is the difference between actual costs and standard costs.
Ans: T, LO: 1, Bloom: K, Difficulty: Easy, Min: 1, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC: None,
IMA: Cost Management
17. If actual costs are less than standard costs, the variance is favorable.
Ans: T, LO: 1, Bloom: C, Difficulty: Easy, Min: 1, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC: None,
IMA: Cost Management
18. A materials quantity variance is calculated as the difference between the standard direct
materials price and the actual direct materials price multiplied by the actual quantity of
direct materials used.
Ans: F, LO: 2, Bloom: K, Difficulty: Easy, Min: 1, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC: None,
IMA: Cost Management
19. An unfavorable labor quantity variance indicates that the actual number of direct labor
hours worked was greater than the number of direct labor hours that should have been
worked for the output attained.
Ans: T, LO: 3, Bloom: C, Difficulty: Easy, Min: 1, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC: None,
IMA: Cost Management
21. The overhead controllable variance relates primarily to fixed overhead costs.
Ans: F, LO: 3, Bloom: K, Difficulty: Easy, Min: 1, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC: None,
IMA: Cost Management
22. The overhead volume variance relates only to fixed overhead costs.
Ans: T, LO: 3, Bloom: K, Difficulty: Easy, Min: 1, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC: None,
IMA: Cost Management
23. If production exceeds normal capacity, the overhead volume variance will be favorable.
Ans: T, LO: 3, Bloom: C, Difficulty: Easy, Min: 1, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC: None,
IMA: Cost Management
24. There could be instances where the production department is responsible for a direct
materials price variance.
Ans: T, LO: 2, Bloom: C, Difficulty: Easy, Min: 1, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC: None,
IMA: Cost Management
25. The starting point for determining the causes of an unfavorable materials price variance is
the purchasing department.
Ans: T, LO: 2, Bloom: C, Difficulty: Easy, Min: 1, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC: None,
IMA: Cost Management
26. The total overhead variance is the difference between actual overhead costs and
overhead costs applied to work done.
Ans: T, LO: 3, Bloom: K, Difficulty: Easy, Min: 1, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC: None,
IMA: Cost Management
28. A credit to a Materials Quantity Variance account indicates that the actual quantity of
direct materials used was greater than the standard quantity of direct materials allowed.
Ans: F, LO: 5, Bloom: C, Difficulty: Easy, Min: 1, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC: None,
IMA: Cost Management
29. A standard cost system may be used with a job order cost system but not with a process
cost system.
Ans: F, LO: 5, Bloom: C, Difficulty: Easy, Min: 1, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC: None,
IMA: Cost Management
30. A debit to the Overhead Volume Variance account indicates that the standard hours
allowed for the output produced was greater than the standard hours at normal capacity.
Ans: F, LO: 5, Bloom: C, Difficulty: Easy, Min: 1, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC: None,
IMA: Cost Management
32. Standards may be useful in setting selling prices for finished goods.
Ans: T, LO: 1, Bloom: K, Difficulty: Easy, Min: 1, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC: None,
IMA: Cost Management
33. The materials price standard is based on the purchasing department's best estimate of
the cost of raw materials.
Ans: T, LO: 1, Bloom: K, Difficulty: Easy, Min: 1, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC: None,
IMA: Cost Management
34. The materials price variance is normally caused by the production department.
Ans: F, LO: 2, Bloom: K, Difficulty: Easy, Min: 1, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC: None,
IMA: Cost Management
35. The use of an inexperienced worker instead of an experienced employee can result in a
favorable labor price variance but probably an unfavorable quantity variance.
Ans: T, LO: 3, Bloom: C, Difficulty: Easy, Min: 1, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC: None,
IMA: Cost Management
36. In using variance reports, top management normally looks carefully at every variance.
Ans: F, LO: 4, Bloom: K, Difficulty: Easy, Min: 1, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Reporting, AICPA PC: None, IMA:
Reporting
37. The use of standard costs in inventory costing is prohibited in financial statements.
Ans: F, LO: 4, Bloom: K, Difficulty: Easy, Min: 1, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Reporting, AICPA PC: None, IMA:
Reporting
a
38. The overhead controllable variance is the difference between the actual overhead costs
incurred and the budgeted costs for the standard hours allowed.
Ans: T, LO: 6 Bloom: K, Difficulty: Easy, Min: 1, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC: None,
IMA: Cost Management
44. Budget data are not journalized in cost accounting systems with the exception of
47. Marburg Co. expects direct materials cost of $6 per unit for 100,000 units (a total of
$600,000 of direct materials costs). Marburg’s standard direct materials cost and
budgeted direct materials cost is
Standard Budgeted
a. $6 per unit $600,000 per year
b. $6 per unit $6 per unit
c. $600,000 per year $6 per unit
d. $600,000 per year $600,000 per year
Ans: A, LO: 1, Bloom: K, Difficulty: Easy, Min: 1, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC: None,
IMA: Cost Management
53. Which of the following is not considered an advantage of using standard costs?
a. Standard costs can reduce clerical costs.
b. Standard costs can be useful in setting prices for finished goods.
c. Standard costs can be used as a means of finding fault with performance.
d. Standard costs can make employees "cost-conscious."
Ans: C, LO: 1, Bloom: C, Difficulty: Easy, Min: 1, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC: None,
IMA: Cost Management
54. If a company is concerned with the potential negative effects of establishing standards, it
should
a. set loose standards that are easy to fulfill.
b. offer wage incentives to those meeting standards.
c. not employ any standards.
d. set tight standards in order to motivate people.
Ans: B, LO: 1, Bloom: C, Difficulty: Easy, Min: 1, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC: None,
IMA: Cost Management
55. A standard which represents an efficient level of performance that is attainable under
expected operating conditions is called a(n)
a. ideal standard.
b. loose standard.
c. tight standard.
d. normal standard.
Ans: D, LO: 1, Bloom: K, Difficulty: Easy, Min: 1, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC: None,
IMA: Cost Management
57. The final decision as to what standard costs should be is the responsibility of
a. the quality control engineer.
b. the managerial accountants.
c. the purchasing agent.
d. management.
Ans: D, LO: 1, Bloom: K, Difficulty: Easy, Min: 1, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC: None,
IMA: Cost Management
58. The labor time requirements for standards may be determined by the
a. sales manager.
b. product manager.
c. industrial engineers.
d. payroll department manager.
Ans: C, LO: 1, Bloom: K, Difficulty: Easy, Min: 1, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC: None,
IMA: Cost Management
66. The direct labor quantity standard is sometimes called the direct labor
a. volume standard.
b. effectiveness standard.
c. efficiency standard.
d. quality standard.
Ans: C, LO: 1, Bloom: K, Difficulty: Easy, Min: 1, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC: None,
IMA: Cost Management
67. A manufacturing company would include setup and downtime in their direct
a. materials price standard.
b. materials quantity standard.
c. labor price standard.
d. labor quantity standard.
Ans: D, LO: 1, Bloom: C, Difficulty: Easy, Min: 1, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC: None,
IMA: Cost Management
69. The total standard cost to produce one unit of product is shown
a. at the bottom of the income statement.
b. at the bottom of the balance sheet.
c. on the standard cost card.
d. in the Work in Process Inventory account.
Ans: C, LO: 1, Bloom: K, Difficulty: Easy, Min: 1, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC: None,
IMA: Cost Management
71. Oxnard Industries produces a product that requires 2.6 pounds of materials per unit. The
allowance for waste and spoilage per unit is .3 pounds and .1 pounds, respectively. The
purchase price is $2 per pound, but a 2% discount is usually taken. Freight costs are $.10
per pound, and receiving and handling costs are $.07 per pound. The hourly wage rate is
$12.00 per hour, but a raise which will average $.30 will go into effect soon. Payroll taxes
are $1.20 per hour, and fringe benefits average $2.40 per hour. Standard production time
is 1 hour per unit, and the allowance for rest periods and setup is .2 hours and .1 hours,
respectively.
The standard direct materials price per pound is
a. $1.96.
b. $2.00.
c. $2.13
d. $2.17
Ans: C, LO: 1, Bloom: AP, Difficulty: Medium, Min: 2, AACSB: Analytic, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC:
Problem Solving, IMA: Cost Management
72. Oxnard Industries produces a product that requires 2.6 pounds of materials per unit. The
allowance for waste and spoilage per unit is .3 pounds and .1 pounds, respectively. The
purchase price is $2 per pound, but a 2% discount is usually taken. Freight costs are $.10
per pound, and receiving and handling costs are $.07 per pound. The hourly wage rate is
$12.00 per hour, but a raise which will average $.30 will go into effect soon. Payroll taxes
are $1.20 per hour, and fringe benefits average $2.40 per hour. Standard production time
is 1 hour per unit, and the allowance for rest periods and setup is .2 hours and .1 hours,
respectively.
The standard direct materials quantity per unit is
a. 2.6 pounds.
b. 2.7 pounds.
c. 2.9 pounds.
d. 3.0 pounds.
Ans: D, LO: 1, Bloom: AP, Difficulty: Medium, Min: 2, AACSB: Analytic, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC:
Problem Solving, IMA: Cost Management
73. Oxnard Industries produces a product that requires 2.6 pounds of materials per unit. The
allowance for waste and spoilage per unit is .3 pounds and .1 pounds, respectively. The
purchase price is $2 per pound, but a 2% discount is usually taken. Freight costs are $.10
per pound, and receiving and handling costs are $.07 per pound. The hourly wage rate is
$12.00 per hour, but a raise which will average $.30 will go into effect soon. Payroll taxes
are $1.20 per hour, and fringe benefits average $2.40 per hour. Standard production time
is 1 hour per unit, and the allowance for rest periods and setup is .2 hours and .1 hours,
respectively.
The standard direct labor rate per hour is
a. $ 12.00.
b. $ 12.30.
c. $15.60.
d. $15.90.
Ans: D, LO: 1, Bloom: AP, Difficulty: Medium, Min: 2, AACSB: Analytic, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC:
Problem Solving, IMA: Cost Management
74. Oxnard Industries produces a product that requires 2.6 pounds of materials per unit. The
allowance for waste and spoilage per unit is .3 pounds and .1 pounds, respectively. The
purchase price is $2 per pound, but a 2% discount is usually taken. Freight costs are $.10
per pound, and receiving and handling costs are $.07 per pound. The hourly wage rate is
$12.00 per hour, but a raise which will average $.30 will go into effect soon. Payroll taxes
are $1.20 per hour, and fringe benefits average $2.40 per hour. Standard production time
is 1 hour per unit, and the allowance for rest periods and setup is .2 hours and .1 hours,
respectively.
