Topic: Decision-making techniques

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PM – Nov 2024 – L2 – Q4 – Decision-Making Techniques

Determine optimal production mix for maximizing profit using marginal costing and throughput accounting principles.

PK Limited manufactures two models of heavy-duty cooking racks suitable for restaurant kitchens and other commercial environments. Both models utilize the same types of raw materials and machine hours. No inventories are held. The sales budget for next year is as follows:

Model Sales Units Selling Price (N)
A 300,000 1,000
B 140,000 1,400

The following additional information is provided:

  • Cost data:
Model Material Cost (N) Variable Production Conversion Costs (N)
A 400 100
B 500 300
  • Fixed production overheads attributable to the manufacture of both models total N40,500,000.
  • Production is completed in the machining department, where the production rate per hour is:
    • Model A: 12.5 units
    • Model B: 10 units
  • Machine hours are limited to 30,000 hours.

Required:

a. Using marginal costing principles, calculate the optimal mix (units) of each model that will maximize net profit, and indicate the value of the net profit. (5 Marks)

b. Calculate the throughput accounting ratio for each model and briefly discuss when a product is worth producing under throughput accounting principles. Assume that the variable overhead cost, amounting to N24 million for the chosen product mix in part (a), is fixed in the short term. (7 Marks)

c. Using throughput accounting principles, advise management on the quantities of each model to produce for maximizing profit and provide a projected net profit for PK Limited next year. (5 Marks)

d. Explain two ways in which the concept of ‘contribution’ in throughput accounting differs from its use in marginal costing. (3 Marks)

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PM – Nov 2024 – L2 – Q1 – Decision-Making Techniques

Optimization of Oshimiri Nigeria Limited's production plan to maximize profits under resource constraints using linear programming.

Oshimiri Nigeria Limited, a company based in Aba, produces two grades of industrial vanish. The selling price and associated unit variable costs for vanish Grade A and Grade B are shown below:

Particulars Grade A Grade B
Selling Price N2,100 N1,500
Material X (N240/kg) N480 N240
Skilled Labour (N144/hr) N720 N288
Unskilled Labour (N60/hr) N120 N180
Variable Overhead (N84/machine hr) N168 N336

The fixed overhead costs are N2,600,000 per month. The company plans to maximize profits.

The availability of resources for the following month is as follows:

  • Material X: 25,000 Kg
  • Skilled Labour: 48,000 hours
  • Unskilled Labour: 39,000 hours
  • Machine hours: 50,000 hours

Required:

a. Identify the objective function and the constraints of the model to be used in determining the optimum production plan for the following month. (5 Marks)

b. Determine the optimum production plan for the month and the associated profit. (5 Marks)

c. Explain the concept and significance of dual prices and slack variables in the context of the model used by the company in this scenario. (4 Marks)

d. Calculate the dual prices for constraints identified in this scenario. (10 Marks)

e. Suggest ways in which the management can overcome the capacity constraints identified above during the month and the cost implications. (6 Marks)

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PM – May 2021 – L2 – Q5 – Decision-Making Techniques

Calculate the optimal order quantity to maximize expected profits considering ordering constraints and probability distribution of demand.

A national boutique chain sells a wide range of high-quality customized fashion goods. One particular outfit is bought at ₦8,000 and sold at ₦13,000. Mean holding costs per season per outfit are ₦500, and it costs ₦80,000 to order and receive goods in stock. The manufacturers require orders in advance, and once a batch is made, it is impossible to place a repeat order. Additionally, delivery cannot be staggered over the fashion season.

When a customer buys an outfit that requires adjustments, alterations are made, and the customer collects it later. Generally, if an outfit is out of stock at one boutique, it can be obtained from another branch within hours. However, if the chain as a whole runs out of stock, it loses both the outfit’s profit and an estimated ₦2,000 profit from additional items customers typically buy. If excess stock remains at season’s end, it is disposed of at ₦5,000 per outfit.

The sales pattern for a comparable outfit indicates the following probability distribution for total chain sales:

Outfits Sold Probability
1,100 0.30
1,200 0.40
1,300 0.20
1,400 0.10

The management accountant must determine the optimal order quantity for the upcoming season to maximize expected profit, factoring in overstocking and understocking costs.

Required:
a) Determine the number of outfits to order to maximize expected profits.
(17 Marks)

b) Compare and contrast the model developed with the classical Economic Order Quantity (EOQ) model.
(3 Marks)

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PM – May 2021 – L2 – Q2 – Budgeting and Budgetary Control

Recommend the appropriate forecast for PQR Plc, analyze the limiting factor, and explain the budgeting process.

