Question: Quest Computers, Inc., makes microprocessor chips and personal computers. Its Microprocessor Division makes the chips and supplies them to the Personal Computer Division. The Personal
Average estimated selling price for the personal computer ... $1,000
Market price for the microprocessor chip (per unit) ........ $250
Variable costs in Personal Computer Division (excluding chip) .. $820
Variable costs for making the chip .............. $100
The two divisions are profit centers. While Quest Computers, Inc., would not like its Microprocessor division to sell the advanced microprocessor chip to other computer manufacturers in the outside market, it nevertheless allows its divisional managers complete latitude in decision making.
The manager of the Microprocessor Division prefers to charge the Personal Computer Division the market price for transferring the chips. The manager of the Personal Computer Division makes the following calculations
Selling price—final product ............. $1,000
Transferred-in costs (market) .. $250
Variable costs for completion ........ 820 .. 1,070
Contribution (loss) on product ............ $(70)
Required:
a. From the point of view of Quest Computers, should transfers be made to the Personal Computer Division if there is no excess capacity in the Microprocessor Division? Is the market price the correct transfer price?
b. Assume that the Microprocessor Division has the capacity to make 50,000 chips, and it can sell only 37,500 chips to the outside market at a price of $250 (assume for various reasons, the division is not willing to reduce this price). From the point of view of Quest Computers, should the remaining 12,500 chips be transferred to the Personal Computer Division?
c. Suppose the Microprocessor Division can sell all 50,000 chips if it reduces the market price to $225. From the point of view of Quest Computers, should transfers be made to the Personal Computer Division? If yes, is market price the correct transfer price?
Step by Step Solution
3.35 Rating (161 Votes )
There are 3 Steps involved in it
a We would argue that the market price is the correct transfer price that appropriately reflects the opportunity cost of capacity in the microprocesso... View full answer
Get step-by-step solutions from verified subject matter experts
Document Format (1 attachment)
229-B-M-A-B-P-C (1085).docx
120 KBs Word File