The standard direct labor hours per unit is
a. 1 hour.
b. 1.1 hours.
c. 1.2 hours.
d. 1.3 hours.
Ans: D, LO: 1, Bloom: AP, Difficulty: Medium, Min: 2, AACSB: Analytic, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC:
Problem Solving, IMA: Cost Management
75. The standard direct materials quantity does not include allowances for
a. unavoidable waste.
b. normal spoilage.
c. unexpected spoilage.
d. all of the above are included.
Ans: C, LO: 1, Bloom: K, Difficulty: Easy, Min: 1, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC: None,
IMA: Cost Management
76. Allowances should not be made in the direct labor quantity standard for
a. wasted time.
b. rest periods.
c. cleanup.
d. machine downtime.
Ans: A, LO: 1, Bloom: K, Difficulty: Easy, Min: 1, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC: None,
IMA: Cost Management
77. The standard predetermined overhead rate used in setting the standard overhead cost is
determined by dividing
a. budgeted overhead costs by an expected standard activity index.
b. actual overhead costs by an expected standard activity index.
c. budgeted overhead costs by actual activity.
d. actual overhead costs by actual activity.
Ans: A, LO: 1, Bloom: K, Difficulty: Easy, Min: 1, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC: None,
IMA: Cost Management
78. Hofburg’s standard quantities for 1 unit of product include 2 pounds of materials and 1.5
labor hours. The standard rates are $2 per pound and $7 per hour. The standard
overhead rate is $8 per direct labor hour. The total standard cost of Hofburg’s product is
a. $14.50.
b. $17.00.
c. $22.50.
d. $26.50.
Ans: D, LO: 1, Bloom: AP, Difficulty: Medium, Min: 3, AACSB: Analytic, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC:
Problem Solving, IMA: Cost Management
80. Unfavorable materials price and quantity variances are generally the responsibility of the
Price Quantity
a. Purchasing department Purchasing Department
b. Purchasing department Production Department
c. Production department Production Department
d. Production Department Purchasing Department
Ans: B, LO: 2, Bloom: C, Difficulty: Easy, Min: 1, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC: None,
IMA: Cost Management
81. Scorpion Production Company planned to use 1 yard of plastic per unit budgeted at $81 a
yard. However, the plastic actually cost $80 per yard. The company actually made 3,900
units, although it had planned to make only 3,300 units. Total yards used for production
were 3,960. How much is the total materials variance?
a. $48,600 U
b. $4,860 U
c. $3,960 F
d. $900 U
Ans: D, LO: 2, Bloom: AP, Difficulty: Medium, Min: 3, AACSB: Analytic, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC:
Problem Solving, IMA: Cost Management
82. If actual direct materials costs are greater than standard direct materials costs, it means
that
a. actual costs were calculated incorrectly.
b. the actual unit price of direct materials was greater than the standard unit price of
direct materials.
c. the actual unit price of raw materials or the actual quantities of raw materials used was
greater than the standard unit price or standard quantities of raw materials expected.
d. the purchasing agent or the production foreman is inefficient.
Ans: C, LO: 2, Bloom: C, Difficulty: Easy, Min: 1, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC: None,
IMA: Cost Management
83. If actual costs are greater than standard costs, there is a(n)
a. normal variance.
b. unfavorable variance.
c. favorable variance.
d. error in the accounting system.
Ans: B, LO: 2, Bloom: C, Difficulty: Easy, Min: 1, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC: None,
IMA: Cost Management
85. A company developed the following per-unit standards for its product: 2 pounds of direct
materials at $4 per pound. Last month, 1,500 pounds of direct materials were purchased
for $5,700. The direct materials price variance for last month was
a. $5,700 favorable.
b. $300 favorable.
c. $150 favorable.
d. $300 unfavorable.
Ans: B, LO: 2, Bloom: AP, Difficulty: Medium, Min: 3, AACSB: Analytic, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC:
Problem Solving, IMA: Cost Management
86. The per-unit standards for direct materials are 2 gallons at $4 per gallon. Last month,
11,200 gallons of direct materials that actually cost $42,400 were used to produce 6,000
units of product. The direct materials quantity variance for last month was
a. $3,200 favorable.
b. $2,400 favorable.
c. $3,200 unfavorable.
d. $5,600 unfavorable.
Ans: A, LO: 2, Bloom: AP, Difficulty: Medium, Min: 3, AACSB: Analytic, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC:
Problem Solving, IMA: Cost Management
87. The purchasing agent of the Poplin, Inc. ordered materials of lower quality in an effort to
economize on price. What variance will most likely result?
a. Favorable materials quantity variance
b. Favorable total materials variance
c. Unfavorable materials price variance
d. Unfavorable labor quantity variance
Ans: D, LO: 2, Bloom: C, Difficulty: Easy, Min: 1, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC: None,
IMA: Cost Management
88. The per-unit standards for direct labor are 2 direct labor hours at $15 per hour. If in
producing 1,800 units, the actual direct labor cost was $48,000 for 3,000 direct labor
hours worked, the total direct labor variance is
a. $1,800 unfavorable.
b. $6,000 favorable.
c. $3,750 unfavorable.
d. $6,000 unfavorable.
Ans: B, LO: 3, Bloom: AP, Difficulty: Medium, Min: 3, AACSB: Analytic, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC:
Problem Solving, IMA: Cost Management
89. The standard rate of pay is $20 per direct labor hour. If the actual direct labor payroll was
$117,600 for 6,000 direct labor hours worked, the direct labor price (rate) variance is
a. $2,400 unfavorable.
b. $2,400 favorable.
c. $3,000 unfavorable.
d. $3,000 favorable.
Ans: B, LO: 3, Bloom: AP, Difficulty: Medium, Min: 3, AACSB: Analytic, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC:
Problem Solving, IMA: Cost Management
90. The standard number of hours that should have been worked for the output attained is
6,000 direct labor hours and the actual number of direct labor hours worked was 6,300. If
the direct labor price variance was $3,150 unfavorable, and the standard rate of pay was
$9 per direct labor hour, what was the actual rate of pay for direct labor?
a. $8.50 per direct labor hour
b. $7.50 per direct labor hour
c. $9.50 per direct labor hour
d. $9.00 per direct labor hour
Ans: C, LO: 3, Bloom: AP, Difficulty: Medium, Min: 3, AACSB: Analytic, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC:
Problem Solving, IMA: Cost Management
95. Information on Jayhawk's direct labor costs for the month of August is as follows:
Actual rate $10
Standard hours 11,000
Actual hours 10,000
Direct labor price variance—unfavorable $4,000
What was the standard rate for August?
a. $9.96 c. $10.40
b. $9.60 d. $10.04
Ans: B, LO: 3, Bloom: AP, Difficulty: Medium, Min: 3, AACSB: Analytic, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC:
Problem Solving, IMA: Cost Management
96. The total variance is $35,000. The total materials variance is $14,000. The total labor
variance is twice the total overhead variance. What is the total overhead variance?
a. $3,500
b. $7,000
c. $10,500
d. $14,000
Ans: B, LO: 2, Bloom: AP, Difficulty: Medium, Min: 3, AACSB: Analytic, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC:
Problem Solving, IMA: Cost Management
99. A company uses 8,400 pounds of materials and exceeds the standard by 300 pounds.
The quantity variance is $1,800 unfavorable. What is the standard price?
a. $2
b. $4
c. $6
d. Cannot be determined from the data provided.
Ans: C, LO: 2, Bloom: AP, Difficulty: Medium, Min: 3, AACSB: Analytic, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC:
Problem Solving, IMA: Cost Management
100. A company purchases 20,000 pounds of materials. The materials price variance is $4,000
favorable. What is the difference between the standard and actual price paid for the
materials?
a. $1.00
b. $0.20
c. $5.00
d. Cannot be determined from the data provided.
Ans: B, LO: 2, Bloom: AP, Difficulty: Medium, Min: 3, AACSB: Analytic, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC:
Problem Solving, IMA: Cost Management
101. A company uses 20,000 pounds of materials for which it paid $6.00 a pound. The
materials price variance was $15,000 unfavorable. What is the standard price per pound?
a. $0.75
b. $5.25
c. $6.00
d. $6.75
Ans: B, LO: 2, Bloom: AP, Difficulty: Medium, Min: 3, AACSB: Analytic, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC:
Problem Solving, IMA: Cost Management
102. If the materials price variance is $3,600 F and the materials quantity and labor variances
are each $2,700 U, what is the total materials variance?
a. $3,600 F
b. $2,700 U
c. $900 F
d. $4,050 U
Ans: C, LO: 2, Bloom: AP, Difficulty: Medium, Min: 3, AACSB: Analytic, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC:
Problem Solving, IMA: Cost Management
103. Edgar, Inc. has a materials price standard of $2.00 per pound. Six thousand pounds of
materials were purchased at $2.20 a pound. The actual quantity of materials used was
6,000 pounds, although the standard quantity allowed for the output was 5,400 pounds.
104. Edgar, Inc. has a materials price standard of $2.00 per pound. Six thousand pounds of
materials were purchased at $2.20 a pound. The actual quantity of materials used was
6,000 pounds, although the standard quantity allowed for the output was 5,400 pounds.
105. Edgar, Inc. has a materials price standard of $2.00 per pound. Six thousand pounds of
materials were purchased at $2.20 a pound. The actual quantity of materials used was
6,000 pounds, although the standard quantity allowed for the output was 5,400 pounds.
106. The standard quantity allowed for the units produced was 4,500 pounds, the standard
price was $2.50 per pound, and the materials quantity variance was $375 favorable. Each
unit uses 1 pound of materials. How many units were actually produced?
a. 4,350
b. 4,500
c. 11,625
d. 4,650
Ans: A, LO: 2, Bloom: AP, Difficulty: Medium, Min: 3, AACSB: Analytic, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC:
Problem Solving, IMA: Cost Management
112. If the labor quantity variance is unfavorable and the cause is inefficient use of direct labor,
the responsibility rests with the
a. sales department.
b. production department.
c. budget office.
d. controller's department.