PQR Plc is preparing its budgets for the upcoming year and has forecasted two demand scenarios for its product range:

You are to assume only one forecast (either Forecast 1 or Forecast 2) will be selected. The expected variable unit costs for each product are:

The general fixed costs are budgeted at ₦20,000 for the year, with no specific fixed costs expected per product. Additionally, all three products use the same direct material, with a limited supply of 22,020 kgs available for the budget year.

Required:
a. Recommend, with supporting calculations, whether forecast 1 or forecast 2 should be adopted for the budget period. (11 Marks)
b. Prepare a report, addressed to the managing director, to explain the budget preparation process, with particular reference to: i. The principal budget factor (3 Marks)
ii. The budget manual (3 Marks)
iii. The role of the budget committee (3 Marks)

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PM – May 2023 – L2 – SA – Q4 – Decision-Making Techniques

Evaluate the costs and desirability of mutually exclusive contracts for Tayo Limited, considering penalties and other relevant factors.

Tayo Limited is a civil engineering company based in Benin. Contracts are carried out under the supervision of project managers who are sent out from Head Office and remain on-site for the duration of the contract. The project manager recruits local labour and arranges for plant and materials to be provided by Head Office.

Some time ago, the company successfully tendered for two contracts that have now become mutually exclusive. It is currently considering which of these to accept. Both jobs would last for 12 months.

The following information about each contract is available:

Notes:

(i) The materials which would be used on the Abuja job have increased in money value by 60% over their purchase cost. Tayo Limited has no other use for these materials on any other contract apart from the Abuja one, but they could be re-sold to other companies in the industry at 90% of their value. Transportation and other selling costs would further decrease the cash inflow from the sale by 16.67% of the sales price.

(ii) The materials for the Lagos job have no other obvious use, but could be sold for scrap if the contract were cancelled. The scrap value would be 10% of cost, and costs of transport, etc., would be paid by the scrap merchant. It is likely, however, that the materials could be used next year on another contract in substitution for a different material normally costing 20% less than the cost of the materials to be used on the Lagos contract.

(iii) Local labour can be hired as and when required.

(iv) Plant is depreciated on a straight-line basis, and the interest on plant charge is a nominal cost added for accounting purposes.

(v) The two contracts would require similar plant, although more plant would be required for the Lagos than for the Abuja job. The plant not required on the Abuja job would be sub-contracted out by Head Office for ₦200,000 per annum.

(vi) Head Office administration costs are fixed at ₦2,500,000 for the coming year. This excludes project managers’ salaries.

Required:

a. Present the data to management in a form which will assist in making the decision as to which job to undertake. Provide notes to explain the principles which have been used in selecting the data and to support any calculations made. (12 Marks)

b. Comment on the appropriateness of the approach used in your analysis. (4 Marks)

c. List briefly any other factors which ought to be considered before finally making the decision in this case. (4 Marks)

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PM – May 2023 – L2 – SA – Q3 – Decision Making Techniques

Evaluate the desirability of a contract for Product X by analyzing the labour, material, and overhead costs involved.

Kenny Limited (KL) has been offered a contract that, if accepted, would significantly increase next year’s activity levels. The contract requires the production of 20,000 kg of product X and specifies a contract price of N10,000 per kg. The resources used in the production of each kg of X include the following:

Resources per kg of X:

Labour:

  • Grade 1: 2 hours
  • Grade 2: 6 hours

Materials:

  • Material A: 2 units
  • Material B: 1 litre

Costs:

  • Grade 1 Labour: N400 per hour
  • Grade 2 Labour: N200 per hour
  • Material A: Replacement cost N1,000 per unit, Net Realisable Value N900
  • Material B: Replacement cost N3,200 per litre, Net Realisable Value N2,500
  • Fixed production overheads: N60,000,000 based on 300,000 productive labour hours
  • Incremental overheads for the contract: N22,800,000
  • Variable production overheads: N300 per productive labour hour

The contract could also result in a 5,000-unit decrease in sales of another product, Y, which contributes N7,000 per unit in revenue and incurs variable costs of N1,200 and 4 hours of Grade 2 labour per unit. However, avoiding the production of Y will save attributable fixed overheads of N5,800,000.

Required:

a. Advise KL on the desirability of the contract. (8 Marks)
b. Show how the contract, if accepted, will be reported on the routine job costing system used by KL. (6 Marks)
c. Briefly explain the reasons for any differences between the figures used in (a) and (b) above. (6 Marks)

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PM – May 2023 – L2 – SA – Q2 – Decision-Making Techniques

Construct payoff tables, determine profitable print numbers, and discuss decision rules for football program sales.

