Explain why Net Present Value is considered technically superior to Payback and Accounting Rate of Returns as an investment appraisal technique even though the latter are said to be easier to understand by management . Highlight the strengths of the Net Present Value method and the weakness of the other two methods. (5 marks)

b) Your company has the option to invest in projects T and R but finance is only available to invest in one of them.

You are given the following projected data

Project

T

R

Gh

Gh

Initial Cost

70,000.00

60,000.00

Profits:

Year 1

15,000.00

20,000.00

Year 2

18,000.00

25,000.00

Year 3

20,000.00

(50,000.00)

Year 4

32,000.00

10,000.00

Year 5

18,000.00

3,000.00

Year 6

2,000.00

You are also informed:

I.All cash flows take place at the end of the year apart from the original investment in the project which takes place the beginning of the project.

II.Project T machinery is to be disposed of at the end of year 5 with a scrap value of Gh10,000.00.

III.Project R machinery is to be disposed of at the end of year 3 with a nil scrap value and replaced with new project machinery that will cost Gh75,000.00

IV.The cost of this additional machinery has been deducted in arriving at the profit projections for R for year 3. It is projected that it will last for three years and have a nil scrap value.

V.The company's policy is to depreciate its assets on a straight line basis.

VI.The discount rate to be used by the company is 14%.

Required:

a)If investment was to be made in project R, determine whether the machinery should be replaced at the end of year 3. (3 marks)

b)Calculate for projects T and R, taking into consideration your decision in (a) above

I.Payback period

II.Net present value and advise which project should be invested in, stating your reasons.