Ans: B, LO: 3, Bloom: C, Difficulty: Easy, Min: 1, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC: None,
IMA: Cost Management
113. Monster Company produces a product requiring 3 direct labor hours at $16.00 per hour.
During January, 2,000 products are produced using 6,300 direct labor hours. Monster’s
actual payroll during January was $98,280. What is the labor quantity variance?
a. $2,280 U
b. $4,800 F
c. $2,520 F
d. $4,800 U
Ans: D, LO: 3, Bloom: AP, Difficulty: Medium, Min: 3, AACSB: Analytic, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC:
Problem Solving, IMA: Cost Management
114. A company developed the following per-unit standards for its product: 2 gallons of direct
materials at $8 per gallon. Last month, 3,000 gallons of direct materials were purchased
for $22,800. The direct materials price variance for last month was
a. $22,800 favorable.
b. $600 favorable.
c. $1,200 favorable.
d. $1,200 unfavorable.
Ans: C, LO: 2, Bloom: AP, Difficulty: Medium, Min: 3, AACSB: Analytic, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC:
Problem Solving, IMA: Cost Management
115. The per-unit standards for direct materials are 2 pounds at $5 per pound. Last month,
11,200 pounds of direct materials that actually cost $53,000 were used to produce 6,000
units of product. The direct materials quantity variance for last month was
a. $4,000 favorable.
b. $3,000 favorable.
c. $4,000 unfavorable.
d. $7,000 unfavorable.
Ans: A, LO: 2, Bloom: AP, Difficulty: Medium, Min: 3, AACSB: Analytic, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC:
Problem Solving, IMA: Cost Management
116. The per-unit standards for direct labor are 1.5 direct labor hours at $15 per hour. If in
producing 2,400 units, the actual direct labor cost was $46,000 for 3,000 direct labor
hours worked, the total direct labor variance is
a. $2,400 unfavorable.
b. $8,000 favorable.
c. $5,000 unfavorable.
d. $8,000 unfavorable.
Ans: B, LO: 3, Bloom: AP, Difficulty: Medium, Min: 3, AACSB: Analytic, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC:
Problem Solving, IMA: Cost Management
117. The standard rate of pay is $12 per direct labor hour. If the actual direct labor payroll was
$47,040 for 4,000 direct labor hours worked, the direct labor price (rate) variance is
a. $960 unfavorable.
b. $960 favorable.
c. $1,200 unfavorable.
d. $1,200 favorable.
Ans: B, LO: 3, Bloom: AP, Difficulty: Medium, Min: 3, AACSB: Analytic, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC:
Problem Solving, IMA: Cost Management
118. The standard number of hours that should have been worked for the output attained is
10,000 direct labor hours and the actual number of direct labor hours worked was 10,500.
If the direct labor price variance was $10,500 unfavorable, and the standard rate of pay
was $12 per direct labor hour, what was the actual rate of pay for direct labor?
a. $11 per direct labor hour
b. $9 per direct labor hour
c. $13 per direct labor hour
d. $12 per direct labor hour
Ans: C, LO: 3, Bloom: AP, Difficulty: Medium, Min: 3, AACSB: Analytic, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC:
Problem Solving, IMA: Cost Management
119. A company purchases 12,000 pounds of materials. The materials price variance is $6,000
favorable. What is the difference between the standard and actual price paid for the
materials?
a. $1.00
b. $.50
c. $2.00
d. $6.00
Ans: B, LO: 2, Bloom: AP, Difficulty: Medium, Min: 3, AACSB: Analytic, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC:
Problem Solving, IMA: Cost Management
120. A company uses 40,000 gallons of materials for which they paid $7.00 a gallon. The
materials price variance was $80,000 favorable. What is the standard price per gallon?
a. $2
b. $5
c. $7
d. $9
Ans: D, LO: 2, Bloom: AP, Difficulty: Medium, Min: 3, AACSB: Analytic, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC:
Problem Solving, IMA: Cost Management
121. All Urban Company produces a product requiring 4 pounds of material costing $3.50 per
pound. During December, All Urban purchased 4,200 pounds of material for $14,112 and
used the material to produce 500 products. What was the materials price variance for
December?
a. $560 F
b. $588 F
c. $112 U
d. $672 U
Ans: B, LO: 2, Bloom: AP, Difficulty: Medium, Min: 3, AACSB: Analytic, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC:
Problem Solving, IMA: Cost Management
122. Shipp, Inc. manufactures a product requiring two pounds of direct material. During 2016,
Shipp purchases 24,000 pounds of material for $99,200 when the standard price per
pound is $4. During 2016, Shipp uses 22,000 pounds to make 12,000 products. The
standard direct material cost per unit of finished product is
a. $8.27.
b. $9.01.
c. $8.00.
d. $8.53.
Ans: C, LO: 2, Bloom: AP, Difficulty: Medium, Min: 3, AACSB: Analytic, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC:
Problem Solving, IMA: Cost Management
123. Clark Company manufactures a product with a standard direct labor cost of two hours at
$18.00 per hour. During July, 2,000 units were produced using 4,200 hours at $18.30 per
hour. The labor quantity variance was
a. $3,660 F.
b. $3,600 U.
c. $2,460 U.
d. $3,660 U.
Ans: B, LO: 3, Bloom: AP, Difficulty: Medium, Min: 3, AACSB: Analytic, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC:
Problem Solving, IMA: Cost Management
124. Clark Company manufactures a product with a standard direct labor cost of two hours at
$18.00 per hour. During July, 2,000 units were produced using 4,200 hours at $18.30 per
hour. The labor price variance was
a. $1,260 U.
b. $4,860 U.
c. $4,860 F.
d. $3,600 U.
Ans: A, LO: 3, Bloom: AP, Difficulty: Medium, Min: 3, AACSB: Analytic, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC:
Problem Solving, IMA: Cost Management
125. A company developed the following per unit materials standards for its product: 3 pounds
of direct materials at $5 per pound. If 12,000 units of product were produced last month
and 37,500 pounds of direct materials were used, the direct materials quantity variance
was
a. $4,500 favorable.
b. $7,500 unfavorable.
c. $4,500 unfavorable.
d. $7,500 favorable.
Ans: B, LO: 2, Bloom: AP, Difficulty: Medium, Min: 3, AACSB: Analytic, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC:
Problem Solving, IMA: Cost Management
126. The standard direct labor cost for producing one unit of product is 5 direct labor hours at a
standard rate of pay of $20. Last month, 15,000 units were produced and 73,500 direct
labor hours were actually worked at a total cost of $1,350,000. The direct labor quantity
variance was
a. $30,000 unfavorable.
b. $45,000 unfavorable.
c. $45,000 favorable.
d. $30,000 favorable.
Ans: D, LO: 3, Bloom: AP, Difficulty: Medium, Min: 3, AACSB: Analytic, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC:
Problem Solving, IMA: Cost Management
127. Atkins, Inc. produces a product requiring 8 pounds of material at $1.50 per pound. Atkins
produced 10,000 units of this product during 2016 resulting in a $30,000 unfavorable
materials quantity variance. How many pounds of direct material did Atkins use during
2016?
a. 100,000 pounds
b. 80,000 pounds
c. 160,000 pounds
d. 125,000 pounds
Ans: A, LO: 2, Bloom: AP, Difficulty: Medium, Min: 3, AACSB: Analytic, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC:
Problem Solving, IMA: Cost Management
128. Dillon has a standard of 1.5 pounds of materials per unit, at $6 per pound. In producing
2,000 units, Dillon used 3,100 pounds of materials at a total cost of $18,135. Dillon's total
variance is
a. $450 F.
b. $135 U.
c. $465 U.
d. $600 U.
Ans: B, LO: 2, Bloom: AP, Difficulty: Medium, Min: 3, AACSB: Analytic, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC:
Problem Solving, IMA: Cost Management
129. Dillon has a standard of 1.5 pounds of materials per unit, at $6 per pound. In producing
2,000 units, Dillon used 3,100 pounds of materials at a total cost of $18,135. Dillon's
materials price variance is
a. $135 U.
b. $465 F.
c. $600 F.
d. $1,050 F.
Ans: B, LO: 2, Bloom: AP, Difficulty: Medium, Min: 3, AACSB: Analytic, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC:
Problem Solving, IMA: Cost Management
130. Dillon has a standard of 1.5 pounds of materials per unit, at $6 per pound. In producing
2,000 units, Dillon used 3,100 pounds of materials at a total cost of $18,135. Dillon's
materials quantity variance is
a. $135 F.
b. $465 U.
c. $600 U.
d. $1,050 U.
Ans: C, LO: 2, Bloom: AP, Difficulty: Medium, Min: 3, AACSB: Analytic, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC:
Problem Solving, IMA: Cost Management
131. Dillon has a standard of 2 hours of labor per unit, at $12 per hour. In producing 2,000
units, Dillon used 3,850 hours of labor at a total cost of $46,970. Dillon's total labor
variance is
a. $1,030 U.
b. $800 U.
c. $1,030 F.
d. $1,930 F.
Ans: C, LO: 3, Bloom: AP, Difficulty: Medium, Min: 3, AACSB: Analytic, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC:
Problem Solving, IMA: Cost Management
132. Dillon has a standard of 2 hours of labor per unit, at $12 per hour. In producing 2,000
units, Dillon used 3,850 hours of labor at a total cost of $46,970. Dillon's labor price
variance is
a. $770 U.
b. $800 U.
c. $1,030 F.
d. $1,930 F.
Ans: A, LO: 2, Bloom: AP, Difficulty: Medium, Min: 3, AACSB: Analytic, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC:
Problem Solving, IMA: Cost Management
133. Dillon has a standard of 2 hours of labor per unit, at $12 per hour. In producing 2,000
units, Dillon used 3,850 hours of labor at a total cost of $46,970. Dillon's labor quantity
variance is
a. $770 U.
b. $770 F.
c. $1,800 F.
d. $1,930 F.
Ans: C, LO: 2, Bloom: AP, Difficulty: Medium, Min: 3, AACSB: Analytic, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC:
Problem Solving, IMA: Cost Management
134. Which one of the following describes the total overhead variance?
a. The difference between what was actually incurred and the flexible budget amount
b. The difference between what was actually incurred and overhead applied
c. The difference between the overhead applied and the flexible budget amount
d. The difference between what was actually incurred and the total production budget
Ans: B, LO: 3, Bloom: K, Difficulty: Easy, Min: 1, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC: None,
IMA: Cost Management
135. Manufacturing overhead costs are applied to work in process on the basis of
a. actual hours worked.
b. standard hours allowed.
c. ratio of actual variable to fixed costs.
d. actual overhead costs incurred.
