Consider an existing capacity resource such as a machine whose capacity is measured in hours it can
Question:
Consider an existing capacity resource such as a machine whose capacity is measured in hours it can be realistically operated in a year. In some months, the machine is idle for a few hours because of lack of demand. At other times, demand is high and available machine capacity is not enough. In such instances, let us say additional machine hours are "purchased" from a nearby machine shop to meet the demand. Suppose the company receives a special job that requires some machine time. Briefly answer the following questions.
i.In "costing" this special job, how much would you charge for machine time if the machine is idling? Why?
ii.In "costing" this special job, how much would you charge for machine time if the machine is being fully utilized? Why?
iii.Most companies allocate fixed costs to products and jobs using some allocation basis such as machine hours (as you have seen in the class). Would you use this method to "cost" the special job? Why or why not?