The local football club has asked for your advice on the number of programmes that should be printed for each game. The cost of printing and production of programmes for each game, as quoted by the local printer, is ₦1,000,000 plus ₦400 per copy. Advertising revenue which has been agreed for the season represents ₦800,000 for each game.

Programmes are sold for ₦150 each. A review of sales during the previous seasons indicates that the following pattern is expected to be repeated during the coming season of 50 games:

Number of programmes sold Number of games
10,000 5
20,000 20
30,000 15
40,000 10

Programmes not sold at the game are sold as waste paper to a paper manufacturer at ₦100 per copy.

Assuming that the four quantities listed are the only possibilities, you are required to:

a. Prepare a payoff table. (6 Marks)

b. Determine the number of programmes that would provide the highest profit if a constant number of programmes were to be printed for each game. (4 Marks)

c. Explain why you should buy 30,000 or 40,000 copies, assuming one of these is the most profitable quantity, despite the fact that the most probable sales are 20,000 copies per game. (2 Marks)

d. Calculate the profit which would arise from a perfect forecast of the numbers of programmes which would be sold at each game. (4 Marks)

e. Discuss the major limitations of the expected value criterion in decision making. (4 Marks)

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PM – Nov 2015 – L2 – Q6 – Decision-Making Techniques

Evaluate whether Tee Company should replace Green with Brace and the best timing for changeover.

Tee Company makes and sells a product, the Green, which is nearing the end of its life. A replacement product, Brace, has been designed and test marketed, and the company is trying to decide when to replace Green with Brace. Tee Company only has the capability to produce one of the two products at a time.

Sales of Green are expected to be 100,000 units in the first quarter of Year 7 and are forecast to fall after that so that each quarter’s sales will be 10% less than those of the previous quarter. Green has a selling price of ₦14 per unit, and its Contribution to Sales ratio (C/S ratio) is 40%. The fixed costs of making Green in Year 7 will be ₦200,000 per quarter.

Test market results for Brace were very good, and demand for similar products is growing rapidly. Tee Company believes that sales of Brace can be predicted by the following equation:

Y = 80,000 + 6,000 T

Where:

  • Y = Sales of Brace in units per quarter
  • T = Time, measured in quarters. For the first quarter of Year 7 (January to March Year 7), T = 1; for the second quarter of Year 7, T = 2; etc.

The selling price of Brace will be ₦16, and its contribution per unit will be ₦6. Fixed costs will increase to ₦240,000 per quarter if Green is replaced by Brace.

To avoid disruption of the production of Tee’s other products, the changeover between Green and Brace must take place on either 1 January Year 7 or 1 July Year 7. The costs of changeover will differ depending upon which date is chosen, and the following information is available:

  1. Some of the machinery used to make the Green will no longer be required for the Brace. The written-down value of this machinery will be ₦250,000 on 1 January Year 7, and ₦220,000 by 1 July Year 7. Its net realizable value at 1 January Year 7 will be ₦140,000, but by 1 July Year 7, it will be ₦30,000.
  2. Some redundancies will result from the change of products. Redundancy payments of ₦40,000 will be made if the changeover occurs on 1 January, but these will rise to ₦50,000 by 1 July. The five administration workers concerned are each paid ₦20,000 per annum and will not be replaced. Their wages are not included in the costs given above.

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PM – Nov 2015 – L2 – Q1 – Decision-Making Techniques

Comparison of two machine purchase options - ZIGMA 5000 and DELPHA 7000 using profitability statement, cash flows, payback period and NPV.

The Board of Directors of Danda Company Limited is proposing the purchase of either of two machines that have been proved adequate for the production of an engineering product “Gee”. The two machines are: ZIGMA 5,000 and DELPHA 7,000. Production in the first year would be affected by installation challenges and inadequate understanding of the operating instructions of the machines.

Information available from the production profile of the two machines are as shown below:

ZIGMA 5000:

Cost of machine is N16,500,000 while the life span is 6 years.

DELPHA 7000:

Cost of plant is N18,300,000 while the life span is 6 years.

Other information relevant to the company’s operations and administration are:

(i) Selling price per unit is N300.

(ii) Variable cost per unit is N150.

(iii) Annual fixed overhead exclusive of depreciation is N1,200,000.

(iv) Company depreciation policy is straight line basis.

(v) The budgeted production capacity is 100,000 units.

(vi) No opening or closing inventory is envisaged.

(vii) All sales are for cash.

(viii) All costs are for cash.