Ans: B, LO: 3, Bloom: K, Difficulty: Easy, Min: 1, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC: None,
IMA: Cost Management
137. The predetermined overhead rate for Zane Company is $5, comprised of a variable
overhead rate of $3 and a fixed rate of $2. The amount of budgeted overhead costs at
normal capacity of $150,000 was divided by normal capacity of 30,000 direct labor hours,
to arrive at the predetermined overhead rate of $5. Actual overhead for June was $9,500
variable and $6,050 fixed, and standard hours allowed for the product produced in June
was 3,000 hours. The total overhead variance is
a. $3,050 F.
b. $550 F.
c. $550 U.
d. $3,050 U.
Ans: C, LO: 3, Bloom: AP, Difficulty: Medium, Min: 3, AACSB: Analytic, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC:
Problem Solving, IMA: Cost Management
138. The predetermined overhead rate for Zane Company is $5, comprised of a variable
overhead rate of $3 and a fixed rate of $2. The amount of budgeted overhead costs at
normal capacity of $150,000 was divided by normal capacity of 30,000 direct labor hours,
to arrive at the predetermined overhead rate of $5. Actual overhead for June was $8,900
variable and $5,400 fixed, and 1,500 units were produced. The direct labor standard is 2
hours per unit produced. The total overhead variance is
a. $1,800 F.
b. $700 F.
c. $700 U.
d. $1,800 U.
Ans: B, LO: 3, Bloom: AP, Difficulty: Medium, Min: 3, AACSB: Analytic, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC:
Problem Solving, IMA: Cost Management
140. Denmark Corporation’s variance report for the purchasing department reports 1,000 units
of material A purchased and 2,400 units of material B purchased. It also reports standard
prices of $2 for Material A and $3 for Material B. Actual prices reported are $2.10 for
Material A and $2.80 for Material B. Denmark should report a total price variance of
a. $380 F.
b. $340 F.
c. $340 U.
d. $380 U.
Ans: A, LO: 4, Bloom: AP, Difficulty: Medium, Min: 3, AACSB: Analytic, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC:
Problem Solving, IMA: Cost Management
144. Parnell Company prepared its income statement for internal use. How would amounts for
cost of goods sold and variances appear?
a. Cost of goods sold would be at actual costs, and variances would be reported
separately.
b. Cost of goods sold would be combined with the variances, and the net amount
reported at standard cost.
c. Cost of goods sold would be at standard costs, and variances would be reported
separately.
d. Cost of goods sold would be combined with the variances, and the net amount
reported at actual cost.
Ans: C, LO: 4, Bloom: C, Difficulty: Easy, Min: 2, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Reporting, AICPA PC: None, IMA:
Reporting
145. Alex Co. prepared its income statement for management using a standard cost
accounting system. Which of the following appears at the “standard” amount?
a. Sales
b. Selling expenses
c. Gross profit
d. Cost of goods sold
Ans: D, LO: 4, Bloom: K, Difficulty: Easy, Min: 1, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Reporting, AICPA PC: None, IMA:
Reporting
146. The costing of inventories at standard cost for external financial statement reporting
purposes is
a. not permitted.
b. preferable to reporting at actual costs.
c. in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles if significant differences
exist between actual and standard costs.
d. in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles if significant differences
do not exist between actual and standard costs.
Ans: D, LO: 4, Bloom: K, Difficulty: Easy, Min: 1, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Reporting, AICPA PC: None, IMA:
Reporting
147. Income statements prepared internally for management often show cost of goods sold at
standard cost and variances are
a. separately disclosed.
b. deducted as other expenses and revenues.
c. added to cost of goods sold.
d. closed directly to retained earnings.
Ans: A, LO: 4, Bloom: K, Difficulty: Easy, Min: 1, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Reporting, AICPA PC: None, IMA:
Reporting
148. In Zero Company’s income statement, they report gross profit of $55,000 at standard and
the following variances:
Materials price $ 420 F
Materials quantity 600 F
Labor price 420 U
Labor quantity 1,000 F
Overhead 900 F
Zero would report actual gross profit of
a. $51,660.
b. $52,500.
c. $57,500.
d. $58,340.
Ans: C, LO: 4, Bloom: AP, Difficulty: Medium, Min: 3, AACSB: Analytic, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC:
Problem Solving, IMA: Cost Management
149. In Zero Company’s income statement, they report actual gross profit of $52,500 and the
following variances:
Materials price $ 420 F
Materials quantity 600 F
Labor price 420 U
Labor quantity 1,000 F
Overhead 900 F
Zero would report gross profit at standard of
a. $46,660.
b. $47,500.
c. $50,000.
d. $53,340.
Ans: C, LO: 4, Bloom: AP, Difficulty: Medium, Min: 3, AACSB: Analytic, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC:
Problem Solving, IMA: Cost Management
151. Which is not one of the four most commonly used perspectives on a balanced scorecard?
a. The financial perspective
b. The customer perspective
c. The external process perspective
d. The learning and growth perspective
Ans: C, LO: 4, Bloom: K, Difficulty: Easy, Min: 1, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC: None,
IMA: Cost Management
154. The perspectives included in the balanced scorecard approach include all of the following
except the
a. internal process perspective.
b. capacity utilization perspective.
c. learning and growth perspective.
d. customer perspective.
Ans: B, LO: 4, Bloom: K, Difficulty: Easy, Min: 1, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC: None,
IMA: Cost Management
a
155. If 10,000 pounds of direct materials are purchased for $9,300 on account and the
standard cost is $.90 per pound, the journal entry to record the purchase is
a. Raw Materials Inventory....................................................... 9,300
Accounts Payable........................................................ 9,300
b. Work In Process Inventory.................................................... 9,300
Accounts Payable........................................................ 9,000
Materials Quantity Variance......................................... 300
c. Raw Materials Inventory....................................................... 9,300
Accounts Payable........................................................ 9,000
Materials Price Variance.............................................. 300
d. Raw Materials Inventory....................................................... 9,000
Materials Price Variance....................................................... 300
Accounts Payable........................................................ 9,300
Ans: D, LO: 5, Bloom: AP, Difficulty: Medium, Min: 3, AACSB: Analytic, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC:
Problem Solving, IMA: Cost Management
a
156. Debit balances in variance accounts represent
a. unfavorable variances.
b. favorable variances.
c. favorable for price variances; unfavorable for quantity variances.
d. favorable for quantity variances; unfavorable for price variances.
Ans: A, LO: 5, Bloom: C, Difficulty: Easy, Min: 1, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC: None,
IMA: Cost Management
a
158. If a company issues raw materials to production at a cost of $18,900 when the standard
cost is $18,300, it will
a. debit Materials Price Variance for $600.
b. credit Materials Price Variance for $600.
c. debit Materials Quantity Variance for $600.
d. credit Material Quantity Variance for $600.
Ans: C, LO: 5, Bloom: AP, Difficulty: Medium, Min: 2, AACSB: Analytic, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC:
Problem Solving, IMA: Cost Management
a
159. If a company incurs direct labor cost of $82,000 when the standard cost is $84,000, it will
a. debit Labor Price Variance for $2,000.
b. credit Labor Price Variance for $2,000.
c. debit Labor Quantity Variance for $2,000.
d. credit Labor Quantity Variance for $2,000.
Ans: B, LO: 5, Bloom: AP, Difficulty: Medium, Min: 2, AACSB: Analytic, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC:
Problem Solving, IMA: Cost Management
a
160. If a company assigns factory labor to production at a cost of $84,000 when standard cost
is $80,000, it will
a. debit Labor Price Variance for $4,000.
b. credit Labor Price Variance for $4,000.
c. debit Labor Quantity Variance for $4,000.
d. credit Labor Quantity Variance for $4,000.
Ans: C, LO: 5, Bloom: AP, Difficulty: Medium, Min: 2, AACSB: Analytic, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC:
Problem Solving, IMA: Cost Management
a
161. The overhead variances measure whether overhead costs
Are Effectively Managed Were Used Effectively
a. Controllable Controllable and Volume
b. Controllable Volume
c. Controllable and Volume Controllable
d. Volume Controllable
Ans: B, LO: 6, Bloom: C, Difficulty: Easy, Min: 1, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC: None,
IMA: Cost Management
a
162. The overhead volume variance is
a. actual overhead less overhead budgeted for actual hours.
b. actual overhead less overhead budgeted for standard hours allowed.
c. overhead budgeted for actual hours less applied overhead.
d. the fixed overhead rate times the difference between normal capacity hours and
standard hours allowed.
Ans: D, LO: 6, Bloom: K, Difficulty: Easy, Min: 1, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC: None,
IMA: Cost Management
a
164. The overhead volume variance is
a. $8,000 favorable.
b. $11,000 favorable.
c. $5,000 favorable.
d. $10,000 favorable.
Ans: A, LO: 6, Bloom: AP, Difficulty: Medium, Min: 3, AACSB: Analytic, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC:
Problem Solving, IMA: Cost Management
a
165. Budgeted overhead for Haft, Inc. at normal capacity of 60,000 direct labor hours is $3 per
hour variable and $2 per hour fixed. In May, $310,000 of overhead was incurred in
working 63,000 hours when 64,000 standard hours were allowed. The overhead
controllable variance is
a. $5,000 favorable.
b. $2,000 favorable.
c. $10,000 favorable.
d. $10,000 unfavorable.
Ans: B, LO: 6, Bloom: AP, Difficulty: Medium, Min: 3, AACSB: Analytic, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC:
Problem Solving, IMA: Cost Management
a
166. Budgeted overhead for Haft, Inc. at normal capacity of 60,000 direct labor hours is $3 per
hour variable and $2 per hour fixed. In May, $310,000 of overhead was incurred in
working 63,000 hours when 64,000 standard hours were allowed. The overhead volume
variance is
a. $8,000 favorable.
b. $11,000 favorable.
c. $5,000 favorable.
d. $10,000 favorable.
Ans: A, LO: 6, Bloom: AP, Difficulty: Medium, Min: 3, AACSB: Analytic, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC:
Problem Solving, IMA: Cost Management
a
167. An overhead volume variance is calculated as the difference between normal capacity
hours and standard hours allowed
a. times the total predetermined overhead rate.
b. times the predetermined variable overhead rate.
c. times the predetermined fixed overhead rate.
d. divided by actual number of hours worked.
