Question Tag: Strategic Decision-Making

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  • 15 Marks

FM – Nov 2016 – L3 – SC – Q6 – Strategic Performance Measurement

Evaluate Osamco Limited’s financial performance compared to industry benchmarks and discuss reasons for considering stock exchange listing.

Osamco Limited, manufacturer of wire and cables, was bought from its conglomerate parent company in a management buyout deal in August 2010. Six years later, the managers are considering the possibility of listing the company’s shares on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

The following information is made available:

OSAMCO LIMITED
INCOME STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2016

N’million Amount
Turnover 91.25
Cost of sales (79.00)
Profit before interest and taxation 12.25
Interest (3.25)
Profit before taxation 9.00
Taxation (1.25)
Profit attributable to ordinary shareholders 7.75
Dividend (0.75)
Retained profit 7.00

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION AS AT JUNE 30, 2016

N’million Amount
Non-current assets (at cost less accumulated depreciation)
Land and buildings 9.00
Plant and machinery 24.75
Total non-current assets 33.75
Current assets
Inventories 11.00
Accounts receivable 11.75
Cash at bank 2.50
Total current assets 25.25
Total assets 59.00
Equity
Ordinary shares of N1 each 6.75
Reserves 24.25
Total equity 31.00
Non-current liabilities
Accounts payable due after more than one year: 12% Debenture 2018 5.50
Current liabilities
Trade accounts payable 17.50
Bank overdraft 5.00
Total current liabilities 22.50
Total equity and liabilities 59.00

Industry sector ratios:

Metric Industry Average
Return before interest and tax on long-term capital employed 24%
Return after tax on equity 16%
Operating profit as percentage of sales 11%
Current ratio 1.6:1
Quick (acid test) ratio 1.0:1
Total debt: equity (gearing) 24%
Dividend cover 4.0
Interest cover 4.5

Required:
a. Evaluate the financial state and performance of Osamco Limited by comparing it with that of its industry sector. (10 Marks)

b. Discuss FOUR probable reasons why the management of Osamco Limited is considering Stock Exchange listing. (5 Marks)

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  • 30 Marks

FM – Nov 2021 – L3 – Q1 – Strategic Cost Management

Analyze costs and investment requirements for Femi Appliances Ltd's new motor vehicle vacuum cleaner product line.

Femi Appliances Limited (FAL) is a Nigerian-based manufacturer of household appliances with many distribution centers across various locations in Nigeria and along the ECOWAS sub-region. FAL is now considering the development of a new motor vehicle vacuum cleaner – VC4.

The product can be introduced quickly and has an expected life of four years, after which it may be replaced with a more efficient model. Costs associated with the product are estimated as follows:

Direct Costs (per unit):

  • Labour:
    • 3.5 skilled labour hours at ₦500 per hour
    • 4 unskilled labour hours at ₦300 per hour
  • Materials:
    • 6 kilos of material Z at ₦146 per kilo
    • Three units of component P at ₦480 per unit
    • One unit of component Q at ₦640
  • Other variable costs: ₦210 per unit

Indirect Costs:

  • Apportionment of management salaries: ₦10,500,000 per year
  • Tax allowable depreciation of machinery: ₦21,000,000 per year
  • Selling expenses (excluding salaries): ₦16,600,000 per year
  • Apportionment of head office costs: ₦5,000,000 per year
  • Rental of buildings: ₦10,000,000 per year
  • Annual interest charges: ₦10,400,000
  • Other annual overheads: ₦7,000,000 (includes building rates ₦2,000,000)

If the new product is introduced, it will be manufactured in an existing factory, having no effect on rates payable. The factory could be rented out for ₦12,000,000 per year to another company if the product is not introduced.

New machinery costing ₦86,000,000 will be required, depreciated on a straight-line basis over four years with a salvage value of ₦2,000,000. The machinery will be financed by a four-year fixed-rate bank loan at 12% interest per year. Additional working capital requirements may be ignored.

The new product will require two additional managers at an annual gross cost of ₦2,500,000 each, while one current manager (₦2,000,000) will be transferred and replaced by a deputy manager at ₦1,700,000 per year. Material Z totaling 70,000 kilos is already in inventory, valued at ₦9,900,000.

