- 12 Marks
Question
In the context of relevant costs, explain the following:
i. Incremental costs;
ii. Differential costs;
iii. Avoidable and unavoidable costs;
iv. Committed costs;
v. Sunk costs; and
vi. Opportunity costs.
Answer
i. Incremental Costs: These are additional costs incurred when a business decision leads to an increase in the level of activity. For example, extra labor or materials required to fulfill a special order.
ii. Differential Costs: The difference in total costs between two or more alternative decisions. It represents the change in costs when choosing one option over another.
iii. Avoidable and Unavoidable Costs:
- Avoidable Costs: Costs that can be eliminated if a particular activity is stopped. These are relevant for decision-making.
- Unavoidable Costs: Costs that will still be incurred regardless of the decision made. These are not relevant for decision-making.
iv. Committed Costs: Costs that the company has already committed to, and which cannot be altered in the short term. They are not relevant to future decision-making.
v. Sunk Costs: Costs that have already been incurred and cannot be recovered. These costs are not relevant to future decisions.
vi. Opportunity Costs: The potential benefits or income lost when choosing one alternative over another. It represents the value of the next best alternative that is foregone.
- Topic: Decision-making techniques
- Series: MAY 2018
- Uploader: Kofi