Ans: C, LO: 6, Bloom: K, Difficulty: Easy, Min: 1, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC: None,
IMA: Cost Management
a
169. If the standard hours allowed are less than the standard hours at normal capacity,
a. the overhead volume variance will be unfavorable.
b. variable overhead costs will be underapplied.
c. the overhead controllable variance will be favorable.
d. variable overhead costs will be overapplied.
Ans: A, LO: 6, Bloom: C, Difficulty: Easy, Min: 1, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC: None,
IMA: Cost Management
a
170. Which of the following statements about overhead variances is false?
a. Standard hours allowed are used in calculating the controllable variance.
b. Standard hours allowed are used in calculating the volume variance.
c. The controllable variance pertains solely to fixed costs.
d. The total overhead variance pertains to both variable and fixed costs.
Ans: C, LO: 6, Bloom: K, Difficulty: Easy, Min: 1, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC: None,
IMA: Cost Management
a
171. The overhead volume variance relates only to
a. variable overhead costs.
b. fixed overhead costs.
c. both variable and fixed overhead costs.
d. all manufacturing costs.
Ans: B, LO: 6, Bloom: K, Difficulty: Easy, Min: 1, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC: None,
IMA: Cost Management
a
172. What does the controllable variance measure?
a. Whether a company incurred more or less fixed overhead costs compared to the
amount of overhead applied
b. Whether a company incurred more or less overhead costs than allowed
c. The efficiency of using variable overhead resources
d. Whether the production manager is able to control the production facility
Ans: B, LO: 6, Bloom: K, Difficulty: Easy, Min: 1, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC: None,
IMA: Cost Management
a
173. The overhead controllable variance is calculated as the difference between actual
overhead costs incurred and the budgeted
a. overhead costs for the standard hours allowed.
b. overhead costs applied to the product.
c. overhead costs at the normal level of activity.
d. fixed overhead costs.
Ans: A, LO: 6, Bloom: K, Difficulty: Easy, Min: 1, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC: None,
IMA: Cost Management
a
175. The budgeted overhead costs for standard hours allowed and the overhead costs applied
to the product are the same amount
a. for both variable and fixed overhead costs.
b. only when standard hours allowed are less than normal capacity.
c. for variable overhead costs.
d. for fixed overhead costs.
Ans: C, LO: 6, Bloom: C, Difficulty: Easy, Min: 1, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC: None,
IMA: Cost Management
a
176. The following information was taken from the annual manufacturing overhead cost budget
of Fergie Manufacturing.
Variable manufacturing overhead costs $92,400
Fixed manufacturing overhead costs $55,440
Normal production level in labor hours 30,800
Normal production level in units 5,775
Standard labor hours per unit 4
During the year, 5,600 units were produced, 18,340 hours were worked, and the actual
manufacturing overhead was $151,200. Actual fixed manufacturing overhead costs
equaled budgeted fixed manufacturing overhead costs. Overhead is applied on the basis
of direct labor hours. Fergie's total overhead rate is
a. $2.40.
b. $4.00.
c. $6.40.
d. $6.53.
Ans: C, LO: 6, Bloom: AP, Difficulty: Medium, Min: 5, AACSB: Analytic, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC:
Problem Solving, IMA: Cost Management
During the year, 5,600 units were produced, 18,340 hours were worked, and the actual
manufacturing overhead was $151,200. Actual fixed manufacturing overhead costs
equaled budgeted fixed manufacturing overhead costs. Overhead is applied on the basis
of direct labor hours. Fergie's total overhead variance is
a. $1,680 U.
b. $6,160 U.
c. $7,840 U.
d. $22,400 U.
Ans: C, LO: 6, Bloom: AP, Difficulty: Medium, Min: 5, AACSB: Analytic, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC:
Problem Solving, IMA: Cost Management
a
178. The following information was taken from the annual manufacturing overhead cost budget
of Fergie Manufacturing.
Variable manufacturing overhead costs $92,400
Fixed manufacturing overhead costs $55,440
Normal production level in labor hours 30,800
Normal production level in units 5,775
Standard labor hours per unit 4
During the year, 5,600 units were produced, 18,340 hours were worked, and the actual
manufacturing overhead was $151,200. Actual fixed manufacturing overhead costs
equaled budgeted fixed manufacturing overhead costs. Overhead is applied on the basis
of direct labor hours. Fergie's controllable overhead variance is
a. $1,680 U.
b. $6,160 U.
c. $7,840 U.
d. $22,400 U.
Ans: B, LO: 6, Bloom: AP, Difficulty: Medium, Min: 5, AACSB: Analytic, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC:
Problem Solving, IMA: Cost Management
During the year, 5,600 units were produced, 18,340 hours were worked, and the actual
manufacturing overhead was $151,200. Actual fixed manufacturing overhead costs
equaled budgeted fixed manufacturing overhead costs. Overhead is applied on the basis
of direct labor hours. Fergie's volume overhead variance is
a. $1,680 U.
b. $6,160 U.
c. $7,840 U.
d. $22,400 U.
Ans: A, LO: 6, Bloom: AP, Difficulty: Medium, Min: 5, AACSB: Analytic, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC:
Problem Solving, IMA: Cost Management
180. All of the following are advantages of standard costs except they
a. facilitate management planning.
b. are useful in setting selling prices.
c. simplify costing in inventories.
d. increase net income.
Ans: D, LO: 1, Bloom: K, Difficulty: Easy, Min: 1, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC: None,
IMA: Cost Management
181. Standards based on the optimum level of performance under perfect operating conditions
are
a. attainable standards.
b. ideal standards.
c. normal standards.
d. practical standards.
Ans: B, LO: 1, Bloom: K, Difficulty: Easy, Min: 1, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC: None,
IMA: Cost Management
182. The direct materials price standard should include an amount for all of the following
except
a. receiving costs.
b. storing costs.
c. handling costs.
d. normal spoilage costs.
Ans: D, LO: 1, Bloom: K, Difficulty: Easy, Min: 1, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC: None,
IMA: Cost Management
183. The standard unit cost is used in the calculation of which of the following variances?
Materials Price Variance Materials Quantity Variance
a. No No
b. No Yes
c. Yes No
d. Yes Yes
Ans: D, LO: 2, Bloom: K, Difficulty: Easy, Min: 2, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC: None,
IMA: Cost Management
184. The difference between the actual labor rate multiplied by the actual labor hours worked
and the standard labor rate multiplied by the standard labor hours is the
a. total labor variance.
b. labor price variance.
c. labor quantity variance.
d. labor efficiency variance.
Ans: A, LO: 3, Bloom: K, Difficulty: Easy, Min: 1, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC: None,
IMA: Cost Management
186. Which department is usually responsible for a labor price variance attributable to
misallocation of workers?
a. Quality control
b. Purchasing
c. Engineering
d. Production
Ans: D, LO: 3, Bloom: C, Difficulty: Easy, Min: 1, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC: None,
IMA: Cost Management
a
188. A standard cost system may be used in
Job Order Costing Process Costing
a. No No
b. Yes No
c. No Yes
d. Yes Yes
Ans: D, LO: 5, Bloom: K, Difficulty: Easy, Min: 2, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC: None,
IMA: Cost Management
a
189. The formula for computing the overhead volume variance is
a. fixed overhead rate times (actual hours less standard hours allowed).
b. variable overhead rate times (actual hours less standard hours allowed).
c. fixed overhead rate times (normal capacity hours less standard hours allowed).
d. variable overhead rate times (normal capacity hours less standard hours allowed).
Ans: C, LO: 6, Bloom: K, Difficulty: Easy, Min: 1, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC: None,
IMA: Cost Management
BRIEF EXERCISES
BE 191
Seven Manufacturing Corporation uses both standards and budgets. The company estimates that
production for the year will be 100,000 units of Product Fast. To produce these units of Product
Fast, the company expects to spend $600,000 for materials and $800,000 for labor.
Instructions
Compute the estimates for (a) a standard cost and (b) a budgeted cost.
Ans: N/A, LO: 1, Bloom: AP, Difficulty: Medium, Min: 5, AACSB: Analytic, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC:
Problem Solving, IMA: Cost Management
(b) Budgets are stated as a total amount. Thus, the budgeted costs for the year are materials
$600,000 and labor $800,000.
BE 192
Labor data for making one pound of finished product in Curling Co. are as follows: (1) Price—
hourly wage rate $11.00, payroll taxes $1.80, and fringe benefits $1.20. (2) Quantity—actual
production time 1.1 hours, rest periods and clean up 0.25 hours, and setup and downtime 0.15
hours.
Instructions
Compute the following.
(a) Standard direct labor rate per hour.
(b) Standard direct labor hours per pound.
(c) Standard cost per pound.
Ans: N/A, LO: 1, Bloom: AP, Difficulty: Medium, Min: 5, AACSB: Analytic, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC:
Problem Solving, IMA: Cost Management
BE 193
During March, Patt, Inc. purchases and uses 8,800 pounds of materials costing $35,640 to make
4,000 tiles. Patt’s standard material cost per tile is $8 (2 pounds of material × $4.00).
Instructions
Compute the total, price, and quantity material variances for Patt, Inc. for March.
Ans: N/A, LO: 2, Bloom: AP, Difficulty: Medium, Min: 5, AACSB: Analytic, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC:
Problem Solving, IMA: Cost Management
BE 194
During January, Ajax Co. incurs 1,850 hours of direct labor at an hourly cost of $11.80 in
producing 1,000 units of its finished product. Ajax standard labor cost per unit of output is $22
(2 hours x $11.00).
Instructions
Compute the total, price, and quantity labor variances for Ajax Co. for January.
Ans: N/A, LO: 3, Bloom: AP, Difficulty: Medium, Min: 5, AACSB: Analytic, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC:
Problem Solving, IMA: Cost Management
BE 195
In October, Glazier Inc. reports 42,000 actual direct labor hours, and it incurs $194,000 of
manufacturing overhead costs. Standard hours allowed for the work done is 40,000 hours.
Glazier’s predetermined overhead rate is $5.00 per direct labor hour.
Instructions
Compute the total manufacturing overhead variance.
Ans: N/A, LO: 3, Bloom: AP, Difficulty: Medium, Min: 2, AACSB: Analytic, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC:
Problem Solving, IMA: Cost Management
Instructions
Compute the manufacturing overhead controllable variance.
Ans: N/A, LO: 6, Bloom: AP, Difficulty: Medium, Min: 3, AACSB: Analytic, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC:
Problem Solving, IMA: Cost Management
a
Solution 196 (3 min.)