FAL will utilize the existing advertising campaigns for distribution centers to also market the new product, saving approximately ₦5,000,000 per year in advertising expenses.

The unit price of the product in the first year will be ₦11,000, with projected demand as follows:

  • Year 1: 12,000 units
  • Year 2: 17,500 units
  • Year 3: 18,000 units
  • Year 4: 18,500 units

An inflation rate of 5% per year is anticipated, with prices rising accordingly. Wage costs are expected to increase by 7% per year, and other costs (including rent) by 5% annually. No price or cost increases are expected in the first year of production.

Income tax is set at 35%, payable in the year the profit occurs. Assume all sales and costs are on a cash basis and occur at the end of the year, except for the initial purchase of machinery, which would take place immediately. No inventory will be held at the end of any year.

Required:

a. Calculate the expected internal rate of return (IRR) associated with the manufacture of VC4. Show all workings to the nearest ₦million. (19 Marks)

b. i. Explain what is meant by an asset beta and how it differs from an equity beta. (2 Marks)
ii. Given the company’s equity beta is 1.2, the market return is 15%, and the risk-free rate is 8%, discuss whether introducing the product is advisable. (4 Marks)

c. The company is concerned about a potential increase in corporate tax rates. Advise the directors by how much that the tax rate would have to change before the project is not financially viable. A discount rate of 17% per year may be assumed for part (c). (5 Marks)

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  • 15 Marks

PM – Nov 2015 – L2 – Q7 – Performance Measurement Systems

Evaluate weaknesses in Stuck Ltd’s MIS and suggest improvements for enhanced strategic decision-making.

Stuck Ltd manufactures industrial glues and solvents in a single large factory. Approximately 400 different inputs are used to produce the 35 specialist outputs, which range from ultra-strong glues used in aircraft manufacture to high-impact adhesives for construction sites.

Two years ago, with the company only just breaking even, the directors recognized the need for more information to control the business. To assist them with their strategic control, they established a Management Information System (MIS). This system is now operational but provides only the following limited information to the directors via their networked computer system:

  1. A summary business plan for this and the next two years. The plan includes details of expected future incomes and expenditure on existing product lines. It was produced by a new member of the accounting department without reference to past production data.
  2. Inventory balances on individual items of raw materials, finished goods, etc. This report is highly detailed and comprises 80% of the output from the MIS itself.
  3. A summary of changes in total demand for glues and solvents in the market over the last five years. This information is presented as a numerical summary in six different sections, with each section taking up one computer screen, so only one section can be viewed at a time.

Required:

(a) Comment on the weaknesses in the information currently being provided to the directors of the company. (9 Marks)

(b) Suggest how the information may be improved, with particular reference to other outputs the MIS might usefully provide to the directors. (6 Marks)

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  • 10 Marks

SCS – Dec 2022 – L3 – Q4a – Strategy implementation

Evaluate non-financial factors affecting TCWL’s strategic expansion using Johnson and Scholes’ model.

TCWL plans to expand to Kenya and South Africa to produce for Eastern and Southern Africa markets respectively. This move is largely influenced by the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) which was launched in July 2020. This strategic direction would require substantial investments to upgrade production facilities to meet the new market demand.

Required:

Using Johnson and Scholes suitability/feasibility/acceptability model, evaluate the non-financial factors that could influence the success of this strategic decision. (10 marks)

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  • 3 Marks

MA – May 2018 – L2 – Decision Making Techniques

Discuss non-financial factors to consider when deciding whether to outsource.

Explain THREE non-financial factors PieceJoz FM should also consider when making the decision to outsource.

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  • 16 Marks

MA – April 2022 – L2 – Q5a – Decision making techniques

Analyze the profitability of four strategic options for Kuntu Ltd and estimate the required selling price to achieve a target profit.

Kuntu Ltd manufactures one standard product, the standard marginal cost of which is as follows:

Cost Element GH¢
Direct material per unit 10.00
Direct wages per unit 7.50
Variable production overhead 1.25
Total Marginal Cost per Unit 18.75

The budget for the year includes the following:

  • Output (units): 80,000
  • Total fixed Overheads:
    • Production: GH¢1,000,000
    • Advertising: GH¢600,000
    • Marketing: GH¢500,000
  • Contribution: GH¢2,500,000

In reviewing the budget for the coming year, management is dissatisfied with the results likely to arise. An emergency board meeting was held to discuss possible strategies to improve the situation, and the following strategies were proposed:

Strategy 1: The Production Manager suggested reducing the selling price by 10%. This could increase output by 25%. It is estimated that these changes would result in an increase in fixed production overhead by GH¢50,000 and fixed marketing overhead by GH¢25,000.