Required:

a. Prepare the SIX year profitability statement for the two machines. (6 Marks)

b. Prepare the SIX year cash flow statement for the two machines. (6 Marks)

c. What is the payback period for the two machines? (7 Marks)

d. Determine the Net Present Value (NPV) of the two machines if the acceptable discount rate for the company is 15%. (7 Marks)

e. Which of the two machines should the company acquire? (4 Marks)

 

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PM – NOV 2016 – L2 – Q4 – Decision-Making Techniques

Question requires analysis of airline operations to determine profitability of different pricing and charter decisions through contribution analysis.

Aghobe Air owns a single aircraft which operates between Lagos and Kano. The normal flight schedule is that flights leave Lagos on Mondays and Thursdays and depart from Kano on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Aghobe Air cannot offer any more flights between Lagos and Kano. The only seat available on the aircraft is economy class.

The following information is available: Seating capacity of the aircraft is 360 passengers. Weekly average number of passengers per flight is as follows:

Additional information:

(i) Food and beverages service cost N1,000 per passenger but at no charge to the passengers;

(ii) Commission to travel agents paid by Aghobe Air (All tickets are booked by travel agents) is 8% of fare;

(iii) Fixed annual leased costs allocated to each flight is N2,650,000 per flight;

(iv) Fixed ground services (maintenance, check in baggage handling, etc.) cost allocated to each flight N350,000 per flight;

(v) Fixed flight crew salaries allocated to each flight is N200,000 per flight; and

(vi) Fuel cost is unaffected by the actual number of passengers on the flight.

Required:

a. Determine the net operating income made by Aghobe Air on each one way flight between Lagos and Kano. (5 Marks)

b. The market research unit of Aghobe Air indicates that lowering the average one way fare to N24,000 will increase the average number of passengers per flight to 212. Should Aghobe Air lower its fare? (5 Marks)

c. A tourist group known as Sea Bird Tour Operator approaches Aghobe Air on the possibility of chartering the aircraft twice each month from Lagos to Kano and back from Kano to Lagos. If Aghobe Air accepts the offer, it will only offer 184 flights in each year. Other terms of the offer include:

  • For each one way flight, Sea Bird Tour Operator will pay Aghobe Air N3,750,000 which covers cost of charter for one way, use of flight crew and ground service staff. Sea Bird Tour operator will pay for fuel costs, food and beverages.

Should Aghobe Air accept the offer from Sea Bird Tour Operator? (5 Marks)

d. What factors should be taken into consideration in taking the decision in (c) above? (5 Marks)

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MI – Nov 2015 – L1 – SA – Q18 – Decision-Making Techniques

Identifies a factor that does not contribute to improving decision-making through information.

Which of the following is NOT a means by which information can improve decision making?
A. Increasing information overload
B. Reducing uncertainty
C. Providing feedback about the effectiveness of prior decisions
D. Identifying situations requiring management action
E. Improving the timing of information

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MI – Nov 2015 – L1 – SA – Q2 – Decision-Making Techniques

Identifies information not typically found in an employee time sheet.

Which of the following information may NOT be found in an Employee Time Sheet?
A. Department
B. Employee name
C. Employee ID No
D. Supervisor’s signature
E. Contract agreement date

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PM – Nov 2018 – L2 – SA – Q1 – Decision-Making Techniques

Maximize profit for JJ Company by determining the optimal production plan and advising on Year 2 scenarios for fulfilling demand.

JJ Company specializes in the manufacture and distribution of accessories for cars and motorcycles across central Lagos and the suburbs. The board and management of the company have decided to expand their potential market by capitalizing on the recent demand for pedal cycles caused by congestion and concerns for global warming. They intend to start manufacturing pedal cycles from 2019.

The design team has developed four models A, B, C, and D for the initial launch of the pedal cycle. The manufacturing process involves frame manufacturing and assembly/accessory fitting.

Year 1

At present, there are 40 employees available to undertake frame manufacturing and 20 available for assembly and accessory fitting. Each employee works a 37-hour week, and no overtime is permitted. Employees working on frame manufacturing cost N1,100 per hour, while those working on assembly/accessory fitting cost N1,500 per hour. All employees can be fully utilized elsewhere if not working on this venture.

The anticipated time in hours that each process will take is as follows:

Model Frame Manufacturing (hours) Assembly/Accessory Fitting (hours)
A 2.25 1.25
B 2.20 1.80
C 2.20 1.40
D 2.60 3.00

Direct materials are expected to cost N5,500 for Model A, N6,000 for Models B and C, and N10,000 for Model D. There is no limit on the availability of materials.