Actual overhead – Overhead Budgeted = Overhead Controllable Variance
$194,000 – $212,000* = $18,000 F
*(40,000 × $3.80) + $60,000 = $212,000
a
Solution 197 (3 min.)
Fixed Overhead Rate × (Normal Capacity Hours – Standard Hours Allowed) = Overhead Volume Variance
$1.20/hr. × (50,000 – 40,000) = $12,000 U
a
BE 198
Jet Industries purchased 6,000 units of raw material on account for $17,600, when the standard
cost was $18,000. Later in the month, Jet Industries issued 5,600 units of raw materials for
production, when the standard units were 5,800.
Instructions
Journalize the transactions for Jet Industries to account for this activity.
Ans: N/A, LO: 5, Bloom: AP, Difficulty: Medium, Min: 5, AACSB: Analytic, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC:
Problem Solving, IMA: Cost Management
a
Solution 198 (5 min.)
(a) Raw Materials Inventory............................................................... 18,000
Materials Price Variance..................................................... 400
Accounts Payable............................................................... 17,600
Instructions
Journalize the transactions for Pedra, Inc. to account for this activity.
Ans: N/A, LO: 5, Bloom: AP, Difficulty: Medium, Min: 5, AACSB: Analytic, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC:
Problem Solving, IMA: Cost Management
a
Solution 199 (5 min.)
(a) Factory Labor.............................................................................. 55,200
Labor Price Variance......................................................... 1,200
Factory Wages Payable.................................................... 54,000
Overhead incurred for 69,000 actual direct labor hours worked $206,000
Overhead rate (variable $2.00; fixed $1.00) at normal capacity of
72,000 direct labor hours $3.00
Standard hours allowed for work done 69,000
Instructions
Compute the controllable and volume overhead variances.
Ans: N/A, LO: 6, Bloom: AP, Difficulty: Medium, Min: 5, AACSB: Analytic, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC:
Problem Solving, IMA: Cost Management
a
Solution 200 (5 min.)
Overhead controllable variance:
Actual Overhead – Overhead Budgeted
$206,000 – $210,000 = $4,000 F
[(69,000 × $2) + $72,000]
EXERCISES
Ex 201
Sonic, Inc. is planning to produce 2,500 units of product in 2016. Each unit requires 3 pounds of
materials at $6 per pound and a half hour of labor at $16 per hour. The overhead rate is 75% of
direct labor.
Instructions
(a) Compute the budgeted amounts for 2016 for direct materials to be used, direct labor, and
applied overhead.
(b) Compute the standard cost of one unit of product.
Ans: N/A, LO: 1, Bloom: AP, Difficulty: Medium, Min: 5, AACSB: Analytic, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC:
Problem Solving, IMA: Cost Management
Ex. 202
Pane Corp. manufactures and sells a nutrition drink for children. It wants to develop a standard
cost per gallon. The following are required for production of a 100 gallon batch:
1,960 ounces of lime Kool-Drink at $.12 per ounce
40 pounds of granulated sugar at $.60 per pound
63 kiwi fruit at $.50 each
100 protein tablets at $.90 each
4,000 ounces of water at $.003 per ounce
Pane estimates that 2% of the lime Kool-Drink is wasted, 20% of the sugar is lost, and 10% of the
kiwis cannot be used.
Instructions
Compute the standard cost of the ingredients for one gallon of the nutrition drink.
Ans: N/A, LO: 1, Bloom: AP, Difficulty: Hard, Min: 15, AACSB: Analytic, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC:
Problem Solving, IMA: Cost Management
Ex. 203
Engines Done Right Co. is trying to establish the standard labor cost of a typical engine tune-up.
The following data have been collected from time and motion studies conducted over the past
month.
Actual time spent on the tune-up 1.0 hour
Hourly wage rate $16
Payroll taxes 10% of wage rate
Setup and downtime 10% of actual labor time
Cleanup and rest periods 20% of actual labor time
Fringe benefits 25% of wage rate
Instructions
(a) Determine the standard direct labor hours per tune-up
(b) Determine the standard direct labor hourly rate.
(c) Determine the standard direct labor cost per tune-up.
(d) If a tune-up took 1.5 hours at the standard hourly rate, what was the direct labor quantity
variance?
Ans: N/A, LO: 1, 2, Bloom: AP, Difficulty: Hard, Min: 15, AACSB: Analytic, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC:
Problem Solving, IMA: Cost Management
(c) Standard direct labor cost per oil change = 1.30 hours $21.60 per hour
= $28.08
(d) Direct labor quantity variance = (1.50 hours $21.60) – (1.30 hours $21.60)
= $32.40 – $28.08
= $4.32 U
Ex. 204
Riggins, Inc. manufactures one product called tybos. The company uses a standard cost system
and sells each tybo for $8. At the start of monthly production, Riggins estimated 9,500 tybos
would be produced in March. Riggins has established the following material and labor standards
to produce one tybo:
During March 2016, the following activity was recorded by the company relating to the production
of tybos:
Instructions
Calculate the following variances for March for Riggins, Inc.
(a) Materials price variance
(b) Materials quantity variance
(c) Labor price variance
(d) Labor quantity variance
Ans: N/A, LO: 2, 3, Bloom: AP, Difficulty: Medium, Min: 10, AACSB: Analytic, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA
PC: Problem Solving, IMA: Cost Management
(d) Labor quantity variance = (Actual hours × Standard rate) – (Standard hours × Standard rate)
= (5,000 × $10) – [(0.6 × 9,000) × $10] = $4,000 favorable
Ex. 205
The following direct labor data pertain to the operations of Pearce Corp. for the month of
November:
Actual labor rate $12.25 per hr.
Actual hours used 18,000
Standard labor rate $12.00 per hr.
Standard hours allowed 17,100
Total
Labor Variance
Ans: N/A, LO: 3, Bloom: AP, Difficulty: Medium, Min: 15, AACSB: Analytic, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC:
Problem Solving, IMA: Cost Management
$4,500 U $10,800 U
Total
Labor Variance
$15,300 U
Ex. 206
The following direct materials data pertain to the operations of Wright Co. for the month of
December.
Standard materials price $5.00 per
pound
The standard cost card shows that a finished product contains 4 pounds of materials. The 16,500
pounds were purchased in December at a discount of 4% from the standard price. In December,
4,000 units of finished product were manufactured.
Instructions
Prepare a matrix for materials and calculate the materials variances.
Total
Materials Variance
Ans: N/A, LO: 2, Bloom: AP, Difficulty: Medium, Min: 13, AACSB: Analytic, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC:
Problem Solving, IMA: Cost Management
$3,300 F $2,500 U
Total
Materials Variance
$800 F
Ex. 207
Seacoast Company provided the following information about its standard costing system for
2016:
Standard Data Actual Data
Materials 10 lbs. @ $4 per lbs. Produced 4,000 units
Labor 3 hrs. @ $21 per hr. Materials purchased 50,000 lbs. for $215,000
Budgeted production 3,500 units Materials used 41,000 lbs.
Labor worked 11,000 hrs. costing $220,000
Instructions
Calculate the labor price variance and the labor quantity variance.
Ans: N/A, LO: 3, Bloom: AP, Difficulty: Hard, Min: 8, AACSB: Analytic, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC:
Problem Solving, IMA: Cost Management
Ex. 208
Lumberman Manufacturing provided the following information about its standard costing system
for 2016:
Standard Data Actual Data
Materials 10 lbs. @ $4 per lbs. Produced 4,000 units
Labor 3 hrs. @ $21 per hr. Materials purchased 50,000 lbs. for $215,000
Budgeted production 3,500 units Materials used 41,000 lbs.
Labor worked 11,000 hrs. costing $220,000
Instructions
Determine the amount of the materials price variance. By how much will the materials price
variances differ if the price variance is determined at the time of production?
Ans: N/A, LO: 2, Bloom: AP, Difficulty: Hard, Min: 6, AACSB: Analytic, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC:
Problem Solving, IMA: Cost Management
Ex. 209
Shep Corporation estimated it would produce 6,200 buckets, though actual production was 6,000
during August. The standard labor cost is 2 buckets per hour at $18.00 per hour. Actual cost per
hour was $18.40 with a total labor cost of $53,360.
Instructions
Determine the amounts of the labor price and the labor quantity variances for August.
Ans: N/A, LO: 3, Bloom: AP, Difficulty: Medium, Min: 8, AACSB: Analytic, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC:
Problem Solving, IMA: Cost Management
Ex. 210
Purvis Manufacturing, which produces a single product, has prepared the following standard cost
sheet for one unit of the product.
Direct materials (6 pounds at $2 per pound) $12
Direct labor (2 hours at $12 per hour) $24
During the month of April, the company manufactures 300 units and incurs the following actual
costs.
Direct materials purchased and used (1,850 pounds) $4,070
Direct labor (620 hours) $7,130
Instructions
Compute the total, price, and quantity variances for materials and labor.
Ans: N/A, LO: 2, 3, Bloom: AP, Difficulty: Medium, Min: 15, AACSB: Analytic, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA
PC: Problem Solving, IMA: Cost Management
Ex. 211
Platt Company produces one product, a putter called PAR-putter. Platt uses a standard cost
system and determines that it should take one hour of direct labor to produce one PAR-putter.
The normal production capacity for this putter is 100,000 units per year. The total budgeted
overhead at normal capacity is $500,000 comprised of $200,000 of variable costs and $300,000
of fixed costs. Platt applies overhead on the basis of direct labor hours.
During the current year, Platt produced 85,000 putters, worked 89,000 direct labor hours, and
incurred variable overhead costs of $160,000 and fixed overhead costs of $300,000.
Instructions
(a) Compute the predetermined variable overhead rate and the predetermined fixed overhead
rate.
(b) Compute the applied overhead for Platt for the year.
(c) Compute the total overhead variance.
Ans: N/A, LO: 3, Bloom: AP, Difficulty: Hard, Min: 15, AACSB: Analytic, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC:
Problem Solving, IMA: Cost Management
Ex. 212
Hector Company has developed the following standard costs for its product for 2016:
HECTOR COMPANY
Standard Cost Card
Product A
Cost Element Standard Quantity × Standard Price = Standard Cost
Direct materials 4 pounds $3 $12
Direct labor 3 hours 8 24
Manufacturing overhead 3 hours 4 12
$48
The company expected to produce 30,000 units of Product A in 2017 and work 90,000 direct
labor hours.
Instructions
Compute the following variances showing all computations to support your answers. Indicate
whether the variances are favorable or unfavorable.