Strategy 2: The Director of Finance suggested increasing the selling price by 10%. Additionally, with an increase in advertising cost by GH¢400,000, sales units would increase to 90,000 units. It is also estimated that this strategy would increase the fixed production overhead by GH¢25,000 and marketing overhead by GH¢20,000.

Strategy 3: The Marketing Director suggested that with an appropriate increase in advertising expenditure, sales could be increased by 20%, and a profit on turnover of 15% could be obtained. It is estimated that fixed production overhead would increase to GH¢1,040,000 and marketing overhead would increase by GH¢25,000.

Strategy 4: The Managing Director seeks a profit of GH¢600,000. He would like to know at what selling price the target profit could be achieved given the following estimates: An increase in advertising expenditure by GH¢360,000 would result in a 10% increase in sales. However, fixed production and marketing overheads would increase by GH¢25,000 and GH¢17,000 respectively.

Required:

i) Prepare a forecast profit statement for Strategy 1 and Strategy 2. (6 marks)

ii) Estimate the additional expenditure on advertisement to achieve results in Strategy 3. (5 marks)

iii) Estimate the selling price that is required to achieve a profit of GH¢600,000 in Strategy 4. (5 marks)

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  • 8 Marks

BMIS – Nov 2016 – L1 – Q7a – Introduction to business strategy

Differentiate between corporate-level and functional-level strategies based on key activity, risk, decision type, and duration.

An organization’s strategic decisions are categorized into entity/corporate level strategies and functional level strategies. Indicate how the two differ based on the following:

i) Key activity/function (2 marks)
ii) Risks associated with their decisions (2 marks)
iii) Type of decisions (2 marks)
iv) Duration of their decisions (2 marks)

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  • 15 Marks

FM – Nov 2016 – L3 – SC – Q6 – Strategic Performance Measurement

Evaluate Osamco Limited’s financial performance compared to industry benchmarks and discuss reasons for considering stock exchange listing.

Osamco Limited, manufacturer of wire and cables, was bought from its conglomerate parent company in a management buyout deal in August 2010. Six years later, the managers are considering the possibility of listing the company’s shares on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

The following information is made available:

OSAMCO LIMITED
INCOME STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2016

N’million Amount
Turnover 91.25
Cost of sales (79.00)
Profit before interest and taxation 12.25
Interest (3.25)
Profit before taxation 9.00
Taxation (1.25)
Profit attributable to ordinary shareholders 7.75
Dividend (0.75)
Retained profit 7.00

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION AS AT JUNE 30, 2016

N’million Amount
Non-current assets (at cost less accumulated depreciation)
Land and buildings 9.00
Plant and machinery 24.75
Total non-current assets 33.75
Current assets
Inventories 11.00
Accounts receivable 11.75
Cash at bank 2.50
Total current assets 25.25
Total assets 59.00
Equity
Ordinary shares of N1 each 6.75
Reserves 24.25
Total equity 31.00
Non-current liabilities
Accounts payable due after more than one year: 12% Debenture 2018 5.50
Current liabilities
Trade accounts payable 17.50
Bank overdraft 5.00
Total current liabilities 22.50
Total equity and liabilities 59.00

Industry sector ratios:

Metric Industry Average
Return before interest and tax on long-term capital employed 24%
Return after tax on equity 16%
Operating profit as percentage of sales 11%
Current ratio 1.6:1
Quick (acid test) ratio 1.0:1
Total debt: equity (gearing) 24%
Dividend cover 4.0
Interest cover 4.5

Required:
a. Evaluate the financial state and performance of Osamco Limited by comparing it with that of its industry sector. (10 Marks)

b. Discuss FOUR probable reasons why the management of Osamco Limited is considering Stock Exchange listing. (5 Marks)

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  • 30 Marks

FM – Nov 2021 – L3 – Q1 – Strategic Cost Management

Analyze costs and investment requirements for Femi Appliances Ltd's new motor vehicle vacuum cleaner product line.