Variable overheads of N2,700 per pedal cycle are incurred for both Models A and C, and N3,000 per pedal cycle for both Models B and D.

Fixed overheads allocated to the pedal cycle workshop are N666,000 per annum. The organization uses labor hours to base its overhead absorption rates.

Initial market research indicates that demand and selling prices are likely to be as follows:

Model Number of Pedal Cycles Selling Price (N)
A 200 14,550
B 75 16,500
C 220 17,000
D 80 24,000

Year 2

In Year 2, two additional options are available:

  1. Lifting the overtime ban and paying overtime at a rate of time and a half. This will necessitate raising the selling price of all units of the specific model being completed outside normal working hours by N2,500 per pedal cycle. The selling price of the other models remains the same as in Year 1.
  2. Buying in the completed pedal cycle necessary to meet demand from another supplier. This would cost N27,000 per pedal cycle, and the selling price of all units of the model would be increased by N5,500. However, the board is concerned this option may reduce demand.

Required:

a. Determine the production plan that would maximize the profit available to JJ Company in Year 1, assuming no overtime is worked. State the profit that would be earned as a result of this plan. (14 Marks)
b. Advise JJ Company of its most profitable course of action in Year 2, assuming all demand is to be satisfied. (8 Marks)
c. Explain in detail how the relationship between the company and the chosen supplier should be controlled if the directors are considering outsourcing key inputs. (8 Marks)

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MI – May 2018 – L1 – SB – Q3 – Decision-Making Techniques

Evaluating make or buy decision based on quantitative and qualitative factors for Seagull Fabricators Ltd.

Seagull Fabricators Limited buys a component for N280 per unit, 6,000 units of which it uses monthly. Below is the cost of making the same component in-house:

Component Unit Cost Total Cost (N)
Direct Material 100 600,000
Direct Labour 100 600,000
Variable Overheads 50 300,000
Total 250 1,500,000

In order to produce the component, the company would purchase a mould for N5 million with an estimated life span of 5 years. An annual rent of N1 million is required for the fabrication space and the cost of power consumption is expected to increase by N500,000 per year.

a. You are required to advise the company whether to discontinue the outsourcing of the component and commence local fabrication or not, based on the given quantitative factors. (11 marks)

b. In deciding to outsource a component, explain THREE qualitative factors to be taken into consideration. (9 marks)

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MI – May 2022 – L1 – SA – Q5 – Decision-Making Techniques

Identifying an element that is not part of the decision-making process.

Which of the following is NOT an element involved in decision making, planning and control process?

A. Identifying the objectives that will guide the decision
B. Search for a range of possible courses of action to achieve the objectives
C. Select an appropriate alternative course of action to achieve the objectives
D. Implement the decisions as part of planning and budgeting process
E. Maximise shareholders’ value

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MI – Nov 2022 – L1 – SB – Q2 – Decision-making techniques

Analysis of production capacity for an additional order

Monsur Limited manufactures shirts for sale. The cost of production per unit is as stated below:

Costs N
Selling price 1,000
Materials 300
Labour 150
Variable overhead 150

The fixed overhead cost is N1,000,000. Production is currently at 80% capacity, which is 4,000 units. The company just received an order for the production of 1,000 units of the shirts for N800 per unit.

Required:
a. Can Monsur produce the additional 1,000 units ordered considering its current capacity? Show your computation.
b. Compare the profit statements of the company
i. Based on current position (4,000 units)
ii. Based on acceptance of the order (1,000 additional units)
iii. Should the order be accepted? State your reason(s).

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MI – May 2021 – L1 – SB – Q6c – Decision-Making Techniques | Information Systems

Enumerates three advantages and two disadvantages of Decision Support Systems (DSS).

Enumerate THREE advantages and TWO disadvantages of DSS.

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MI – May 2021 – L1 – SB – Q6b – Decision-Making Techniques | Information Systems

Lists five Decision Support System (DSS) packages that help explore alternatives in decision-making.

List FIVE DSS packages that can be used to explore alternatives.

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MI – May 2021 – L1 – SB – Q6a – Decision-Making Techniques | Information Systems

Defines Decision Support System (DSS) and its role in decision-making processes.

Define Decision Support System (DSS).

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MI – Nov 2014 – L1 – SA – Q5 – Decision-making techniques

Working Capital, Cash Cycle, Inventory, Receivables, Cash Management

The working capital cycle starts and ends with ONE of the following:

A. Cash and Payables
B. Inventory and Receivables
C. Work in Progress and Inventory
D. Cash and Inventory
E. Cash and Receivables

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