As the accountant for Irish Linens Inc, you have been analyzing the accounts to determine what activity
Question:
As the accountant for Irish Linens Inc, you have been analyzing the accounts to determine what activity drives the manufacturing overhead costs. The previous accountant used direct labour hours, as she believed it was the most appropriate driver. However, the company has gone through significant automation, and you believe that machine hours may be the better driver. The following information has been gathered:
Required:
a) Develop an estimate of the cost function for manufacturing overhead using the high-low method for both (i) machine hours and (ii) direct labour hours. Note: Provide the variable cost component to four decimal places.
b) Develop an estimate of the cost function for manufacturing overhead using account analysis and direct labour hours. Note: Provide the variable cost component to four decimal places.
c) Develop an estimate of the cost function for manufacturing overhead using regression analysis. Choose the best cost driver — labour hours or machine hours — to develop the cost function and explain your choice. Note: Provide the variable cost component to four decimal places.
d) Which one of the estimates you developed — (a), (b), or (c) — is the most reliable? Present your explanations.
Accounting concepts and applications
ISBN: 978-0538745482
11th Edition
Authors: Albrecht Stice, Stice Swain