Femi Appliances Limited (FAL) is a Nigerian-based manufacturer of household appliances with many distribution centers across various locations in Nigeria and along the ECOWAS sub-region. FAL is now considering the development of a new motor vehicle vacuum cleaner – VC4.

The product can be introduced quickly and has an expected life of four years, after which it may be replaced with a more efficient model. Costs associated with the product are estimated as follows:

Direct Costs (per unit):

  • Labour:
    • 3.5 skilled labour hours at ₦500 per hour
    • 4 unskilled labour hours at ₦300 per hour
  • Materials:
    • 6 kilos of material Z at ₦146 per kilo
    • Three units of component P at ₦480 per unit
    • One unit of component Q at ₦640
  • Other variable costs: ₦210 per unit

Indirect Costs:

  • Apportionment of management salaries: ₦10,500,000 per year
  • Tax allowable depreciation of machinery: ₦21,000,000 per year
  • Selling expenses (excluding salaries): ₦16,600,000 per year
  • Apportionment of head office costs: ₦5,000,000 per year
  • Rental of buildings: ₦10,000,000 per year
  • Annual interest charges: ₦10,400,000
  • Other annual overheads: ₦7,000,000 (includes building rates ₦2,000,000)

If the new product is introduced, it will be manufactured in an existing factory, having no effect on rates payable. The factory could be rented out for ₦12,000,000 per year to another company if the product is not introduced.

New machinery costing ₦86,000,000 will be required, depreciated on a straight-line basis over four years with a salvage value of ₦2,000,000. The machinery will be financed by a four-year fixed-rate bank loan at 12% interest per year. Additional working capital requirements may be ignored.

The new product will require two additional managers at an annual gross cost of ₦2,500,000 each, while one current manager (₦2,000,000) will be transferred and replaced by a deputy manager at ₦1,700,000 per year. Material Z totaling 70,000 kilos is already in inventory, valued at ₦9,900,000.

FAL will utilize the existing advertising campaigns for distribution centers to also market the new product, saving approximately ₦5,000,000 per year in advertising expenses.

The unit price of the product in the first year will be ₦11,000, with projected demand as follows:

  • Year 1: 12,000 units
  • Year 2: 17,500 units
  • Year 3: 18,000 units
  • Year 4: 18,500 units

An inflation rate of 5% per year is anticipated, with prices rising accordingly. Wage costs are expected to increase by 7% per year, and other costs (including rent) by 5% annually. No price or cost increases are expected in the first year of production.

Income tax is set at 35%, payable in the year the profit occurs. Assume all sales and costs are on a cash basis and occur at the end of the year, except for the initial purchase of machinery, which would take place immediately. No inventory will be held at the end of any year.

Required:

a. Calculate the expected internal rate of return (IRR) associated with the manufacture of VC4. Show all workings to the nearest ₦million. (19 Marks)

b. i. Explain what is meant by an asset beta and how it differs from an equity beta. (2 Marks)
ii. Given the company’s equity beta is 1.2, the market return is 15%, and the risk-free rate is 8%, discuss whether introducing the product is advisable. (4 Marks)

c. The company is concerned about a potential increase in corporate tax rates. Advise the directors by how much that the tax rate would have to change before the project is not financially viable. A discount rate of 17% per year may be assumed for part (c). (5 Marks)

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  • 15 Marks

PM – Nov 2015 – L2 – Q7 – Performance Measurement Systems

Evaluate weaknesses in Stuck Ltd’s MIS and suggest improvements for enhanced strategic decision-making.

Stuck Ltd manufactures industrial glues and solvents in a single large factory. Approximately 400 different inputs are used to produce the 35 specialist outputs, which range from ultra-strong glues used in aircraft manufacture to high-impact adhesives for construction sites.