(a) Materials quantity variance.
(b) Total direct labor variance.
(c) Direct labor quantity variance.
(d) Direct materials price variance.
(e) Total overhead variance.
Ans: N/A, LO: 2, 3, Bloom: AN, Difficulty: Hard, Min: 20, AACSB: Analytic, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC:
Problem Solving, IMA: Cost Management
Ex. 213
Dart Company developed the following standard costs for its product for 2016:
DART COMPANY
Standard Cost Card
The company expected to work at the 120,000 direct labor hours level of activity and produce
60,000 units of product.
Ex. 214
Flagstaff, Inc. uses standard costing for its one product, baseball bats. The standards call for 3
board-feet of wood at $1.40 per board-foot, and 45 minutes of work at $12 per hour per bat. Total
manufacturing overhead costs were estimated at $9,450, of which the variable portion was $0.50
per bat and the fixed portion was $1.00 per bat with an estimate of 6,300 bats to be produced.
Flagstaff identifies price variances at the earliest possible point in time.
Instructions
Compute the following variances for March.
1. Labor quantity variance
2. Total labor variance
a
3. Overhead controllable variance
a
4. Overhead volume variance
Ans: N/A, LO: 3, 6, Bloom: AP, Difficulty: Medium, Min: 12, AACSB: Analytic, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA
PC: Problem Solving, IMA: Cost Management
2. Total labor variance = (Actual hours × Actual rate) – (Standard hours × Standard rate)
= (4,800 × $11.75) – [(3/4 × 6,000) × $12] = $2,400 Unfavorable
a
3. Overhead controllable variance = Actual overhead – Overhead budgeted
= ($3,100 + $6,000) – [($0.50 × 6,000) + $6,300]
= $200 Favorable
a
4. Overhead volume variance = (Normal hours – Standard hours) × Fixed overhead rate
= [(6,300 × 3/4) – 4,500] × $1.33* = $299 Unfavorable
*$1.00 ÷ 3/4 hr./bat
Ex. 215
Prescott Manufacturing manufactures widgets for distribution. The standard costs for the
manufacture of widgets follow:
Standard Costs Actual Costs
Direct materials 3 lbs. per widget at 31,000 lbs. at $34
$35 per pound per pound
Instructions
Calculate the following amounts.
1. Rate at which total factory overhead is applied
2. Materials price variance
3. Total materials variance
a
4. Overhead volume variance
a
5. Overhead controllable variance
Ans: N/A, LO: 2, 6, Bloom: AP, Difficulty: Hard, Min: 12, AACSB: Analytic, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC:
Problem Solving, IMA: Cost Management
2. Materials price variance = (Actual quantity × Actual price) – (Actual quantity × Standard price)
= (31,000 × $34) – (31,000 × $35)
= $31,000 Favorable
3. Total materials variance = (Actual quantity × Actual price ) – (Standard quantity × Standard
price)
= (31,000 × $34) – [(3 × 9,600) × $35] = $46,000 Unfavorable
a
4. Overhead volume variance = (Normal hours – Standard hours) × Fixed overhead rate
= (25,000 – 24,000) × $16*
= $16,000 Unfavorable
*$40 ÷ 2.5
a
5. Overhead controllable variance = Actual overhead – Overhead budgeted
= [$241,500 + $381,250] – [($24 × 9,600) + ($40 × 10,000)]
= $7,650 Favorable
Ex. 216
More Hits Company manufactures aluminum baseball bats that it sells to university athletic
departments. It has developed the following per unit standard costs for 2016 for each baseball
bat:
Manufacturing
Direct Materials Direct Labor Overhead
Standard Quantity 2 Pounds (Aluminum) 1/2 hour 1/2 hour
Standard Price $4.00 $10.00 $6.00
Unit Standard Cost $8.00 $5.00 $3.00
In 2016, the company planned to produce 120,000 baseball bats at a level of 60,000 hours of
direct labor.
Instructions
(a) Compute the following variances:
1. Direct materials price.
2. Direct materials quantity.
3. Direct labor price.
4. Direct labor quantity.
5. Total overhead variance.
a
(b) Prepare the journal entries to record the transactions and events in 2016.
Ans: N/A, LO: 2, 3, 5, Bloom: AP, Difficulty: Medium, Min: 40, AACSB: Analytic, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement,
AICPA PC: Problem Solving, IMA: Cost Management
Ex. 217
The standard cost of Product 245 manufactured by Albert Industries includes 2 pounds of direct
materials at $4.00 per pound. During September, 40,000 pounds of direct materials are
purchased at a cost of $3.85 per pound, and all of the direct materials are used to produce
19,000 units of Product 245.
Instructions
(a) Compute the materials price and quantity variances.
a
(b) Journalize the purchase of the materials and the issuance of the materials, assuming a
standard cost system is used.
Ans: N/A, LO: 2, 5, Bloom: AP, Difficulty: Medium, Min: 15, AACSB: Analytic, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA
PC: Problem Solving, IMA: Cost Management
Ex. 218
Aztec, Inc.'s standard labor cost of producing one unit of product is 2 hours at the rate of $14.00
per hour. During February, 52,000 hours of labor are incurred at a cost of $13.80 per hour to
produce 25,000 units of product.
Instructions
(a) Compute the labor price and labor quantity variances.
a
(b) Journalize the incurrence of the labor costs and the assignment of direct labor to production,
assuming a standard cost system is used.
Ans: N/A, LO: 3, 5, Bloom: AP, Difficulty: Medium, Min: 15, AACSB: Analytic, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA
PC: Problem Solving, IMA: Cost Management
Ex. 219
The following direct labor data pertain to the operations of Murray Industries for the month of
November:
Standard labor rate $15.00 per hr.
Actual hours incurred 9,000
The standard cost card shows that 2.5 hours are required to complete one unit of product. The
actual labor rate incurred exceeded the standard rate by 10%. Four thousand units were
manufactured in November.
Instructions
(a) Calculate the price, quantity, and total labor variances.
a
(b) Journalize the entries to record the labor variances.
Ans: N/A, LO: 3, 5, Bloom: AP, Difficulty: Medium, Min: 15, AACSB: Analytic, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA
PC: Problem Solving, IMA: Cost Management
$13,500 U $15,000 F
Total
Labor Variance
$1,500 F
a
(b) Factory Labor.................................................................................. 135,000
Labor Price Variance....................................................................... 13,500
Factory Wages Payable.................................................................. 148,500
Overhead volume variance = (Normal hours – Standard hours) × Fixed overhead rate
= [(10,000 × 2) – (9,000 × 2)] × $5/hr.
= $10,000 Unfavorable
Ex. 221
Caroline, Inc. planned to produce 20,000 units of product and work 100,000 direct labor hours in
2016. Manufacturing overhead at the 100,000 direct labor hours level of activity was estimated to
be:
Variable manufacturing overhead $ 700,000
Fixed manufacturing overhead 300,000
Total manufacturing overhead $1,000,000
At the end of 2016, 19,000 units of product were actually produced and 98,000 actual direct labor
hours were worked. Total actual overhead costs for 2016 were $935,000.
Instructions
(a) Compute the total overhead variance.
a
(b) Compute the overhead controllable variance.
a
(c) Compute the overhead volume variance.
Ans: N/A, LO: 3, 6, Bloom: AP, Difficulty: Medium, Min: 11, AACSB: Analytic, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA
PC: Problem Solving, IMA: Cost Management
At the end of 2016, 21,000 units were actually produced and 61,500 direct labor hours were
actually worked. Total actual manufacturing overhead costs were $430,000.
Instructions
Using a two-variance analysis of manufacturing overhead, calculate the following variances and
indicate whether they are favorable or unfavorable:
(a) Overhead controllable variance.
(b) Overhead volume variance.
Ans: N/A, LO: 6, Bloom: AP, Difficulty: Medium, Min: 12, AACSB: Analytic, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC:
Problem Solving, IMA: Cost Management
a
Solution 222 (12–17 min.)
(a) Overhead controllable variance = $5,000 favorable.
Overhead budgeted for standard hours allowed
Variable overhead (63,000 × $5) = $315,000
Fixed overhead = 120,000
435,000
Actual overhead incurred 430,000
Overhead controllable variance $ 5,000 favorable
Ex. 223
Adam Corporation prepared the following variance report.
ADAM CORPORATION
Variance Report—Purchasing Department
for Week Ended January 9, 2016
Ex. 224
Pepper Industries uses a standard cost accounting system. During March, 2016, the company
reported the following manufacturing variances:
In addition, 15,000 units of product were sold at $18 per unit. Each unit sold had a standard cost
of $14. Selling and administrative expenses for the month were $15,000.
Instructions
Prepare an income statement for management for the month ending March 31, 2016.
Ans: N/A, LO: 4, Bloom: AP, Difficulty: Medium, Min: 15, AACSB: Analytic, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Reporting, AICPA PC:
Problem Solving, IMA: Reporting
The company planned to produce 120,000 units of product and work at the 120,000 direct labor
level of activity in 2016. The company uses a standard cost accounting system which records
standard costs in the accounts and recognizes variances in the accounts at the earliest
opportunity. During 2016, 116,000 actual units of product were produced.
Instructions
Prepare the journal entries to record the following transactions for Howard, Inc. during 2016.
(a) Purchased 588,000 pounds of raw materials for $4.90 per pound on account.
(b) Actual direct labor payroll amounted to $2,108,000 for 114,000 actual direct labor hours
worked. Factory labor cost is to be recorded and distributed to production.
(c) Direct materials issued for production amounted to 588,000 pounds which actually cost
$4.90 per pound.
(d) Actual manufacturing overhead costs incurred were $1,152,000 in 2016.
(e) Manufacturing overhead was applied when the 116,000 units were completed.
(f) Transferred the 116,000 completed units to finished goods.
Ans: N/A, LO: 5, Bloom: AP, Difficulty: Medium, Min: 20, AACSB: Analytic, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC:
Problem Solving, IMA: Cost Management
Activity Index:
Standard direct labor hours 2,800 3,200 3,600 4,000
Variable costs
Indirect materials $ 5,600 $ 6,400 $ 7,200 $ 8,000
Indirect labor 3,220 3,680 4,140 4,600
Utilities 7,280 8,320 9,360 10,400
Total variable 16,100 18,400 20,700 23,000
Fixed costs
Supervisory salaries 1,000 1,000 1,000 1,000
Rent 3,000 3,000 3,000 3,000
Total fixed 4,000 4,000 4,000 4,000
Total costs $20,100 $22,400 $24,700 $27,000
Instructions
(a) Compute the controllable and volume overhead variances.
a
(b) Prepare the entries for manufacturing overhead during the period and the entry to recognize
the overhead variances at the end of the period.
