In: Accounting
Becton Labs, Inc., produces various chemical compounds for industrial use. One compound, called Fludex, is prepared using an elaborate distilling process. The company has developed standard costs for one unit of Fludex, as follows:
Standard Quantity or Hours |
Standard Price or Rate |
Standard Cost | |||||
Direct materials | 2.5 | ounces | $ | 20.00 | per ounce | $ | 50.00 |
Direct labor | 1.4 | hours | $ | 22.50 | per hour | 31.50 | |
Variable manufacturing overhead | 1.4 | hours | $ | 3.50 | per hour | 4.90 | |
Total standard cost per unit | $ | 86.40 | |||||
During November, the following activity was recorded related to the production of Fludex:
Required:
1. For direct materials:
a. Compute the price and quantity variances.
b. The materials were purchased from a new supplier who is anxious to enter into a long-term purchase contract. Would you recommend that the company sign the contract?
2. For direct labor:
a. Compute the rate and efficiency variances.
b. In the past, the 35 technicians employed in the production of Fludex consisted of 20 senior technicians and 15 assistants. During November, the company experimented with fewer senior technicians and more assistants in order to reduce labor costs. Would you recommend that the new labor mix be continued?
3. Compute the variable overhead rate and efficiency variances.