Two years ago, with the company only just breaking even, the directors recognized the need for more information to control the business. To assist them with their strategic control, they established a Management Information System (MIS). This system is now operational but provides only the following limited information to the directors via their networked computer system:

  1. A summary business plan for this and the next two years. The plan includes details of expected future incomes and expenditure on existing product lines. It was produced by a new member of the accounting department without reference to past production data.
  2. Inventory balances on individual items of raw materials, finished goods, etc. This report is highly detailed and comprises 80% of the output from the MIS itself.
  3. A summary of changes in total demand for glues and solvents in the market over the last five years. This information is presented as a numerical summary in six different sections, with each section taking up one computer screen, so only one section can be viewed at a time.

Required:

(a) Comment on the weaknesses in the information currently being provided to the directors of the company. (9 Marks)

(b) Suggest how the information may be improved, with particular reference to other outputs the MIS might usefully provide to the directors. (6 Marks)

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  • 10 Marks

SCS – Dec 2022 – L3 – Q4a – Strategy implementation

Evaluate non-financial factors affecting TCWL’s strategic expansion using Johnson and Scholes’ model.

TCWL plans to expand to Kenya and South Africa to produce for Eastern and Southern Africa markets respectively. This move is largely influenced by the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) which was launched in July 2020. This strategic direction would require substantial investments to upgrade production facilities to meet the new market demand.

Required:

Using Johnson and Scholes suitability/feasibility/acceptability model, evaluate the non-financial factors that could influence the success of this strategic decision. (10 marks)

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  • 3 Marks

MA – May 2018 – L2 – Decision Making Techniques

Discuss non-financial factors to consider when deciding whether to outsource.

Explain THREE non-financial factors PieceJoz FM should also consider when making the decision to outsource.

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  • 16 Marks

MA – April 2022 – L2 – Q5a – Decision making techniques

Analyze the profitability of four strategic options for Kuntu Ltd and estimate the required selling price to achieve a target profit.

Kuntu Ltd manufactures one standard product, the standard marginal cost of which is as follows:

Cost Element GH¢
Direct material per unit 10.00
Direct wages per unit 7.50
Variable production overhead 1.25
Total Marginal Cost per Unit 18.75

The budget for the year includes the following:

  • Output (units): 80,000
  • Total fixed Overheads:
    • Production: GH¢1,000,000
    • Advertising: GH¢600,000
    • Marketing: GH¢500,000
  • Contribution: GH¢2,500,000

In reviewing the budget for the coming year, management is dissatisfied with the results likely to arise. An emergency board meeting was held to discuss possible strategies to improve the situation, and the following strategies were proposed:

Strategy 1: The Production Manager suggested reducing the selling price by 10%. This could increase output by 25%. It is estimated that these changes would result in an increase in fixed production overhead by GH¢50,000 and fixed marketing overhead by GH¢25,000.

Strategy 2: The Director of Finance suggested increasing the selling price by 10%. Additionally, with an increase in advertising cost by GH¢400,000, sales units would increase to 90,000 units. It is also estimated that this strategy would increase the fixed production overhead by GH¢25,000 and marketing overhead by GH¢20,000.

Strategy 3: The Marketing Director suggested that with an appropriate increase in advertising expenditure, sales could be increased by 20%, and a profit on turnover of 15% could be obtained. It is estimated that fixed production overhead would increase to GH¢1,040,000 and marketing overhead would increase by GH¢25,000.

Strategy 4: The Managing Director seeks a profit of GH¢600,000. He would like to know at what selling price the target profit could be achieved given the following estimates: An increase in advertising expenditure by GH¢360,000 would result in a 10% increase in sales. However, fixed production and marketing overheads would increase by GH¢25,000 and GH¢17,000 respectively.

Required:

i) Prepare a forecast profit statement for Strategy 1 and Strategy 2. (6 marks)

ii) Estimate the additional expenditure on advertisement to achieve results in Strategy 3. (5 marks)

iii) Estimate the selling price that is required to achieve a profit of GH¢600,000 in Strategy 4. (5 marks)

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  • 8 Marks

BMIS – Nov 2016 – L1 – Q7a – Introduction to business strategy

Differentiate between corporate-level and functional-level strategies based on key activity, risk, decision type, and duration.

An organization’s strategic decisions are categorized into entity/corporate level strategies and functional level strategies. Indicate how the two differ based on the following:

i) Key activity/function (2 marks)
ii) Risks associated with their decisions (2 marks)
iii) Type of decisions (2 marks)
iv) Duration of their decisions (2 marks)

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