Ans: N/A, LO: 5, 6, Bloom: AP, Difficulty: Medium, Min: 16, AACSB: Analytic, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA
PC: Problem Solving, IMA: Cost Management
a
Solution 226 (16–21 min.)
(a) Computation of variances:
Actual overhead – Budgeted overhead = Controllable overhead variance
$20,200 – [(5,400 × 1/2 × $5.75) + $4,000] = $675 Unfavorable
Ex. 227
The following information was taken from the annual manufacturing overhead cost budget of
Cinnamon Manufacturing:
During the year, 30,000 units were produced, 64,000 hours were worked, and the actual
manufacturing overhead costs were $322,000. The actual fixed manufacturing overhead costs did
not deviate from the budgeted fixed manufacturing overhead costs. Overhead is applied on the
basis of direct labor hours.
Ex. 228
Monte Industries has a standard costing system. The following data are available for July:
a. Actual manufacturing overhead cost incurred: $22,000
b. Actual machine hours worked: 1,600
c. Overhead volume variance: $3,600 Unfavorable
d. Total overhead variance: $2,000 Unfavorable
e. Overhead is assigned to production on the basis of machine hours
Instructions
Determine the amount of (1) the controllable overhead variance and (2) the overhead applied.
Ans: N/A, LO: 6, Bloom: AP, Difficulty: Medium, Min: 6, AACSB: Analytic, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC:
Problem Solving, IMA: Cost Management
COMPLETION STATEMENTS
229. A ________________ is expressed as a unit amount, whereas a _________________ is
expressed as a total amount.
Ans: N/A, LO: 1, Bloom: K, Difficulty: Easy, Min: 1, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC: None,
IMA: Cost Management
230. Standards which represent optimum performance under perfect operating conditions are
called _______________ standards, but most companies use _________________
standards which are rigorous but attainable.
Ans: N/A, LO: 1, Bloom: K, Difficulty: Easy, Min: 1, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC: None,
IMA: Cost Management
231. In developing a standard cost for direct materials used in making a product, consideration
should be given to two factors: (1) __________________ per unit of direct materials and
(2) the __________________ of direct materials to produce one unit of product.
Ans: N/A, LO: 1, Bloom: K, Difficulty: Easy, Min: 1, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC: None,
IMA: Cost Management
232. The difference between actual hours times the actual pay rate and actual hours times the
standard pay rate is the labor _________________ variance.
Ans: N/A, LO: 3, Bloom: K, Difficulty: Easy, Min: 1, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC: None,
IMA: Cost Management
233. The standard number of hours allowed times the predetermined overhead rate is the
amount of ________________ to the products produced.
Ans: N/A, LO: 3, Bloom: K, Difficulty: Easy, Min: 1, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC: None,
IMA: Cost Management
234. The difference between actual quantity of materials times the standard price and standard
quantity times the standard price is the materials ________________ variance.
Ans: N/A, LO: 2, Bloom: K, Difficulty: Easy, Min: 1, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC: None,
IMA: Cost Management
235. If the actual direct labor hours worked is greater than the standard hours, the labor
quantity variance will be ___________________, and the labor rate variance will be
____________________ if the standard rate of pay is greater than the actual rate of pay.
Ans: N/A, LO: 3, Bloom: K, Difficulty: Easy, Min: 1, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC: None,
IMA: Cost Management
236. In using variance reports, top management normally looks for _________________
variances.
Ans: N/A, LO: 4, Bloom: K, Difficulty: Easy, Min: 1, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC: None,
IMA: Cost Management
a
237. A two-variance approach to analyzing overhead variances requires the calculation of the
overhead _________________ variance and the overhead ________________ variance.
Ans: N/A, .LO: 6, Bloom: K, Difficulty: Easy, Min: 1, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC: None,
IMA: Cost Management
a
238. The overhead ______________ variance is the difference between normal capacity hours
and standard hours allowed times the fixed overhead rate.
Ans: N/A, LO: 6, Bloom: K, Difficulty: Easy, Min: 1, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC: None,
IMA: Cost Management
MATCHING
239. Match the items in the two columns below by entering the appropriate code letter in the
space provided.
____ 1. The difference between actual overhead incurred and overhead budgeted for the
standard hours allowed.
____ 2. The hours that should have been worked for the units produced.
____ 3. The difference between the actual quantity times the actual price and the actual
quantity times the standard price.
____ 4. The difference between total actual costs and total standard costs.
____ 5. The difference between actual hours times the standard rate and standard hours times
the standard rate.
____ 7. The difference between normal capacity hours and standard hours allowed times the
fixed overhead rate.
____ 8. Standards based on an efficient level of performance that are attainable under
expected operating conditions.
____ 9. Standards based on the optimum level of performance under perfect operating
conditions.
____ 10. A double-entry system of accounting in which standard costs are used in making
entries and variances are recognized in the accounts.
Ans: N/A, LO: 1-3, 5, 6, Bloom: K, Difficulty: Easy, Min: 5, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC:
None, IMA: Cost Management
Answers to Matching
a
1. H 6. B
a
2. J 7. I
3. F 8. D
4. A 9. E
5. G 10. C
Solution 240
(a) Standards and budgets are similar in that both are predetermined costs and both contribute
significantly to management planning and control. The two terms differ in that a standard is a
unit amount and a budget is a total amount.
(b) There are important accounting differences between budgets and standards. Except in the
application of manufacturing overhead to jobs and processes, budget data are not
journalized in cost accounting systems. In contrast, standard costs may be incorporated into
cost accounting systems. It is possible for a company to report inventories at standard costs
in its financial statements, but it is not possible to report inventories at budgeted costs.
S-A E 241
Star Industries computes variances as a basis for evaluating the performance of managers
responsible for controlling costs. For several months, the labor quantity variance has been
unfavorable. Briefly explain what could be causing the unfavorable labor quantity variance and
indicate what type of corrective action, if any, might be taken.
Ans: N/A, LO: 3, Bloom: K, Difficulty: Easy, Min: 5, AACSB: Communications, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA
PC: None, IMA: Cost Management
Solution 241
Since labor quantity variances relate to the efficiency of labor, the cause of an unfavorable
variance could be poor training, poor maintenance of machinery, fatigue, carelessness, or similar
problems that affect efficiency.
The management of Star Company would need to identify the likely causes of the variance and
correct the situation with additional training, improved maintenance, better scheduling or similar
appropriate actions.
S-A E 242
In reviewing the activities of the Mixing Department for the month of June, the manager of the
department notices that there was an unfavorable materials price variance for the month and
there was an unfavorable materials quantity variance. Under what circumstances, if any, can the
responsibility for each variance be placed on (a) the purchasing department and (b) the
production department?
Ans: N/A, LO: 2, Bloom: K, Difficulty: Easy, Min: 5, AACSB: Communications, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA
PC: None, IMA: Cost Management
Solution 242
(a) Purchasing department. The investigation of a materials price variance usually begins with
this department. If the price standard has been properly set, purchasing is responsible.
However, it should be recognized that in a period of inflation, prices may rise faster than
expected. Also, there may be extenuating circumstances such as oil cartel price increases.
(b) Production department. Ordinarily, responsibility for an unfavorable quantity variance rests
with this department. For example, production is responsible if the variance is caused by
inexperienced workers, faulty machinery, or carelessness.
The production department may be responsible for an unfavorable price variance when the
materials must be ordered on a rush basis at a higher price than planned.
S-A E 243
What are the four perspectives used in the balanced scorecard? Discuss the nature of each, and
how the perspectives are linked.
Ans: N/A, LO: 4, Bloom: K, Difficulty: Easy, Min: 5, AACSB: Communications, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA
PC: None, IMA: Cost Management
Solution 243
The four perspectives of the balanced scorecard are: financial, customer, internal process, and
learning and growth. The financial perspective employs financial measures of performance used
by most firms. The customer perspective evaluates the company from the viewpoint of those
people who buy its products or services in terms of price, quality, product innovation, customer
service, and other dimensions. The internal process perspective evaluates the value chain—
product development, production, delivery and after-sale service—to ensure that the company is
operating effectively and efficiently. The learning and growth perspective evaluates how well the
company develops and retains its employees. The four perspectives are linked in that the results
in one perspective influence the results in the next.
The argument continued. Finally, the standards were prepared. All standards were prepared
according to normal expected performance, except that for materials, an ideal standard was
used. Sharon, still maintaining the unfairness of the system, refused to hold her workers
accountable for materials quantity variances.
Required:
1. Are ideal standards unethical? Explain briefly.
2. Is it unethical for Sharon to refuse to support the standards? Explain.
Ans: N/A, LO: 1, Bloom: K, Difficulty: Easy, Min: 5, AACSB: Ethics, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA PC: None,
IMA: Cost Management
Solution 244
1. Ideal standards are not necessarily unethical. They may be used unethically, such as in the
case in which employees are denied bonuses or other rewards because of not meeting a
standard which was out of their reach. If they are used as a guide to maximum attainable
performance, however, and not tied directly to the reward system, they may be ethical.
2. It is unethical for Sharon simply to refuse to accept a particular standard. However, if the
company intends to use the standard unethically, she may refuse to hold her workers
accountable while she pursues a permanent disposition of the matter. If she simply refuses to
accept it, she may be indirectly sabotaging the company by hindering it from accomplishing its
legitimate objectives. This would be unethical.
Required:
Write a short note to Vincent explaining the probable cause of the unfavorable labor efficiency
variance.
Ans: N/A, LO: 3, Bloom: K, Difficulty: Easy, Min: 5, AACSB: Communications, AICPA BB: Industry/Sector Perspective, AICPA FN: Measurement, AICPA
PC: None, IMA: Cost Management
Solution 245
Vincent,
Last month was a tough one for all of us, wasn't it? Your workers certainly did go
the extra mile, no doubt about it.
You asked about your efficiency variance. When we calculate it, we count the
number of hours it took to get good output. Since we had such high spoilage, we
got fewer units, but used more hours. That is why your efficiency variance was
negative. It does not imply that you didn't do your best. It just means that we
investigate to see what happened.
Good luck, and I hope this month is a better one for all of us.
(signed)